Helsinki in 4 Days

Oh, so you’re going to Helsinki in 4 days for only 4 days? And it will only be a few days? No problem, Bob. If you’re on a limited budget, there a million of fun things to do in Helsinki that will be fun and not break the bank.

Day 1: Visit a Cake Buffet

My suggestion to you is that you check out airbnb.com for an apartment to stay in while you’re in Helsinki. I love using airbnb because borrowing someone else’s home for a while makes it feel like you are a resident of the city. It’s more personal.

You’ll also want to purchase a 3-day public transportation pass. Once it’s begun, it ends 72 hours after you stamped it the first time. This ticket also covers your Day 3 adventure.

I always see Day 1 as the opportunity to get your bearings in a new city. Wonder around the area that’s near your new home for a few nights. Take note of grocery stores, interesting restaurants, or stores to peruse.

But the most important part of your day is finding the nearest Cake Buffet! I went to this Cake Buffet. It’s a small shop, but you pay around 12 euros for tea and then unlimited cake! I mean, what could be better? Unlimited cake! Okay, you have to choose slices two at a time, but it’s perfect. And I’ve never heard of a cake buffet anywhere else!

Finish this day off by checking in for your ferry ride to Estonia.

Day 2: Ferry to Estonia

What’s better than visiting one country than visiting two countries?

You can take a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia, by booking a round trip ticket on a ferry. I paid 17 euros for the round trip ticket. The ride is a little over two hours long, but you want to be on the boat 30 minutes pre-sailing.

There are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants to relax at while you’re waiting to arrive. The prices are a bit steep, but you can buy a glass of wine and stretch it to last for most of the trip. Of course, you can also set up camp in some of the waiting areas. I saw people stretched out on the stair landings and other little-known areas.

Estonia is gorgeous. It’s like walking into a postcard. There are specialty shops, gorgeous overlooks, delicious restaurants, and old churches.

Two places I loved:

a design shop called TALI and an amazing Italian restaurant called

Day 3: Explore Suomenlinna Island

Your Helsinki 3-day ticket includes this trip to the island.

I have no idea what this island looks like in the summer, but it’s breath-takingly gorgeous in the winter. Home to about 800 residents, it’s both home and history like the rest of Europe. There’s an old fort you can explore, and plenty of room to walk and wander.

But allow these pictures to show you why you should go.

Day 4: free day!

Now it’s the day you can choose to sleep in or wander the streets of Helsinki. Shop maybe? Or was there another restaurant that you wanted to try? Make sure to stop by Stockmann’s.