Ah, day two in this Nordic wonderland. If day one was all about getting my bearings in this Nordic paradise, day two was nothing short of a culinary star!
HELSINKI CARD: MY GOLDEN TICKET
The day began with me purchasing a Helsinki Card. This is basically a tourist passport to all things fun and fabulous. It’s got access to museums, discounts, and — wait for it — free public transport!
Traveler’s Note: The Helsinki Card is different from the Helsinki City Pass. Regardless of which card you wish to purchase, it’s always best to do a little research to see if either card is worth the purchase price for your travel style.
If museums aren’t your thing, a public transport day ticket might suit you best. Check out the prices on HSL, the official web site for the Helsinki Public Transport System.
I purchased the card because it included many of the attractions I wanted to check out, including the Design Museum, Museum of Finnish Architecture, Amos Rex and the Theater Museum.
QUESTION: Did the Helsinki Card truly deliver savings?
Here’s my detailed analysis (in US dollars):
48-hour City Card cost: $89.57
| Activities | Normal Price |
|---|---|
| 48-hour public transport pass | $34.85 |
| City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off Tour | $40.66 |
| Theatre Museum | $18.59 |
| Suomenlinna Museum | $11.62 |
| Architecture & Design Museum | $23.24 |
| Finnish Museum of Photography | $18.59 |
| Hotel and Restaurant Museum | $18.59 |
| Military Museum’s Manege Suomenlinna | $8.13 |
| Amos Rex | $25.60 |
| Ateneum Art Museum | $25.60 |
| Total Cost without Helsinki Card | $225.47 |
By choosing the Helsinki Card, I saved an impressive $135.90.
The real takeaway? If you know how to leverage the card, it can significantly enhance your travel experience while maximizing your savings!
HOP ON-HOP OFF HOOPLA!
Luckily, City Sightseeing’s Hop On-Hop Off bus hadn’t shut down for the season yet. This was a huge bonus as a tour was also included with the Helsinki Card.
Enjoying a nice Hop On-Hop Off tour is a great way for first-time visitors to get the ‘lay of the land,’ and discover the city’s top sights.
I hopped on the bus, sat back and enjoyed the ride through Helsinki.
Our tour departed from the famous Senate Square. I’d arrived earlier to snap a few selfies.
Then we rolled past Old Market Square, the Central Railway Station, and the Helsinki Music Center — like a scene from a city postcard but in 4D! We also cruised by Oodi Library and the Botanical Gardens, where I may or may not have contemplated returning as a botanist.
Two architectural standouts caught my eye:
Löyly is described as an “urban oasis offering exceptional architecture and a traditional Finnish sauna, huge terrace and restaurant.” It was voted one of Time Magazine’s “World’s 100 Greatest Places.”
Temppeliaukio Church is a popular Helsinki attraction. An active Lutheran church, it was built directly into solid rock.
As I soaked in the sights, I felt like a kid who just discovered a candy store. The vibrant buildings and quirky street art had my camera silently yelling at me to, “take a picture!”
I drained my phone battery in a flurry of clicks before I remembered my power bank. Thank goodness I splurged on one with a nifty LED readout — because who doesn’t want to keep tabs on their battery life like it’s a stock market investment?
MARKET SQUARE: WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME (JUST KIDDING)
The day’s adventure took a vibrant turn as I dove into a shopping spree in Market Square. This bustling marketplace is a feast for the senses, with colorful booths brimming with traditional delicacies and mouth-watering treats.
I stumbled upon artisans showcasing their beautiful handicrafts, each piece telling its own unique story — and cheaper than the souvenir shops.
On top of that, the heated café tents offered a cozy refuge from the chilly autumn air. I grabbed a cup of hot chocolate, relaxed and simply relished the magical atmosphere all around me.
CAVIAR DREAMS: AN UNFORGETTABLE TASTING
Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any more epic, it was time for the pièce de résistance: caviar tasting!
Yes, you read correctly.
C’mon, who wouldn’t want to indulge in tiny fish eggs that cost more than most people’s monthly rent?
I hustled over to Vanha kauppahalli, the Old Market Hall, and the Nordic Caviar House. The venture promised a delightful indulging experience in the luxurious flavors of the finest caviar, expertly selected to offer an authentic taste of sophistication.
Armed with a tiny spoon and a grin that could light up a room, I immersed myself in the luxurious world of caviar. One bite and I felt transformed into a sophisticated connoisseur — that is until my next meal, when I’d be back to my frozen fish-loving self.
As I took my seat at the tasting table, I had to calm myself down, for I was about to experience four distinct caviar varieties, each promising its own unique flavor and story.
Let me tell you about my taste bud rollercoaster!
First up was the Baerii V15. I took a bite, and a rush of saltiness washed over me — it was a bit overpowering and not quite my style. Truthfully, it tasted like I jumped into the Pacific Ocean and took a big gulp of salty seawater, and a few other flavors no tongue should never taste. 🤢
On to the Oscietra V20! Now, this was more like it! A delightful dance of hazelnut flavors. I was pleasantly surprised and practically pirouetting in my seat!
Next came the Sevruga, and oh, what a triumph! Its rich, buttery flavor with just a touch of salt was a luxurious embrace for my taste buds. I savored every moment, feeling like royalty in the midst of this decadent experience. 😋 🤤
And then, the grand finale: the Beluga. Known as the ‘king of caviar,’ it didn’t disappoint in its sumptuousness. As I tasted it, I was caught off guard by a curious aftertaste — like creamy cheese! It was unexpected, but intriguing enough to make me appreciate even more the nuances of this prized delicacy.
After this whirlwind tasting, here’s how I rank my the caviar:
#1 – Sevruga, hands down the champion of richness!
#2 – Oscietra V20, a close second with its nutty sophistication.
#3 – Beluga — a surprisingly ‘cheesey’ twist ending
#4 – Baerii V15 — no, just NO!
The whole experience lasted just 30 scrumptious minutes. Still, I walked away feeling like I had journeyed through the rich tapestry of caviar elegance. Who knew such a tiny bite could hold such depth and delight?
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SALMON
Although the caviar tasting was a delight, it was not the day’s highlight. That prize goes to the mouth-watering Lohikeitto, better known as salmon soup.
They say comfort food warms the soul, and after sipping on that heavenly bowl of creamy goodness, I was basically a cozy marshmallow in a hot cocoa.
The tender salmon and I were kindred spirits, brought together once more by the enchanting whispers of fragrant broth and fresh dill. I could almost hear angels harmonizing around me.
Okay, it was really my growling stomach, but you get the picture.
The soup was divine, yet I resisted the urge to indulge fully, opting for just a modest serving because I was lured by the irresistible allure of the salmon and rice dish. Don’t let the simple name fool you. The dish was packed with flavor that had my taste buds dancing.
With my stomach full and my camera roll overflowing, I call it a win for Day 2. I spent the remainder of the day souvenir shopping and simply enjoying the wonderful city.
Oh, and if you’re wondering about those ‘Champagne Wishes,’ there aren’t any. I’m a teetotaler. 😊
Until next time …
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