24 hours at Helsinki Airport

Sometimes even the most Zen of travelers can struggle to appreciate the part of the journey that involves a sudden change in travel plans, an early morning flight, a long layover or bad weather. Fortunately, more and more airports now offer thoughtful amenities and services round-the-clock, making it easy to find something to do – or experience – at any given time of the day.

7 am
There is no shortage of places to eat at the airport, but for a hearty breakfast, there’s Cesar’s Little Italy on the ground floor before security control at Terminal 2. The buffet has all the staples of a classic northern European hotel breakfast, from buns and croissants to an assortment of deli meats and cheeses. Yogurt, granola, porridge, coffee, tea, milk and juices are also part of the spread – and all of these come at a rather friendly price.

10 am
Time for a haircut. M Room Men's Barber (Terminal 2, Arrivals hall 2A) is the place for high quality grooming services. Need your beard shaved or styled? You can walk right in without making an appointment.

11:30 am
Free Wi-Fi at the airport makes it easy to check email on-the-go.

1 pm
Helsinki Market (Gate 14) serves free-range beef burgers – perfect for lunch. They also offer salads, which can be mixed to one’s liking.

2:30 pm
An early afternoon nap is always a good idea. GoSleep Sleeping Pods are located next to Gate 31. There are also pods at the airport's Finnair Lounges (Gates 22 and 36).

4 pm
There's a photography exhibition at Gate 38 and it’s open 24 hours until spring 2017. "Fairytale Forest and the Serious Sea” features work by Finnish photographers Karoliina Veijo and Johanna Sandin, while “My New York” showcases Emilia Heiskanen’s snapshots of the Big Apple. "The World's Most Interesting Air Traffic Control Towers – “Art of the Airport Tower,” meanwhile, is on display at the photo gallery located in the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2. It’s a must for fans of aviation.

8 pm
Sipping some sparkling wine while watching chefs and planes in action is probably one of the most relaxing things a passenger can do. Pier Zero (Gate 28-29) is the place for both culinary treats and sleek architecture.

10 pm
As it’s the only hotel inside the Helsinki Airport building, Hotel GLO (Terminal 2, ground floor) has a handy indoor connection to Terminal 1. It only takes two minutes to get to security control. For passengers with very early morning flights, spending the night here makes complete sense.

5:30 am
Did you forget your sleep mask, adapter, or toothbrush? Alepa (Terminal 2, arrivals hall 2B) is great for last-minute purchases as they’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

7 am
A Facebook check-in, a selfie and a drink at the Oak Barrel Irish Pub (Gate 22) before the flight – why not?

Read about the best take away snacks for your flight from Helsinki Airport