Helsinki is the capital and most populous city of Finland. Located on the Gulf of Finland’s shore, it is the seat of the region of Uusimaa in southern Finland and has a population of 656,229. Together with Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, and surrounding commuter towns, Helsinki forms the Greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which has a population of over 1.5 million. It is often considered Finland’s only metropolis; it is the world’s northernmost metro area with over one million people and the northernmost capital of an EU member state.
Warnings & Dangers in Helsinki
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Helsinki is one of the safest cities in Europe. Usually, tourists have no problem staying here. Avoid unlicensed taxis, drunk people, and walking alone late at night.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport in Helsinki is well developed and safe. However, even here, pickpockets can be found. Therefore, always keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings. Use only licensed taxi services.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Despite all the security, Helsinki attracts many tourists every year, so pickpockets are also common here. Keep track of your belongings, do not leave wallets and phones unattended, especially in crowded places. Be considerate of those who ask for or offer help.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
The city is not prone to serious natural disasters. However, floods can be potentially unsafe. Explore the natural environment in Helsinki before your visit.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
The risk of serious robbery and armed attacks is shallow in Helsinki. There is little danger of these attacks in the suburbs. However, the likelihood that you will be attacked is minimal.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in Helsinki. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
Fraud is not common in Helsinki. Usually, only trickery with the fare is possible if you use unlicensed taxi services.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Helsinki. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.
How Safe Is Helsinki for Tourists?
Helsinki is considered one of the safest cities in Europe.
The crime rate is shallow here, and the main problems are associated with vandalism and minor accidents.
However, it should be borne in mind that you can often meet heavily drunk people in the city.
Or people under the influence of drugs.
Such people can be dangerous, and they sometimes cause vandalism and attacks on passers-by.
Avoid socializing with such people, do not sit in local bars, make sure that you do not add an intoxicating agent to your drink, and not walk around the city alone late at night.
Also, use only licensed taxi services to avoid problems with robbery.
Most crimes in the city center concentrate around the central railway station and Kamppi shopping center.
The Kaisaniemi park behind the main Railway Station is possibly best avoided at night. Some parts of Kallio and Sörnäinen (northeast from the center, after the Pitkäsilta bridge) may be somewhat rougher than other downtown parts.
In winter, the roads and sidewalks can be quite dangerous.
Watch your step and avoid walking under rooftops.
Icicles can fall from them.
Otherwise, the city is fairly safe.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Helsinki?
A visa is an entry permit for a short, temporary visit of fewer than 90 days. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Helsinki?
The euro is the official currency in Finland. The euro is divided into 100 cents.
How's the Weather like in Helsinki?
In Helsinki, the summers are comfortable and partly cloudy, and the winters are long, freezing, dry, windy, and mostly cloudy. The best times to visit Helsinki are May, early June, and September.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Helsinki?
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, located in Vantaa, 18 kilometers from the city center, has become crowded since it is the main hub of most journeys to Finland. It is one of the busiest airports globally since about 90% of Finland’s air traffic goes via Helsinki Airport.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Helsinki?
Helsinki, Finland’s southern capital, sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. Its central avenue, Mannerheimintie, is flanked by institutions, including the National Museum, tracing Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present. Also on Mannerheimintie are the imposing Parliament House and Kiasma, a contemporary art museum. Ornate red-brick Uspenski Cathedral overlooks a harbor.
Is the Water in Helsinki Safe to Drink?
The tap water in Helsinki is one of the best in the world and is safe to drink.
Is Uber Safe in Helsinki?
There is an Uber taxi in Helsinki. You can call a taxi from the app on your phone. The cost of the trip will depend on the distance and time of day.
