day trip in helsinki

we will arrive helsinki on july 18 by emerald princess and wil stay there for 8 hrs (10:00 am - 6:00 pm). we would appreciate if someone can help us to make the tour plan in advance, thanks.

a) any idea of the docking port ? lansisatama or hernesaari. I know they are next to each other but have no idea of how big of each dock.

b) is there a local bus 16 from these docking ports to the city center. how long will it take ?

c) since time is limited and a lot of sights are there. so would like to have some suggestions for the places that must see or worth to visit.

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a) Makes no difference (as long as you remember your way back - and every summer I run into people who can%26#39;t).

b) The bus ride is only a few minutes. You won%26#39;t be the only one getting off in the centre, so just follow the crowd.

c) Look back through this forum as you are not the first to ask this question. It depends mainly on whether you want an organized tour or prefer to do your own thing. But briefly:

1. Esplanadi Park (drinky or coffee outside if the weather%26#39;s good), check out design shops/souvenirs.

2. Kauppatori/market square by the sea, flanked by Eastern Orthodox cathedral and modest Presidential Palace.

3. Senaatintori/Senate Square.

4. Either take a water bus to Suomenlinna (quite a bit of walking, time is an issue) or a boat tour from the Kauppatori quay.

If you%26#39;re REALLY organized and energetic you may wish to pack in a little more. But you could do this 1-4 tour in leisurely fashion and still have a memorable day.

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thank you for yr information !

by the way, can you tell where the tourist information centre at the city center as we would like to get a detail local map and do the tour by our own.

also pls advise where we can take the water bus to suomenlinna and what attractions/sightseeing are there, thanks.

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Tourist information? Piece of cake. The street is Pohjoisesplanadi, at the Kauppatori end. It%26#39;s pretty much opposite the Havis Amanda mermaid statue and the Kappeli restaurant (which looks like an enormous birdcage), both good landmarks.

Suomenlinna: the Kauppatori quay is not a very large area and you won%26#39;t have much trouble finding the ferries.

There is an inexpensive city-owned ferry leaving from more or less opposite the Russian eagle monument in the center of the plaza. There are several commercial operations which cost a little more, but I suggest you take one of those going to Kuninkaanportti (King%26#39;s Gate) as this will save you a couple of miles of walking plus precious time.

Things to see: the King%26#39;s Gate itself and the old Russian artillery pieces along the battlements. Have a beer and watch the huge Sweden ferries threading through the narrows between islands.

You can find out more from the city tourist office.

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thanks johnthefinn ! we really appreciate for your advice and information, thanks again.