The Helsinki City Card is the pass to consider if you want to see a lot in a short time. Valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours from activation, it includes entry to more than twenty museums and attractions, among them the Ateneum, Amos Rex, the Design Museum, Temppeliaukio Church and the Ehrensvärd Museum on Suomenlinna, plus unlimited public transport in the central AB zone, which covers trams, buses, the metro and local trains. From October to April it includes a bus sightseeing tour; from May to September, a canal cruise, a hop-on hop-off bus and a harbour boat tour. You also get discounts at other sights and restaurants. The card pays off quickly if you visit three or four paid sights a day and use the trams, but it is poor value for a slow trip built around free sights and walking.
How it works: when you buy on Tiqets you receive a voucher, not the card itself. You redeem the voucher online through the Helsinki Card website and receive the card as a PDF by email; print it, because the printed card is needed for public transport. Once redeemed, it cannot be cancelled or refunded, so redeem it only when your plans are fixed.
Is it worth it: add up the adult entry fees for the places you will actually visit, plus a day ticket for transport, and compare. A typical 48-hour plan with the Ateneum, Temppeliaukio Church, the Suomenlinna museums, the Design Museum and the bus tour usually comes out ahead. Remember that children enter many Helsinki museums free, and that some museums close on Mondays.
Tips: activate the card on your first full day of sightseeing, start early, and plan clusters, such as the Ateneum, Amos Rex and Oodi in the centre, so you are not spending card time in transit. Tiqets also sells a Regional Card that extends travel to Helsinki’s airport and neighbouring cities.
What to expect
The experience
A digital voucher you redeem for a printable PDF card covering museums, a sightseeing tour and central public transport.
Best time
For a busy two or three days of museum-hopping, ideally Tuesday to Sunday.
How long
24, 48 or 72 hours from activation.
Tips
Redeem only when plans are fixed, print the card for transport, and avoid starting on a Monday.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers packing in museums and using the trams.
- Families
- Check first: many museums are already free for children.
- Couples
- Good value for two on a busy city break.
- Pair with
- The Ateneum, Temppeliaukio Church and the Panorama bus tour.
- Time needed
- Two to three full days to get value.
Good questions
What does the Helsinki City Card include?+
Entry to more than twenty museums and sights, unlimited AB-zone public transport, a seasonal sightseeing tour and assorted discounts.
Is the Helsinki Card worth it?+
Yes, if you visit three or four paid sights a day and use the trams; no, if your trip is mostly walking and free sights.
How do I get the card?+
You buy a voucher, redeem it online and receive a PDF card by email, which you print for public transport.
Can I cancel it?+
Not after redemption, so redeem it only once your dates are certain.
Does it include Temppeliaukio Church?+
Yes, the card includes entry to the Rock Church as well as the Ateneum and several Suomenlinna museums.
