Verdict: No

Helsinki is a city of endless architectural treasures. For the gold standard in urban design, head to the district of Tapiola, where tall-ish apartment blocks blend seamlessly in and out of the forest – an area rated as having the highest standard of living anywhere in the world.

To get outside Helsinki, and explore the great lakes area, a car is great – but there are also plenty of fantastic trips that can be done by train, or indeed on water.

Therefore, a car is not needed.

Further details to follow

File under: Helsinki car hire advice - yes or no?, Helsinki airport car rental.