Take the Tram
A tram tour, lasting about an hour, goes for the price of a tram ticket. The tram does a figure 8 to pass all the major city sights. They provide a brochure in English, which includes a well-marked map. Be sure to ask for "Helsinki
Sightseeing 3T". The comprehensive and economical Helsinki card allows you to jump on and off the well-run, neat and comfortable trams as often as you like. It also allows you to use any public transport, including trains, the metro, buses and trains. Purchase the card at the Helsinki City Tourist Office and hop aboard any tram marked 3T along the route. Fares run about $17 for adults and half of that for children. Two day and three day passes are also available.
You can spend the day using the tram if you get off at various stops to visit places such as the Temppeliaukio Church, often called the Rock Church. It is built out of solid rock and is one of a kind. The Sibelius’ bust, located in a beautifully wooded park, is backed by welded steel tubes resembling organ pipes. The Olympic Stadium, the new Opera House, the Finnish Sports Museum and Linnanmaki Amusement Park are all suggested stops. Each offers a tour, informative maps, food, souvenirs and or more. Hakaniemi Square is a second "downtown" - you can spend hours roaming through the stores, shops and selecting a restaurant from many. A pedestrian mall, Iso Roobertinkatu, connects several lines of the tram and is worth a visit.
The tram takes you through posh neighborhoods, along the waterfront and alongside the Kaivopuisto, an area of mansions, embassies and parks leading down to the water. Shown on the map are sites used in movies such as "Dr. Zhivago," "The Kremlin Letter," "Russia House," "Foxfire" and others.
Starting in the summer of 1997, Helsinki inaugurated the Kohl Pub Tram which offers an hour-long tour of Helsinki starting from Rautatientori - in front of the restaurant Fennia near Railway Square. The fare is around five Euros for adults and four Euros for children and includes a Koff beer or other refreshment. This tram operates Mon-Sat between 10am and 3pm. If you don’t have time for the more leisurely regular tram ride, this tour is a must.
Helsinki’s tram system allows you to see a lot in a short time. The trams are quiet, smooth, comfortable and inexpensive.
