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<\/p>\nThink of Finland and the stereotypical image of frozen Rudolph noses and a never-ending miserable winter probably pops into your head. But quirky capital Helsinki has a lot to offer to anyone who is willing to embrace the charm of this small but beautiful city. It\u2019s only in recent years that Helsinki has become popular with travellers – in the past it has often been overlooked thanks to its overachieving Nordic siblings. If Stockholm is the elder sibling that went to med school and is the pride and joy of the parents, Helsinki is the younger rebel who chose to study fine arts. This nonconformity is what makes backpacking in Helsinki so unique. If you\u2019re after things to do in Helsinki on a budget, read on for some local tips!<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@tap5a<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Sauna in Finland? Groundbreaking. No, it isn’t unexpected and doesn’t exactly help to break the perception of Finland that foreigners have. But if you\u2019re after a true holistic Finnish experience, then you must pay a visit to a sauna! Every public sauna has character and a personality of its own, and the pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance of all public saunas in Helsinki is in the heart of the city. Welcome to L\u00f6yly!<\/a><\/p>\n Built from sustainably sourced wood, L\u00f6yly offers you the primal Finnish experience of sweating out toxins, followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. If you\u2019re visiting Helsinki<\/a> in wintertime, they make a hole in the ice just for this activity \u2013 we hope you\u2019re feeling brave! L\u00f6yly also serves as a restaurant and cocktail bar, cooking up organic food and sustainably caught fish.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0L\u00f6yly<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n A cinnamon bun and coffee is a mandatory part of any Nordic experience, and it\u2019s essential for all travellers to enjoy it at the birthplace of the Finnish confectionery. Fazer Caf\u00e9<\/a> has remained one of the best places to visit in Helsinki since its establishment in 1891. If it\u2019s a hearty start to the day you\u2019re after, then you must hit up this place for its epic brunch which includes crusty slices of bread, turkey and ham, smoothies, iced cakes and sweet buns that taste like they were kissed by butter-winged angels. Seriously, it\u2019s that good!<\/p>\n Helsinki\u2019s Design District brings the creativity of the Finnish people together into an impressive constellation in the centre of the city. The district covers the core of Helsinki<\/a>, sprawling over 25 streets and housing over 200 buildings. Taking a walk through this part of the city is the perfect thing to do for culture-hungry travellers, the best part being that it doesn\u2019t cost a thing! The area is classed as its own district, home to a range of homegrown design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms.<\/p>\n A good place to begin is the Design Museum<\/a>, a one-stop crash course through Finnish design with a comprehensive collection. If there\u2019s some money burning a hole in your pocket, you could always indulge yourself by purchasing unique pieces from iconic Finnish brands such as Marimekko, Artek and Iittala.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@jhonkasalo<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re not the artsy type then may I suggest a spot of island hopping? As you probably already know from many Instagram posts, Finland is a country of thousands of lakes and islands. But none hold a torch to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, which has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.<\/p>\n This historically significant cluster of six linked islands offers a total contrast to Helsinki\u2019s city centre, with its uneven hills, cobblestone paths and cannons dressed in cobwebs. Yet it\u2019s only a 15 minute HSL ferry ride from the Market Square! Visit this peaceful spot where Finns hang out on summer days to enjoy picnics, soak up the sun and wander the quaint streets and restaurants that are conveniently located in the heart of the island.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@marjattacajan<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If a return to the \u2018good old days\u2019 (that you never actually witnessed) is what you crave, then a trip to the Old Market Hall is exactly what the nostalgia doctor prescribes. Even though today\u2019s visitors are lucky enough not to witness babushkas queuing for hours in the cold to buy kielbasas (sausages), it\u2019s fascinating to discover a vintage market that feels like a slice of the past.<\/p>\n The atmosphere inside the Old Market Hall, next to the Market Square, is warm and welcoming. The indoor hall has served customers since 1889 and today sells the finest cheeses, meats, vegetables and sweet treats. Within the complex there are several caf\u00e9s where you can sit and enjoy the food and vibe. If you want to tuck into some authentic Finnish cuisine, this is the place!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@sapegin<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n It\u2019s basic backpacker 101<\/a> that you have to engage in cultural activities when you\u2019re in a new country. While there are many ways to celebrate the arts in Helsinki, most Finns\u2019 top recommendation would be the Ateneum Art Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n The celebrated work that is part of the Ateneum collection is deeply ingrained in the Finnish psyche, as most of us have a personal history of visiting the museum through various school trips. The paintings and art pieces range from the 19th century to the modern age, allowing the observer to draw new perspectives between the past and the future. But hey, even if you\u2019re not a critic you can just enjoy some spectacular works of art!<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@vindodmurali<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The Nordics are not a particularly religious bunch and talking about one\u2019s beliefs in public can result in awkward situations. It\u2019s unlikely that you\u2019ll see loud displays of spiritual expression, instead you\u2019ll be welcome to silently meditate and take a pause at the \u2018Chapel of Silence\u2019.<\/p>\n The quaint chapel is literally in the middle of everything, right outside a giant mall in the centre of the bustling city \u2013 it\u2019s a place to take a breather and calm down in one of the country\u2019s busiest areas. This peculiar architectural feat built with alder wood stands to remind the people of Helsinki that though the world is losing its head, you mustn’t let that happen to yourself. People from all walks of life are welcome to enjoy one of the most unique things to do in Helsinki.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf7\u00a0@mattimattila<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n It doesn’t matter whether you grew up with the magical tales penned by Tove Jansson, or whether the fantastic species of the Moomin trolls, who seemingly don’t possess any genitals, were a part of your childhood. You should still make a point of visiting Helsinki\u2019s Moomin Kaffe<\/a> for its stylish, Nordic design, relaxed atmosphere and Jansson\u2019s artwork that will provide excellent fodder for your Instagram account. While similar themed cafes elsewhere might be just a tourist trap, the Moomins are so beloved in Finland that they\u2019re essentially a part of Finnish national identity and culture, so you should definitely go and pay homage to the cute creatures!<\/p>\n If nothing else, it\u2019s worth visiting the Moomin Kaffe just to down a Moomin mugful of Finnish coffee and contemplate how on earth these trolls procreate\u2026<\/p>\n The most famous and internationally visited market in Finland lies at the South Harbour at one end of Helsinki\u2019s Esplanade Park. In summer, the booths are filled to the brim with local Finnish berries, in autumn there are freshly picked lingonberries and mushrooms, while in winter you\u2019ll find booths selling mulled wine and cosy clothing. The latter may well be the best time to visit \u2013 you can stroll through the market and admire the handcrafted beanies and mittens, or just enjoy Karelian pies in heated caf\u00e9 tents with a steaming hot coffee \u2013 sure to warm your bones even on the coldest winter days!<\/p>\n Next to the Helsinki Railway Station, every year there pops up a charming winter amusement park known as J\u00e4\u00e4puisto Ice Park<\/a>. Their iconic ice rink opens around November time every year and remains there until March, so if you\u2019re wondering what to do in Helsinki<\/a> in winter then this should be top of your list.<\/p>\n Renting a pair of ice skates, a helmet and a sled is included in the entry fee. There\u2019s also an Ice Park caf\u00e9 offering warm drinks that you can enjoy between skating rounds or when you\u2019ve fallen over one too many times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There\u2019s something for everyone in our list of the top things to do in Helsinki. For an amazing Finnish adventure, get steamy in a sauna<\/a>, let a man in a Moomin costume give you a hug and eat so many cinnamon buns that your trousers pop. P.S, don\u2019t forget to check out our awesome hostels in Helsinki<\/a> to save even more money on your trip!<\/p>\n Karan Ahluwalia is a Finnish writer studying in London, about to embark on great adventures after her MA studies. She knows her way around five languages, food from all corners of the world, and misses the snow and seasons from back home.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f\u00a0The hosteller’s guide to the Northern Lights<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f\u00a0<\/b>BEST 10 things to do in Lapland<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n\n
Experience Finnish Sauna at L\u00f6yly<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Enjoy a hearty brunch at the Fazer Caf\u00e9 at Kluuvikatu<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Stroll through the Design District<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Visit Suomenlinna Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Feast at the Old Market Hall<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Get your culture fix at the Ateneum Art Museum<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Meditate at the Kamppi Chapel<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Embrace your inner kid at the Moomin Kaffe Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Browse the Market Square<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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Feel like Bambi on the ice rink at the J\u00e4\u00e4puisto Ice Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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<\/p>\nAbout the author:<\/h2>\n
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