Why do people say Helsinki is one of the happiest cities in the world? There are many theories, but we think it’s simply this: Helsinki is super chill.

Half the city is natural green space, with parks and islands to explore. It’s easy to get around with public transportation. It’s safe and clean. The coffee is good. The people are nice. And if you need to relax, a sauna’s never far away.

Thinking about visiting Helsinki, Finland? We’ll suggest a few of the best things to do, see, and eat, along with your best travel insurance options.

Do you need travel insurance for Finland?

It’s not mandatory for Americans to buy travel insurance for Finland, unless you’re staying for more than 90 days in Finland and/or other Schengen Area countries in Europe. (More details here.) However, U.S. travelers should always get travel insurance for trips to Europe. Why?

1. Medical care is not free for American tourists in Finland. If you need emergency medical care while visiting Finland, you are responsible for all the costs of your treatment. That’s why travel insurance with emergency medical benefits is highly recommended.¹ Many Allianz Partners plans also include Global Doctor Visits at no additional cost.
2. Unexpected trip cancellations can be expensive. Even the best-planned vacation can be derailed by illness, injury, and other emergencies. If you have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, you can get reimbursed for prepaid, nonrefundable flights, hotel stays, and other trip costs if you must cancel or cut short your trip for a covered reason.
3. Travel insurance covers all kinds of post-departure travel mishaps. Unexpected flight delay? Lost or delayed bags? Your travel insurance plan may be able to help. 24-hour assistance is always at your fingertips with the Allyz® app.

3 of the best travel insurance plans for Finland

1. Trying to keep your travel budget under control? OneTrip Basic provides up to $10,000 in emergency medical benefits and up to $50,000 in medical transportation benefits, plus trip cancellation/interruption and more.
2. Exploring Helsinki with the family? OneTrip Prime is our most popular travel insurance for Europe. Plus, kids 17 and under are covered for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).
3. Traveling a lot this year? AllTrips Prime gives you affordable protection for 365 days’ worth of travel, both international and domestic.

Discover why 59 million American travelers each year trust Allianz Travel Insurance: Get a quote for your next trip.

3 of the best things to do in Helsinki

1. Experience sauna culture. Sure, you enjoy the occasional sauna at your gym. But Helsinki offers sauna experiences you can find nowhere else, from the SkySauna (a sauna gondola on a Ferris wheel) to the large waterfront complex of Löyly. Don’t miss Kotiharjun Sauna, the last wood-heated public sauna in Helsinki, which dates to 1928.
2. Visit Helsinki’s beautiful (and unusual) churches. Don’t expect to see the Gothic cathedrals you might see in other European capitals. Temppeliaukio Church, known as Rock Church, is carved into solid rock and crowned with a copper dome. The red-brick Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. And don’t miss the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, with its high dome.
3. Shop Helsinki’s markets. Helsinki is home to several indoor and outdoor markets (depending on the season), where you can shop for handmade souvenirs, secondhand treasures, local cheeses, fresh fruit, street snacks and more.

3 of the best boutique hotels in Helsinki

For truly homelike hospitality: True to its name, Home Hotel Katajanokka is known for its caring staff and family feeling, with breakfast and dinner included in your stay. It may look austere on the outside, as this hotel occupies a historic former prison on the island of Katajanokka in central Helsinki. Once you check in, you’ll discover cozy rooms and a staff who’s delighted to accommodate special requests.

For a lively and affordable stay: Hobo calls itself “a home for the young at heart and the constantly curious.” This hotel in central Helsinki boasts live music and convivial bars. It has a space for every budget, from the compact, no-frills Sleeper room to the fabulous Corner Suite.

For moody elegance: You’d never guess that Hotel Lilla Roberts is housed in a former police station and electrical substation. Its gorgeous Art Deco interior and spacious, modern rooms will charm you. Situated near the harbor, Lilla Roberts is close to Helsinki’s major attractions.

3 of the best restaurants in Helsinki

For classic Finnish dishes in a historic setting: The Restaurant Sea Horse has been serving Finnish food since 1933 and continues to be a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Sea Horse is famous for its onion steak—sirloin with fried onions, sour cream and roasted potatoes. Other highlights: the shrimp sandwich, beer tartare, and charred Arctic char with lobster sauce.

For a little taste of everything: If you’re curious about Finnish food but you don’t want to commit to a full plate of sauteed reindeer, Konstan Möljä is your place. It’s one of the best buffet restaurants in Helsinki, with an all-you-can eat selection of dishes like cured salmon, marinated herring, traditional pickles, forest mushroom soup, and, of course, reindeer. Don’t skip Mannerheim's vorschmack, a local specialty made with minced meat, salted fish, onions, and spices.

For a fine dining adventure you won’t soon forget: Michelin-starred Nokka is inspired by the tastes of wild Finland: fish, game, mushrooms, berries, and organic produce. Depending on the season, the menu might include potatoes with grated elk heart, partridge, or zander cheeks (a local game fish). There’s a sumptuous vegetarian menu, too.

What do I need to travel to Finland?

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