Helsinki Layover Suggestions?

Posted by khillpsyd on 01/19/24 10:08 PM

Hello, seasoned travelers!

I will be on the RS Poland trip in mid-September of this year (2024). When booking my ticket, I noticed an overnight layover in Helsinki, Finland from about 10:30 PM to 4:30 PM the next day. I am wondering about any suggestions of how to spend that time after the Best of Poland tour. I would hate to waste an opportunity to experience something of the city (a location to visit in the city or even a Finish spa excursion, which might be needed after the tour whether in Poland or back home).

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks ahead of time!

Posted by Shari

01/21/24 08:57 PM

12 posts

Hi there,
You may want to check out Kotiharjun for a sauna experience in Helsinki. https://www.kotiharjunsauna.fi/
I would also recommend taking the ferry from Helsinki to Tallin Estonia for the day. It’s a wonderful little town full of charm.
Have fun!

Posted by Accidental Southerner

New England

01/21/24 09:34 PM

593 posts

In 2019 during free time on my RS tour, I enjoyed the Design Museum, Marimekko store, historic Stockmann Department Store, a sauna and swim at Allas, and coffee and pastry at a cafe along Esplanade Park.

My two highlights from our city tour were the Church in the Rock and, believe it or not…the new central library, Oodi. It is architecturally stunning and houses a variety of services (including communal-use kitchens, sewing machines, and 3-D printers; multiple cafes; a sun deck; plus of course books) and to my mind illustrates the Finnish approach to community. The library wasn’t scheduled to be part of our RS walking tour, but when our tour guide realized that many of us were interested in visiting it, she added it.

Posted by TexasTravelMom

TX, USA

02/21/24 05:59 AM

4081 posts

I have the same sort of return, only my free time will be late afternoon/evening and heading back to the airport in the morning after breakfast. I will have to play my decisions by ear, but am considering the library, church in the rock, Helsinki cathedral, or a 1.5 hr cruise. I did see a sauna experience but neglected to make a note of it.

This will be at the end of a 6 week trip and I considered staying near the airport but decided against it, since it’s only about an hour into the city. And obviously you don’t have time to spend the day in Tallinn - maybe next trip!

Posted by mschmeck

02/27/24 10:55 PM

21 posts

Go see a few of churches in Helsinki. One is Temppeliaukio Church or take a quick ride out to Suomenlinna island