“I just found a fiver in my back pocket”

Said nobody in Helsinki ever.

Just breathing that clean sea air seems to shrivel up your twenties. So does that mean you need to exist on packet noodles and box wine before you go?

Naahhhh you’ve just gotta be smart (and know when to keep your wallet chastity belted). This is £20 in Helsinki…

Free Shiz

Yes it is possible to spend big fat zilch in Helsinki. The city’s famous for its cutting-edge design scene, and there’s weird architectural oddities to ogle at. Temppeliaukio Kirkko (or ‘Rock Church’) looks like something straight out of ‘War of the Worlds’. Cut into solid rock and spiritual in that ‘energy of nature’ way, catch a free concert here to experience the insane acoustics. Thank you God.

The Chapel of Silence is another mental building. Built on one of Helsinki’s busiest streets, it does what it says on the tin. Stop in for reflection, meditation or just a few minutes of chill.

Unsurprisingly you’ll catch the best of Helsinki’s design in the design district. Find everything from eclectic boutiques to community gardens. You don’t have to spend money here, but you probably will.

On any holiday the best way to keep your spending twitch in check is to lie sunny side up on a beach. Hietaranta is Helsinki’s best, paddle in the shallows or join a game of volleyball.

Under a Fiver

Corona Baari & Biljardi is a film buff’s happy place. Covered in vintage film posters and old records, they show cult movies for €5. There’s also a couple of pool tables to keep you busy (and away from the bar where drinks are a standard €8-12 a pop).

Or you could grab a few cans (still about a fiver each) and head to the Suomenlinna Islands on the 24 hour ferry (tickets cost €5). Groups gather in meadows to chat and drink away from the super expensive bars and clubs on the mainland.

Under a Tenner(ish)

Hang out with locals at the Kotiharjun Sauna (€9.50). There’s saunas bloody everywhere but this one is a cult fave. Get a scrub down and massage when you’re finished melting and chat to your new mates in the fresh air outside.

The Teurastamo is a former slaughterhouse turned urban playground. Grab a coffee or cheap lunch from a market stall or one of the pop-up restaurants. They hold events and concerts (often free) all year at ‘the yard’.

For a treat book a table at Tukkutorin Kala Oy for seafood featuring caviar and scallops, or you can buy fish from their outdoor market and cook it at home. The Helsinki Distilling Company is next door, they’ll do you a tasting tour for €15.

Splashing Out

Drinking is notoriously expensive in Scandinavia. But there’s a fun Finish loophole. On the weekends, locals hop over to Tallinn in Estonia to pick up their booze (ferry costs €14).

Once you’ve tanked up on cheap Estonian beer, head to the Hartwell Arena to see some Ice Hockey. Sit with 13,000 wild fans and scream for your favourite colours. Ticket prices vary - but start at €20.