According to forum posts, Helsinki offers an efficient and varied public transport system including buses, trams, and a metro service. The HSL app is recommended for planning journeys and buying tickets. Trains and buses provide connectivity from the airport to the city center, with a typical train ride taking about 30 minutes.

Some travelers mentioned using taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and Fixutaxi for convenience. Fixutaxi offers a fixed fee of 35€ for airport transfers. Uber and Bolt are available, although their prices might be less competitive compared to local options.

For larger groups, services like Taksi Helsinki offer vehicles that can accommodate up to 8 people, catering to families or groups traveling together. This can be particularly useful for those who need to stay together and avoid the complexity of public transport.

During a long layover in Helsinki, travelers have enjoyed visiting city landmarks such as the Kauppatori market area, Senate Square, and taking ferry rides to Suomenlinna. Some have opted for leisurely strolls or participated in guided walking tours to explore the city's architecture and historical sites.

For getting around, Helsinki offers convenient public transportation options. The train from the airport to the city center takes about 30 minutes and is favored for its efficiency. Buses, including the 615, also run throughout the night, facilitating early morning or late-night transfers between the airport and downtown.

If your layover extends overnight, the city's safe public transport and well-lit areas like Senate Square offer a peaceful environment for nighttime walks. Eateries and some shops on Aleksanterinkatu may remain open late, providing options for dining and light shopping.

For those needing rest, airport hotels provide convenient lodging with shuttle services available. The Scandic Helsinki Airport and Scandic Aviacongress are mentioned as viable options, with the latter being more budget-friendly. Some travelers have also used sleeping pods at the airport for short rests.

According to forum posts, Helsinki offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional Finnish and Scandinavian fish dishes to international cuisines like Iraqi. Popular restaurant choices include Woolshed Helsinki for a rustic experience near the main train station and Lasipalatsi for a more formal setting.

Travelers have called out specific dining experiences, such as Ravintola Kirkuk for authentic Iraqi cuisine and Marja Nätti fish stalls for local fish-based dishes. For vegetarian options, Namaskaar at the west wing of the Helsinki Central Railway Station has been recommended.

For special occasions or late dining, some users recommended Kuusi Palaa of Marski by Scandic Hotel, which operates until at least 11 pm. Additionally, restaurants like NJK offer plush waterside dining associated with a yachting club, accessible via a short tram ride and walk from the central railway station.

If near Helsinki Airport, dining options include the Helsinki Market in the T2 arrivals hall and the restaurant of the Scandic Helsinki Airport, which offers take-away meals post-6 pm. Nearby, Jumbo shopping mall and Flamingo recreational center provide additional dining choices, a short local bus ride away.

Some travelers mentioned that Helsinki hosts a variety of annual events. For instance, the Helsinki Biennial, an art event featuring installations on a former military island, is accessible via a short ferry ride from downtown. Additionally, Sauna Day, celebrated on the last Saturday of July, brings locals and visitors to public and floating saunas around the city.

According to forum posts, sports enthusiasts can enjoy ice hockey games, such as the match between HIFK and Kärpät. For cultural pursuits, the Easter weekend features events like the Easter bonfire at Seurasaari and the Via Crucis procession.

Travelers have called out Midsummer's Eve as a significant event in Helsinki. Despite many locals leaving the city, recent years have seen a rise in residents staying back to enjoy picnics and public gatherings along the city's shores. Furthermore, dinner cruises that offer views of multiple bonfires are available, provided there are no fire bans due to weather conditions.

According to forum posts, Helsinki offers several nature-related activities close to the city. Seurasaari and Keskuspuisto are popular for wildlife viewing, including squirrels. For those interested in exploring further, Nuuksio National Park and Sipoonkorpi National Park are accessible and offer opportunities to see elk and deer.

Some users have mentioned that Helsinki has excellent routes for cycling and hiking. The city boasts about 150 kilometers of shoreline with scenic bike paths, such as those around Kallahdenniemi and Vanhankaupunginlahti Bay area. These locations provide lush natural landscapes and are easily accessible by local transport.

During winter, Helsinki transforms into a hub for different outdoor activities. Travelers have called out the possibility of engaging in skiing and snowshoeing in areas around Helsinki, although for guaranteed snow cover, heading further north might be necessary.

According to forum posts, the minimum connection time at Helsinki Airport usually stands at 40 minutes for transitions from non-Schengen to Schengen flights. This is typically sufficient given the airport's efficient layout and processes.

Travelers have recommended allowing slightly more time, around 50 to 60 minutes, for added comfort, especially when dealing with baggage or during peak times. Helsinki Airport is known for its straightforward and quick transfer experience, which is facilitated by everything being under one roof without the need for terminal changes.

Some travelers said that despite the generally efficient transit process, it's wise to be prepared for unexpected delays, particularly with certain flights that might be delay-prone. However, Finnair is noted to reroute passengers efficiently in case of missed connections due to delays.