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HelsinkiGuide
In the daytime the combination of the bus 244 to "Espoon keskus" and a regional train from there (and the reverse) works quite well. However, you should bear in mind that the 244 connection disappears early: the last one leaves such that you can make it with the L-train leaving at 22:29 from the Helsinki central railway station. Check the timetables at: Reittiopas (we recommend using the HSL mobile app).
The only reasonable option later than that is to take a local train to Leppävaara or to Espoon keskus and a taxi to Hotelli Nuuksio from there. Sharing it e.g. with three other people might make the price reasonable (the full price is around 30-40 euros depending on whether you take it from Leppävaara or Espoon keskus; it will be around 70-80 euros from Helsinki city centre). Remember to catch the last regional train (L) to Espoon keskus at 03:59 (only on Sat and Sun mornings). Next one is at 5:59 so don't panic in case you don't make it. There are later some bus connections, check the Reittiopas noting whereabouts they will leave.
Some useful links:
- [Ferry] Suomenlinna sea fortress: an 18th century fortress near the coast, accessible by frequent ferry routes. A very nice place for a picnic.
- HAM: Helsinki Art Museum
- The National museum of Finland (Mannerheimintie 34)
- Museum of modern art Kiasma
- [Bus] Espoo Museum of Modern Art EMMA (Ahertajantie 5, Espoo)
- Helsinki Observatory (Astronomy Museum)
- Helsinki cathedral
- Uspenski cathedral: the largest orthodox church outside Russia
- Open air museum Seurasaari
- Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden
- [Local train] Science Centre Heureka (Tiedepuisto 1, Vantaa)
Have some "pussikalja" (=buy a bagful of beer from a grocery store and drink them in a park in a good company) in some of the following parks:
- Kaivopuisto
- Sinebrychoff park
- Alppipuisto (or Eläintarha)
- Tervasaari
- [Tram or Metro] Lapinlahti park
- [Tram or Metro] Hietaranta Beach
- [Tram or Metro] Merihaka district is a brutalist architecture masterpiece from the 70's. The spirit of Finlandization is strong here. There's also a new public sauna by the sea you can reserve.
- [Tram or Metro] For an authentic and unique experience, visit Kotiharju Sauna (Harjutorinkatu 1) in Kallio. It's the last wood-heated public sauna in the city. There's also a fridge to keep your "pussikalja" cool for relaxing out on the porch between sauna sessions.
Best way to find restaurants in Helsinki: http://eat.fi/en/helsinki
- [Tram or Metro] Try pub hopping in the numerous, shabby pubs of Vaasankatu in Kallio. Cheap beer.
- [Tram or Metro] Siltanen (Hämeentie 13 B) A true living room of Kallio with fresh and eclectic DJs and a nice selection of food.
- Around Iso Roobertinkatu you'll find a lot of bars and clubs, which are considered trendy. Be sure to check out Bar Llamas (Iso Roobertinkatu 14).
- Kaisla (Vilhonkatu 4) and Vltava (Elielinaukio) feature the best beer selections.
- Some brewery pubs in Helsinki: Teerenpeli (Olavinkatu 2) and Bruuveri (Fredrikinkatu 63, Kamppi shopping centre)
- Chihuahua Julep, a high-end cocktail bar (Note! Mobile phone/photo free area)
- Bar Bhangra (Runeberginkatu 28) is a fun and eclectic Bollywood-styled bar.
- Bar Bäkkäri (Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 21), for live gigs see http://www.bakkari.fi
- Bar & Cafe Base (Kalevankatu 3 B)
- Bar Loose (Annankatu 21), for live gigs see http://www.barloose.com
- On the Rocks (Mikonkatu 15), for live gigs see https://www.rocks.fi/en/tapahtumat/
- Kauppatori: A market square in the heart of Helsinki Centre
- [Metro or Tram] Hakaniemi Market: A market hall right next to Hakaniemi metro station.
- Design District Helsinki: An area full of shops with items from local designers and artists. Design Forum (Erottajankatu 7) in the heart of the district is a good starting point.