Ep 2. 48 Hours in Helsinki

In the second episode of Travel Man season 4, host Richard Ayoade spends 48 hours exploring the vibrant city of Helsinki, Finland. Ayoade is joined by comedian Sara Pascoe as they embark on a whirlwind tour of all the best sights and experiences that Helsinki has to offer.

The episode begins with Ayoade and Pascoe visiting Helsinki's famous market square, where they sample some of the local delicacies on offer, including fresh fish and reindeer meat. From there, they take a ferry to the Suomenlinna naval fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 18th century. Ayoade and Pascoe explore the sprawling complex, taking in its many museums, galleries, and historic landmarks.

Next, the pair visit one of Helsinki's most popular attractions, the Finnish sauna. Ayoade and Pascoe strip down to their swimsuits and step into the steamy heat, discussing the cultural significance of the sauna to the Finnish people. They also dip into the icy waters of the Baltic Sea for a refreshing swim, a popular Finnish tradition.

Ayoade and Pascoe then head to the Helsinki Cathedral, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. They climb the cathedral's steps to take in the stunning views of Helsinki from the cathedral's rooftop, while also learning about the cathedral's rich history and cultural significance.

Afterwards, Ayoade and Pascoe go on a shopping spree at Helsinki's famous Design District, a collection of over 200 stores selling Finnish design products. They browse through shops selling everything from hand-crafted furniture and interior design items to fashion and accessories, all made by talented Finnish designers.

The episode also features a visit to Helsinki's cutting-edge restaurant scene, where the pair try innovative Finnish cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients. They also visit one of Helsinki's many innovative bars, where they sample the latest in Finnish craft beer and cocktails.

Finally, Ayoade and Pascoe explore the natural beauty of Helsinki by taking a bike ride through the city's stunning parks and waterfront areas. They visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, a unique collection of traditional Finnish buildings that were relocated to the beautiful island of Seurasaari.

Throughout the episode, Ayoade peppers his usual dry wit and quirky commentary with fascinating insights into Finnish culture, history, and traditions. At only 48 hours, this whirlwind tour of Helsinki manages to pack in more than enough fun and adventure to inspire any viewer to plan a trip to this beautiful and fascinating city.