1. Budget-friendly beds

Don’t let the Nordics’ pricey reputation fool you! From quirky hostels to camping sites, Helsinki serves unique accommodation that’s worth every euro. You could even wake up in a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Hostels and budget hotels

Helsinki’s hostels tick all the boxes for wallet-friendly comfort. Try Eurohostel in the cobble-stoned Katajanokka, Cheapsleep in the idyllic Vallila, The Yard or Diana Park in central Helsinki. Check out Hostel Suomenlinna to stay on a historical island!

For hotels under 100€ a night, try modern City Box in Kallio or the Omena Hotels chain. For a home-like feel, Noli Studios offer great apartments, while the sustainability-certified Valo Hotel is a green choice.

Camping sites

For outdoorsy visitors, Rastila Camping in eastern Helsinki, offers a cheap night under the stars. The islands of Pihlajasaari and Kaunissaari are also popular summer camping sites.

2. Get around like a local

Helsinki’s compact size and public transport are a budget traveller’s dream! The city’s iconic green trams zip through central Helsinki, alongside far-reaching bus, metro and train lines – and even ferries.

All-in-one travel card

The HSL travel card is your golden ticket to moving around, with access to all public transport. Yes, even a ferry ride to the UNESCO site Suomenlinna is included!

City bikes

Pedal through the city on a HSL city bike, available April-October. The cheap passes let you cruise between almost 500 bike stations around the city. 

Walk routes

Walking is scenic, and free! Stroll the vibrant streets of Kallio, or wander by the sea from the Market Square, through Kaivopuisto to Ullanlinna. For a more local feel, head to the wooden-housed area of Käpylä – specifically beautiful during ruska, Finland’s vibrant autumn foliage! 

In winter, wear your warmest boots and navigate the potentially-icy streets with ease. Winter wonderland has its quirks!

3. Savour Helsinki on a budget

The Helsinki food scene is trendy, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From hearty buffets to street snacks, nothing says happy (in the happiest capital in the world) like a full belly!

Lunch for less

Helsinkians love lunch! Take advantage of the city’s lounas (Finnish for lunch) offers. These discounted meals often include coffee and dessert, or come in the form of a mighty buffet. But only eat what you can handle – food waste is not cute!

Finnish treats

For a true budget choice, check out the bakery counters and salad buffets at local supermarkets, or grab a ketchup-coated sausage from a food truck. For historical (and slightly more pricey) settings, head to local markets like Hakaniemi or the Old Market Hall.

Tap water

Tap water in Finland is among the cleanest in the world – which is why Helsinkians carry reusable water bottles everywhere. Fill it up!

4. Embrace nature

Nearly half of the city is covered in greenery, so if you’re looking for free things to do in Helsinki – nature is your answer!

Lush parks

Enjoy the scents and sounds of nature through all seasons in Kaivopuisto, Lapinlahti, or Lammassaari. In May, visit Roihuvuori for Hanami cherry blossoms, and in June, see the blooming Haaga Rhododendron Park. When chilly, escape into the Winter Garden (free of charge around the year). 

Enchanting archipelago 

Many visit Helsinki for its seaside: a year-round delight. With cheap daily ferries in summer, the islands of Vallisaari, Lonna and Pihlajasaari are real treasures. Some islands, like Suomenlinna, Mustikkamaa and Lammassaari, remain accessible in winter (and some you can only reach by foot in winter!).

Seasonal activities

Helsinki is for the lovers of the outdoors! In spring, go birdwatching in Viikki Nature Reserve. In summer, enjoy the sea at the Hietalahti beach or Mustikkamaa island. In autumn, go hiking in Nuuksio National Park. In winter, try out ice swimming or one of Helsinki’s ice rinks. 

5. Culture that doesn’t cost you

There’s no need to splurge to explore Helsinki’s vibrant culture. From saunas to historical architecture, you can experience Finnish traditions for free (or nearly!).

Sauna and swimming

Skipping sauna in Helsinki? Practically a crime! Some public saunas cost around 20€, but the volunteer-run Sompasauna is free and open 24/7!

You’ll also find saunas at public swimming halls – most of which cost under 6€! Visit Finland’s first swimming hall in Yrjönkatu (under renovation until Jan 2026), or public pools in Mäkelänrinne, Töölö or Itäkeskus, amongst many local sports centres. For summer swimming, visit the iconic Stadikka by the Olympic Stadium or the Kumpula outdoor pools.

Iconic landmarks

Helsinki libraries are free to visit, so don’t miss the National Library of Finland in the Senate Square or the striking Oodi Library. Most churches are also free to enter, and the city’s architecture all around is an attraction itself!

Free museums 

Some museums, like the Helsinki City Museum and Tram Museum, are always free, while others offer monthly free entry days (eg. HAM is free every last Friday of the month!). Do your research and save some euros – or, get a Museum Card that will pay itself back in a handful of visits!

6. Exploration with ease

Helsinki is for everyone – that means free events and spaces designed with inclusivity in mind. Many cultural attractions, parks and much of the public transport are fully accessible. 

Helsinki Card

With unlimited public transport, sightseeing tours, and discounts to key attractions, Helsinki Card offers great value to those planning to do a lot.  

Free events

Enjoy a host of free festivals: light festival Lux Helsinki in January, World Village Festival in May, Pride Week in June, Esplanadi Park concerts throughout the summer, and Helsinki Design Week in August. Even Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre) and the Finnish National Ballet frequently organise free performances!

7. Shop smart and sustainable

From flea markets to charity shops and upcycled treasures, sustainable shopping in Helsinki is a great way to stretch the euros.

Pre-loved treasures

Be it the Hietalahti car boot sale, second-hand stores in Punavuori or charity shops in Kallio, sustainable shopping and stylish steals are ”very Helsinki”. 

Finnish finds

Shop affordable souvenirs, snacks and second hand or vintage handcrafted items at Helsinki’s many market halls and boutiques. In true Finnish spirit, upcycle or craft your souvenirs to save money!