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Plan your visit to Helsinki

We are excited to have you join us and want to give you a seamless and enjoyable experience. This page provides the information you need to make your trip smooth and memorable, from transportation and accommodation options to accessibility, local customs, and must-see attractions. Prepare for an enriching journey at the conference and beyond as you explore everything Helsinki has to offer.

Conference Events

Looking for more ways to maximize your conference experience?

We've curated a variety of events throughout the week just for you. If you're interested, be sure to explore the following pages for more details.

Side Events

From members-only events to saunas, connect with attendees and gain insights beyond the main conference. Don't miss these unique opportunities to enhance your experience!

Evening Events

From the Opening Reception to the Service Design Studio Night and Closing Party, these evening events are great for networking and unwinding. Don’t miss out!

Moving around the city

Helsinki's transport system (HSL) includes bus, tram, metro, commuter train, and ferry services. Single tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks, and other HSL sales points. The online Journey Planner notifies which ticket you need together with the search results. If you prefer to bike around the city, Helsinki also offers city bike services. For more information on how to get around the city visit myhelsinki.fi

 

When arriving at the airport, you can take either the I or P trains on the Ring Rail Line to take you from Helsinki Airport to the Central Railway Station in about 30 minutes. 

Transport to conference venues

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The closing party venue Kellohalli can be easily reached by buses 55 and 56, 510 and 500. The nearest tram stop is Lautatarhankatu, where lines 1, 6, 7 and 8 stop. Kalasatama metro station is also just around the corner from Teurastamo. 

 

If you are coming by car, please remember that you are not allowed to drive or park in Teurastamo's yard, which is a car-free area. Parking spaces are available, for example, on nearby streets. There is plenty of space for cyclists at Teurastamo and there is also a city bike station in the area.

Our conference venue Paasitorni is located right next to the busy public transportation hub of Hakaniemi. We recommend arriving at Paasitorni by public transportation. Many bus and tram lines run through Hakaniemi, and there is a metro station as well. If you arrive by metro from the city centre, you need to get off at Hakaniemi station, exit E. Note the metro line operates from 06:00 - 23:00.

 

The Central Railway Station is roughly a kilometre away, easily covered by tram or on foot. Trams 3, 6, and 9 will take you directly to Hakaniemi Market Square from the front of the Central Railway Station. There is also a city bike station in the area.

 

Click here for more information on how to get to Paasitorni 

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Accommodations

There are many accommodation options to choose from in the neighbourhoods close by, including hotel Scandic Paasi and Hotel Citybox.

 

All accommodation bookings should be done directly by attendees. Note all bookings are subject to availability at time of reservation, and as Helsinki is a busy city with a lot of events happening in October, we encourage you to make your hotel booking as soon as possible.

Indoor yard between pastel yellow buildings

HOTEL SCANDIC PAASI
Discount code for attendees: FIARB
* hotel rates include breakfast
 
Conveniently adjacent to the venue is the official conference hotel Scandic Paasi
- please use code FIARB to book your room under a reduced rate and use the following link for reservation. 

HOTEL CITYBOX HELSINKI
Discount code for attendees: SDGC24
* hotel rates don't include breakfast

The Citybox hotel is located in the Kallio district of Helsinki, and only about 7min walking distance from the conference venue. To book your room, please use the following link and use discount code SDGC24. Hotel rates at Citybox don't include breakfast, but guests can have breakfast at additional cost at the food court which is located on the -1 floor of the hotel. 'L’Artisan Le Café' is one of the places which offers a breakfast menu.

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Restaurants

Helsinki offers a diverse range of restaurants, from traditional Finnish cuisine to international flavours.

After a conference day, you can unwind and network at Helsinki's stylish bars and cafes. Whether you prefer craft cocktails, artisan coffees, locally brewed beers, or music and dancing all night long, you'll find plenty of cool spots to socialize and relax.

Our SDN Finland team favourites:

click for more!

BasBas
Spanish Fushion

"Forever favorite BasBas Best laid back bistro, affordable but always top quality.Never disappoints."

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Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Faselli Coffee N More
Italian

"A very laid-back, Kallio-typical Italian street food place that I enjoy is Faselli If someone is ok with eating meat, I suggest the Panuozzo Sweet Hangover"

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Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Cafe Monami
Soup

"Cafe Monami, Rastila. 15 minutes by metro from Helsingin Yliopisto metro stop (direction to Vuosaari). On the beach, near the bay (you can go around it and visit Puotilan city gardens).

All food is handmade from scratch."​

Scandinavian

Find more places to explore with this google maps list: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HTs4Y1Uq3VnDuemw8

Good to know about Restaurants in Finland

  • Booking your restaurant, especially for dinner, is highly recommended. 

  • Tipping your waiter is not common in Finland and is not expected. You can tip, but you don’t have to.

  • Tap water in Finland is excellent and is usually available or brought to your table.

  • Finns eat early. Lunch can begin as early as 10:30 or 11:00, and dinner is typically between 17:00 and 19:00. If you prefer a later dinner, be sure to check the kitchen hours in advance.

  • Splitting the bill is quite common. Don't hesitate to ask for a split check!

  • Card payment is usually preferred and most common.


Discover more about Helsinki nightlife here: https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/eat-and-drink/bars-and-nightlife

Discovering the city

If you wish to explore Helsinki around the conference days, some places to check out what Helsinki has to offer we suggest starting with the sights to visit in Helsinki, as suggested by Helsinki City of course the Design District at the heart of Helsinki to get your creative inspiration fix! 

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​Our SDN Finland team's favourite must see and do:

Kulttuurisauna
Sauna

"I would say one of the best things to do is to visit a sauna by the sea. In October the temperature difference between sauna and sea is already great. My favourite is maybe Kulttuurisauna (public sauna), which is even close to Paasitorni"

Allas Sea Pool
Wellness
Sauna

"Allas Sea Pool: the must-see open-air fresh/seawater pool overlooking the Market Square"

Löyly
Architecture
Sauna

"Löyly: Architectural design gem and sauna experience by the sea"

The Ateneum Art Museum
Museum

The Ateneum is Finland's best-known art museum and the home of Finnish art.

Design Museum
Museum

Design Museum is an internationally recognized national specialist museum of Finnish design.

Visit the conference Slack channel to share recommendations, connect and start planning the conference experience with fellow attendees. Let's get talking!

Accessibility and inclusivity

At Paasitorni, attendees with reduced mobility can enter the venue through the inner courtyard (automated doors) between the main entrance (Paasivuorenkatu 5A) and Hotel Scandic Paasi (5B). If necessary, the venue staff will be happy to help (Conference Services, tel. +358 9 7089 613).

 

Paasitorni’s premises used for the conference are accessible for guests with reduced mobility. The building has two lifts. Paasitorni’s accessible restrooms are located on floors 0 (Sirkus), 2.5 (Congress Hall), and 3. There is a gender-neutral toilet located on floor 0

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Inclusivity is a priority at SDGC24. We've curated content and selected speakers from diverse backgrounds to ensure varied perspectives. Networking opportunities are designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all. We aim to create an enriching experience that values everyone.


If you have any questions, visit our FAQ or contact us at conference@service-design-network.org

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