Europe String

The good thing about traveling on business is that I do not have to think of my budget. After all, the company pays for almost everything. Plus, I get posh accommodations and eat in restaurants where prices are sometimes ridiculous.

Anyway, I arrived here in Helsinki yesterday. And since my meeting was postponed, I found the time to roam around and discover the city on my own. And I met a young American backpacker (hey there, Greg!) over at Wayne’s Cafe who gave me a few budget travel tips.

Here they are:

• If you are coming in from Helsinki-Vartaa International Airport, the cheapest way to get to the city center (20km away) is to take the local bus no. 615 or 617. It will only cost you around 3.40Euros.
• Entrance to the Ateneum Art Museum — where they have a great collection of paintings — is free if you are no older than 18-years old. Otherwise, you can try coming in after work (5-8pm) on Wednesdays for a free viewing.
• Like the Ateneum, entrance to the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art is free for the young ‘uns. Everyone else can get in for free only on Fridays from 5-8pm.
• The National Museum of Finland and the Museum of Cultures will also let you in for free if you visit at 5:30-8pm on Tuesdays.
• You can eat at Unicafe, owned by the Helsinki University student union for cheap but filling meals. There are around 10 branches found all over the city.

Did you get all that?

Add all of the above tips with these and you’ll definitely be on your way to saving a lot of money during your trip to Helsinki.

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