Finland is often seen as an expensive country to travel to. But with the right tips, you can experience its beauty without breaking the bank. In this guide, I’ll show you how to explore Finland on a budget while still getting the most out of your trip.
Accommodation
Stay in Hostels or Budget Hotels
Hostels are your best bet if you want to save on accommodation. Many of them offer shared dorms, but there are also private rooms if you need more privacy. Prices range from €20-40 a night depending on the city. Some hostels, like Eurohostel in Helsinki, even have saunas for free use.
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Another option is budget hotels. They tend to be a little more expensive but give you more privacy. Check out chains like Omena Hotels. It’s a no-frills option but affordable.
Consider Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to save money and meet locals. Finland has a decent couchsurfing community, especially in bigger cities like Helsinki or Tampere. Hosts often share tips about non-touristy things to do, helping you get a more authentic experience.
Airbnbs are Affordable in Groups
If you’re traveling with friends, renting an Airbnb can be as cheap as hostels when you split the cost. Finlands’ capital Helsinki, for example, has a variety of affordable options in residential neighborhoods just outside the center. This can also let you prepare your own meals and save on food. More about that next!
Food
Cook Your Own Meals
If you have access to a kitchen, cooking your own food is one of the easiest ways to save money while in Finland. Groceries cost about the same as other European countries, but preparing your meals will be way cheaper than eating out.
Lidl and S-market are two widely available supermarket chains where you can pick up affordable groceries. Buying in bulk for quick things like sandwiches, pasta, or salads adds up to big savings over even a week-long trip.
Lunch Buffets
Many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat lunch buffets for around €10-13. The quality is great, and you’ll get a bunch of different flavors on your plate. It’s a popular option among locals. Look for them in cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku.
Asian restaurants offer Chinese and sushi buffets, but Finnish restaurants often have their own buffets too. This is a great way to get a big, satisfying meal without hitting your wallet too hard.
Avoid Eating in Tourist Zones
Restaurants in prime tourist spots tend to jack up prices. Walk a few blocks away, and you’ll find much cheaper options. In cities like Helsinki, this means heading away from the city center and places popular with tourists like Market Square.
Grab Street Food and Bakeries
Street food is another way to eat on the cheap. In Finland, food trucks, especially during summer, offer quick and affordable meals like grilled sausages or fish. Local bakeries are also a good stop for coffee and fresh pastries that won’t break the bank.
Transportation
Travel by Bus or Train
Finland’s public transportation is efficient and covers most towns and attractions. If you’re staying in larger cities, get a daily or weekly public transport pass. These will let you move around the city for a flat rate, saving you from paying each time you hop on a bus or tram.
For longer distances between cities, buses are typically cheaper than trains. Check out the Matkahuolto and Onnibus bus services. Onnibus, in particular, offers extremely low rates if you book in advance.
Consider Car Rental for Remote Areas
If you’re venturing into Finland’s rural areas or plan on heading high up north to Lapland, renting a car may be worth it. Public transport becomes more limited the farther north you go. Just remember, if you’re traveling with a group, splitting the cost of a rental can make it very affordable.
Use Budget Airlines or Ferries for Surrounding Countries
Want to add a side trip to your Finland adventure? Budget airlines like Norwegian offer cheap flights within Finland and to nearby countries. Ferries to Sweden or Estonia from Helsinki can also be super cheap with deals starting from as little as €20 per person each way.
Attractions and Activities
Enjoy Finland’s Free Nature
The best part of Finland is its stunning natural beauty, and luckily, it’s free to enjoy! Hiking in national parks is a fantastic way to explore Finland’s outdoors without any cost. Parks like Nuuksio (near Helsinki), Koli, and Urho Kekkonen offer miles of trails for free.
During the summer, lakes and beaches near cities like Tampere and Oulu offer places to swim and relax, again for zero cost.
Use Helsinki’s Free Walking Tours
Helsinki, the capital, has free walking tours guided by locals. These tours take you around key spots in the city, giving you the insights into its history and culture without spending a dime. Tips are welcomed but not required.
Take Advantage of Museum Free Days
In large cities like Helsinki, many main museums have specific days or certain hours when entry fees are waived. The National Museum, Kiasma (an art museum), and the Helsinki City Museum all offer free admission on certain occasions.
Always check in advance, as free days sometimes shift or come with special events.
The Northern Lights: Free and Priceless
One of the most iconic reasons to visit Finland is seeing the Northern Lights. The best time is during winter, from December to March. The lights are free to see, of course. Just head to small towns or rural areas far away from light pollution for the best chances.
Visit Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is a sea fortress spread across six islands near Helsinki. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views across the Baltic Sea. The best part? Entry to the island is free. You’ll just need to pay for the ferry ticket, which is part of the local public transport system.
Finnish Saunas
Trying a sauna is an absolute must when in Finland, and you can manage it on any budget. Some hostels and budget hotels include saunas for free, while public saunas are generally affordable, around €5-15. One of the cheapest options is Kotiharjun Sauna in Helsinki.
For a truly unique experience, head out to smaller towns and try one of the lakeside saunas. Some national parks also have free or donation-based saunas for hikers.
Budget-Friendly Destinations
Turku
Turku, Finland’s former capital, is smaller and more affordable than Helsinki. Its riverside area is great for walks, and you can explore free attractions like the Turku Castle exterior. Summer is ideal for grabbing a drink by the Aura River and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Tampere
Tampere is known as Finland’s “sauna capital”, and it’s less expensive than larger cities. Public saunas here are affordable, and the Pyynikki observation tower offers one of the best views of the city for just a couple of euros. The city is surrounded by lakes, so hiking and swimming are also free options you can enjoy.
Lapland
If experiencing Lapland’s wilderness is high on your list, you can still manage it on a budget. Stay in hostels or cabins outside of main towns like Rovaniemi. Hiking in national parks, enjoying the midnight sun, and trying to spot wild reindeer are incredible experiences—and they’re free.
Porvoo
A quick half-day trip from Helsinki, Porvoo is a charming medieval town with colorful old buildings. It offers a great glimpse into Finland’s history, and walking the town’s cobbled streets is like stepping back in time. Plus, it’s easy on your wallet.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through Finland on a budget isn’t as hard as it might seem at first. By being smart about accommodation, taking advantage of cheap transportation options, and focusing on free or inexpensive activities, you’ll leave Finland feeling like you got a full, authentic experience without spending too much.
Finland is filled with untouched natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and friendly locals. With some planning, it’s possible to experience all of this even on a tight budget.
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