We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Monica, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Monica lives in Japan, and submitted the following report about Helsinki. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Finnish, English
Helsinki Cathedral
Reasons to go: Helsinki is very friendly for solo travelers. I found the locals extremely helpful to a tourist like me. I went to Helsinki in August (summer), and the overall mood was just very relaxing. Lots of people were taking the time to have a coffee or beer while enjoying the sunshine in the open space.
The local food was very delicious and healthy, featuring a lot of seafood, which you can find in various local markets. My favorite place was Soumenlinna, a sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site which provides very nice walking trails.
The major pluses are definitely the proximity of Helsinki to Tallinn (Estonia) as well as St. Petersburg (Russia). I was able to get to Tallinn in 2.5 hours via a fast ferry which operates throughout the day. You can also arrange to travel to St Petersburg via train or ferry.
I would recommend Helsinki as a great choice for a short stay before moving to other locations within Finland or other parts of Europe.
Suomenlinna, an inhabited sea fortress.
The Sibelius Monument, dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
