Headed to Helsinki in April and May. Not sure if I will go to St Petersburg. I'm looking for reasonably priced pace to stay and wondering if three nights is long enough to experience the city. What do you think?
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
Three nights is in reality two full days. That said, Helsinki is a compact and very walkable city.
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/finland/helsinki
▲▲▲ Temppeliaukio Church Awe-inspiring, copper-topped 1969 "Church in the Rock."
▲▲ Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral Orthodoxy's most prodigious display outside of Eastern Europe.
▲▲ Lutheran Cathedral Green-domed, 19th-century Neoclassical masterpiece.
▲▲ Seurasaari Open-Air Folk Museum Island museum with 100 historic buildings from Finland's farthest corners. [Bus ride to the island from center city].
▲▲ Suomenlinna Fortress Helsinki's harbor island, sprinkled with picnic spots, museums, and military history. [I would give Suomenlinna three stars. The ferry ride to the island is a couple of stars.]
We stayed at the Hotel Arthur during our first visit to Helsinki some 15 years ago. Basic but clean, centrally located and at a good price. Close (1/4 mile) to the Central Train Station.
We were at the Scandic Grand Marina during our last trip a couple of years ago (group trip with Travel Agent picking the hotel). Scandic is a more upscale than the Arthur. Close to the Viking Terminal and open air Market Square, but a mile from the Central Train Station.
Posted by
OP
79 posts
Thanks. I will actually be in Helsinki for three nights, my mistake. I appreciate your information.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon
5687 posts
Three nights would be too long for me. St. Petersburg is amazing - I did a ferry trip there from Helsinki in 2016 for 2.5 days "visa free" which was too short but still worth doing.
A day trip by ferry to Tallinn from Helsinki would be very worth doing.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
6968 posts
I guess this is part of a longer trip? Two days in Helsinki is short, but will give you time to see the most important things. And I can really recommend a day trip to Tallinn on of the days (maybe even that you go to Tallinn instead and do a day trip to Helsinki).
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
It is impossible for any of us to say whether 3 nights is enough or not for you. For me, I could stay much longer as I love the city and there is a lot for my interests. It would in general give you enough time for the tourist highlights.
As noted, a daytrip to Tallinn is easy and popular. Or stay in Tallinn and daytrip to Helsinki depending on which appeals to you more.
The ferry to St Petersburg is a 72 hour visit.