Ep 1. Episode 1

Travel Man is a British travel documentary show hosted by Richard Ayoade that explores various cities across the world in just 48 hours. In season 8, episode 1 titled "Episode 1," Ayoade travels to Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

The episode starts with Ayoade landing in Helsinki and making his way to the center of the city. He meets up with his first guest, Finnish comedian and actor, Sami Hedberg. They start their tour by exploring Helsinki's vibrant design district, known for its trendy cafes, galleries, and shops. Ayoade and Hedberg stop by the iconic Marimekko flagship store, which is famous for its bold and distinctive prints.

Next, they make their way to Helsinki's busy Market Square, where they sample some traditional Finnish street food. Ayoade tries out the popular Finnish snack, Lihapiirakka, a savory meat pie made with rye crust. They also explore the nearby Old Market Hall, which is home to various vendors selling fresh produce, meat, and seafood.

Ayoade and Hedberg then venture out to the nearby island of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to an 18th-century sea fortress. The island provides stunning views of the Helsinki archipelago and is perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Back on the mainland, Ayoade meets up with his second guest, writer and director, Phoebe Waller-Bridge. They explore Helsinki's up-and-coming Kallio neighborhood, known for its trendy bars and restaurants. They stop by the popular bar, Stidilä, and enjoy some Finnish craft beers.

Later that evening, Ayoade and Waller-Bridge check out Helsinki's bustling nightlife scene. They visit the popular club, Kaiku, and enjoy some live music and dancing. They also stop by the nearby Bar Loose, a popular hangout spot for the city's young creatives.

On the second day of their trip, Ayoade and Waller-Bridge make their way to Helsinki's Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma. They explore the various exhibits on display, including some thought-provoking installations and sculptures.

Next, they take a short ferry ride to the nearby island of Pihlajasaari, known for its beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails. They explore the island's rocky coastline and enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Baltic Sea.

Finally, Ayoade and Waller-Bridge wrap up their 48-hour trip to Helsinki with a traditional Finnish sauna experience. They visit the famed Loyly public sauna, which overlooks the sea. They take turns indulging in the hot sauna and then jumping into the chilly waters of the Baltic Sea, a tradition known as "avanto."

Overall, Travel Man season 8 episode 1 is a fun and informative trip to Helsinki that showcases the city's unique culture, food, and attractions. Ayoade's witty humor and chemistry with his guests make the episode an enjoyable watch for both travel enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.