Helsinki, Finland’s high tech capital is an international metropolis of sorts and is also one the wealthiest capitals of the world yet it has somehow managed to retain its small town feel. Rich in culture and architecture, Helsinki is built in the neoclassical style and the city center boasts of wide streets, boulevards and a large number of parks. Tourists will find Helsinki is a great city to explore on foot or bike. That said, the city is known to have a reliable and far reaching public transport system including buses, trams and the metro system. Offering a variety of historical, cultural and outdoor attractions to visit, tourists in Helsinki will find that whatever they choose to do or however they choose to do it, exploring the city is quite a delightful experience.
Tourists will find that getting around Helsinki is quite easy; in fact they can choose to travel by bus, metro, tram, bicycle or walk. Helsinki’s tram system is one of the oldest in the world and travelling by tram is by far the most fun way to get around the city. Those planning on traveling around the city and visiting most of the attractions may want to consider getting the Helsinki card which includes tram routes as well, or buy a one day tourist ticket which will be valid on all public transport within Helsinki. The one day ticket could be purchased from tourist information points, Helsinki airport (terminal 2A), and automatic machines at the metro station or direct from the driver when boarding the tram or bus.
There are 12 different tram routes and all tourist routes start from the south and head to different directions. Tourists wanting to see the sites of Helsinki should use tram 2 (previously 3T) which is considered to be the sightseeing tram in the city. However it is not the only route to offer interesting things to see and do along the way. For those interested in design, art and culinary culture tram 6 is the tram to hop onto while tourists interested in architecture route, 4 is highly recommended. Carrying a public transportation route map would surely be helpful in locating all the stops and sites.
As mentioned above tram 2 is the tourist tram and it does a full tour of the city centre in either direction. Tourists can choose to stay on for the full tour or simply hop on or off. This tram does a one hour loop of the city, covering many of Helsinki’s sites including, Finlandia Hall, the Olympic Stadium, Parliament House, The Winter Gardens, Helsinki’s Botanical Garden, Senate Square and more. Those wanting to get off and a take a closer look at Helsinki’s popular sites could do so and since the tram runs every 10 minutes, they will not need to wait too long for their next ride.
If architecture is your thing then tram route 4 is the route you need to take. Running from Katajhanokka to the district of Munkkiniemi tram rout 4 covers most of the famous buildings in Helsinki. The starting point of the route alone has several art nouveau buildings that are worth exploring, while fans of Alvar Aalto’s work will find several building designed by him, along this route.
Tram route 6, running from Hietalahti to Arabianranta, is the tram, tourists interested in design, art and culinary culture in Helsinki should hop on. While the south end of the route is where the design district of Helsinki can be found, the Arabianranta district is where you will see that art is part of everyday life. Tourists will also find museums and market halls along this route. Hietalahti Market Hall, Sinebrychoff Art Museum, Design District, National Gallery Ateneum, Hakaniemi Market Hall, Abattoir and Arabia are some of the places of interest on this tram route.
