Helsinki is a compact, walkable city, and most of its highlights are within easy reach of the conference venue. Below are some local suggestions for your free time \u2014 from sights and saunas to restaurants and day trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The iconic heart of the city, with the white cathedral overlooking the square. A short walk from most central hotels and the classic postcard view of Helsinki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oodi is Helsinki\u2019s new Central Library and a living meeting place. It functions as a living room for residents, located right at the heart of Helsinki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temppeliaukio Church is a Lutheran church in the T\u00f6\u00f6l\u00f6 neighbourhood of Helsinki. Built directly into solid rock, it is also known as the Church of the Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A must-try Finnish experience, best in winter. L\u00f6yly is one of the most well-known public saunas in Finland, located in a former industrial area on the Helsinki waterfront. Allas Sea Pool is right in the middle of Helsinki. Kulttuurisauna is the choice for sauna-goers looking for a simple, Nordic aesthetic with an eco-friendly twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ateneum, Kiasma, Amos Rex & Design Museum. Classic and contemporary art plus design, all excellent ways to spend a winter afternoon indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more ideas, including museums, saunas, restaurants, design shops, and nearby day trips, the official Visit Finland Helsinki region guide is a good starting point: https:\/\/www.visitfinland.com\/en\/places-to-go\/helsinki-region\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Savotta<\/strong> \u2014 genuine Finnish food and atmosphere, just off Senate Square in the heart of Helsinki (https:\/\/ravintolasavotta.fi\/<\/a>), 50\u20ac+<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lappi Ravintola<\/strong> \u2014 Finnish ingredients in all dishes give you a true experience of Lappish cuisine (https:\/\/lappires.com\/<\/a>), 50\u20ac+<\/p>\n\n\n\n Konstan M\u00f6lj\u00e4 <\/strong>\u2014 traditional coastal Karelian restaurant offering authentic Finnish food (https:\/\/www.konstanmolja.fi\/<\/a>), 35\u201340\u20ac<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sea Horse<\/strong> \u2014 traditional Finnish food and warm hospitality served since December 1933 (https:\/\/www.seahorse.fi\/en\/restaurant-sea-horse\/<\/a>), 50\u20ac+<\/p>\n\n\n\n Olo<\/strong> \u2014 the best northern ingredients turned into unforgettable taste sensations and combinations (https:\/\/olo-ravintola.fi\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Savoy <\/strong>\u2014 located above the rooftops of Helsinki on the edge of Esplanadi Park, serving customers for over 85 years (https:\/\/savoyhelsinki.fi\/fi<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nokka <\/strong>\u2014 wild and responsibly grown Finnish ingredients are at the heart of Nokka\u2019s cuisine, with special attention to minimizing food waste (https:\/\/nokkahelsinki.fi\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aoi <\/strong>\u2014 considered and carefree contemporary cuisine (https:\/\/www.restaurantaoi.com\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Old Market Hall <\/strong>\u2014 the oldest market hall of Helsinki, with different restaurant options (https:\/\/vanhakauppahalli.fi\/en\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hakaniemi Market Hall <\/strong>\u2014 traditional market hall right next to the conference venue (https:\/\/hakaniemenkauppahalli.fi\/en\/<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n A medieval UNESCO Old Town just across the Gulf of Finland, and a popular day trip from Helsinki. Just a 2-hour ferry ride away, Tallinn offers a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town with cobblestone streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ferries operate frequently throughout the day, with ticket prices ranging roughly 20\u201390\u20ac per person depending on how far in advance you book. Regular ferry connections are operated by Tallink Silja Line (https:\/\/www.tallink.com\/<\/a>), Viking Line (https:\/\/www.vikingline.fi\/<\/a>), and Ecker\u00f6 Line (https:\/\/www.eckeroline.fi\/<\/a>). Bring a passport or national ID card, as it is an international border crossing (within the Schengen Area).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finland\u2019s second-oldest town, about 50 km east of Helsinki. Porvoo\u2019s Old Town is a beautiful collection of red wooden riverside houses, originally warehouses, now boutiques, caf\u00e9s, and museums. You can easily reach Porvoo by bus, and the journey takes around one hour (https:\/\/www.visitporvoo.fi\/en\/sights\/history<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turku is the oldest town of Finland, famous for its old-city charm and historical sites such as Turku Castle. It is located in the southwestern corner of Finland, about two hours from the capital. The easiest way to get there is by train: there are multiple direct connections every day and the trip takes less than two hours (for schedules, visit vr.fi<\/a>). More information: https:\/\/www.visitfinland.com\/en\/places-to-go\/coast-and-archipelago\/turku\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nRestaurant Guide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finnish and Nordic cuisine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fine dining<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Food halls<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Budget friendly<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Vegetarian and vegan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Day Trips from Helsinki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tallinn, Estonia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Porvoo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Turku<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lapland<\/h4>\n\n\n\n