Finland in a winter week - Day 1.

This trip tries to see more than just Helsinki, and to see the incredible Lapland.

Arrive in Helsinki when you exit the International terminal you will see the bus stops. Go to platform 1B and take bus #615. There are other ways to get to town but this is the cheapest and just as easy and quick as the other ways. It takes 30-40 minutes and goes every 20 minutes. You can buy a one way ticket from the driver for 3.40 Euro and this will last you 80 minutes, which means that when you arrive in town you can take a connecting tram/bus/tube using the same ticket. Or you can buy a regional ticket which costs 6 Euro but lasts 24 hours and is good for all the city transport including the ferry to Suomenlinna. This is preferable to the Helsinki card unless you intend to go to a lot of museums.

Once in the city you can find your hotel easily as the bus puts you at the central train station where there are buses and trams to other parts of the city. The Scandic, Holiday Inn, Palace, Glo, Kamp and others are central. We stayed at the Palace but were not too impressed, but later stayed at the Glo and loved it, so I would go straight to the Glo which is walking distance from the station. Having arrived late in the evening we only had time to go out for dinner at the unusual Zetor restaurant which is decorated with tractors and farm paraphernalia. They also have a blackjack table and a dance floor with DJ. Interesting menu and interesting decor. And then to bed.