HELSINKI TIPS BY HOBO

Helsinki Travel Tips by Hobo: Your Guide to the Best Things to Do in Helsinki

Staying at Hobo Helsinki, right next to the Helsinki Railway Station, puts you in the heart of the city with unbeatable access to trams, buses, ferries, and the airport train. Our spacious rooms work for families, groups of friends, and business travellers, and our central location makes exploring Helsinki effortless.

To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve gathered our favourite Helsinki travel tips, local recommendations, and must‑see attractions, all with a creative, urban Hobo twist.

Every room includes a Hobo‑curated Helsinki map, and our TikTok is full of local tips if you prefer scrolling inspiration.

Top Things to Do in Helsinki

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
 

One of the most popular attractions in Helsinki, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage site just a short ferry ride from Kauppatori. Expect:

• Historic stone fortifications
• Seaside walking paths
• Cosy cafés and restaurants
• Small beaches perfect for a summer dip
• A glimpse into everyday island life
   

The ferry runs with your regular HSL public transport ticket, and it leaves almost next door to Hobo.

Best Helsinki Neighbourhoods to Explore

Kallio: Bars, Cafés & Nightlife
 

Kallio is one of Helsinki’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, known for:

• Hipster cafés and bakeries
• Independent restaurants
• Vintage and second‑hand shops
• Lively nightlife
   

Karhupuisto (Bear Park), the area’s unofficial summer living room

Easy to reach by tram from Hobo.

Kallio Favourites
 

• Maukku
• 305
• Way Bakery
• Harju 8
• The Bull & The Firm
• Almost New (second‑hand)
• AIDA Impact
• Karhupuisto
   

Punavuori: Design, Creativity & Cosy Corners
 

Punavuori is the heart of Helsinki’s Design District, full of boutiques, studios, and charming streets. Walk a little further to reach Eira, one of the city’s prettiest coastal areas.

Punavuori Highlights
 

• BasBas
• Esmes
• Luovuus Kukkii Kaaoksesta
• Yes Yes Yes
• COMMON
• Mendera
• Beam Store
• The Heart Shaped Studio
• Design Museum
• Riviera Cinema
• G Livelab (live music)
   

Iso Roobertinkatu is the main street, and Sinebrychoff Park is the neighbourhood’s green oasis. In winter, you can even ice skate at Johannes Church.
 

Islands, Saunas & Coastal Walks
 

From Kauppatori and Eira, you can catch boats to countless islands, perfect for summer days or crisp winter adventures.

Nearby saunas worth visiting:

• Löyly: iconic seaside sauna and restaurant
• Uunisaari: winter swimming and cosy sauna vibes
   

What’s Around Hobo Helsinki
 

Staying with us means you’re steps away from some of the best things to do in central Helsinki:

• Kasino Vintage & Second Hand
• El Fant café
• Esplanade Park
• Market Square
• Old Market Hall (don’t miss the salmon soup)
• Amos Rex, Kiasma & Ateneum museums
• Allas Sea Pool (sauna + outdoor swimming)
• Artek store for iconic Finnish design
   

Practical Helsinki Travel Tips
 

• Public transport (HSL) is fast, reliable, and easy to use.
• City bikes are perfect in spring, summer, and autumn.
• Taxis are widely available and safe.
• Walking is often the quickest way around the city centre.
• The airport train gets you to Hobo in about 25 minutes.
• Tap water is excellent: bring a refillable bottle.
• Most places are cashless, so cards and mobile payments are the norm.
   

FAQ: Visiting Helsinki
 

Is Helsinki walkable? Yes. The city centre, Kallio, Punavuori, and the Design District are all easy to explore on foot.

How do I get to Suomenlinna? Take the HSL ferry from Kauppatori. It runs year‑round.

What’s the best time to visit Helsinki?

Summer: long days, island hopping, outdoor terraces.

Winter: saunas, snow, cosy cafés, and magical seaside views.