City bikes
City bikes are a popular way to get around Helsinki in summertime. Locals and visitors alike have 4 600 yellow city bikes at their disposal in summer 2024 in both Helsinki and neighbouring Espoo. There are 460 bike stations in Helsinki and Espoo, the easternmost bike station being in Vartioharju. In Espoo the bikes are mostly located in southeastern Espoo and Leppävaara. Read more here.
Electric scooters
Rentable electric scooters have landed also on the streets of Helsinki. Electric scooters differ from city bikes in that they don’t have their own stations, so you can leave them in practice wherever you like once you get to your destination. You are supposed to leave them next to a bike rack or leaning up against a building, so that it’s easy for the next user to jump on it. Electric scooters should be driven along bike lanes – not on sidewalks – and the same traffic rules apply as for cyclists. Helmets are recommended.
Archipelago cruises
The maritime appeal of Helsinki is best experienced aboard an archipelago cruise. Along with the stunning views, you can also enjoy a tasty brunch, lunch or dinner. Most archipelago cruises depart from the Market Square and operate only in summertime (May-September). The main cruise operators include Royal Line, Strömma and Jt-Line – and don’t forget the Suomenlinna ferry.
Sightseeing buses
Sightseeing buses are a great way to see the main sights, especially if you are on a tight schedule. Most tours offer audio guides in numerous languages, and in summertime you can combine a sightseeing bus ride with an archipelago cruise, so you get to see the best of Helsinki from land and sea. Hop on hop off sightseeing bus tours allow you to set your own schedule by getting off at any stop and catching the next bus as many times as you like during the validity period of your ticket. During summer season 2024, most of these tours are offered from May to September.
Hot air balloons
Throughout the summer season you can also admire Helsinki and the entire metropolitan area from the air with a morning or evening hot air balloon ride! Daytime rides are not possible due to the rising air currents. You should book your hot air balloon ride well in advance, and all rides are weather permitting – i.e., services may be interrupted due to strong winds, poor visibility, rain or thunderstorms. Hot air balloon rides are offered in Helsinki by Linnanpallo.
