top tourist attractions in helsinki

19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Helsinki

Written by Jim O'Donnell Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is the country's largest city and filled with things to do for visitors. It sits on a granite peninsula on the north coast of the Gulf of Finland, facing the Baltic Sea.

After a great fire destroyed a third of the town in 1808, it was rebuilt, and the resulting neoclassical city center is laid out in wide handsome streets and boulevards with plentiful parks. The harbor, where many of the nearly 300 cruise ships that visit annually dock, is right in the heart of Helsinki, and a number of the top things to see and do are within walking distance.

Helsinki is a great city to explore on foot or on a bike, and has an excellent public transportation system that includes boats to the islands and trains to other destinations in Finland .

To learn more about this amazing Scandinavian travel destination, be sure to read through our list of the top places to visit and things to do in Helsinki.

See also: Where to Stay in Helsinki

1. Take a Boat to the Fortress of Sveaborg & the Suomenlinna Islands

2. shop in helsinki's market square, 3. temppeliaukio rock church, 4. experience traditional finnish culture at seurasaari open-air museum, 5. linnanmäki amusement park, 6. museum of contemporary art (kiasma), 7. helsinki railway station, 8. finlandia hall, 9. korkeasaari zoo, 10. the national museum of finland (kansallismuseo), 11. helsinki olympic stadium, 12. take a stroll in central park (keskuspuisto), 13. visit the sibelius monument and park, 14. uspenski cathedral, 15. relax on the beach in the hietaniemi area, 16. the gallen-kallela museum, 17. ainola, järvenpää, 18. tapiola, 19. day trip to hanko, where to stay in helsinki for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to helsinki, map of attractions & things to do in helsinki, helsinki, finland - climate chart.

The fortified islands of Suomenlinna are an integral part of Helsinki. While they may at first seem remote, they are in fact easy to reach by a 20-minute ferry ride, using the same ticket as for buses and trams.

The fortress of Sveaborg itself - which, literally translates as "Swedish Castle" - dominates the island. It was built in the mid 18th century to bar Russian access to the Baltic. During the Swedish-Russian war of 1808-09, it fell to the Russians, who thereafter enlarged and strengthened it. In 1918, it passed into Finnish hands and was given the Finnish name of Suomenlinna (Finnish Castle).

During the 1950s and 1960s, it was handed over by the military to the civilian authorities, and since then has been restored and converted for cultural and recreational use. It is now included in UNESCO's list of world heritage monuments and is a museum, a park, and an arts venue. The area is open most of the year but hours and ferry access vary, so be sure to visit the website for the latest information.

Address: Suomenlinna C 40, FI-00190 Suomenlinna, Helsinki

Official site: www.suomenlinna.fi/en/

The Market Square (Kauppatori) is the main planned and paved square in central Helsinki, and is one of the best-known outdoor markets in northern Europe. Bordering the Baltic Sea at the eastern end of the Esplanadi, it is full of stands selling Finnish foods, flowers, and tourist souvenirs. There are often even fishing boats lined up in the water selling seafood directly from the boat.

In the winter, market stalls are protected under tents, and there is a year-round market hall with more vendors. Visitors should watch their food carefully, however, as the seagulls at the market are large and brazen and will pluck food from unsuspecting diners.

Address: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki

North of Helsinki's Hietaniemi area, along Fredrikinkatu, is Helsinki's Rock Church. Designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in the late 1960s, the underground interior of the church was carved out of and built directly into the ancient solid rock of the Helsinki peninsula.

The inside of the church is bathed in a glorious natural light that enters through the glazed dome. It has a shallow circular dome (13 meters high) of copper sheeting and glass borne on concrete ribs. The church is also used as a concert hall due to its excellent acoustics created by the rough, unworked rock surfaces of the interior. Guided tours are available, and if visiting in summer, be sure to visit the on-site café for a unique dining experience.

Address: Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki

Official site: https://temppeliaukionkirkko.fi/en/index.html

East of Helsinki's city center is the island of Seurasaari, linked with the mainland by a footbridge. Here, you'll find the excellent Seurasaari Open-Air Museum with its many old houses, farmsteads, a manor house, a church from Kiruna that dates back to 1686, and other timber buildings that have been brought here from all parts of Finland.

This is the place to learn how Finns lived long ago, before the modern era. Nearby, at Meilahti 7, is an old timber house now occupied by the Friends of Finnish Handicrafts, with an exhibition of rye carpets and other traditional textiles. Visitors can watch the weavers at work, and the on-site shop sells examples of their handiwork.

Guided tours are available, and afterwards stop at the attraction's café and restaurant for a bite to eat. The island is also home to a popular public beach, so bring your swimsuit!

Address: Seurasaari, Helsinki

Official site: www.kansallismuseo.fi/en/seurasaarenulkomuseo

To the east of Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, beyond the railroad line, is the Linnanmäki amusement park. In operation since 1950, it's a favorite family outing for locals and tourists alike. The park offers a great range of rides for all ages, as well as live entertainment, games, and plenty of places to get meals and snacks.

There is a good selection of rides for the youngest visitors, including a kiddie train, little trucks on a track, a pirate ship, a little kids' carousel, a playhouse, and even a kiddie roller coaster. Rides for bigger kids include a fun house, spinning coffee cups, a haunted hotel, bumper cars, and a raft ride.

The park is also home to over a half dozen thrilling roller coasters, and several attractions that offer splendid views of Helsinki and the town of Linnanmäki, including the 53-meter observation tower, and a large Ferris wheel. Visitors can also enjoy the view from atop the 60-meter Rocket and the 75-meter free-fall tower — at least until the rides drop.

Address: Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki

Official site: www.linnanmaki.fi/en/

In a land renowned for its cutting-edge native architects, it's ironic that the building considered one of Finland's landmarks of modern architecture was designed by the American architect Steven Holl. The curvy exterior continues inside, creating exhibit spaces uniquely fitting for displaying contemporary works of art.

Along with its collections of post-1960 Finnish art, the museum has a theater dedicated to experimental drama, music, and dance. A café and shop are located on the premises. Visitors also have the option to take a public or private guided tour of the museum that includes information on the works, the artists, and the museum building.

Address: Mannerheiminaukio 2, 00100 Helsinki

Official site: http://kiasma.fi/en/

Helsinki's strikingly original Art Nouveau railway station (Helsingin päärautatieasema) was designed by Eliel Saarinen and is especially notable for American tourists because its 48-meter-high clock tower was the first of several designs that finally resulted in Saarinen's 1922 Chicago Tribune Tower — America's first skyscraper.

The exterior of the station is made of local granite, featuring an immense archway over the entrance, which is flanked by two giant statues on each side. The figures each hold globes that illuminate the façade at night, making a striking landmark. Inside, visitors will find towering arched halls and surprisingly delicate carved panels that decorate the walls.

Address: Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki

North of the Municipal Museum in Helsinki, on the shores of Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti), is the Finlandia Hall, a concert and convention hall designed by Alvar Aalto and built in 1971 with a white facade of Carrara marble. The marble is also used on the inside of the structure. Details appear in hardwoods and ceramics.

The main concert auditorium is a stunning site and is famous for its acoustics. Another standout feature is the wide Venetian staircase that leads from the ground floor to both the main auditorium and chamber music hall. The Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe was signed here in July 1975.

To the north of the hall is an excellent park (home to large chess boards and chess pieces), and beyond this again is the new Finnish National Opera House, inaugurated in November 1993 with a performance of the opera "Kullervo" by the Finnish composer Aulis Sallinen. Check the website for frequent updates on events, prices, and openings.

Address: Mannerheimintie 13e, 00100 Helsinki

Official site: www.finlandiatalo.fi/en

Founded in the 1880s, Korkeasaari Zoo is one of the oldest in the world , and holds a foremost place for its exceptional breeding programs for endangered species. They have been especially successful with breeding snow leopards and other big cats, such as the Amur and Siberian tiger.

As in any good zoo, the environments have been designed to be as close as possible to natural habitats, and nearly 1,000 plant species grow here to replicate the native environments of the 150 different animal species. The zoo is open all year-round, and visiting the tropical houses is one of the favorite things to do in Helsinki in the winter.

The zoo is on an island, and you can get here by ferry from May to the end of September. The rest of the year, you can get here by bus.

Address: Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00270 Helsinki

Official site: https://www.korkeasaari.fi/helsinki-zoo/

The National Museum of Finland (Kansallismuseo) was built in 1912 in a National Romantic style, Finland's own take on the Art Nouveau movement that was popular in Europe at the time. This style is especially appropriate for a museum whose purpose is to collect and interpret material on the culture and ethnography of Finland.

Of note is the Finno-Ugrian collection with traditional costumes and everyday cultural objects. The prehistoric section is the largest permanent collection of archaeological materials in the country. Various displays also document the development of Finland from the Middle Ages through the Swedish and Russian empires and into a modern state.

The entrance hall is decorated with fabulous ceiling frescoes inspired by the Kalevala, the national myth of Finland. The frescoes were painted by Akseli Gallén-Kallela, perhaps Finland's best-known artist. Opposite the National Museum, in a park, is the Municipal Museum .

Address: Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki

Official site: www.kansallismuseo.fi/en/

To the north of the Finlandia Hall, at the top of the Töölönlahti lake is the old Trade Fair Hall , and beyond this, the Olympic Stadium (Helsingin Olympiastadion). Built in 1938, it features a 72-meter-high tower from which there is a magnificent view of the city (it's served by an elevator).

Finland was awarded the Olympics prior to the advent of World War II and the Soviet invasion of the country. Cancelled during the fighting, the Olympics were finally held in Helsinki in 1952. Inside the stadium is the Finnish Sport Museum, and in front of the entrance is a statue of the great Finnish Olympic runner, Paavo Nurmi (1897-1973).

To the east is the Swimming Stadium, and to the north, the Ice Stadium. Beyond the lawn, in front of the Swimming Stadium lies the Municipal Park, a sea of blossoms in the summer and a perfect place for a picnic. The Swimming Stadium is open to visitors in the summer with excellent facilities.

Address: Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki

Official site: www.stadion.fi/helsinki-olympic-stadium

Helsinki's Central Park (Keskuspuisto) is a massive green space right in the middle of the city. Covering more than 10 square kilometers, the park begins at the Olympic Stadium near Töölönlahti Bay and stretches north into the community of Vantaa at the Paloheinä forest, where there is a wide cross-country skiing area.

The park is more wild woodland than manicured garden. It's loaded with bike and walking trails and other activity areas.

Address: 00630 Helsinki

Official site: https://citynature.eu/en/location/keskuspuisto/

Designed by Eila Hiltunen, the monument to the great Finnish composer was unveiled in 1967 and raised immediate controversy, and not a little criticism. The original Sibelius Monument (Sibelius-monumentti) was formed by a collection of large metal pipes that creates music as the breezes blow through them.

The more traditional statue of Sibelius was added later, in response to the complaints about the original concept. The monument is part of the beautiful Sibelius Park, one of many in the Finnish capital.

Address: Mechelininkatu 38, Helsinki

Official site: www.hamhelsinki.fi/en/sculpture/sibelius-monumentti-eila-hiltunen/

One of two imposing churches that dominate the skyline above Helsinki's harbor, Uspenski Cathedral (Uspenskin katedraali) is an eye-catcher. This stunning brick building is notable for its multiple towers and spires topped by 13 gold cupolas.

The interior of this Orthodox church is equally impressive, filled with altars, icons, and crosses, the intricate patterns on its arches set against block marble and a preponderance of gold embellishments.

Address: Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki

Official site: www.hos.fi/en/

Down the coast, south and east from the main railway station are the Rowing Stadium from the 1952 Olympics, kayak and canoe rentals, and the beautiful sandy beach of Hietaniemi. Next to this are several open fields frequently used as soccer parks, several restaurants, and a public sauna.

Beyond this lies the fascinating and park-like Hietaniemi cemetery with a cross on its highest point commemorating the fallen heroes of the republic. Here, too, Marshal Mannerheim (1867-1951) is buried.

Near the entrance are the graves of the politicians Risto Ryti, Väinö Tanner, T. M. Kivimäki, and E. Linkomies, who - as a condition of the 1944 armistice - were tried by a Finnish court for their political activities during the war and were given prison sentences, later commuted. A section of the cemetery is dedicated to the Jewish population of the city.

Akseli Gallen-Kallela is perhaps Finland's most important and certainly most impressive painter. The Gallen-Kallela house was built in 1911-13. Better known as Tarvaspää, the house was opened to the public as the Gallen-Kallela Museum in 1961. It contains a permanent exhibition of Gallen-Kallela's own paintings, graphics, and tools. An excellent café is located on site as well as a fine little store.

The Gallen-Kallela Museum is located on the beautiful shore of Laajalahti Bay in the eastern part of Helsinki, about ten kilometers from the center. It can be reached by car or by the walking and bike path from Munkkiniemi in Helsinki and Ruukinranta in Espoo.

Address: Gallen-Kallelan tie 27, 02600 Espoo

Official site: www.gallen-kallela.fi/en/

Ainola was the home of the world-famous composer Jean Sibelius and his wife Aino. Located on the shores of the stunning Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää, about ten kilometers north of Helsinki, it was constructed in 1904 in a classic timber style typical of the architect, Lars Sonck.

The house was built on the lake to give the genius peace to create, while still being close enough to access important events in the nation's capital. After Sibelius and his wife died, their family sold the house to the state. It was well preserved, and a museum foundation was established to maintain it.

Address:Ainolankatu, 04400 Järvenpää

Official site: www.ainola.fi/?lang=en

On the other side of the bay from Seurasaari, near Helsinki, is the garden city of Tapiola, now part of Espoo . For those fascinated by experimental urban planning ideas from the post-war era, this is a must. Built in the 1950s as a model example of modern town planning, the town now has the feel of a Star Trek set.

To the northeast, on the Otaniemi peninsula, is the University of Technology , with Dipoli, the unconventionally designed Students' Union. The new center for cultural activities was designed by architect, Arto Sipinen, and was opened in 1989. There are a number of specialty shops available as well as sports facilities.

A beautiful seaside town, 130 kilometers west of Helsinki, Hanko is a bilingual beach-blessed port town of about 10,000 people. Because of its location, Hanko has been contested for more than a thousand years. The Swedes and the Russians fought several battles here in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1809, the Russians took over several Swedish forts.

The town itself wasn't officially founded until the 1870s and later served as a key transit point for Finns leaving for the United States during the starvation times. The Finns and the Russians fought a very bloody battle here in 1941. The architecture of the town speaks to its history with a mix of Swedish and Russian styles. It's full of excellent cafés and restaurants.

If you're visiting Helsinki for the first time and want to see some of the city's top sights, the best area to stay is in the city center, near Mannerheimintie (Mannerheim Street). Here, you'll find attractions such as Central Railway Station, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall, and many shops and restaurants. Below are some highly rated hotels in and near the city center:

Luxury Hotels:

• In the heart of the city, a short walk from the harbor as well as fabulous shops and restaurants, Hotel Haven sports a sleek, elegant aesthetic and a fire-warmed lobby.
• Also within walking distance to the city's main sights, the pet-friendly and eco-friendly Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard, an IHG Hotel is a popular luxury option, with local artwork, a spa, and bikes for touring the city.
• Next door to Helsinki's Central Railway Station, the pet-friendly Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre scores an A-plus for its convenient location a hop, skip, and a jump from Mannerheimintie and Finlandia Hall. The airport shuttle bus stops right near the hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Close to major transport hubs in the city center, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki is at the top end of the mid-range hotels, with comfy rooms, a sauna, and fitness center.
• The boutique Hotel Rivoli Jardin sits in a quiet location close to all the downtown attractions and offers a choice of bright and airy guest rooms, studios, and one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens.
• Some rooms come with a sauna at Hotel Helka , which has a handy location in the city center within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Budget Hotels:

• Hotelli Finn , with clean, simple rooms, gets kudos for its central location steps away from the shopping district, while the Kongressikoti Hotel is behind the Helsinki Cathedral in the heart of the city and lies a short stroll from the train station.
• About three kilometers away from the city center but near bus and tram stops, the eco-friendly Ava Hotel offers standard rooms, studios, apartments, and a sauna.

A sightseeing tour is a great way to see all the city highlights without the hassle of driving and finding your way around. Instead, you can relax and look at the sights while you learn about the history and culture of the city from an interesting audio commentary. Below are some fun sightseeing tours and travel tips that will save you time and money:

See the Sights by Bus:

• A fun and flexible way to see all the city sights is the City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop On Hop Off Tour . Climb aboard the open-top double-decker bus, and come and go as you please at 19 different stops, including Rock Church and Helsinki Olympic Stadium, and hop on and off at your favorite attractions. The ticket is valid for 24 hours and includes audio commentary and free Wi-Fi.

See the Sights by Boat:

• If you have limited time and want to see the city from a different perspective, consider the Helsinki Sightseeing Canal Cruise . Sit back and relax on this 1.5-hour cruise as you glide past picturesque islands and icebreaker ships and see attractions like the World Heritage-listed Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress and Degerö Canal. The cruise includes an informative onboard commentary and free Wi-Fi.

Save Money:

• If you prefer to travel around the city independently to visit some of the top attractions, the Helsinki Card will save you time and money. Valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, the card gives you free unlimited public transport in the city; admission to more than 50 attractions, including the Ateneum Art Museum and Suomenlinna Fortress; an audio city guide; and discounts for select tours, shops, and restaurants. You can also upgrade to the Helsinki Card Region, which includes public transport throughout the entire metropolitan area.

More on Finland

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Discover the World

27 Top Tourist Attractions in Helsinki

By Carl Austin and Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Sometimes derided for being boring, Finland’s cool capital Helsinki is anything but with outstanding museums and architectural gems dotted here and there. Delightfully known as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic Sea’, it lies near loads of pristine nature and pretty islands.

The northernmost capital in the European Union, it sits along the gigantic Gulf of Finland, surrounded by hundreds of islands. What started as a small trading town in the Swedish Empire rapidly grew once the Russians made it the country’s capital in 1812. Laid out like St. Petersburg, its broad streets are lined by marvelous mansions, many of which now house interesting art galleries and museums.

As the Nordics are known for their stylish designs and architecture, you’ll often come across striking modern buildings and chic boutiques. With historic tourist attractions, a rich local culture and plenty of interesting things to do in Helsinki this island city will keep you busy for a while.

27. Ateneum Art Museum

One of the three museums that make up the Finnish National Gallery, the Ateneum’s elegant building occupies the south side of Rautatientori Square. Across its three vast floors, you can admire many of the Nordic nation’s most important and impressive artworks.

Now home to the largest collection of classical art in the country, it was established in 1887 with lots of masterpieces by Cezanne, Gauguin and van Gogh also displayed. On show in its galleries are over 5,000 phenomenal paintings and sculptures, many created by Finnish artists. Particularly well-known names include Albert Edelfelt, Eero Jarnefelt and Hugo Simberg.

Just as eye-catching as all its portraits and landscapes is the museum building itself. Studded with superb statues and the busts of both Raphael and Bramante, its Neo-Renaissance facade makes for some fantastic photos.

26. Amos Rex

Rivaling the Ateneum in terms of its artworks and architecture is Amos Rex; another of the city and country’s top art museums. Instead of the classics, it specializes in contemporary art and twentieth century pieces. Set just a stone’s throw away, its spacious galleries are unusually located in an annex underneath Lasipalatsi Plaza.

Named after Amos Anderson, the publisher and private collector who founded it, the unique museum dates to 1967. While it once displayed his private collection, it now mainly hosts rotating exhibitions of thought-provoking avant-garde installations. These are often (but not always) fascinating to amble around as the way they are presented allows you to inspect and interact with the art up close.

As we baulked at paying the expensive entrance fee, we instead contented ourselves with exploring its strange pod-like structures outside. Fun to climb around and take photos of, they light up the subterranean spaces below.

25. Sibelius Park

A peaceful and picturesque place, Sibelius Park lies alongside the sea on the north side of town. Amidst the woods and wide open spaces, both locals and visitors alike can exercise or enjoy its lovely scenery.

Known locally as ‘Sibarri’, the informal English-style gardens were opened in 1937 atop what were once the former grounds of three villas. A couple of years later, the park was renamed after Finland’s famous composer Jean Sibelius. He also played a key role in the country’s independence movement and helped shape its national identity through his music.

Its standout sight – an interesting abstract sculpture – is dedicated to him with a bust also lying by it. After having contemplated its 600 steel pipes that seem to form a wave, stop by the park’s seafront cafe for a coffee and gaze out over its glinting waters.

24. Senaatintori

Bordered by many of the city’s most beautiful buildings, both Senaatintori and its surrounding streets make up the oldest part of central Helsinki. Overlooked by the sparkling white cathedral and its green dome, the square is one of the main tourist attractions in Helsinki.

Actually a graveyard in the eighteenth-century, it was only in 1812 that the space was set aside to be Senate Square. Soon after, the grand Government Palace and identical main building of the university were erected along its sides. Its seemingly endless cobblestones are now also lined by several cafes, restaurants and the 1757 Sederholm House.

Alongside the city’s oldest building and its colossal cathedral, you can hardly miss its central statue of Emperor Alexander II. His striking figure and the allegorical sculptures around him make for some epic photos with the cathedral’s fabulous facade in the background.

We really loved Helsinki’s central square and also returned later to see its landmarks magically lit up at night. It also hosts countless concerts, cultural events and festivals during the year.

23. Pihlajasaari Island

Certainly one of the capital’s most idyllic isles, Pihjalasaari’s sandy beaches and shady woods lie just a ten-minute ferry from the center of town. One of the most popular things to do in Helsinki in summer, it has all kinds of outdoor activities and innumerable amenities for families and friends to enjoy.

Despite its proximity to downtown, its scenic reaches feel a world away from all the hustle and bustle. Actually consisting of two smallish islands connected by a short bridge, its rock formations, beaches and nudist area are backed by gorgeous groves of trees.

Scattered about too are old wooden villas and saunas for rent as well as a restaurant and barbecue facilities. You can also camp overnight, hike nature trails and bask in fine views of the city and sea.

22. Stockmann Department Store

If after all the sightseeing and nature spots you want to shop until you drop, then Stockmann’s is the place to go. At its enormous department store downtown, there are a staggering ten floors packed with shops and restaurants to explore.

The flagship store of the famous Finnish retailer, it was established in 1862 with its ginormous brick building now occupying a whole block. Considered a national landmark, its chic shops sell everything from trendy clothes and jewellery to cosmetics, electronics and furniture.

Its dining options are just as varied as cosy cafes and fast food joints lie beside gourmet restaurants and specialty food shops. Around Christmas, all its stores’ windows positively sparkle, creating a fun, festive atmosphere.

21. Design Museum

As the Nordic countries are renowned for their sleek, cool, stylish designs, it is well worth wandering about this museum if you have the time. Situated just a couple of blocks south of the Esplanadi, its fashion, furniture and fabrics are awesome to examine.

Founded in 1873, its outstanding collection is now displayed in an attractive old Neo-Gothic building that was formerly a school. Altogether, the museum’s artworks and exhibits catalogue the history and evolution of Finnish design over the last 150 years.

While one floor covers glassware, clothes and furniture sets, another looks at carpets and traditional embroidery. Delightfully laid out and presented, its extensive galleries contain loads of unique pieces and iconic designs. Sure to interest fashion and architecture lovers, it also puts on tons of temporary exhibitions and talks.

20. Central Library Oodi

If the museum didn’t emphasize enough the country’s appreciation for distinctive, daring design, the Central Library Oodi will. Located close to the Helsinki Central Station (another architectural gem), it provides the city’s residents with top-class services and facilities in a stunning setting.

Only unveiled to the public back in 2018, the immense, ultra-library certainly catches the eye. Opening out onto a massive public square, the wavy wood and window-clad structure makes for quite the sight. Inside is just as incredible as undulating ceilings, skylights and circular staircases create a serene feel of flow and space.

Impressively enough, it doesn’t just have books and computers to make use of but video games, 3D printers, sewing machines and even a recording studio too. Comfy, quiet cafes and kiddie play areas are also found across its three floors.

As big lovers of libraries, this was by far the best modern one we’ve ever been to. Its inclusive, open design also perfectly symbolizes the country’s investment in its citizens and promotion of life-long learning. This is all the more remarkable considering the Oodi is not even the capital’s main library!

19. Linnanmaki Amusement Park

When you’re tired of touring museums, let the child in you out to play at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. One of the most popular things to do in Helsinki with kids, Linnanmaki offers 44 rides, some of which aren’t for the faint of heart, such as the freefall tower and several roller coasters, including a wooden one.

There’s also a haunted house, a carousel and kiddie rides as well as 13 restaurants when you get the hungries. It is a park with a purpose. Not only does it entertain the young and the young at heart, profits are used for child welfare work in Finland.

18. Natural History Museum

Just a short walk away is the Natural History Museum which is yet another of the city’s main cultural institutes. Full of stuffed animals, dinosaur skeletons and other specimens, all its enthralling exhibits shine a light on the history of life and evolution on Earth.

Initially a school, its refined building was again converted into a museum by the University of Helsinki in 1923. Its elegant halls and classrooms are now home to interesting displays of Finland’s fauna and flora or animals and ecosystems around the world.

As you amble about, you’ll see taxidermied giraffes, elephants and lions next to ancient fossils and mineral samples. Hands-on activities also help keep kids occupied and provide more information on botany, palaeontology and zoology at the same time.

17. Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral, which honors the death of the Virgin Mary, is an imposing building on Katajanokka peninsula where it overlooks Helsinki.

This Eastern Orthodox cathedral made of red bricks with gold cupolas and 13 green onion domes, which represent Christ and the 12 Apostles. It is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.

Built in the 1860s, it is modeled after a 16th century church near Moscow. The church is filled with icons and gorgeous chandeliers, one of which is said to work miracles. It is a good representation of the Russian influence on Finland, once a part of Russia.

16. Mannerheim Museum

The Mannerheim Museum Offers up a fascinating look into the life and times of one of Finland’s most famous public figures. Only accessible via guided tours, the large mansion lies in a quiet, leafy neighborhood, just south of the center.

A hugely important statesman and military leader, Field Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim lived here from 1924 to 1951. The best-known Finn of his time, alongside Jean Sibelius, his career actually began in the Imperial Russian Army. Later however he commanded the Finnish defense forces to an unlikely victory in the Winter War against the Soviet Union and served as Finland’s sixth president.

Very well-preserved, the historic house museum’s rooms are all still furnished the exact same way he had them. On tours, you’ll hear about his personal life and delve into parts of his colourful career. You can also admire old artworks, family heirlooms and Mannerheim’s many hunting trophies.

15. Sea Life Helsinki

Home to lots of amazing fish and aquatic animals, Sea Life Helsinki is set alongside the much-loved Linnanmaki theme park. A firm favorite with families, it also has some fun interactive activities and feeding sessions for you to enjoy.

Divided into different zones, the aquarium transports you from the tropics to the rainforest, stopping by ray tanks and rock pools on the way. There is also a wonderful walk-through tunnel where sharks, fish and seahorses swirl all around you.

After ogling the piranhas and electric eels, you can check out its colourful corals and camouflaged octopuses. Accompanying each aquarium is information on the species and ecosystem represented with engaging behind-the-scenes tours also taking place from time to time.

14. Day Trip to Nuuksio National Park

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature and explore the great outdoors, then it is well worth taking a trip to Nuuksio National Park. Boasting some absolutely stunning landscapes, scenery and nature, its wild reaches lie just half an hour’s drive northwest of town.

Only established in 1994, it protects vast swathes of pristine woodlands and reflective waterways. Meandering their way here and there are plenty of pretty paths to hike, bike or horseback ride along. Both grilling and camping are popular here in summer while some superb skiing can be had in winter.

As you wander about its forests and lakes, keep an eye peeled for the local wildlife. Amidst its dense overgrowth, you can sometimes spot Siberian flying squirrels and elusive European nightjars.

13. National Museum of Finland

For those interested in learning all about the country’s rich history, culture and heritage, the National Museum of Finland is simply a must. Packed with age-old artifacts and engaging exhibits, it covers its folklore, founding and much, much more besides.

Appropriately located right next to the parliament, its collection now occupies a colossal church-like building that dates to 1912. Built in National Romantic-style – the Nordics’ take on Art Nouveau – its entrance hall is coated with fabulous frescoes. These detailed paintings depict dramatic scenes from the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic.

Exhibits look at the Stone Age, the arrival of Christianity and how Finnish culture and society developed in the Middle Ages. Other rooms focus on life under both the Swedish Kingdom and Russian Empire and how independence eventually came about.

With so many glimmering treasures and attractive architectural features to take in, the museum was definitely our favorite in the city.

12. Helsinki Central Railway Station

Every bit as impressive is the absolutely enormous Helsinki Central Railway Station. One of the most beautiful in the world, it showcases some irresistible Art Nouveau architecture and of course acts as an indispensable transport hub.

Since being built in 1919, the station has been one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks thanks to its size and splendor. Among its most famous features are the four giant granite figures holding lanterns that flank its vast facade. Known as the Lyhdynkantajat or ‘Lantern Bearers’, their globes are delightfully lit up at night. Together with the train station’s iconic, illuminated clock tower that looms overhead, this creates an enchanting atmosphere.

In contrast to its imposing entrance with its immense arch, we found the inside a bit underwhelming. While the soaring glass ceilings and vaulted halls were quite cool, most of it looked like any other old station. It does have tons of cafes and shops to try though while sheltering from the cold or waiting for your train.

11. Kauppatori

If you want to sample traditional Finnish food or buy local arts and crafts, Kauppatori is the place to do it.

Helsinki’s most famous market is located on South Harbor at the entrance to Esplanadi Park. It’s a good place to buy reindeer skins and wood carvings, and munch on a lihapiirakka or Finnish meat pastie.

The open air market provides scenic views of Helsinki harbor and the Baltic Sea, and makes a good stop for people taking the ferry to Suomenlinna. The market is geared for tourists so prices can be high; do some comparison shopping before you go.

10. Helsinki Zoo

Another excellent place to see animals is the Helsinki Zoo which now has over 150 different species to observe. Occupying a small island just off of the capital, its lush grounds and spacious enclosures can be reached either by ferry or on foot from Mustikkamaa.

First opened to the public in 1889, it now houses more than 1,500 animals, birds and reptiles. These mainly hail from Europe and Asia so all the zoo’s outdoor residents can comfortably live in the rather cold Finnish climate. Among the most impressive are its incredible Amur tigers and snow leopards. Its cute snowy owls, otters and reindeer attract a lot of attention too.

The zoo also contains two tropical houses where you can see snakes and insects amidst the steamy plants and trees. The picnic spots and playgrounds dotted about make it a lovely place to spend the day with the family.

9. Kiasma Museum

The Kiasma Museum certainly lives up to its mission as a place to showcase the best Finnish contemporary art.

This mission starts with the building itself, a controversial unusual shaped structure designed by an America whose vision beat out 515 competitors in 1993. The Kiasma Museum, located near Parliament in downtown Helsinki, is part of Finland’s National Gallery.

Inside you’ll find works by more than 4,000 artists in rectangular rooms with a curved wall to promote silence for enhanced enjoyment of the art. Its changing exhibitions keep the visitors coming back.

8. Old Market Hall

Loads of fun to explore, the Old Market Hall contains countless stalls laden with fresh food products and Finnish specialties. Lying at the eastern end of the Esplanadi along the waterfront, it is the ideal spot to stop for either lunch or a snack and pick up some souvenirs.

While fishermen have sold fish here along the wharf for centuries, its Byzantine Revival-style building ‘only’ dates to 1889. Inside, its two long alleys are lined by rows of cozy cafes and quaint restaurants. Small shops also specialize in everything from liquor and fish to cheeses, cakes and cured meats.

Although it maybe wasn’t as large or as traditional as we were led to believe, the Old Market Hall still made for a pleasant stop. The local seafood and reindeer soup were super tasty and helped warm us up after the cold outside.

7. Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum offers an excellent way to learn about the way Finlanders lived in years gone by.

Located on one of Helsinki’s islands, 87 buildings from throughout the country have been moved here. Some of the farms and manors are as much as four centuries old, though the majority date from the 18th to 20th centuries.

The museum has been open since 1909, but closes during the winter months. Visitors recommend taking a picnic lunch to eat while you wander the grounds. It’s the largest outdoor museum in Finland, with guides dressed in costumes demonstrating activities of daily life.

6. Hit the Sauna

No visit to Helsinki and Finland can ever be complete without hopping in a steamy hot sauna at least once or twice. The country’s national pastime and a key part of every Finn’s identity, they are great to relax in after days spent exploring the city.

So important are they, more than three million saunas are reckoned to be scattered around the large lake-filled country. Most Finns sauna at least once a week with numerous public ones being found in and around the capital.

Nudity is completely normal in Finland with friends, family members and strangers of both sexes all often sitting together in the steam without bathing suits. You can bring in a towel, however, and many public saunas in Helsinki are separated by gender. If you want, you can also gently beat your body with birch twigs. This rather strange practice is believed to be good for your skin and muscles!

Saunaing with friends at their lakeside home on the outskirts of town was the highlight of our time in Helsinki. After enduring all the heat, hurling ourselves into the lake’s cool waters was a very reinvigorating experience!

5. Kamppi Chapel

Silence, please. When you’re seeking a moment of solitude in busy Helsinki, you’ll find it at the Kamppi Chapel, also known as the Chapel of Silence. It’s an ecumenical chapel sponsored by Helsinki parishes and the city’s Social Service Department as a place to calm yourself down when life gets too hectic.

It’s located on Narinkkatori square, in an innovatively designed wooden building that looks more like a tall oval serving dish than a chapel. Since it’s near several shopping centers, it might be just what you need after shopping till you drop.

4. Esplanadi Park

Esplanadi Park has been a good place to relax and unwind from busy Helsinki since 1812. It’s a great place to see and be seen, to meet friends for a picnic or attend fashion shows and jazz concerts. For these and other reasons, the park, located in the heart of Helsinki between two busy streets, is very popular with locals.

It’s a place where locals and visitors can enjoy the extensive green space, relax at an old café, or be entertained by everyone from street performers to chamber orchestras. It is Helsinki’s best known park.

3. Helsinki Cathedral

The white Helsinki Cathedral is an impressive site when the sky is blue. The church was designed by the same architect who designed Senate Square. It was originally called St. Nicholas Church after the Russian tsar, but the name was changed when Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917.

This neoclassical Lutheran church, reminiscent of ancient Greek buildings, is located on Senate Square. Built in 1830, the church features white columns and zinc statues of the 12 Apostles on the roof. If snacking in unusual places appeals to you, the café used to be a crypt.

2. Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna may be in Finland, but the old sea fortress was built by the Swedes in the mid-18th century as protection from Russian invaders. It was not very successful at this, since the Russians conquered Viapori, as it’s known in Finnish, in 1808.

At one time Suomenlinna served as a naval base and war ships were made here. Located on six rocky islands off Helsinki, Suomenlinna, known as the Castle of Finland, is reachable by ferry from Helsinki. It’s one the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki and a great place to picnic in the summer, though it is open all year.

1. Temppeliaukio Kirkko

If you like to visit unique churches, head to Temppeliaukio Kirkko or Church of the Rock. It’s a stunning Lutheran church that was built into solid rock in the 20th century.

Construction first started in the 1930s, then stopped during World War II. It began again in 1968 after a second design competition. The result is an interior built from solid rock, with sunlight streaming down through a copper dome; morning is a good time to visit as sunlight lights up the interior. The altar is an ice-age crevice. The church has excellent acoustics and is frequently used as a concert venue.

Map of Things to Do in Helsinki, Finland

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November 11, 2017 at 8:04 am

Hello everyone, I am going to visit finland in february, Could you tell me if suerasaari will be open for that period?

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25 Best Things to Do in Helsinki

A rich architectural experience gives you plenty to do in Helsinki . The city’s collection of buildings represent diverse styles, and it includes some of the most innovative and bold structures in Europe. 

Besides the Finnish capital’s built environment, you can enjoy outdoor attractions and experience the country’s culture.

Get the Helsinki Card and save money. Get free entrance to to sights and museums, free public transport , a free sightseeing city tour, and discounts on shopping and restaurants

Table of Contents

Top 25 things to do in Helsinki

1. market square, visit one of helsinki´s most iconic sights.

One of Helsinki’s most iconic sights and a must-see during any visit is Market Square. This is where many visitors converge while they explore the old town, especially for those arriving by ferry. 

Along with the harbour, Market Square is a hub of activity and represents the best of Helsinki. Local sellers offer their best produce to locals and visitors, including fresh fish. 

There are also various crafts and souvenirs for sale inside the Old Market Hall . You can find everything from reindeer horns and hides to homemade jewellery and toys. There is also fresh bread, wine, cheese and other great items. 

If you are visiting in October, you can visit the Baltic Herring Market.

2. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the best things to do in Helsinki for art lovers

Opened in 1990, Kiasma’s imposing silver shell designed by Steven Holl was a controversial addition to the cityscape. Over the years, it has become an iconic landmark in Helsinki . Completed in 1998, the building represents Helsinki’s modern era. 

You will find the contemporary collection of the Finnish National Gallery at the museum, which also has fine modern exhibitions.

If you like admiring urban landscapes, visit the north-facing end of the museum if you need something to do in Helsinki even if you are not a huge fan of art. 

There you are treated to panoramic views of the city, including the majestic Parliament House and the contemporary Helsinki Music Centre.

3. Kajsaniemi Botanical Garden, a top attraction to see in Helsinki

Explore an array of plant life at the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden , which traces its roots to the oldest scientific garden in the country.

In 1678, Peter Kalm opened a science-focused garden in Turku. It moved to the Helsinki University in 1829 following a fire and now offers visitors a top attraction to see in Helsinki.

From colourful flowers to sprawling plants, there are some 800 species of flora at the botanical gardens’ ten inter-connected greenhouses . In total, there are some 3,600 species across the site’s four hectares. 

This is a great spot to escape from the cold during the winter, although it is a popular year-round destination for residents and travellers to the city.

4. See the Amos Rex

This art museum is in the functionalist Lasipalatsi, or Glass Palace . Amos Rex celebrates art and urban culture with a thrilling programme of exhibitions. 

Whether you appreciate classic art or contemporary performances, you will not be disappointed with your visit at this top cultural attraction and a must see in Helsinki.

Amos Rex is the home of the impressive Sigurd Frosterus Foundation’s post-impressionist collection . The courtyard is another highlight. The former site of Helsinki’s bus station, it now has unique tiled domes that also double as skylights.

Read also: Where to stay in Helsinki

5. Don´t miss Kamppi Chapel

In the bustling city centre is the Kamppi Chapel – the ‘Chapel of Silence’ . This calm escape is made from Nordic spruce. 

Built in 2012, the construction of the building creates a refuge of quiet and serenity, while the circular shape exemplifies Scandinavian design and style.

This ultra-contemporary Lutheran chapel features pews made from ash and alder planks in the interior. The main hall also features an interesting altar with a solitary cross.

6. Stroll around the Design District

Wander among boutiques, antique shops, galleries and much more at the Design District. Located in southern Helsinki, there are also many restaurants to enjoy a meal while you explore the city.

The Design District embodies the minimalist character of Finnish design, including in the architecture of its buildings. Amazing collections with galleries, shops and more also represent the best of Scandinavian style. 

From art to interior design, there is something for everyone. Find unique clothes, handmade products and other one-of-a-kind items.

7. Explore the Helsinki City Museum

Understand Helsinki’s history and culture at the Helsingin Kaupunginmuseo – the Helsinki City Museum. The extensive site includes five buildings at Cathedral Square. It includes the city’s oldest central building that dates from 1757.

Diverse exhibitions are housed in the City Museum, which has a collection of approximately 450,000 artifacts and over a million photographs. You will find unique collections, including home décor from the 19th century and traditional costumes from across Finland. 

Virtual technology helps enhance your visit, allowing you to see the city’s past from a unique perspective.

8. Visit Suomenlinna

About a 15-minute ferry journey from the city centre is Suomenlinna, a series of small islands in the South Harbour. Recognised by UNESCO for its cultural relevance, it is also known as the ‘Fortress of Finland. 

You can visit the various islands to admire Helsinki’s skyline while you explore the sea fortress’s many sites.

Built when Finland was part of Sweden, the fortifications were originally known as Sveaborg. It served as a strategic defence point for southern Finland and featured an impressive dock, an architectural marvel that still stands. 

The site also includes interesting museums and pleasant green spaces , and there is a fine restaurant on Lonna island.

To gain a better perspective on this area’s history, consider taking a  guided tour . 

9. Marvel at Oodi, Helsinki´s Central Library

Helsinki’s Central Library , Oodi is an exciting architectural wonder for you to see in Helsinki. There is a café and restaurant along with a cinema in this beautiful yet functional building. 

You can admire 3D printers or use sewing machines, or even spend time in a recording studio. This is a bold book repository like no other.

On the third level, you will find a welcoming terrace . From there, admire some of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks like Parliament House, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and more. 

If you are looking for something unique to do in Helsinki , this is a great place to start.

10. Experience finish sauna at Kotiharjun Sauna

The quintessential Finnish experience is visiting a sauna, a tradition that dates to the Vikings. Along with relieving stress, saunas are also visited to help lose weight, soothe muscle and joint pain and even improve cardiovascular performance.

Meditate and relax at the Kotiharjun Sauna, one of only three traditional public saunas that remain in the city. If you have little time to spare to go to a sauna in Finland’s more rural areas, this is a great place to enjoy a classic experience during your visit.

11. Ateneum, Finland´s premier art gallery

Housed within a lavish neo-Renaissance building from 1887, the Ateneum is Finland’s premier art gallery. This is the place to go to see the country’s most celebrated art, including paintings and sculptures.

The collection at the Ateneum includes works by Albert Edelfelt, Helene Schjerfbeck, Pekka Halonen, Hugo Simbery, the von Wright brothers, and others. The Kalevala is a celebrated masterpiece from Akseli Gallen-Kallela and one of the museum’s highlights.

12. Café Ekberg and try Napoleon cake

Known as the oldest café in Helsinki , Café Ekberg is arguably the most elegant café in the city. It is a great spot to start your day with a delicious breakfast and flavourful coffee before exploring the city. It is also a fine place to end your day and unwind.

Opened in 1852, the classic café’s highlights include mouth-watering patisserie like its famed Napoleon cake . The menu also has a wonderful array of cookies, biscuits and pastries to tempt you.

13. Check out the Design Museum

If you love design, you need to visit Helsinki’s Design Museum. The museum explores the roots of Finnish design , including its ties to nature and cultural traditions. The focus is mainly on contemporary works, including clothing and décor.

You can combine a ticket with the Museum of Finish Architecture and visit both museums during your stay in the city. During the summer, both museums host a shared pavilion where students create a sustainable structure.

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14. Have a great time at Allas

At the edge of the South Harbour is Allas, a fantastic recreational facility for you to unwind. 

There are three outdoor pools, including a heated one that can even be enjoyed on the coldest days of the year. One pool is reserved just for kids. There are also saunas to help you relax.

Watch boats sail past from a terrace on the top of the wooden pavilion. After your relaxing day at Allas, you can enjoy dinner at Allas Wine & Dine. Concerts are also hosted during the summer, where top musicians from Finland and abroad entertain the masses.

15. Explore Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo

On an island northwest of the city centre is Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo, an outdoor museum with 87 historic buildings.  

Reach the island of Seurasaari via a long footbridge to enter this leafy oasis with reconstructed rural architecture, offering you a glimpse of life outside the city from bygone eras.

You will find a manor house, barns, cottages and a timber church. You can visit the island for free, but tickets are needed to enter the buildings. 

The island’s Festival Stage hosts folk dancing during Midsummer, when newlyweds also light bonfires on the coast after their wedding ceremony.

16. Visit the Kansallismuseo

You might mistake the Kansallismuseo for a Gothic church thanks to its imposing square tower and heavy stonework. Opened in 1916, the museum is one of Finland’s top-tier museums. 

From prehistory exhibits to collections from every period between the 13th and 19th centuries , the museum has a rich collection covering the breadth of Finish history .

This is a fun destination if you are looking for something to do in Helsinki with little ones . The hands-on Workshop Vintti makes learning about history fun and exciting for children. 

On the first floor, step out onto the balcony and admire frescoes on ceiling arches. These works by painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela tell the story about Kalevala, the national epic.

17. Relax in Kaivopuisto

Situated on the waterfront, Kaivopuisto is a large park dating from 1834. The popular greenspace includes sprawling lawns for picnics and sunbathing. 

There are also meandering paths to explore alongside sculptures. Paths also connect you to other attractions, like the Mattolaituri café and Kaivohuone bar.

Visit the park if you are looking for something laid-back to do in Helsinki. During the winter, tobogganing is a favourite pastime on the park’s slopes.

 In the summer, you might catch a concert . From classical music to the latest pop songs, the sounds of different genres echo through the park.

18. Helsinki Zoo, something to do in Helsinki with kids

On the island of Korkeasaari is Helsinki Zoo. This is a fabulous day out to do in Helsinki if you are visiting with kids . Founded in 1889, the zoo has approximately 150 animal species and 1,000 plant species from Finland and beyond. 

Animals are housed in large natural enclosures, and there is also a farm at the zoo.

You can travel to the zoo by ferry, offering a unique experience and great views of the coast off Helsinki. There is also a café and terrace at the site if you need to rest or grab a bite to eat.

19. Visit the Helsinki Olympic Stadium

Built in 1938, Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a fine example of Helsinki’s functionalist architecture . The venue was the main stadium for the 1952 Olympic Games. Now, it hosts concerts along with national and international sports events.

At 72 metres or 235 feet, the Stadium Tower lets you see Helsinki from a unique perspective. You can look out for central Helsinki’s most famous buildings while admiring the view. 

The Olympic Stadium is also the site of the Finnish Sportsmuseum and the bistro Stadion restaurant.

20. Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

One of the top things to do in Helsinki is spend time in Senate Square. There are fine examples of neoclassical architecture, including Helsinki Cathedral, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.  

The Government Palace is also found here. Carl Ludvig Engel designed all four buildings, and a statue of Alexander II is at the heart of the square.

Helsinki Cathedral is one of Finland’s most iconic buildings. It is also something you must see in Helsinki. The oldest stone building – Sederholm House – in the city stands on the square’s southeast corner. There you will find the Helsinki City Museum.

21. Relax in Löyly

A public sauna , Löyly is on the southern edge of Helsinki in the Hernesaari district. The complex includes two wood-heated saunas and a traditional Finnish smoke sauna to help you recharge. From the saunas you can step into an outdoor seating area by the sea.

There is also a terrace and restaurant that are open at this year-round attraction.The restaurant serves a menu with local ingredients for brunch, lunch and dinner on Saturdays.

22. Erottaja Rescue Station

Built atop a hill, Erottaja rescue station was completed in 1891. At 42 metres above the city, the station’s tower offers fabulous views of the city. On clear days, you can see Tallinn from the tower.

The rescue station is home to the second oldest municipal professional fire brigade in Europe’s Nordic countries. There is also a fire museum within the station’s courtyard.

23. Chill out in Esplanade Park

Known locally as “Espa”, Esplanade Park is one of Finland’s most popular parks. People flock to this greenspace to enjoy a picnic or watch performances. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, the park features tree-lined paths, monumental sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.

Located close to Market Square, the park is also home to one of Helsinki’s most iconic restaurants. Kappeli was built in 1867 and designed by Hampus Dahlström. Across from the restaurant is Espa Stage, which hosts concerts from May to August.

24. Tennispalatsi, a must-see in Helsinki

The Tennis Palace or Tennispalatsi offers top quality recreation and culture. Built in a functionalist style, the building features vaulted halls and served as the city’s main tennis venue and hosted basketball during the 1952 Olympics.

The building houses the Helsinki City Art Museum (HAM) , which draws fans of contemporary and modern art. The museum’s collection has more than 9,000 pieces . 

The Tennispalatsi also features several cafes and restaurants plus Finnkino, the largest cinema complex in Finland.

25. Have fun in the Linnanmäki Amusement Park

People have flocked to Linnanmäki Amusement Park since 1950. There is a great collection of rides if you are looking for something fun to do in Helsinki. Rides thrill and excite, but there are also fun and more laid back rides if you want to avoid really scary attractions.

Built in 1951, a wooden rollercoaste r at the park is one of its most popular rides. There are also fun games to play and test your luck. Outdoor performances are also staged at this wonderful amusement park.

Photos: Shutterstock

2 thoughts on “25 Best Things to Do in Helsinki”

Your list is great but you should really include something about Moomins. If you don’t know Moomins and come to visit Helsinki you will see them everywhere. They are characters in a series of books written and illustrated by Tove Jansson, and look a bit like white hippos. In Helsinki you can go to Moomin Shops to see them, or visit HAM for the Tove Jansson exhibition to learn more about their creator. We also have a Moomin museum in Tampere and a Moomin park in Naantali.

Hi Hanna. Thank you for your comment

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The 11 best things to do in Helsinki

Visit the Finnish capital for cool vibes, hot saunas and nature. Here are the best things to do in Helsinki

Helsinki might have a bit of a rep for being cold – and, make no mistake, this place really does get cold – but there’s much more to the Finnish capital than its almost-Arctic winters. Straddling east and west, Helsinki boasts hipster hideaways, student-friendly liveliness, fabulous proximity to nature and more than enough opportunities for sitting back with a beer and/or enjoying traditional sauna. Here are our top 11 things to do in Helsinki.

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Best things to do in Helsinki

1.  Kiasma (Museum of Contemporary Art)

What is it? The city’s most popular art gallery, filled with international modern works. Its ultra-modern building, designed by Steven Holl, is itself a beauty too, though it was initially regarded as a bit controversial.

Why go? For the quirky, cool temporary shows. This joint’s been known to hold exhibitions by the likes of Grayson Perry. – he explores themes of gender through his contemporary pottery – and Finnish artist Maija Luutonen, who paints onto paper but somehow creates the illusion of three dimensions.

2.  Kallio

What is it? Just a short tram ride away from the city centre you’ll find this trendy neighbourhood that – once a year – holds a huge party which aims to reclaim the streets. Run by volunteers and totally free, you’ll drink, dance and mingle.

Why go? It’s where all the cool kids hang out for a reason: this area is all about music, good food and good vibes. This year (2023) the Kallio street party’s being held on August 6, but don’t worry if you’re not around then. We recommend checking out Kallio’s laid-back vibes all year round.

3.  Market Square

What is it? A bustling market square where you get to try out different Finnish food such as its famous hot chocolate or head into the Old Market Hall which is just off it.

Why go? Food, food and more food. Try out lihapiirakka (meat pastries) or silli if you’re brave (yes, that’s herring). Not feeling so plucky? Then we recommend Finnish hot chocolate, which the nation is famous for. You can also hop on a ferry from here to visit the Fort of Helsinki. Wrap up warm, though - it’s right next to the Baltic Sea, which is quite literally baltic.

4.  The Finnish Sauna Society

What is it? A small, sweaty box where you take your clothes off and sweat out all the toxins and hangovers, with aromatherapy, smoke and steam chucked in. There are 1.3 million saunas in Finland, so it’s hard to pick a favourite, but we liked this one, founded in 1937.

Why go? There are six traditional saunas to choose from and then you’re able to swim in the nearby lake to cool off. It’s only €10 (£8.60) to get in, and you can stay as long as you like. Plus you’ll feel amazing afterwards.

5.  Gulf of Finland

What is it? If you’re up for an adrenaline ride then you’ll like this. Escape the city and head into the nearby snowy Gulf of Finland – basically, you’re off to winter wonderland for the day. Plus you’ll get lunch round the campfire included.

Why go? You’ll see nature at its beautiful and most unspoiled – and did we mention that you get to experience a snowmobile? Don’t worry, you’ll have a guide on hand to help.

6.  The Fortress of Suomenlinna

What is it? A Unesco World Heritage Site and eighteenth-century fort spread across six islands. It was created by the Swedish to protect Finland from the Russians in 1748 when Finland was still part of Sweden. Head down to find out about nautical history, to walk around the grounds and to check out some pretty awesome views, too.

Why go? It’s free to get in and also a great spot for a picnic. Pick up some local mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie) or kaalikääryleet (cabbage rolls) and head down for lunch in its grounds. History buff heaven.

7.  Café Ekburg

What is it? Café Ekberg seats 90 people and is regarded as the oldest café in the city, established in 1852. It would be rude not to head down and sample its renowned pastries and coffee. Try and book in advance if you can.

Why go? It’s got a pretty French interior and it does a mean Sunday brunch. We recommend the sweet pastries as well as porridge and eggs – always a good way to set yourself up for the day in a very chilly city.

8.  Fafa's

What is it? This chain is a chain for a reason – there’s couldn’t just be one because it’s so popular. Middle Eastern classics like falafel, hummus, tabbouleh and eggplant are all great choices for vegans, too. And the portions are huge.

Why go? Helsinki, and Finland, in general, aren’t the cheapest of places but this place is bang on budget. Did we mention it’s also very delicious? Hummus is very popular in Finland and this place has it down to a tee.

9.  Löyly

What is it? We all know the Fins love a sauna but this spot takes it to the next level. One-third bar, one-third restaurant and one-third sauna, it also has an epic view over the Baltic which you can take in from a wooden terrace (and also have a dip in – but be warned, it’s freezing). Just make sure you book ahead.

Why go? Chilled out and all about the views, the food is also very good here. Choose classics like salmon soup, grilled beef and Savoy cabbage or deep fried vendaces. And when your dinner has done down, head back into that sauna.

10.  Nuuksio National Park

What is it? Escape the city for the day on a tour of rural Finland. You’ll visit the Nuuksio National Park to learn about Finnish Nature, visit real-life actual reindeer and also have a traditional Finnish sauna – where you’ll whack each other with birch branches and drink a beer.

Why go? Finland is a beautiful country, with lakes at every turn and we won’t lie – you’ll get some epic photos. But you’ll also experience the warmth of a traditional Finnish sauna. Yes, that is how the Fins all have such glowing skin. What’s not to love?

11.  Sinful Helsinki Walking Tour

What is it? The meeting point for a walking tour with a difference. Delve into Helsinki’s prohibition past between 1919 and 1932 when booze was banned but the city was awash with alcohol and cocaine. Prohibition didn’t just affect the US - and Finnish gangsters weren’t to be messed with either.

Why go? You’ll visit the city’s former seedy underbelly to check out its secret speakeasies and find out all about its wild former residents. It’s two hours that you certainly wouldn’t get on your average walking tour.

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Must-see attractions in Helsinki

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, the ‘fortress of Finland’, straddles a cluster of car-free islands connected by bridges. This Unesco World Heritage site was originally built…

Occupying a palatial 1887 neo-Renaissance building, Finland’s premier art gallery offers a crash course in the nation’s art. It houses Finnish paintings…

Design Museum

Punavuori & Ullanlinna

An unmissable stop for Finnish design aficionados, Helsinki's Design Museum has a permanent collection that looks at the roots of Finnish design in the…

Kansallismuseo

Built in National Romantic art nouveau style and opened in 1916, Finland’s premier historical museum looks a bit like a Gothic church with its heavy…

Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo

Situated 5.5km northwest of the city centre, this excellent island-set museum has a collection of 87 historic wooden buildings transferred here from…

One in a series of elegant, contemporary buildings in this part of town, curvaceous, metallic Kiasma, designed by Steven Holl and finished in 1998, is a…

Set beneath the iconic 1936 Lasipalatsi building, art museum Amos Rex opened in 2018. Sweeping staircases take you below ground to the exhibition halls…

Rambling over 4 hectares in the city centre alongside the north harbour, Töölönlahti, Helsinki's botanic gardens are filled with plants from Finland and…

Helsingin Kaupunginmuseo

This museum complex spreads over five buildings from different eras, including Sederholmin talo, Helsinki’s oldest central building (dating from 1757 and…

Esplanadin Puisto

Locally known as 'Espa', oblong-shaped Esplanadi stretches for four blocks between the squares Erottaja to the west and the kauppatori to the east…

Kaivopuisto

On the waterfront, this sprawling park dating from 1834 is a favourite Helsinki idyll. There are expanses of lawns; numerous sculptures and winding paths;…

Sinebrychoffin Taidemuseo

One of Helsinki's finest collections of classic European paintings is in these 1842-built former brewery offices, which also contained living quarters for…

Temppeliaukion Kirkko

Hewn into solid stone, the Temppeliaukion church, designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1969, feels close to a Finnish ideal of spirituality in nature…

Museum of Finnish Architecture

Finland's architecture museum occupies a neo-Rennaissance building dating from 1899. Exhibitions are its key focus, including the fascinating Decades of…

Ehrensvärd-Museo

Perhaps the most interesting of the museums at Suomenlinna, this was once the home of Augustin Ehrensvärd, who designed the fortress, and later the…

Tuomiokirkko

One of Carl Ludvig Engel’s finest creations, the chalk-white neoclassical Lutheran cathedral presides over Senaatintori (Senate Sq). Created to serve as a…

Suomnelinna Toy Museum

A three-storey wooden cottage houses this delightful private collection of hundreds of dolls and nearly as many teddy bears, dating from the early 19th…

Kamppi Chapel

Built in 2012 by Helsinki architectural firm K2S, this exquisite, ultracontemporary curvilinear chapel is constructed from wood (wax-treated spruce…

Mannerheim-Museo

This fascinating museum by Kaivopuisto was the home of Baron Gustav Mannerheim, former president, commander in chief of the Finnish army and Finnish Civil…

Helsinki Art Museum

Inside the Tennispalatsi, Helsinki's contemporary-art museum oversees 9000 works, including 3500 citywide public artworks. The overwhelming majority of…

Tennispalatsi

The 1938-completed Tennispalatsi (Tennis Palace) cultural and recreation centre was intended for the 1940 Summer Olympics, which were subsequently…

Villa Gyllenberg

In a lovely setting on Kuusisaari island, this private gallery in a 1938 villa has works ranging from the Italian Renaissance to an extensive collection…

Didrichsen Taidemuseo

On the island of Kuusisaari, this striking villa is filled with elegant objets d'art, including some Mayan and Chinese pieces, Finnish golden-age works…

Gallen-Kallelan Museo

Part castle, part studio, this was the home of Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865–1931), one of Finland’s most significant artists. Many of his works are…

Suomenlinna-Museo

By the bridge at Suomenlinna that connects Iso Mustasaari and the main island, Susisaari, is Suomenlinna-Museo, a two-level museum covering the history of…

Reached by a causeway, Tar Island (named for the warehouses that safely stored flammable Finnish tar here prior to export) is now a landscaped park with…

Espoo Museum of Modern Art

In the commuter city of Espoo, this museum has a huge collection of mostly Finnish modern art, ranging from the early 20th century to the present. Works…

While Vantaa (Swedish: Vanda), a satellite suburb of Helsinki, is best known as the location of the airport, it's also home to this fantastic hands-on…

Famous Linnanmäki is a real kid pleaser with rides (some free) including several roller coasters and a panoramic 75m free-fall tower, as well as nightly…

Observatory Hill Park

Designed in 1868 by Swedish landscaper Knut Forsberg in the style of a German city park, and completed in 1889 by his compatriot Svante Olsson, this…

Parliament House

Finland's imposing parliament building was designed by Finnish architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén and inaugurated in 1931. Its pared-back neoclassicism…

Luonnontieteellinen Museo

The city’s natural history museum is known for its controversial weathervane of a sperm impregnating an ovum. Modern exhibitions such as Story of the…

At Suomenlinna, the Vesikko is the only WWII-era submarine remaining in Finland (the rest were scrapped). It saw action against the Russians during the…

Suomenlinnan Kirkko

Built by the Russians in 1854 for their garrison on Suomenlinna, this church originally had five onion domes, and served as an Orthodox place of worship…

Helsinki Zoo

Helsinki's leafy zoo occupies the entire island of Korkeasaari. Established in 1889 it has 150 animal species and 1000 plant species from Finland and…

Uspenskin Katedraali

The eye-catching red-brick Uspenski Cathedral towers above Katajanokka island. Built as a Russian Orthodox church in 1868, it features classic golden…

Opened late 2018 as a 100th anniversary gift to the people of Finland, the central library is as aesthetically pleasing as it is intellectually…

Johanneksenkirkko

Helsinki’s largest church, with seating for 2600 worshippers, is the soaring neo-Gothic St John’s Lutheran Church. Designed by Swedish architect Adolf…

Kallion Kirkko

Designed by Lars Sonck and completed in 1912, this 65m-high Lutheran church is a Helsinki landmark and visible from all over the city. Built from grey…

Kaapelitehdas

This sprawling site once manufactured sea cables and later became Nokia’s main factory until the 1980s. It’s now a cultural complex with design studios,…

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Home » Travel Guides » Finland » 15 Best Things to Do in Helsinki (Finland)

15 Best Things to Do in Helsinki (Finland)

Finland’s capital was founded in the 16th century but the city you see today really took shape in the 1800s. This was when the Russians laid out Helsinki along similar lines to St. Petersburg, with its broad streets and neoclassical mansions.

A little earlier the Swedes had completed Soumenlinna, an ambitious sea fortress that was intended to keep the Russians at bay. This huge project is still intact and is just one of a catalogue of exciting things to track down in Helsinki. Find time to see some modern architecture too; the Temppeliaukio Church is out of this world.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Helsinki :

1. Suomenlinna

Board the ferry from Kauppatori and in a few minutes you’ll be in one of the most amazing man-made places in Scandinavia, if not the world.

Suomenlinna is a giant maritime fortress spread across seven islands.

It was put up by the Swedes in the mid-1800s to defend their eastern territories, but Helsinki was overrun by the Russians at the start of the 19th century.

It’s no exaggeration to say that almost nothing has changed at Suomenlinna since then.

Amid the star-shaped walls and gun positions is a small baroque settlement that is still home to 1000 people.

2. Helsinki Cathedral

The tall green dome of this landmark soars above the Helsinki cityscape, and from the water at night itseems to shine like a beacon.

Whatever your reason for visiting Helsinki, this whitewashed neoclassical cathedral is one of the sights you need to check out.

When it was built it in the mid-19th century was called St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, in honour of the Russian Tsar Nicholas I who was also Grand Duke of Finland.

After Finnish independence in 1917 it simply became Helsinki Cathedral.

3. Esplanadi

Known to locals as “Espa”, this is a finger of green space right in the middle of the city, a place where tourists and Helsinki residents come to take picnics, relax and be entertained in summer.

At this time of year the space in front of Cafe Kappeli is the Espa Stage, an outdoor venue with an exciting schedule of shows and live music performances.

Come in July for Jazz-Espa, a month-long jazz festival, or in June for the Marimekko Fashion Show.

4. Temppeliaukio Church

Safe to say there aren’t many churches in the world quite like this one.

Temppeliaukio was the result of a post-war design competition, won by Suomalainen Brothers and was inaugurated in 1969.

The building is partly underground and has been hewn from the bedrock, which forms the interior walls.

Around the central dome is a circular skylight, through which sunlight floods into the main chamber during the day.

Every piece of decoration and furniture inside this remarkable church was designed by the architects.

Approaching it along Fredrikinkatu, the broad copper dome of Temppeliaukio Church will look like some sort of alien invasion.

5. Seurasaari Island

Taking up a whole island a few kilometres north of the city centre is an open-air museum that has put together a collection of typical Finnish buildings from around the country.

The museum is open all summer and this is when trained guides are decked in traditional garb can tell you about life and work in rural Finland over the last 400 years.

The old workshops, farms, manor houses and cottages are connected by a network of trails, making for gentle walks through woodland or next to the coast.

6. Uspenski Cathedral

If you’re looking for sights that illustrate Russia’s century-long engagement with Finland, this orthodox cathedral in Pormestarinrinne is the best place to begin.

It’s the largest orthodox church in western Europe, sitting on a rise in the Katajanokka, one of Helsinki’s upmarket areas.

From the outside the church’s origins are unmistakable when you see its red-brick towers and their golden cupolas.

Take a look at the Iconostasis, with its set of beautiful paintings depicting the virgin Mary and an array of saints.

7. Old Market Hall

Open all day, Monday to Saturday, the Old Market Hall near the water in Eteläranta has been around since 1889.

Before then there had never been a permanent building for Helsinki’s markets, which were open-air and held in squares.

It’s a striking byzantine revival building, worth checking out even if you don’t need to do any shopping.

If you would like to pick something up you’ll be tempted by all sorts of stalls selling fresh produce including meat, fish, fruit and veg, but also Finnish cakes and cheeses.

8. Urban Sauna visit

Sauna is a Finnish word, and there are three million of them in Finland, a large quantity of which are found right here in Helsinki.

Many are open to the public, and whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, it’s just one of those things you have to try in Finland.

For public saunas try the districts of Kotiharju, Merihaka,  Hermanni, or the new “Löyly” complex at the southern end of Helsinki peninsula.

There’s some sauna etiquette to remember but none of it is too difficult: Men and women are usually separate, naked is best but towels are allowed, and it’s usually best to keep your voice low if you have to talk at all!

9. Linnanmäki

This amusement park has been open for more than 65 years.

Throughout that time it has been donating all profits to Päivän Säätiö, a Finnish child welfare charity.

Well over a million visitors a year come to ride the white-knuckle roller coasters, try their luck in the amusement arcades or bring their kids to all kinds of child-friendly shows and attractions.

All the major rides at Linnanmäki break Finnish records: The highest and fastest in the country are set here, but among them are seven that go right back to the park’s origins in the 1950s.

10. Crayfish parties

From late-July to the end of August Helsinki’s citizens dress up in their finest and pack out the city’s seafood restaurants.

This is crayfish season, and the shellfish is paired with Akvavit in a surprisingly complicated set of rituals.

Waiters at local restaurants will be happy to fill you in about how to eat crayfish the right way, and when to take a shot of Akvavit.

And then of course come the drinking songs. It might be a bit more of a challenge to sing along with these.

11. Vintage Tram Ride

Catch this tram from the Havis Amanda Fountain at Market Square on summer weekends.

You’ll set off on a 20-minute tour of nearly all of central Helsinki’s top sights.

These heritage trams are a century old, and although there’s no guide on board you’ll be provided with a multi-language leaflet to let you know what you’re looking at.

The trailer pulled by the main tram car will also give you some excellent shots of the city for your instagram account!

12. Seaside amble

Another great way to see the best of Helsinki is along the waterfront as there’s a seven kilometre trail that runs from end to end.

Heading down the eastern side of the Helsinki peninsula your walk will begin at Hietaniemi Beach, which on the warmest summer days is the best sandy bay in Helsinki.

Later you’ll pass the Sibelius Monument, an abstract sculpture to commemorate Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius.

The waterfront path is served by ice cream sellers in summer and is always leafy, winding through parks or next to the grounds of the Prime Minister’s summer residence.

13. Helsinki design

Going back to the post-war era Helsinki is a city that embraces cutting-edge architecture and design.

The Rock Cathedral illustrates this attitude best, but there’s a thriving culture that really deserves a bit of investigation.

Check out the Design District just below the Esplanadi: Across just a few city blocks are some 200 design-oriented shops, galleries, buildings and attractions.

The Design Museum is here and documents Finnish architecture and design over the last 150 years.

14. National Museum of Finland

Since you’re visiting the capital you have to take the chance to find out about Finland’s past.

One section that will catch the interest of all comers contains the Treasure Troves.

As you make your way through these nine rooms you can goggle at silver, jewellery, coins, medals and armour.

Further on you’ll see how Finnish culture and society developed during the middle ages before it became part of the Swedish Kingdom and then the Russian Empire.

There are also intriguing exhibits covering the country’s early civilisations, among them a neolithic offering stone and an Iron Age burial cist.

15. Wooden House Districts

As the city grew in the early-20th century Helsinki built whole neighbourhoods for its working class.

Many of these have since been demolished and replaced, but several remain, and the pretty painted timber houses here are now homes for Helsinki’s bohemian and creative types.

Areas like Puu Vallila have coffee shops and trendy bars, while Puu-Käpylä  is loved for its green space.

This suburb was intended as a Garden City, so there’s loads of greenery and the vegetable plots allocated for workers are now urban farms.

Further reading: Best places to visit in Finland

15 Best Things to Do in Helsinki (Finland):

• Suomenlinna
• Helsinki Cathedral
• Temppeliaukio Church
• Seurasaari Island
• Uspenski Cathedral
• Old Market Hall
• Urban Sauna visit
• Crayfish parties
• Vintage Tram Ride
• Seaside amble
• Helsinki design
• National Museum of Finland
• Wooden House Districts

The 15 Best Things to Do in Helsinki

Of the five Nordic countries, Finland might be the least familiar to travelers. While hordes have descended upon the Scandinavian capitals of Oslo, Stockholm , and Copenhagen — and Iceland’s Reykjavik, of course — Helsinki is still somewhat of an under-the-radar gem. But the small capital city is one of the most alluring destinations in Northern Europe, offering a wealth of attractions from historic UNESCO sites to design museums to beautiful parks, not to mention the kindness of local Finns and the warmth of their famous saunas.

Visit the Suomenlinna Fortress

Suomenlinna Fortress is one of Helsinki’s top tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Construction on the UNESCO-designated historic site, which spans six different islands in Helsinki’s harbor, began in 1748, when Finland was still part of Sweden. While it’s no longer an active military site, Suomenlinna is home to a number of museums — including one housed in the Vesikko submarine — as well as shops and restaurants. There’s even a hostel for guests who want to stay overnight. Suomenlinna is also much more than a tourist attraction, with some 800 permanent residents who rent apartments on the islands. To get to the fortress, you’ll need to take a 15-minute ferry from Market Square. 

Stroll Through Helsinki's Market Square

Getty Images

Helsinki’s Market Square is lined with colorful tents, each hosting a local vendor selling everything from baked goods to handicrafts to fresh produce. While it’s easy to write this off as a tourist attraction, locals do drop by to grab a coffee or some fresh vegetables — they’ll often avoid the crowds during the summer, though. The Market Square is open year-round, though there are far fewer vendors in the winter. Adjacent to the square is the Old Market Hall , which is the indoor companion to the tents that’s open all year and provides shoppers and diners respite from the weather.

Sail to Helsinki's Nearby Islands

David Ayisoe / Getty Images

Helsinki is surrounded by an archipelago comprising some 330 islands, and locals and visitors alike flock to them for recreation and entertainment throughout the year. Seurasaari is one of the most popular, as it’s home to Helsinki's “open-air museum,” which showcases not only Finnish buildings from the 1700s to the 1900s, but also Finnish traditions. Seurasaari also host big annual celebrations for Christmas , Easter, and Midsummer's Eve . For exploration on a smaller scale, head to the tiny island Lonna , a former military base that’s now home to a new Nordic restaurant, a café, and a traditional sauna — grab a can of local “sauna beer” before heading inside. Ferries to the islands depart from the harbor next to the Market Square.

Partake in Finnish Sauna Culture

 clu / Getty Images

You might have heard the statistic that there’s approximately one sauna for every two Finns, and it’s absolutely true. Saunas aren’t just found at the gym or the spa — they’re ubiquitous in many Finnish households, as they’re an integral part of the country’s culture. If you’re in Helsinki, you can try it out for yourself at one of the many public saunas throughout the city, from the historic Sauna Arla , which opened in 1929, to the modern Kulttuurisauna , both located just north of the city center. You might want to ask your hotel concierge or the admissions desk at the saunas about proper etiquette before entering, as there are some customs that may surprise visitors — for instance, Finns always go nude in saunas, though it is not usually frowned upon if tourists wear bathing suits. Some saunas, however, forbid wearing any sort of bathing gear.

Explore Helsinki's Numerous Churches

Kelly Cheng / Getty Images

Helsinki’s skyline isn’t dominated with skyscrapers, but steeples. There are nearly a dozen major churches in the city — most of which are open to the public daily — each with impressive architectural flair. Helsinki Cathedral is the most iconic traditional church, displaying a bright white neoclassical façade and green domes, while the modern Temppeliaukio Church is famous for being built into the rocks and hosting numerous concerts. But for a more meditative experience, visit the Kamppi Chapel , or the "Chapel of Silence,” a soothing wooden space dedicated to quiet reflection.

Go to the Beach

 ssiltane / Getty Images

You might be inclined to think that chilly Finnish weather might discourage sunbathing, but the short summers are perfect for visiting the beach. Given that Helsinki is a coastal city surrounded by hundreds of islands, there are dozens of public beaches to visit. One of the most popular is the café-lined Hietaniemi Beach in Töölö, which you’ll find filled with locals playing volleyball on a sunny summer day. There’s also a beach at Suomenlinna Fortress , so you can take in a museum in the morning before going for a dip in the afternoon.

Go Swimming Year-Round

Luis Davilla / Getty Images

Finns love to swim, whether that’s at a beach during the summer or in the icy waters in the winter (followed by a visit to the sauna, of course!). For those who don’t want to brave the elements, there are also a number of public swimming pools throughout Helsinki that have more temperate waters. The Allas Sea Pool comprises three outdoor pools on a floating jetty on the harbor—they’re all filled with seawater, but only two are heated. There are saunas on site as well as a café. For a different experience, head to the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall , which is Helsinki’s oldest public indoor pool. The beautiful Art Deco space opened in 1928 and is a beautiful spot to take a dip. Note that bathing suits are not permitted here, so you’ll be swimming in the nude.

Bring the Kids to Linnanmäki Amusement Park

If you’re traveling to Helsinki with children — or if you’re a child at heart — visit Linnanmäki , where you can ride roller coasters, a ferris wheel, or family attractions like spinning teacups. You can also play arcade games, catch a theater performance, or experience the decorations of the Carnival of Lights, held in each fall. The park is open from April to October each year. Linnanmäki is run by a nonprofit organization that uses the money raised from the park to support child welfare.

Admire the Helsinki Central Railway Station

Werner Nystrand / Folio / Getty Images

Opened in 1919, the Helsinki Central Railway Station is one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in the city, designed by renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. While it’s an operational station with both local and international train service, you can easily stroll through to take in the beautiful building, dine at one of the many restaurants on site, or peruse the shops. The station is conveniently located in the middle of the city within walking distance of many other tourist sites.

Catch a Concert

 Wikimedia Commons

One of Finland’s greatest national icons is the composer Sibelius, who lived just north of Helsinki on Lake Tuusala. His legacy lives on in Finland’s musical heritage. If you’re in Helsinki, catch a concert at the Helsinki Music Centre , or Musiikkitalo. The building is home to the Sibelius Academy music school, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and offers a diverse range of programming, including events for families. If you can’t fit a concert into your schedule, you can also take a guided tour of its many music halls.

Go Museum-Hopping

Courtesy of Amos Rex

Helsinki is filled to the brim with museums covering all sorts of topics, from Finnish design history to military legacy. Many of the museums are relatively small, meaning you can fit several visits into a single day. If art is of interest, visit Amos Rex , an underground museum that hosts rotating exhibitions — two of 2019’s exhibitions included Finland’s first show dedicated to Rene Magritte and a show dedicated to Dutch duo Studio Drift, who blurs the line between art and design with its pieces. Want more design? Visit the Design Museum Helsinki to get an overview of the country’s historic connection to all sorts of design, from cell phones to fashion. If dinosaurs and animals are more your thing, you can visit the Finnish Museum of Natural History .

Shop 'til You Drop

J-P Kärnä / CC BY-SA 3.0

Helsinki’s city center is full of vintage stores, designer boutiques, and malls to appeal to any kind of shopper. If you’re going to buy one thing in Helsinki, it should be something from Marimekko, Finland’s most famous clothing, fabric, and home decor brand known for its bold patterns. You’ll see Finns wearing it everywhere, and you’ll find the materials in everything from hotel rooms to the airplane blankets on Finnair. But you can also find plenty of beautiful craft pieces in Helsinki — check the markets to find stalls run by local artisans. And if you’re just in the market for window shopping, check out the Design District.

Enjoy Nature in Central Park

Joao Inacio / Getty Images

Finns love to enjoy nature, so it’s no surprise that there’s a massive park right in the middle of the city (well, it’s just north of the city center, but well within city limits). Central Park covers nearly 2,500 acres — a good portion of which is a primeval forest, so some parts feel more akin to a wild national park than a landscaped one like New York’s Central Park. You’ll find recreation like hiking paths, sports facilities, and ski trails, as well as facilities like cafés, restaurants, and even a sauna. 

Relax at the Library

 Ninara / Flickr / Creative Commons

The Oodi Helsinki Central Library , which opened in 2018, is a massive public space for locals and visitors to share. There are books to rent, of course (though many are written in Finnish), but where the library really stands out is its urban workshop, which offers the free use of 3D printers, large format printers, vinyl cutters, and sewing machines, among other technology. You can also book video game rooms, play board games with the kids, or even have a glass of wine in the café. It’s not only a great spot to read, but to learn, relax, and socialize.

Take a Day Trip

onfilm / Getty Images

While Helsinki itself has plenty of activities to keep you busy, there are a vast number of destinations just outside the city that are worth a day trip during your stay. Just a 30-minute drive or train ride north of Helsinki brings you to Lake Tuulsula , an area once favored by the city’s 20th-century creative elite. Tour composer Sibelius’s home Ainola, or visit one of the local art museums. You can also take a canoe out onto the lake or rent a bicycle to ride the paths around it. Another great day trip is to Fiskars Village , just an hour west of Helsinki by car, train, and bus, where the iconic Fiskars brand was founded. Today, artisans have studios and shops in historic buildings — stroll along the river, buy a few goods, then head to the local distillery and brewery for a drink.

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Helsinki Tourist Attractions

One of the top Helsinki tourist attractions is Suomenlinna Fortress – photo © Visit Finland

Popular tourist attractions in Helsinki

Helsinki has plenty tourist attractions to do, see and experience for visitors of every type and age group. Renowned the world over for its progressive architecture, art, dance, and music, Helsinki values its cultural heritage and attractions as much as it values its reputation for having a modern approach to using and developing new technologies.

Helsinki’s compact nature means that most of the great cultural attractions are within easy walking distance of one another, and the city boasts an excellent public transport system of trams and buses for those who prefer to rest their feet between sights. Find the most popular Helsinki tourists attractions on the list below, or find more unique and top things to do in Helsinki .

Articles - Helsinki Tourist Attractions

Feast Helsinki – A Food Festival to Savour

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The main part of the Finnish National Gallery, the Ateneum houses the largest art collection in the country, containing Finnish art from 1750 to the 1960s and Western art from the late 19 th century to the 1950s, including art by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. Finland’s golden age and modern masters are all to be found here, including Helene Schjerbeck, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, and Albert Edelfelt. In addition to the permanent collections there are regular special exhibitions, like that of Pablo Picasso, and the museum complex also includes the Ateneum Hall and hosts a wide range of events and activities.

Finlandia Hall:

Completed in 1971 and designed by Alvar Aalto, this concert hall, (with a congress wing that was added in 1975) situated by Töölönlahti bay and across from the National Museum of Finland, is one of Helsinki’s major architectural sights. This remarkable building is faced in Italian Carrara marble and Finnish Oulainen granite, with an interior composed of Carrara marble, travertine, red beech, and oak parquet, and is equipped with all modern amenities and facilitihttp://finalndiaes. In addition to the two concert halls, Finlandia Hall is also the setting for major political, cultural, and finacial meetings and events.

Helsinki Cathedral:

Dominating Senate Square and designed by C.L. Engel in the Neoclassical style, Helsinki Cathedral was completed in 1852 since which time it has been the location for major state events as well as serving its congregation. Exhibitions and concert performances are often held in the crypt, where there is also a café.

Kiasma – Museum of Contemporary Art:

Situated at Mannerheiminaukio, Kiasma was designed by Steven Holl and opened in 1998 to exhibit the contemporary art collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The collections focus on Finnish and foreign art, in particular the art of the Scandanavian and Baltic countries, and Russia from the 1960s on. It also houses special exhibitions and the Kiasma Theatre whose programme includes dance, drama, music, performance, multimedia, film and video art, and  seminars, lectures and public discussions. The Kiasma collections are housed on the 2 nd and 3 rd floors, with other major exhibitions held on the 4 th and 5 th floors. There are smaller spaces, like Room X, Kontti, and Studio K which have their individual programmes.

Museum of Finnish Architecture / Design Museum:

Located in central Helsinki on Kasarmikatu street are two museums sharing the same site. The Museum of Finnish Architecture houses permanent exhibitions of Finnish architecture as well as  temporary exhibitions from abroad, and contains extensive collections of drawings, pictures, and scale models. Next to it, the Design Museum celebrates the development of industrial art and artistic handicrafts dating from the 19 th century to today, housed in a beautiful building from 1894. Alongside the permanent exhibitions there are temporary Finnish and international exhibitions on historical and contemporary design.

Museum of Natural History:

Recently reopened after extensive modernisation, the Museum of Natural History explores the natural history of Finland from its southern archipelago to the fells of Lapland through a number of exhibitions. The collections include botanical, zoological, geological, and paleontological specimens, not just from Finland but from across the world. Alongside ‘The History of Life’, which explains evolution from the Big Bang, through the age of dinosaurs, to the time of mammals and the Ice Age, there is an interactive exhibition for children called ‘The Life Game’ which allows them to explore the wonders of life on the planet.

National Museum of Finland:

With a permanent collection divided into 6 sections, the National Museum of Finland presents a history of Finnish life from prehistoric times to the present. Housed in a building designed by architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren, and Eliel Saarinen in the national romantic style, the museum opened in 1916. The ceiling of the entrance hall has frescoes about the Kalevala painted by Akseli Gallén-Kallela which can be viewed without paying the entrance fee. In addition to the permanent collections and the temporary exhibitions, the museum also provides an interactive exhibition for children on the 3 rd floor in VINTTI Workshop, where younger visitors can physically explore Finnish history.

Suomenlinna:

One of the world’s largest historical maritime fortresses, Suomenlinna was constructed on six islands in the 18 th century and has become one of the most popular attractions in Finland. The island fortress was granted its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, and today houses museums, parks, cafés and restaurants, and an old submarine. Suomenlinna can be reached by the municipal ferry from Market Square throughout the year, and in the summer there is also a JT-Line waterbus from the same location. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Temppeliaukio Church:

One of Helsinki’s most popular tourist attractions with around half a million visitors a year, this unique church was quarried out of the natural bedrock, with the interior walls naturally created by rock. Designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the church opened in 1969 and since then has become a popular venue for concerts due to the excellent acoustics within. Admission is free, but opening hours can vary depending on the church’s program of events.

Uspenski Cathedral:

Looming high on a rocky outcrop on Katajanokka peninsula, this Orthodox Cathedral is one of the most distinctive, and beautiful, buildings in all of Helsinki. The site was originally meant for an Imperial palace, and Uspenski Cathedral continues to serve as a reminder of the influence Russia had over Finland before Finnish independance. Designed by Alexey Gornostaev, the cathedral was completed in 1868, and today it is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. Admission is free, and the cathedral is closed on Mondays.

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The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

When I landed in Helsinki , I didn’t really know what to expect. Out of all the capital cities in Northern Europe, Helsinki gets the least “buzz.”

Founded in the 16th century by the King of Sweden, Helsinki was originally established to rival the bustling trading port of Tallinn . Unfortunately, growth was slow and most of the city died during the plague of 1710. It wasn’t until the Russians annexed the region that it started to develop and grow into the city it is today.

While small (less than 1 million people live here) and not as popular as Stockholm or Copenhagen , Helsinki is a hip, modern capital home to a vibrant art and music scene. It’s bursting with museums, cafes, and green space. You can easily do most of your sightseeing in the city on foot since it’s compact. And best of all, Helsinki sees a fraction of the tourists that other Scandinavian capitals get.

To help you make the most of your visit, here is my list of the best things to do in Helsinki:

Table of Contents

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

2. visit the post museum, 3. attend a candlelight concert, 4. relax in sinebrychoff park, 5. explore the national museum of finland, 6. wander the suomenlinna fortress, 7. visit the kiasma museum of contemporary art, 8. see the finnish museum of photography, 9. marvel at the helsinki cathedral, 10. stroll around the central market, 11. explore the sinebrychoff art museum, 12. visit the bank of finland museum, 13. relax in esplanade park, 14. see uspenski cathedral, 15. take a food tour, 16. visit the helsinki city museum, 17. chill out in kaivopuisto park, 18. hit the sauna, 19. explore seurasaari island, 20. visit the design museum, 21. check out amos rex, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

Green Cap Tours offers a free 1.5-2 hour tour that acts as a solid introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!  

A museum about the postal service sounds absolutely boring but I found it surprisingly interesting. The museum highlights the history of the mail service in Finland, from ships and sleds in the 1600s to the modern-day service. There are tons of relics, galleries, and short films about how they made mail delivery work in such a sparsely populated and harsh environment. It does an excellent job taking a boring subject and making it fun, accessible, and educational.

Alaverstaanraitti 5, +358 03 5656 6966, postimuseo.fi. Open Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, and Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm. Admission is 15 EUR.  

It’s also a multi-sensory experience that features different elements, such as ballet dancers or aerial performers. It’s super unique and a cool way to experience live music while supporting local artists. Check out their website to see what’s on during your visit.  

Dating to the 18th century, this small park was originally a private garden belonging to a Russian businessman before becoming a public park in the 1960s. Today, it’s a popular spot for picnics, relaxing, events, and sledding in the winter. There are lots of cafes nearby so grab a snack and come here to lounge and watch the day go by. It’s super popular with the locals in the summer.  

As a history buff, I always appreciate a good museum. I’ve been to more than my fair share of disappointing and underfunded museums over the years. Fortunately, this was not one of them.

This museum has a large collection of Finnish artifacts from the Stone Age to the present, including jewelry, coins, tools, weapons, and more. Containing the most comprehensive collection of cultural history in Finland, the museum is ideal for learning about Finnish folk culture and the Finno-Ugric people. Permanent collections can be viewed alongside a fascinating array of rotating pop-up exhibits. The museum also hosts workshops and tours. It’s a good place to get an overview of Finland’s history.

Mannerheimintie 34, +358 29 5336000, kansallismuseo.fi/en/kansallismuseo. Open daily 11am-6pm (8pm on Wednesday). Closed Mondays in the winter. Admission is 14-18 EUR and free on Fridays between 4pm-6pm.  

There are also a lot of interesting buildings here (including six different museums) and some out-of-the-way beaches.

Admission to the fort is free, though each museum has its own admission fee. A guided tour costs 11 EUR.  

Mannerheiminaukio 2, +358 29 450 0501, kiasma.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-8:00pm, and Saturdays 10am-5pm. Admission is 22 EUR and free on the first Friday of the month. Admission for visitors under 18 is free.  

This museum houses an awesome collection of photography from both Finnish and international artists. There are rotating exhibits as well as exhibits by new and emerging photographers. There’s always something interesting here so check the website to see what’s on display during your visit. It’s a pretty compact museum, so it doesn’t take long to see.

Tallberginkatu 1, +358 9 68663610, valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi. Open Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm. Admission is 16 EUR. Free admission for anyone under 18.  

For souvenir shopping, tasty local food, fresh produce (including lots of berries in the summer), and great people-watching, be sure to head to the Central Market. It’s located near the harbor, which sits on the coast of the Baltic Sea. In October, the herring market begins which is a huge local event. The market has heated tents when it gets cold and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes around making it a fun place to visit any time of the year. While it is often swarming with tourists, I heard enough Finnish to know it isn’t a complete tourist trap.

Open daily 8am-5pm. Admission is free .  

This is the only museum in the city that focuses on older European paintings and portraits (from the 14th-19th centuries). Housed in a building built in 1842, there are around 4,000 items in the collection. Not only are there some incredible and historic works here but part of the museum is composed of the Sinebrychoff residence itself. You can walk through the old Sinebrychoff estate and see what life was like for the affluent in Helsinki in the 19th century.

Bulevardi 40, +358 29 4500460, sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi. Open Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm (8pm on Wednesdays) and 10am-5pm on weekends. Admission is 20 EUR.  

Admittedly, a bank museum sounds even more boring than a post museum but this museum was one of the coolest museums I’ve seen in a long time. First and foremost, it paints a clear and insightful picture of the history of money in Finland. They also host rotating exhibitions on all sorts of related topics (such as counterfeit money). But what I found the museum really did well was to explain the history of modern finance. It makes the topic so clear and concise that I really learned a lot during my visit.

Snellmaninkatu 2, +358 9 183 2626, rahamuseo.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm and 11am-4pm on weekends. Admission is free.  

This park, known as Espa to the locals, is a popular place to spend an afternoon when the weather is nice. In the warmer summer months, there are street musicians and performers around as well as lots of green space and benches for anyone looking to lounge with a book or a picnic. Opened in 1818, the park also has some walking and jogging trails too. It’s just a nice place to relax and soak in the city.  

Kanavakatu 1, +358 9 85646100, hos.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm and 4pm-7pm, and Sunday 9am-3pm. Closed during ceremonies. Admission is free.  

If you’re a foodie like me, you have to take a food tour. They’re the best way to sample the local delicacies and traditional foods, such as fresh fish, wild game, craft beer, and Finnish porridge.

Heather’s Helsinki offers a tasty tour of the city that lasts five hours and includes many different stops around the city for just 85 EUR per person. You’ll not only get to eat some great food but you’ll learn a ton about the history and culture behind the cuisine too.  

Opened in 1911, this is an excellent city museum with plenty of descriptions and top-notch exhibits and photos. It’s actually the third-best city museum I’ve come across in Europe (after the Amsterdam and Barcelona museums). Do not miss it. You learn a lot about the city and about how it has changed and evolved over the centuries.

Aleksanterinkatu 16, +358 9 31036630, helsinginkaupunginmuseo.fi. Open weekdays 11am-7pm and weekends 11am-5pm. Admission is free.  

This huge park is tucked away in the southeast corner of Helsinki. During the winter, tobogganing is popular here. Lots of events are held here as well, such as Vappu Day (May 1st) celebrations. The park overflows with thousands of locals who come to picnic, listen to music, and drink away the day. Since it’s so out of the way, you hardly ever see tourists here.  

You can’t visit Finland without going to a sauna. The word itself is Finnish, as the sauna was invented here millenia ago. There are around 3 million in the country (which is a lot since there are only 5.5 million people in Finland). There are plenty of public saunas in Helsinki, most of which cost around 15 EUR and have separate sections for men and women. You can usually rent towels as well, and while going nude is the traditional method there’s no shame in wearing a towel either.

Some of the best saunas in the city are:

• Kotiharjun Sauna
• Sauna Hermanni
• Allas Sea Pool

Meilahti, +358 295 33 6912, kansallismuseo.fi/en/seurasaarenulkomuseo. Open May-September. Check the website for specific hours. The museum is currently closed but will reopen May 2024. Admission is 12 EUR.  

Finnish design, like its Scandinavian counterparts, is incredibly popular, known for seamlessly integrating design elements into regular life. The museum teaches you about Finnish architecture and design history over the last century and a half. Opened in 1873, the Design Museum holds over 75,000 objects, 40,000 drawings, and 100,000 photographs.

Korkeavuorenkatu 23, +358 9 6220 540, designmuseum.fi/en. Open 11am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday (8pm on Tuesdays) in the winter and 11am-6pm daily in the summer. Admission is 20 EUR and is free on the last Tuesday of the month from 4pm-8pm.  

Named after Amos Anderson, a Finnish patron of the arts, Amos Rex is an art museum that opened in August 2018. It has a rotating series of temporary exhibitions from local and international artists (check the website for details) and is already one of the most popular in Helsinki. I’m not a modern art fan, but I’m told this gallery has really cool exhibitions.

Mannerheimintie 22–24, +358 9 6844 460, amosrex.fi/en. Open Wednesday-Monday 11am-8pm. Admission is 20 EUR.

Helsinki is a city that deserves more praise than it gets. Fortunately for you, since it’s often overlooked, you can visit without dealing with the crowds that so many other European capitals are plagued with. While it’s not super cheap, there are tons of free and affordable things to do here so that you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Helsinki: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay in Helsinki are:

• The Yard Hostel
• Hostel Diana Park
• CheapSleep Helsinki

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Helsinki? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Helsinki for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Helsinki Bucket List – 28 Awesome Things to Do in Helsinki!

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 19, 2023

Categories HELSINKI , FINLAND

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Are you ready for the ultimate Helsinki bucket list?! I’m going to list out all the incredible things to do in Helsinki which will include some really unique experiences on your travels in Finland. 

Now, Helsinki is not like any capital city you’ve been to before. It’s actually an archipelago of 330 islands by the Baltic Sea! You really will be spoiled for choice. 

So, whether you’re sweat bathing in a steamy sauna, swimming (or screaming) in the icy sea, having coffee with Moomin’s or admiring some epic Finnish art and architecture, it won’t be something you’ll forget in a hurry. 

So, come along with me on this Helsinki bucket list and I’ll show you around all the things to do in Helsinki you cannot miss!

How to reach Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland in the North of Europe, sandwiched between Sweden and Russia. Two countries you’ll soon become very familiar with when learning about Finland’s colourful colonial history.

Helsinki is kind of out on a limb pointing directly into the sea, so you’re two most convenient options are to fly in by plane or to sail into the harbour. 

Flying into Helsinki

International flights run throughout Europe and Finland has its own national airline, Finnair , to fly you there.

I loved flying with them here as they had a great entertainment system to watch movies while you fly. I watched The Favourite and loved it.

Also, they provide each passenger with free coffee or tea, water and bilberry juice in cute Marimekko cups! Moomin’ are their national ambassador too so the whole experience was quintessentially Finnish.

Sailing into Helsinki

If you’re heading here from Estonia, Tallinn to Helsinki is only a two-hour ferry ride away. I went on a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn and back aboard Tallink ferries.

I would highly recommend their cruise liners, they’re like resorts over the seas! These ships can hold over 2800 people and have restaurants, duty-free shopping, a business lounge, bars, and even Starbuck’s and Burger King! 

Click here to see my full review of Ferry the experience. 

Where to stay in Helsinki

There are many options to stay around the city for all budgets including hotels, hostels and self-catering apartments. 

I stayed at Aallankoti Hotel Apartments during my stay. The whole studio was decorated in the Finnish style, including Marimekko bedding, which came with a kitchen and its own balcony and a beautiful view.

I loved the fact I could cook for myself here when I didn’t fancy eating out at a restaurant. 

If you’d prefer a hotel there are a few luxury options like Hotel Kämp or Hotel St. George Helsinki . Hostels include Eurohostel , Myö Hostel and CheapSleep Hotel .

How to get around Helsinki

You can walk easily around Helsinki as it’s quite compact.

In the summer season, you can also rent bikes to get around. They have city bikes and private companies to rent from like Bicyclean , that have cute vintage-style bikes with baskets too.

There is a bike lane on nearly every pavement so it’s really easy to navigate. The Finn’s take their bike lanes VERY seriously here, so make sure you’re not walking in one when a bike comes along! 

Public Transport in Helsinki

Helsinki also has an incredibly efficient transport system to get you around. There is an underground metro and an extensive bus fleet to get you from station to station.

I personally loved their trams as I enjoyed being able to watch the world outside and there was always a tram stop easy to spot nearby.

Click here to see the HSL website , the official public transport page.

Journey Planning in Helsinki

I used Google Maps a lot while I was in Helsinki to check which tram or bus to board, but you can also use Helsinki Journey Planner here too – it’s a popular way for Finn’s to plan their route!

Helsinki Scooters

If you’re here in the summer season and see random electric scooters parked around the city, don’t worry. No one has left them there. They’re actually from a company called VOI which is an awesome app where you can rent a scooter to ride! 

The scooters have chips in them with GPS and you can rent them from one place to another. So, you simply download the app, geolocate your scooter, ride it to your location and leave it there for the next person to use. VOI vans will pick them up later. 

That’s right, Helsinki is a really progressive city!

Helsinki Transport Card

It may be worth investing in a Helsinki transport card while you’re here for unlimited use of public transport during your stay which includes ferries to islands like Suomenlinna.

Or, you can buy a Helsinki Card that gets you free public transport and entry to most of the main attractions.

Are Finland and Helsinki safe to travel to?  

YES! I think people get a little scared as it’s so far north in Europe but Helsinki was one of the safest cities I’ve travelled to.

I didn’t once feel unsafe, even walking around at night time and everyone is so friendly and hospitable. Obviously, use the proper precautions like in any city but I didn’t once feel scared to have my camera on show that’s for sure. 

Finn’s are renowned for their want of personal space (similar to the British) so you’ll be left alone to enjoy the city unless you want to meet people. There’s no hard selling or hassle here.

Helsinki has consistently been voted as one of the happiest cities to live in Europe, so I guess that speaks volumes for its people and the tourists that visit there! Don’t worry. 

28 incredible things to do in Helsinki 

1. climb up the helsinki cathedral steps (helsingin tuomiokirkko).

As the symbol of Helsinki, this is a must-do. In fact, if you only have time to visit one place on a sweeping visit, make sure this is it!

It’s beautiful to look at all times of the day and at night, it’s a stunning sight lit up against the night sky.

It’s Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral and was originally constructed by Carl Ludvig Enge in 1852.

During the Russian Empire, when Helsinki was part of the Great Duchy of Finland , it was called St. Nicholas Church and was built in celebration of Tzar Nicholas I.

The architecture was actually based on the St. Isaac Cathedral in Saint Petersburg in Russia.

It sits proudly in Senate Square, which was also built in the Czarist Empire and you can see a statue of the Tzar in the middle.

In the 19th century, the cathedral used to rise high above all other buildings in the city and was an iconic landmark for those who were entering Helsinki over the seas.

Today, it’s simply called the Helsinki Cathedral or Helsinki tuomiokirkko. It has pretty onion domes with twelve apostles guarding the roof. You can climb up the cathedral steps for an epic view and have a peek inside the building if you wish. 

When I went inside It was empty and silence is requested as you walk around. I felt awful as my shoes couldn’t stop squeaking from the snow!

The Helsinki Cathedral is located in Senate Square and FREE to enter (donations appreciated). It’s open in the summer season 9 am – 6 pm daily.

2. Take the ferry to Suomenlinna Island

Another must-do in Helsinki if you have time is to grab the ferry over to the magical Suomenlinna Island .

The journey is only ten minutes over the sea and you’ll be transported into another world.

It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland, so make sure you include it. 

How to reach Suomenlinna Island

The only way to reach Suomenlinna Island is by boat and there is a public ferry that runs throughout the day from the main dock in Helsinki. 

It costs 5 Euros one way but it’s also included in your transport card if you have one.

The ferry runs from early morning at 6 am until around midnight. There are indoor and outdoor seats depending on the weather. There are some great views as you pull in!

You can check Suomenlinna ferry times on the official website too

The History of Suomenlinna Island 

Suomenlinna is often referred to as the ‘castle of Finland’ and has a really interesting history.

It was built as a sea fortress by the Swedes in defence against the Russians in the 1700s.

The Sea Fortress, known as Sveaborg or Viapori in Finnish, was constructed on the Susiluodot islands. Back then, the Helsinki we know today on land was just a small fishing village.

Fast forward a century later and Viapori was taken over by the Russians and became Peter the Great’s Naval Fortress to protect St Petersburg in Russia.

By 1917, although Finland had its independence, Viapori was still governed by the Russians. 

During the Finnish Civil War, in May 1918, the fortress was handed back to Finland and renamed ‘Suomenlinna’ or the Castle of Finland.

It was then used as a garrison with military units and artillery.

In 1991, it became a UNESCO world heritage site and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland! 

Things to do on Suomenlinna Island 

As a living island, there are 800 lucky residents on Suomenlinna! But, it’s also like a living museum and going back in time to a different century.

The island has a blue route you can follow to see the highlights. They have a visitor map you can access here. 

I’d leave at least half a day to explore, or even a whole day. Here are some things to do on Suomenlinna;

• Visit the Suomenlinna visitor centre with a museum all about the island and a café for a coffee stop, there are actually six museums on the island
• Make a stop at the Church park and marvel at Suomenlinna Church 
• Visit the Great Courtyard and admire the old-fashioned houses and manors
• Hike over to the King’s Gate, this honestly made me feel like I was in Kings Landing in Game of Thrones!
• See some traditional Scandinavian houses in Piper’s Park
• Visit the Artillery banks and look at all the canons left behind 
• Grab some lunch at Silo’s Café or the many Ravintola’s on the island
• Throw pebbles on the beach, yes there is a beach on Suomenlinna but don’t expect it to be bikini weather!

Or, you can see my ULTIMATE guide of everything you need to know about Suomenlinna island here !

3. Take a dip in the Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool is the best swimming pool in Helsinki and for good reason.

When else can you say you’ve taken a dip in a thermal pool overlooking the Baltic Sea?! It’s also a sauna, so if you did want a taste of sauna culture in Finland, this will be the place. 

Traditionally, Finn’s will bathe in the Sauna for a while, then cool off in the sea or snow! So, you’ll be following in the footsteps of a Finn if you also take part.

The Allas Sea Pool gets its name from the Sea Pool on the deck which is filled up from the Baltic Sea! It’s from a body of water far from the main dock and filtered so don’t worry about it being dirty. 

I’m also sorry to report that it’s the same temperature as the sea that day too. So, you could be swimming in minus temperatures!

Although cold, it’s meant to be really good for your health so you must try it at least once. Then, you can warm up in the steamy thermal pool set at 27 degrees.

I’m not gonna lie, when I tried it, my whole body felt like pins and needles! But, it gave me energy and it was a ‘once’ in a lifetime experience, as in I will never do it again haha. 

To read my full experience at Allas Sea Pool and some top tips to know before you visit click here.  Or find out some etiquette for Finnish saunas here .

4. Visit a Moomin Café

The Moomins are more than just a tourist fad in Finland, they’re a national icon! In fact, they have been inspiring Finn’s for generations and there isn’t one Finnish family who doesn’t have a Moomin mug in their house. 

Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomin’s and the original “Moomin Mama” came from Helsinki, so you need to get acquainted with these guys fast.

The Moomins are a troll family that live in Moominhouse in Moominvalley. It’s made up of Moominmama, Moominpapa, Moomintroll and many of their extended family are friends that make appearances in the books.

Jansson created the Moomin’s in the 1940s and wrote eight novels, many short stories and picture books. 

They first began making a worldwide appearance in the 1950s when London Evening News picked them up as a comic strip in their paper. Then, there was the 90s Japanese TV series and now a 3D Moominvalley TV series too. 

As a 90s kid, I was brought up with the Moomins in the UK and used to watch cartoons all the time! So, when I found out there was a Moomin Cafe in Helsinki, I pretty much skipped right over there.

There are four Moomin cafés in the capital and they are also building one at Helsinki Airport. You can get a coffee, hot chocolate or berry tea (a Moomin favourite) and get your favourite Moomin friends to join you. All the cakes are also lovingly prepared on Moomin plates with Moomin decorations.

I wrote about my full experience at the Moomin Café here and why you need to visit!

5. Marvel at Kiasma Art Museum

Kiasma is a contemporary art museum in Helsinki and the number one contemporary art museum in Finland. With the theme ‘Here you are. Let the art do good’, their mission is to make the art more of an experience and a feeling rather than admiring it on a wall. 

My favourite art piece in this museum was ‘Shoplifter’ and it’s probably their most famous exhibit right now.

Created by Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir who is an Icelandic artist living in New York, her name translates to war of the raven’s daughter of the eagles (ummm how cool?!).

As people couldn’t pronounce her name in New York she then took on the nickname ‘Shoplifter’ hence the name of the installation.

This colourful art exhibition is made out of artificial hair, which is usually a trademark for everyone whether real or fake, Arnardóttir says it’s ‘a remnant of the wildness we all possess’. The aim of the exhibit is to produce joy as the pretty vibrant colours produce Seratonin, which makes us happy!

So, you can do what you like here! Stroke the furry wall (lol, I love Get him to the Greek) lie down and take in the colours or just simply admire and ‘let the art do good’ – you choose.

There are also lots of other interactive things to do here like their ‘The Stage Is Yours’ where you can sketch your own portrait or put on some headphones and follow the instructions. I loved how it made art accessible to everyone including young children and tried to push the boundaries of elitism with art. 

Kiasma Art Exhibition is open from 10 am Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday’s) with different closing times. Click the link for more details and joint museum tickets.

6. Walk over to Seurasaari island

Helsinki is an archipelago of 330 islands, but not all of them require access by ferry!

Seurasaari Island is one that you can walk over to and it’s like going back in time. There are no TV wires or modern brick houses on this island, all the houses are traditionally Scandinavian and wooden. 

You can take a walking route around the island, passing traditional farmhouses, churches, windmills, and log huts, they even have their very own sauna and public swimming pool.

It’s a popular jogging route with locals and it’s so serene. I couldn’t believe that a natural paradise was located so close to the urban city! 

Seurasaari Island is open all year round and is FREE to visit during the winter months. You don’t get to go inside the houses then but you can still walk around and admire the scenery.

In summer it’s a living museum and you have to pay to enter, but you can experience history with people there in traditional dress to explain life on the island a few hundred years ago. 

You can get here by taking the line 24 bus to Seurasaari from the Central Railway Station. It takes around thirty minutes.

In winter, I’d bring some food with you and also use the toilet before you go as there aren’t any facilities. You’re welcome! I made that mistake and it was a LONG uncomfortable bus ride back to find a bathroom. 

7. Drink cocktails with a view in Ateljee Bar

I LOVE a sky bar in any city and Helsinki has an awesome one! Located in Hotel Torni you can take the lift up to their top floor and enter Ateljee Bar which has a panoramic view of the whole of Helsinki. 

Serving up an epic wine list, craft beers and an interesting array of colourful cocktails, you can clink your glasses and say ‘Cheers’ or ‘Kippis’ (in the Finnish way) to the world at 70 metres below. Cocktails aren’t cheap at 15 Euros a pop but it’s the view you’re really paying for.

I would definitely recommend getting here for sunset (which seems to last forever) and watching the skylight on fire! From here I could see the Baltic sea, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral and lots of buildings lighting up when the sun went down.

They have an indoor bar and a heated terrace to sit on with blankets should you feel a chill in the air. 

Also, have a laugh when you visit their bathrooms. It looks like the whole world is watching but, don’t worry, it’s mirrored on the other side!

Ateljee Bar is open from Monday – Thursday 2 pm – 1 am. Friday 2pm – 2am. Saturday’s 12pm – 2am and Sunday’s 2pm – 12am. 

See more of the best places to eat in Helsinki here

8. Learn Finnish history at the National Museum of Finland

Before visiting Helsinki, I wasn’t aware of Finland’s long and complex history before it became an independent country. In fact, they’ve only had their independence for a little over 100 years! 

There have been human settlers in Finland since the Ice Age, but its most complex colonial history comes with the Swedish and Russian invasions.

Sweden ruled from medieval times to the 19th century, and then Russia took over after that. 

Finland, being sandwiched in the middle, was constantly brought into battles between the two most famously, the Russia-Swedish war in the 18th century or ‘war of the hats’. 

Finally, in 1917 a declaration of independence was granted to Finland and signed on the 6th of December. Every year since independence day is celebrated by its people on that day. 

In the National Museum of Finland, you can learn all about the country’s history up to the present day including the all-important history of the sauna. 

Did you know that metal is a big thing in Finland? Here you can don headphones to listen to some bands. 

The National Museum of Finland is open in winter from 11 am – 8 pm on Wednesdays, 11 am – 6 pm Thursday to Sunday’s and closed Monday’s. In Summer it’s open Monday to Sunday 11 am – 6 pm and Wednesday’s 11 am – 8 pm. 

9. Visit Oodi Library – an architectural masterpiece  

On the 100th year anniversary of Finland’s independence, the people of Helsinki were asked what they wanted to be built in the city as a gift. To the surprise of most people, they decided against a sauna and wanted a library instead!

Now, a library in Finland isn’t what you would imagine a library to be. Just an old room with shelves of dusty books to rent.

No, no. Finland’s libraries are so much more than that. In fact, Oodi only has one floor out of three dedicated to books. 

The libraries in Finland almost act like community centres with restaurants, coffee shops, computers to study, social areas and even a kitchen to rent so you can cook with friends! It also has really accessible opening times compared to most places in the city.

Not only that but it’s got some INCREDIBLE architecture. So, amazing that walking tours stop by to show tourists visiting the city. So, you can visit their “book heaven”, sit down and relax or explore. The choice is yours. 

  Oodi Library is FREE to enter and open from 8 am – 10 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am – 8 pm Saturday and Sunday.

10. Steam up in a Finnish Sauna and swim in the Baltic Sea

If you haven’t got the memo, saunas are a BIG thing in Finland. Although sweat bathing has been around for centuries, the Finn’s pretty much invented the sauna we know today and are the reason why we have them around the world. 

If you’ve never been to a sauna, it’s essentially a wooden box that is heated up by logs on a stove to create steam. The steam heats the sauna to around 80 degrees celsius and you simply sit inside and let it do its healing work. 

Afterwards, you can cool off in a shower, or do how the Finn’s do and bathe in the sea or snow! Then, you can begin the cycle again by reentering the sauna and repeating as many times as you like. 

If you’ve also heard rumours about Finn’s sitting in a sauna naked with strangers and slapping their legs with birch twigs (Vasta) then you’ve heard right! But, don’t worry, most sauna’s are men and women only.

Where to try a sauna in Helsinki

If you’re looking for a public sauna in Helsinki to catch the sauna bug, then I would recommend Löyly. Even to locals, it’s the best place to experience a sauna.

Here you can try a variety of sauna rooms and even take a dip in the Baltic Sea! They have their own step ladder leading into it. Most people just dip for a brief moment but I did see others swimming. 

Make sure you book your sauna session at Löyly as it’s extremely popular and reserve a table for food. 

Löyly opening times for the public sauna differ so check the website for details. I would highly recommend booking so you’re not turned away. 

If you’re a little nervous about sauna etiquette in Finland, I’ve made a whole guide with top tips here.

11. Drink a filter coffee 

Did you know that Finn’s drink the most coffee in the entire world?!

While to most of us coffee is part of our morning routine, for the Finn’s it’s a way of life. The average Finn drinks eight cups of coffee a day but it’s definitely more of a social thing than to stay awake.

There are so many coffee shops in the city, but I would highly recommend tasting a cup at Kaffa’s Roastery .

A popular independent in Helsinki, they are really ethically conscious too. They donate a lot of their proceeds to Coffee Kids which aims at providing better welfare to their coffee plantation workers and building a bond. 

Did you know that Helsinki also hosts the largest coffee festival in the world ? I was lucky enough to land in Helsinki at the same time it was on.

Here, they talked about the future of coffee and sustainability, stalls where you could try samples and even places selling coffee-themed jewellery! I also tried coffee-flavoured Kombucha for the first time and it was delicious. 

12. Find peace at Temppeliaukio Rock Church in Helsinki

This is one of the top attractions in the city!

The cave church of Helsinki or Temppeliaukio is a wonder and worth a stop while you’re here.

It was quarried out of natural bedrock by the brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and was built in 1969. It’s home to the Lutheran parish Töölön seurakunta which has around 16500 members!

Tickets are 3 Euros’ but as there are quite long queues you have the option to order online . If you come before noon you can be treated to the ‘light show’ of the sunbeams shining through the church. There is also FREE entry on Wednesday afternoons. 

Silence is strictly required in here, so it’s really peaceful to sit inside and take it all in. Once you’re finished don’t forget you can climb to the top of the church to see the dome! It’s a great view too.  

Temppeliaukio Rock Church is open from 9.30 am-7 pm Monday – Saturday and 12 pm-5 pm on Sundays.

13. Have brunch at Ekberg’s 

Ekberg’s is one of the oldest bakeries in Finland established in 1852 and is a must-visit when in Helsinki.

They have a bakery where locals go shopping for their daily bread and a restaurant next door that serves up a tasty all-you-can-eat breakfast. 

Over breakfast, I would personally book in for their brunch which happens on weekends.

Here, there is so many choices on what to eat from pastries, cereals, sausages, scrambled egg, yoghurt, fruit and even hot dishes like noodles.

Of course, there is all you can drink coffee, juice and tea also. So, come hungry! Make sure to reserve a table in advance , it’s really popular with locals. 

Ekberg’s 1852 serves up brunch from 9 am – 2 pm on weekends. Breakfast is from 7.30 am – 10.30 am Monday to Friday.

To find out all the top places to eat and drink in Helsinki, you can read my full guide of restaurants and cafés here. 

14. Fall in love with the National Library of Finland 

If my library looked like this back home, I think I’d make camp and never leave!

The National Library of Finland is the oldest and largest library in Finland. The oldest part of the library was built in 1844 by Carl Ludvig Engel, the same guy who built the Helsinki Cathedral just outside.

The ‘newer’ part of the building Rotunda was constructed in 1903 by Gustaf Nyström.

Below the library, they have a book bunker, called Kirjaluola and in total, they have over three million books and 718 million files with digitised page files!

Of course, I only went in to admire the architecture which was breathtaking! When you go inside keep quiet and be mindful of people studying. Also, make sure to put your coats and jackets in a locker before you enter.

The National Library of Finland is FREE to enter and open from 9 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday.

15. Visit Uspenski Cathedral 

Another iconic landmark in Helsinki is the beautiful red-bricked Uspenski Cathedral. Located near to the sea’s edge, it’s an Orthodox cathedral that was completed in 1868 during the Russian occupation.

It’s the most prominent example of the Russian impact on Finland and it also holds the title of the largest Orthodox Cathedral in Western Europe! 

You can gaze at this gorgeous building from the outside with its gold onion domes, or pop inside to marvel at the interior with its high ceilings. Donate some pennies to light a candle or just sit and enjoy the peace for a while, the choice is yours.

The Uspenski Cathedral is closed on Mondays but otherwise open Tuesday to Sunday and is FREE to enter. Check the website for opening times. 

16. Get artsy at Amos Rex

Amos Rex is another contemporary art exhibition, located near the Central Railway Station.

Here it’s a small space, so you can really immerse yourself in the exhibitions that are on display. This museum aims to make the past, present and future meet through captivating art installations. 

I was kind of bummed when I arrived as I find out they no longer had Bio Lab. But, I actually was really impressed with their Studio Drift: Elemental Exhibition.

When you walked into the space, a giant concrete box was moving around the room…with no strings! It was just floating by magnetic energy which was crazy. I was a little worried to stand underneath it being honest haha. But, it didn’t fall. 

It’s meant to explore the premise in which all living beings operate, single entities attaching themselves to larger contexts. But, I didn’t feel it needed an explanation, it’s just nice to leave it to your imagination!

There were also the life works of Magritte on display, a Belgian surrealist artist, which was hugely popular. Exhibits change all the time to keep the museum fresh and interesting, so always check their website for details. 

You must store bags and coats in the cloakroom and no selfie sticks or tripods are allowed inside. 

Amos Rex is actually underneath the city, so don’t forget to check out the outside above ground. It reminded me a little bit of a submarine with big huge round windows. You can run and climb on the domes here and visit the various cafés and Bio Rex, a cinema!

Amos Rex is open from 11 am daily and closed on Tuesdays. Closing times differ each evening from 5 pm – 8 pm so check beforehand.

17. Take the ferry over to Tallinn for a day trip 

A super Finnish thing to do is to get a ferry over to Tallinn for the day. Did you know that you can sail from Helsinki to Tallinn in just two hours?! During my week in Helsinki, I boarded the ferry with Tallink Silja to take me over to Estonia. 

This is not just any ferry, it’s a huge ship that boards thousands a day. It has restaurants, a sun terrace, duty-free shopping and more. If you have the cash to upgrade your ticket to business, I would! It comes with extra space, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a free pour bar! 

Click here to read all about the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn and how to book !

What to do on a day trip to Tallinn

Once you hit Estonian shores, the Old Town is only 15 minutes walk from the ferry dock so there will be lots of time to explore. There’s actually so much you can do with just one day in this fairytale city;

• Visit the many viewing platforms for an epic view including the highly Instagrammable ‘ The Times We Had ‘ sign
• Climb the city walls and towers, there are many places to do this but I recommend Kiek in da Kök the mightiest defence tower of the Baltics 
• Sip mead in the medieval tavern of Olde Hansa or treat yourself to an authentic 15th-century dish
• Go on a FREE walking tour with Tales of Reval which was walking performances
• Climb up Olav’s tower for the best view of the whole of Tallinn
• Visit the Town Hall Square to see colourful old buildings and drink a Glögg (hot wine)

If you need more inspiration for things to get up to on your day trip, read my full guide here  or my photography guide here.

18. Visit Helsinki’s cutest coffee hut; Café Regatta

Cafe Regatta looks like it’s been transported straight from Lapland and invites you in for a filter coffee or one of their famous cinnamon buns.

Built in 1887 and set on a beautiful picture-perfect lake, it looks like something from a postcard. 

In winter you can come inside their hut for a filter coffee to keep warm by the fire and in summer you can bask in the sun outside by the lake.

If you were feeling peckish, why not grab a hot cinnamon bun or roast a sausage on the open fire?

It’s only five minutes walk from the Silbelius monument and is definitely worth a pitstop if you’re close.

But, their hospitality is no secret in Helsinki. There will be queues outside the door, so get there early on weekends if you don’t want to wait.  

Read more about Cafe Regatta in my post here. is open 7 days a week from 8 am – 10 pm. 

19. Strike a pose by the Sibelius monument 

If you’re in the area, then you must stop at the Sibelius monument. It’s a little far out of the main hub of the city but a stop at this popular statue is worth it. 

Jean Sibelius’ (1865-1957) is a world-famous Finnish composer and when he passed, the city decided to build something in his honour. A statue was built by Eila Hiltunen and was unveiled to the public in 1967 for everyone to enjoy in the park now known as Sibelius Park.  

The statue is made up of 600 steel organ pipes and there is a surrealist bust of him on one side. So, make sure you lie down and look up to appreciate the beauty. 

It’s a really popular photo stop for tour buses so prepare for this place to be packed at all times of day, I got there at 7 am and there were already people. But, wait your turn and a photo opportunity will become available. 

The Sibelius Monument is FREE and based in Sibelius Park which is open 24 hours a day.

20. Gaze at Finland’s best artists in Ateneum

Ateneum is Finland’s best-known art museum in Helsinki that showcases international artists from past to present.

The name Ateneum is born from the Greek goddess of wisdom and welfare; Pallas Athene.

It was first started by the Finnish Art Society which established itself in 1846 and decided to put its most worthy works on display in a collection.

Donations were given as financial support for the artists to produce new works and it grew so popular that in 1863, it put its artwork permanently on display.

Although the museum did seek to buy work solely from Finnish artists, it also by the turn of the 20th century had to work by Van Gogh, Edvard Munch and Cézanne.

Today, it houses many contemporary works for people to enjoy, including famous Finnish painters.

When I visited, they had a marvellous exhibition around the works of František Kupka, a Czech abstract artist. 

It’s a beautiful museum full of inspiring works and I would highly recommend a visit. Large backpacks have to be stored in a locker.

Ateneum is open from 10 am Tuesday to Sunday and closed Mondays. Closing times differ throughout the week so always check before you go.

21. Try a Finn’s favourite snack – the cinnamon bun!

A cinnamon bun or ‘korvapuustit’ in Finland is like a croissant in France, you have to try one!

It’s a popular sidekick to an order of filter coffee and every morning the bakeries in Helsinki give out the most gorgeous scent of cinnamon. 

Now to say that the Finn’s take their cinnamon buns seriously would be an understatement and apparently it takes years to master the art of appreciating them.

A cinnamon bun should be filled with cinnamon, made with layers of pastry that’s brown on top and sprinkled with lashings of pearl sugar so sweet you’ll feel your teeth are rotting!

They do some incredible cinnamon buns in Cafe Regatta , Café Esplanade and Café Succès.

22. Visit the Finnish Museum of Natural History

Having the Natural History Museum here in London, I thought I’d be bored of Natural History by now. But, Helsinki proved me wrong! 

The Finnish Museum of Natural History not only have colourful and unique displays of animals and nature, it was also extremely interactive. I loved learning all about Finnish wildlife and seeing all the animals, even if they weren’t real lol.

I would personally avoid weekends as it’s filled with kiddies running around and screaming all the time. 

It also had the most eye-catching architecture. I was really taken by their beautiful picture-perfect staircase. I mean, will you just look at it?! 

The Finnish Natural History Museum is open from 9 am on Mondays to Fridays and 10 am on Saturdays. Closing times differ so always check before you go.

23. Walk down Huvilakatu: Helsinki’s most Instagrammable street

I mean, it wouldn’t be a bucket list without a few photo-worthy Instagram locations, right? In fact, I now have a whole blog post all about the Instagram places in Helsinki you can read here if you’re in it for the gram .

If you’re not bothered about awesome vibrant colourful streets then skip this next stop but if you want this on your photo reel then keep reading! 

Huvilakatu is a rainbow street in Helsinki that is one of the most photographed streets and translates to “villa street”.

Beyond just an Instagram spot, It’s actually one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau design in the city. It isn’t a cheap place to live by any means but you can call one of these homes for the night by renting them on Airbnb!

Make sure you pop by the Design Museum nearby to learn a bit more about Art Nouveau and its history!

Huvilakatu is in the Huvilakatu district and is easily accessible by bus or tram, open 24 hours a day

24. Drink a Longkero drink 

Longkero is a Finnish national drink and is enjoyed in Finland almost as much as we English love our G&T’s. A Longkero is a long or tall drink that is made up of gin and mixed with grapefruit soda, lime or cranberry. 

The tale of Longkero began during the summer Olympics which were being held in Finland in 1952. Prohibition was still in place and so alcohol was banned.

To compromise Alko, a monopoly in Finland, made premixed drinks to serve international visitors. One of these was Longkero.

Ever since it’s been known as the Original Gin Long Drink and is still a popular beverage today!

So there you have it, you must try one while you’re here. It’s utterly delicious and you’ll be craving one long after you’ve left. 

25. Dine at Savotta Restaurant  

Savotta is slap bang in the middle of Senate Square and has one of the most epic views to dine with overlooking the Helsinki Cathedral.

Not only the view, but Savotta serve up some amazing delectable Finnish cuisine to sample.

Now a three-course meal here will set you back around 65 Euros, but hear me out it’s worth the splurge! 

I would definitely go for their taste of Finland menu when you’re here. To start you will have a journey through Finland on land and sea which has salmon, caviare, bear salami, deer sausage, cheese pastries known as Leipäjuusto and berries.

Then moving on you’ll have a topside of reindeer with mash and lingonberries and to finish a sweet ending of Sisu ice cream.

This was one of my favourite meals in Helsinki. Make sure you reserve a table in advance , especially if you would like the view of the cathedral while you dine. 

For a whole list of the best food and drink spots in Helsinki see here. 

Savotta Restaurant  is in Senate Square, it serves food Monday to Saturday from 12 pm – 11 pm and from 6 pm – 10 pm on Sundays. 

26. Shop for Marimekko 

All the girls in Finland love Marimekko! That’s why you’ll see so many of them carrying purses, bags, pencil cases and even wearing jewellery and clothes made by Marimekko. 

Marimekko is a design house in Finland, which is celebrated worldwide for its prints and colours including the iconic poppy print.

It was founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia and hopes to bring confidence to those that wear it through its colourful and bold patterns. They combine fashion with home design and you can buy all sorts of Marimekko homeware to decorate your house too.

There are many Marimekko stores around Helsinki and even one in Helsinki airport if you decide to take some home with you. 

I loved the fact that my Aallankoti apartment in Helsinki was head-to-toe Marimekko! They’re such pretty prints.

27. Try Elk Meatballs – a national speciality!

Now, a little company called IKEA (haha) made Swedish meatballs world-renowned as coming from Sweden but the Finn also has them here too. Elk meatballs are a national dish. 

A lot of Finnish dishes come from the forest and the Finn’s have a rule called everyman’s right.  This means that people can enjoy Finnish nature freely whether that be walking, cycling, swimming, picking berries or fishing. Hunting Elk is also completely legal with a hunting permit and so you’ll see lots of it on the menu. 

Elk meatballs are traditionally cooked in a stew and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries in Finland. It’s absolutely delicious! I tried some on my first night in Löyly spa and was hooked. 

28. Gorge on Fazer chocolate 

Fazer chocolate is another national favourite. You may notice when you order a cup of coffee, you’ll receive a cute little chocolate on the side of your cup. On further inspection, you’ll notice it’s by the Fazer chocolate company.

Originally created by Karl Fazer, Fazer chocolate has been around since 1922. Its home base is in Vantaa in Finland and has been enjoyed by Finn’s throughout the country ever since. It’s the highest quality chocolate and it seriously melts in the mouth! 

You can find Fazer chocolate sold all over the city and you must stop by one of their Fazer cafés in Helsinki too. As I was here over the Easter period, they had their famous easter eggs on sale.

It was like a normal chicken’s egg but when you cracked the shell it was filled with Fazer chocolate! So indulgent but worth every mouthful.  

Fazer chocolate also makes a cute souvenir and they sell them in travel-friendly packages to take home for your friends and family to try. 

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With thanks to My Helsinki for hosting my trip to Finland. Although I was a guest, all opinions and photos are my own. 

Saturday 22nd of April 2023

Awesome list Sophie - I've had a number of layovers in Helsinki and assumed I'd seen everything there was to see, heading back in a few weeks and thanks to this have plenty of additional things to catch now!

Sophie Pearce

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Hi Ben, amazing! Helsinki is such a cool place with so many hidden gems. Have a great time! Sophie x

Monday 20th of February 2023

Lived in Helsinki 4 years back for few months. Have not gotten a chance to go back. Your blog was refreshing taking me down memory lane. Thank you :-)

Hi Nayana, thanks so much for reading! Ah, that's so cool you lived in Helsinki. It's such a lovely city. Have a lovely day! Sophie x

Friday 26th of August 2022

Hi-ya, just a heads-up, it's Uspenski Cathedral, not Upenski - you're missing an S

Saturday 27th of August 2022

Hi Liza, oops good spot! I thought it was spell check but no I made a mistake. Thanks for letting me know and I've now updated my posts :) Sophie x

Wherelocated.net

Saturday 18th of June 2022

Yes, Helsinki and the surroundings have a lot to offer. Just like the other Nordic capitals, being located by the water, give Helsinki a special feel. The old town of Porvoo is a well-kept little gem.

Hi, yes totally agree with you! Helsinki is so lovely, I'd love to go back! Sophie x

Sunday 19th of December 2021

I will visit Helsinki only for two days but this list made me want to stay there. Thanks from Italy!

Friday 31st of December 2021

Hi Tiziana, thank you for feedback! Enjoy Helsinki it was one of my fave places! Sophie x

Sights in Helsinki

Whether you decide to spend a few hours or several days in Helsinki, you can always find something interesting and unique to see and experience. Just in one day, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Helsinki archipelago, get to know the city's unique architecture and visit the best cultural attractions.

Sights and attractions in Helsinki

• Top 12 sights in Helsinki on Instagram Attractions in Helsinki for conscious consumers Accessible Helsinki: lots to see and experience Helsinki’s fascinating Olympic buildings Tove Jansson's Helsinki
• Best colourful spots in Helsinki In Helsinki with kids Top highlights of Helsinki architecture Lovely walking and hiking routes in Helsinki 10 x Beautiful doors of Helsinki
• Seaside Helsinki Best smelling spots in Helsinki Impressive icebreakers The most beautiful bridges in Helsinki Neighbourhoods
• Helsinki’s uniquely well-preserved First World War fortifications Best sounding spots in Helsinki Discover the Helsinki of Carl Ludvig Engel Helsinki's beautiful metro in pictures Alvar Aalto's Helsinki
• Discover the Helsinki of Jean Sibelius Most beautiful churches in Helsinki Sounds of silence in Helsinki Design Treasures in the City Enjoy sculptures with a walk through Helsinki
• Breathe in Helsinki Enjoy beautiful nature in Helsinki Discover the Helsinki of Jean Sibelius
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• # fine arts

Did you visit Helsinki?

Tutustu museoihin Helsingissä

• Visual arts in Helsinki Free museums in Helsinki Fascinating home museums in Helsinki Free admission days at museums in Helsinki
• Where to go on Mondays in Helsinki?

Helsinki by the sea

• Sustainable service Sights and Attractions Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Sights and Attractions Market Square Sights and Attractions Allas Sea Pool Sights and Attractions Kaivopuisto Park
• Sights and Attractions Löyly Sights and Attractions Seurasaari Island Sustainable service Sights and Attractions Helsinki Zoo Nature & Sports Uunisaari
• Café Café Regatta Nature & Sports Uutela Nature Trail

Architectural gems

• 1. Oodi, Helsinki Central Library Oodi is Helsinki's new Central Library and a living meeting place in the city centre on the Kansalaistori Square. Oodi is a venue for events, a house of reading and a diverse urban experience. It will provide its users with knowledge, new skills and stories, and will be an easy place to access for learning, story immersion, work and relaxation. Oodi is a library of a new era, a living and functional meeting place open for all. Read more Sustainable service 2. Amos Rex Amos Rex is an art museum where the past, present and future meet. Read more Sustainable service 3. Helsinki Olympic Stadium The Helsinki Olympic Stadion, built in 1938, was designed in functionalistic style by the architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti. The Olympic Games were held in 1952 in Helsinki. Today the Olympic Stadium hosts both national and international sporting events and outdoor concerts. The Stadium Tower is 72 meters (235 feet) high and at the top you can admire the urban landscape and central Helsinki. The Finnish Sportsmuseum is also located at the Olympic Stadium as well as the Bistro Stadion restaurant. The Stadium visitor centre is located at the foot of the tower. Take a break in the Isku Lounge and let the unique Stadium atmosphere sink in. The Visitor Centre is also the entry to the Stadium meeting and exercise premises, the Stadium tower and to the Bistro Stadion restaurant. This is also where the guided tours of the Stadium start. Read more Sustainable service
• 4. Löyly Löyly is a public sauna and restaurant complex in Hernesaari district on the southern tip of Helsinki. The complex includes a traditional Finnish smoke sauna and two other wood-heated saunas, a year-round terrace and a restaurant. The saunas offer direct access to the outdoor seating area and the sea, where it is possible to enjoy a refreshing swim, all year round. There are separate changing rooms and shower facilities for men and women but as the saunas and other public areas are mixed, it means that customers are respectfully asked to wear swimming costumes at all times. The restaurant, favoring ecological and locally produced ingredients, offers lunch, dinner and brunch on Saturdays. Read more 5. Helsinki Central railway station Designed by Eliel Saarinen, the Central Railway Station is a national pride and is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Read more 6. National Museum of Finland The National Museum of Finland illustrates Finnish history from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Read more Sustainable service
• 7. Temppeliaukio Church Temppeliaukio Church is a major sight in Helsinki: an architectural gem, a world famous concert venue and an active Lutheran church. Read more Sustainable service 8. Kaisa House, Helsinki University Main Library The Kaisa House functions as the Main Library of Helsinki University. The house has gathered several architectural awards and is a stunning example of modern library architecture. It has an curvilinear brick facade. Architects AOA (2012). There's also a café in the building, WELL Cafe Kaisa-talo. Read more 9. Lasipalatsi Lasipalatsi ("Glass Palace") is a functionalistic building from 1938 designed by at the time architecture students Viljo Revell, Niilo Kokko and Heimo Riihimäki. Originally it was built only to be a temporary building but became an attraction of its time by representing functionalistic architecture as its best with its restaurant and café, cinema with lobby, wintergarden, shops, big glass surfaces etc. As years passed in 1998 it was decided to renovate the building to its 1930's lustre. In autumn 2013 Föreningen Konstsamfundet association suggested that a new art museum should be built in Lasipalatsi and beneath the Lasipalatsi square. The building of the museum and a renovation of the Lasipalatsi building began in the beginnig of year 2016. Opened in autumn 2018 Amos Rex is now a meeting place for art and urban culture, consisting of new underground exhibition spaces, the old Lasipalatsi from 1936 and its cinema Bio Rex, as well as a vibrant event forum on Lasipalatsi Square, which serves as the roof of the exhibition hall. In the building you'll also find eg. restaurant Lasipalatsi and Café Lasipalatsi. Read more
• 10. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Kiasma is a museum of contemporary art in the centre of Helsinki. It is a place where people meet art and where everyone is welcome. Read more Sustainable service 11. Senate Square The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840): Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland. A statue of Alexander II (1894) stands in the middle of the Senate Square. Helsinki Cathedral is arguably Finland's most famous and photographed building. The oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House located on the southeast corner of the square. Today the building hosts the Helsinki City Museum. The Esplanade park and the Market Square are just a block away. The Senate Square also hosts a sound installation called the Sound of the Senate Square. It is a modern version of the European glockenspiel and can be heard every day at 17.49 as it travels from one building to the next. The composition runs for 5 minutes 18 seconds and is composed by Harri Viitanen and Jyrki Alakuijala. Read more 12. Musiikkitalo - Helsinki Music Centre Musiikkitalo is an acoustically first-class concert hall as well as other facilities providing a wide range of musical experiences for people of all ages and a place to study music. The residents of Musiikkitalo are Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Sibelius Academy, Uniarts Helsinki. Alongside music and architecture, it is also possible to enjoy visual art during a visit to Helsinki Music Centre. Reijo Hukkanen's Song Trees and Kirsi Kaulanen's Gaia were both specifically commissioned for the building. Works from the Finnish State Art Deposit collection are also on display. The building was designed by LPR-Arkkitehdit. There's also a café, lunch restaurant, a shop specialized in classical music, Fuga, and a sheet music shop, Ostinato, at Musiikkitalo. There are also guided tours in the building during summer, both to architecture and behind the scenes. Read more Sustainable service
• 13. Kamppi Chapel Kamppi Chapel is located in a corner of the Narinkkatori square in Helsinki, at the entrance of the Kamppi shopping center. The Chapel offers an opportunity to calm down in the middle of perhaps the busiest area in Finland. The curved shape of the small-scale Chapel building allows the space and views to flow in the urban surroundings. At the same time, the soft shape of the inside of the Chapel embraces the visitor in its safety. Exhibitions are being displayed at the entrance area. Short prayers are offered in the chapel but there is no church service on Sundays. Concerts are occasionally arranged in the chapel. The chapel, from 2012, was designed by architects Mikko Summanen, Niko Sirola and Kimmo Lintula from the Helsinki-based practice K2S Architects. Read more 14. Uspenski Cathedral Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, the Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. With its golden cupolas and redbrick facade, the church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history. Read more 15. Parliament Finland's 200-seat parliament gathers in this impressive building representing 1920s Classicism. The facade of the building is made of red granite from Kalvola. The main facade includes 14 Corinthian columns. It is possible to visit the parliament by booking a free guided tour. The Plenary sessions, Visitor's Centre, and Parliament Library are also open for public. Read more
• 16. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Suomenlinna sea fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site located on the coast of Helsinki, and also a suburb of Helsinki with around 800 residents. Read more Sustainable service

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One day in Helsinki: Things to do and see

• Sights and Attractions Helsinki Cathedral Sustainable service Sights and Attractions Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Sights and Attractions Torikorttelit Sights and Attractions Market Square
• Sights and Attractions Old Market Hall Sustainable service Sights and Attractions Oodi, Helsinki Central Library Sustainable service Museums & Galleries Amos Rex Sights and Attractions Uspenski Cathedral
• Sights and Attractions Allas Sea Pool Sights and Attractions Senate Square Sights and Attractions Kamppi Chapel Sustainable service Museums & Galleries Ateneum Art Museum
• Sights and Attractions Esplanade Park Sustainable service Sights and Attractions Temppeliaukio Church Sights and Attractions Sibelius Monument Sustainable service Museums & Galleries Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
• Day trips: Lake Tuusula shore road Day trips: Vantaa Day trips: Espoo Day trips: Lahti
• Day trips: Ekenäs Day trips: Loviisa Day trips: Tallinn Day trips: Hanko
• Day trips: Fiskars Day trips: Porvoo

Getting around Helsinki

Top 25 Things to do in Helsinki (Finland)

I’ve been living in Finland for the last decade and though I only lived in Helsinki for a total of five years, I’ve grown fond of the city’s laid-back lifestyle despite its high cost of living. I’ll try to provide as much useful information to you guys as I tackle some of my local tips on all the cool things to do in Helsinki !

In this post you’ll learn:

• Travel restrictions and what to expect
• Most fun way to arrive in Helsinki
• Tips on how to get around Helsinki from an ex-local
• Where to go and what to see (highlights)
• You’ll get an overview on the must experience things to do in Helsinki

If you’re planning to visit Helsinki, find amazing hotel deals and a nice place to stay in Helsinki city center or hotels near Helsinki airport .

Follow me on Instagram , where you’ll see more personal tips about living in Finland from a local resident chef and content creator 🍃🍃🍃

📚 Do you want to learn the Finnish language for FREE ? Check out Spark Your Finnish course! 🇫🇮 How about diving into Finland’s culture? Here’s another FREE culture class to learn how to connect with Finns ❗️ Be insured before your trip to Finland and  get a SafetyWing FREE insurance quote 📚 Read our post about  why you should always have insurance ✈️ Find out how to  find cheap flights to Finland using Skyscanner  or  find deals now

Table of Contents

Helsinki in a nutshell

Helsinki is better known as the “Daughter of the Baltic” is a young city filled with innovative young creatives who keep on making Helsinki one of the most interesting places to live.

This beautiful city ranks on the top as one of the world’s most favorable places to stay due it its almost zero crime rate, peaceful surroundings, equality amongst men and women, great educational system, and of course, world-renown healthcare system. Of course, all these wonderful things apply to Finland as a country and not just Helsinki.

However, this post (Helsinki travel guide) aims to give visitors a great overview of what to expect and the cool things to do in Helsinki . I’ll concentrate on places which the locals would also enjoy going to and not just the main touristic places which every single other blog post already has (but I’ll include them in here, as well).

Nonetheless, there are also tons of other places to visit in Finland and quite a few are easily accessible from the capital and can be done on a day trip from Helsinki! There are also different sorts of Helsinki sightseeing tours you can partake in to see more of the city in a short amount of time.

How to get to Helsinki from abroad

You can come to Helsinki via international airlines from all over the world. Just make sure you have the correct and approved Schengen visa (if you’re not holding a passport from the EU , USA , Australia, Canada, and the UK ) upon entering.

You can come to Helsinki by train from the Russian border. Again, just make sure you have your papers ready as they run tight borders.

By boat/cruise

You can come to Helsinki by boat or cruise from Estonia ( Tallinn ), Denmark , Norway , and Sweden ! This is a fun way to see the Baltic areas if you’re interested in it!

How to get around Helsinki by public transport

Helsinki city center is actually pretty small and you could easily get around by walking and if you come around summertime, you can cycle! But, around the winter months, I assume it is easier to get around using public transport. So, here are my tips:

• Get yourself a Helsinki day ticket that is good for 1 day (€8) to 13 days (€56) depending on how long your stay is. This is by far the cheapest and unlimited way to get around Helsinki.
• You can buy these tickets via the HSL app and ticket machines ( you can find one in this map or in the trainstation itself).
• You can use the Helsinki day ticket on trams, buses, and trains!
• Zones A and B – this means the ticket is only available around Helsinki.
• Zones A, B, and C includes Vantaa – where the airport is located and it is a different city and municipality!
• Zones A, B, C, and D includes Espoo – Nuuksio national park is located in here but Espoo is also another city outside of Helsinki.
• Beware of the SMURFS! Thats what the locals call ticket inspectors who randomly pops up to check the validity (or lack of) your tickets. Just make sure you have your ticket with you at all times and you’re good! My best tip here is to buy the tickets via the HSL app so you always have it with you. The fine costs €80 – you don’t want to pay that.
• In the summer, you can also rent a city bike ! This is perhaps the most fun way to get around Helsinki as there are good cycling path everywhere.

LOCAL TIP: Buy the day ticket from HSL app so you always have it with you incase the smurfs come sniffing around. Also, get zone D and C if you’re planning on a day trip to Vantaa and Espoo – this is the cheapest way instead of buying separate tickets. You’ll need Zone D anyways if you’re going back to the airport.

E xperiences and top things to do in Helsinki

Go for a relaxing time at helsinki’s oldest public sauna.

What to do in Helsinki? If you are planning to visit Helsinki or Finland for that matter, then there are plenty of things to do in Helsinki. And I am assuming that you have heard about the importance of sauna in the Finnish culture.

But truly, what is a sauna? Basically, it is a room with a sauna stone (with stones on top) either heated by electricity or wood and you heat the whole room up by throwing water on the hot stone thus creating hot steam.

Sauna claims to have many health benefits and it is one of the foundations that stabilizes the Finnish culture . For instance, a family gathers weekly to enjoy the sauna either in their homes or they gather in their summer cottages where they have a sauna by the lake. It is a custom that is well-loved by the Finns and has been carried on throughout history. In fact, in Finland alone you’ll find over two million saunas all over the country, that is almost one sauna per three citizens!

This brings us back to why you should try out a sauna if you ever plan a trip to Helsinki. You see, when Finns started moving down south to Helsinki, public sauna became in demand because of the hustle and buzz of the city that keeps its citizens with almost no time to visit their cottages for some sauna time.

Public saunas in Helsinki became the hub for the locals to rejuvenate and keep the custom going. The first one to be opened is located in the Kallio neighborhood and it is called Kotiharju Sauna , it has been in operation since 1928!

If you’re interested in trying out this one, here are a few other sauna places to visit in Helsinki:

• Arla Sauna , located in Kallio, as well
• Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall , located in the heart of Helsinki center
• Löyly Helsinki , located in Hernesaari
• Kulttuurisauna , located in Merihaka

LOCAL TIP: These public saunas in Helsinki are located not far from the heart of the city. If you want a cheaper alternative, go to the swimhall! They also have a sauna. Or choose a hotel that have one in their facilities.

Enjoy the chill vibes at Kallio neighborhood

If you’re keen on doing anything cool and hip, then Kallio is your ‘hood. This Helsinki neighborhood is the hub for students, artists, and musicians so you can just tell that Kallio is indeed the equivalent of the Jewish Quarter of Budapest where all things weird and awesome happen.

For the young locals, Kallio neighborhood is the place to be because all the cool parties happen there and not to mention, cheap-ish rent (Helsinki, in general, is expensive y’all! Rents are never cheap).

However, what is it for travelers and tourists? Well, if you like beer and drinking in a vibrant atmosphere then I suggest bar hopping in Kallio!

If you’re not a drinker, don’t fret, there are also tons of fusion restaurants to visit and as well parks to hang out. You’ll find tons of locals just chilling around during the summer so it is certainly the best time to visit Helsinki to see what the cool kids are up to.

How to get to Kallio? Take tram number 3 and it will take you from the city center to Kallio.

LOCAL TIP: If you take tram 2 or 3, take a round trip with it as it will take you to all hyped neighborhoods in Helsinki (Töölö, Punavuori, Kamppi, and Kallio). The locals call it the scenic tram ride because it literally takes you to all Helsinki points of interest.

Feel the local culture vibes at Korjaamo

A total culture hub filled with everything artistic, Korjaamo is for all sorts of people who appreciate culture and arts mixed together. If you’re interested in involving yourself in theater, music, and fine arts – Korjaamo is without a doubt something you’ll enjoy.

In the summertime , there are numerous free programs you can attend and you can also visit its galleries that have different exhibitions all year round. Apart from that, there’s also a nice cafe and bar you can check out!

Check what’s the jazz over at Teurastamo in Kalasatama

Kalasatama is a great place to visit in Helsinki to start with, it is located beside Sörnäinen and in there you’ll find Teurastamo, an old slaughterhouse turned into a conventional cultural hub where you can just either chill out with a pint of beer or eat your way out.

In the summertime , they often have parties in the area and it is notable for its laid-back jazz festival which invites everyone to witness and enjoy.

Apart from that, the growing food culture in Helsinki is strong in Teurastamo so be sure to sample some of the restaurants in the area!

Party at Kaiku and Kuudes Linja for some good music and beers

Located in Kallio neighborhood, Kaiku in Helsinki is an underground club where the cool kids of Helsinki release their inner Danny Zuko and break the dancefloor when the beat hits the right spot. They often play techno music (the good kind) so it really warms up your groove!

Kuudes Linja, on the other hand, has rather similar vibes as Kaiku only they play different sorts of music from electronica to anything you can think of. I think they even played Barbie Girl by Aqua once I was there and it was pretty legit cool.

Top Landmarks and attractions in Helsinki

Sibelius park and monument.

The Sibelius Park and Monument are established in the memory of the renowned Finnish composer, Johan Julius Christian (or, Jean) Sibelius. Jean Sibelius is widely known to be the best composer ever born in the Finnish territory, as he could express his feelings for the country very touchingly.

He also inspired Finnish independence and their soldiers through his writings. The center of all attractions inside the park is the huge monument; made by the Finnish artist Eila Hiltunen, also entitled, Passio Musicae.

The monument looks like a silver tree that is made of 600 steel pipes. The pipes used in the monument resemble the Finnish forests and the pores are made in order to create whistling music, as the wind blows by. The monument is massive, so you can easily walk around and underneath.

The sculpted head or bust of Jean Sibelius is just beside the monument. A similar monument can also be found at the United Nations headquarter in New York and, also at the UNESCO headquarter in Paris due to its charming elegance.

Seurassari Open-air Museum

Seurasaari is said to be the best island part and one of the popular Helsinki attractions not only because they build an amazing exhibition inside where they have collected old wooden buildings from around the country to culturally present how life used to be in Finland back in the days.

You’ll see an old church, staple houses, and old barns all made from wood and each represents a certain time in the history of Finland. Apart from all this, there’s a picnic area where you can grill and not far from the entrance is a small beach with a sauna which you can also use if you’re interested!

Parliament House of Finland

The seat of the Finnish parliament gets a vital position among the places to see in Helsinki. After the beginning of the construction works of this Parliament House, it took 5 years to be entirely completed in 1931.

It is one of the top Helsinki tourist attractions that boasts significant architectural design the city is highly proud of as its representation is significant and is one of the best must-see buildings in the city.

The exterior renovation of the Parliament house was finished in the summer of 2017 after almost two years of construction, however, guided tours are still not permitted on the premises but you can still certainly admire its beauty from the outside as it is indeed beautiful as it is highly influenced by the early 20th-century era’s Classism designs.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a priceless treasure of Finland and surely, among the best Helsinki points of interest. Being built somewhere around the middle of the 1700s, this fortress consists of great history and archaeology of the medieval military and defense of Finland.

The fortress is constructed on an island and accompanied by six nearby islands in the Helsinki neighborhood. It has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991 and has been on top of the Helsinki attractions for tourists around the world.

Alongside many archaeological specimens, the cannons for naval defense and the walls of the fortress are interesting things to see inside Suomenlinna.

Take a walk around the area to discover the biggest sea fortress in the world and be more and more amazed as you keep exploring.

Also, make sure to visit the underground tunnel as it is one of the exciting places to see in Suomenlinna!

Nonetheless, if you visit in summer , make sure to bring some snacks with you and have a small picnic break somewhere around the premises while overlooking the Baltic sea.

If you’re interested in visiting Suomenlinna Sea Fortress , commuting to this island is relatively easy as the ferries come and go almost every 15 minutes from the Pohjoissatama (North Harbor) and you can easily buy a ticket for 3USD (€2,50), and it is valid for one hour.

Another alternative is to buy a day ticket and a trip to Suomenlinna is also considered a local transport thus you can use the same bus or tram ticket to get to the island.

Related read: Islands in Finland you must visit and explore!

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Arts

Helsinki’s Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Arts is one of the must-visit Helsinki attractions for all. This museum is a part of the Finnish National Gallery along with two other reputed museums of Finland all serving the same purpose – introduce different sorts of arts to the new generation. The exterior design of the museum itself is an example of modernism which is becoming a huge trend in Helsinki!

Designed by the American architect, Steven Holl, Kiasma is an architectural marvel on its own as Kiasma is the leading contemporary art museum in the Nordics . Housing some of the best modern arts of today that express and provoke different emotions to whoever views them – the main aim of this impressive museum.

National Museum of Finland

If you are looking for what to see in Helsink i that will take you back to the stone-ages of even 10,000 years before, make sure you include the National Museum of Finland in your list and be surprised at the sight as you see the bear statue in front of the entrance (sorry-not-sorry for the spoiler!).

At the moment, the new Prehistory Exhibitions include a Russian Imperial Throne, which is currently, the most interesting specimen to see. There is a huge collection of vintage materials that draws tourists from all over the world to this very museum. The Elk’s Head of Huittinen is another 8 to 9 thousand years dating sculpture that can be found inside this renowned museum.

This fantastic landmark is one of the must-visit Helsinki attractions not only for what you can learn about each exhibition inside the museum but take some time and have a closer look at the architecture of the building itself – it is a beauty with a classic medieval feel to it.

Post that might interest you: Best cities to visit in Europe for a weekend getaway

Temppeliaukio Church

It is a Lutheran church that has been made by executing a great use of nature. The whole church is surrounded by rocky stone walls and covered by a dome that gets support from parallel pillars that lie diagonally from the edge of the walls with the dome and the gaps between each one hosts the natural sunlight to fall upon the place.

Being established in 1969, the church is also very widely known as the Rock Church. The entrance fee is 3.50USD (€3,00), which will prove out to be much less compared to what it upholds. People often praise the creativity and the extraordinary use of this natural place for a church.

That said, the place has now become a great spot for Helsinki sightseeing for those who are interested in architectural marvels!

Finlandia Hall

The marvelous architectural design of one the world-renown Finnish architect, Alvar Alto; Finlandia Hall is a landmark located just in the heart of Helsinki is created in order to host the prime concerts, events, and also the Congress of Finland. The place is available for large and small conferences among the higher executives of the country.

The construction was completed in 1971 and the whole building is colored white with a splendid view of the exterior. This reputed Helsinki landmark consists of 340 seats in the main hall. Some places inside this great hall are designed in a way that natural light falls inside the building; following the piazzas of Italy .

So, people who are looking for things to do in Helsinki must visit this one of the marvelous Helsinki landmarks by enjoying a concert or either by, taking a guided trip to Helsinki’s Finlandia Hall.

Note:  the Guided tour is available upon reservation and it will cost you about 16USD (€15). You can book it through Finlandia’s webpage.

Uspenski Cathedral

Also famously known as the largest Orthodox church in entire Western Europe , Uspenski Cathedral gives a clear Russian scheme; as the Russian architecture, Aleksey Gornostayev had designed the place.

Located in the neighborhood of Katajanokka near the North Harbor (Pohjoissatama), the cathedral is situated upon a hilly area, whereas you’ll have a good aerial view of the port and the city. Since it is on a hill, you’ll have no trouble finding this church as it is also located rather near to the Senate Square!

Also, there’s no entrance fee to enter this church but there is a great chance of finding a gathering of people here as it has recently become one of the most alluring Helsinki attractions among tourists .

📚 Do you want to learn the Finnish language for FREE? Check out Spark Your Finnish FREE course! 🇫🇮 How about dive into Finland’s culture? Here’s a FREE culture class to learn how to connect with Finns.

Tuomiokirkko (The big white church)

Ah, the big white church. It has a name you know, it is called Tuomiokirkko but most people refer to it as the big white church.

Tuomion Kirkko, or Helsinki Cathedral, is one of the top Helsinki sightseeing spots as it is usually the face of every guidebook you’ll find about Finland. It is a Lutheran church and is famous for its astonishing architecture and it certainly takes your breath away once you witness it for yourself.

It is free to go inside the church but I would suggest that you dress appropriately and perhaps don’t snap too many photos inside but knock yourself out taking tons of selfies from the outside. Respect, you know, it is a church after all.

Visiting Tuomiokirkko will not take long, so visit this if you’re on your way to Suomenlinna as the market square, where the boat departs to the sea fortress, is not far along.

Visit Helsinki Cathedral during the day; from 9 am to 6 pm, exceptions the months of June , July, and August, when it is open until midnight.

Ateneum Art Museum

The largest museum of classical arts inside the whole of Finland. It upholds the artworks of even some world’s most renowned artists, like Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh.

The museum lies in a vast construction that is architectural, very appealing. It includes in the compilation of the tree museums that generates the Finnish National Gallery. Paintings from the 18 th century to the 21 st century, all are available in the vast exhibition inside her.

This museum being established in 1887, is certainly, amongst the unique places to visit in Helsinki. People who are fond of great artists and paintings must go Helsinki sightseeing for them. You’ll be amazed to see this historic and artistic place has a lot to offer for her visitors.

🏨 Where to stay? Best hotels in Helsinki located in the city center near all attractions!

What to eat and restaurants in Helsinki to try

Have a korvapuusti and coffee at cafe regatta.

A very small cafe, almost unnoticeable if you passed by it, standing cozily by the lake overlooking the vast nature of Helsinki’s Sibelius Park in Taka-Töölö comes Cafe Regatta – famous for its cinnamon buns and laid-back atmosphere, this tiny cafe is certainly one of Helsinki point interest you must not miss!

One tip I could give you is to hit two birds with one stone (not literal) and buy a package of Makkara or Finnish sausage with you and grill it on the open fire they have ate Cafe Regatta which anyone can use as long as you make sure you clean after yourself! This is also one thing to do in Helsinki most locals do themselves (me included).

So, korvapuusti, makkara and coffee and that almost equates to a proper Finnish experience sans the beer and sauna.

➡️ You can also read our post about the best restaurants in Helsinki !

Visit Helsinki’s beautiful market halls and sample local delicacies

If you’re interested in local cuisine and want to taste some of Finland’s local delicacies , visiting some of Helsinki’s market halls are not only a treat for the eyes because of its marvelous architectural design but also for its wide range of epic dishes and ingredients you can find in some of its stalls.

There are several market halls to visit in Helsinki but the best one I can recommend is Hakaniemen Kauppahalli which is located at the heart of the neighborhood in its market square. In the summertime, there are tons of happening around these market halls and you’ll find outdoor stalls selling traditional Finnish summer foods such as fried vendace and salmon soup.

In winter , however, you’ll find tons of different seasonal dishes inside the market halls you can sample. That said, the marketplace is not open for long so you must visit during lunchtime at best so you won’t miss out on some of the lunch places!

Day trips you can take from Helsinki

➡️ Have extra time in Helsinki? Look at these day trips from Helsinki !

Go for a Hike at Nuuksio National Park – A Day Trip Close to Nature

Besides what to do in Helsinki? Nuuksio national park is one of the Helsinki sightseeing spots is not exactly in Helsinki but in Espoo, a city and municipality just outside of the capital city. If you’re keen on hiking and nature, then a day trip from Helsinki to Nuuksio is certainly your kind of thing!

About one hour away from the heart of Helsinki, you’ll leave the busy city and enter Nuuksio National Park’s splendor as you inhale the freshest air and expect a more relaxed environment in the care of mother nature. Apart from all that, you’ll also witness some of the finest Finnish sceneries, forests, lakes , and all that shebang.

If you come in autumn and granted that Finland had a good summer, you’re in for a good surprise as wild berries and mushrooms are in full bloom at this time of the year. Just make sure that you don’t put anything in your mouth unless you know exactly what wild goodies you have or there’s a tour guide to tell you what’s good or not. There are poisonous berries and mushrooms in Finland so watch out!

Go for a day trip to Porvoo!

Colorful wooden houses, nature, and history – all the things you’ll witness if you visit Porvoo . About one hour away from the city center, you’ll find yourself on a day trip from Helsinki to the old medieval town that once existed in Finland.

Porvoo is the second oldest city in the country and is one of the main attractions in Finland you must visit. It served as the trading center back in the days but nowadays it is a functioning city that adapted with modernity while retaining its historical vibes.

If you visit in summer, you’ll find all sorts of things to do in Porvoo such as visiting live exhibitions, sampling local handmade crafts, visiting cute cafes, and try out some of its local restaurants .

To travel from Helsinki to Porvoo is fairly easy, there’s a bus line that runs frequently all day and you can catch the bus to Porvoo from Kamppi (city center) and it will take you between 50 minutes to 1.5 hours to get there and will cost you between 11.50-17USD for a one-way ticket.

Do you need help planning your trip to Finland? Here are my top tips!

• The Best Finland Travel Guide  – My Finland overview, you’ll find everything you’d need to know about Finland.
• When is the best time to visit Finland for northern lights  
• When is the best time to visit Finland – Monthly breakdown
• BEST Places to Visit in Finland  and  Best Cities in Finland  – Cities, and towns you must not miss!
• Things to do in Finland ,  Finland Holidays to Experience ,  Tourist Attractions in Finland  – Touristy stuff, but still worth reading! Finland, in general, offers pretty cool experiences regardless of how “hyped” it is.
• If you’re staying in Helsinki, you can book your  hotel stay in Helsinki  or  near Helsinki airport .
• Cities to visit during a short visit:   Helsinki ,  Porvoo ,  Tampere ,  Turku ,  Ålands , Hanko , and  Vaasa .
• When to visit?  Summer ,  Autumn ,  Spring , and  Winter  – Decide when to come and then base your activities on that!
• How to dress for winter in Finland  – Always dress according to the weather. It will make your experience much better!
• Top tips and important info:   Supermarkets in Finland ,  Budgeting tips for Finland ,  Tipping in Finland ,  What to wear in Sauna ,  Sauna etiquette ,  Public Saunas in Helsinki
• Finnish culture introductions:   How to say hello ,  Finnish food and cuisine ,  Facts about Finland ,  Finnish Breakfast Guide , Finnish drinks

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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

19 thoughts on “Top 25 Things to do in Helsinki (Finland)”

I would like to visit Helsinki this year but what is the current travel restriction at the moment?

Hi Katie! Thanks for bringing it up. I’ve updated the post!

Hola Evan, my wife and I enjoyed your post a lot. Do you have any tips on where else to go besides Helsinki? We’re a retired couple and enjoy the outdoors a lot! I saw you mentioned Nuuksio hiking trail. It looks beautiful!

Hi Juan and Martha, thanks for leaving a comment! It is so sweet of you guys. If you enjoy the outdoors and you’re coming to Helsinki, I defo suggest Nuuksio national park as a day trip and an excelent outdoor activity! I’ve also written a post about all the cool hiking trails all over Finland: Top 10 Best Hikes in Finland .

Hope you enjoy your stay in Helsinki!

Lovely post dear! My mother is from Helsinki but I grew up in the US. I’ve been there many summers as a child and would love to visit again one day but I would also like to see other places in my mother’s home country. I’ve read your other posts about Finland and it inspired me visit hopefully this year.

This is so sweet Liisa! I hope your visit push through this year, please let me know if you do! I’d love to keep in touch to know how your trip went.

How long it takes if I also want to visit lapland? I will visit but ony have one week. Thanks, Oliver.

Hi Oliver! Thanks for dropping by. Lapland is a a huge region in northern Finland, do you have any specific place in mind you’d like to visit? If, lets say, you want to head over to Rovaniemi – this is an 8hrs train ride from Helsinki and about 1.5hrs by plane. So, one week might be a tight timeframe if you plan to visit both Helsinki and some parts of Lapland (but doable, of course). Hope that helps!

Hi Evan! Thank you for your comprehensive and thoroughly written post about Helsinki. I’ve been there many years ago on a cruise with my family but would like to visit again. Your post brough back so many good memories!

Thank you Janna! Hope you come and visit again 🙂

Hiii! I’m visiting Tallinn this summer (I’m from Poland!) and I saw from your post about Tallinn that you can do a day trip to Helsinki easily. Is one day enough for Helsinki? The stuff you mentioned here seemed a lot to do just for one day. Just asking because I am in Tallinn not for long time.

Hi Ramona! Thanks for your comment and glad you found my Tallinn post. Helsinki is defo doable in one day but of course you need to really know where you want to go, time is limited and there’s so much to see. So, what I suggest is note down some of your best interests and find the places in Helsinki that fits you! Helsinki city center is pretty small and compact so getting from one place to another shouldn’t take a long time. Hope this helps!

Moikka! Great post about Helsinki, I would also like to add that in winter, we have a lot of great places to visit such as skating, skiing, and the Christmas markets.

Thanks Sami for your tips! I’ll make sure to add these on my next update 🙂

I regularly visit both Helsinki & Tallinn,but thanks for a both interesting & informative article. You’ve illustrated some new things for me to experience when I visit in September. Many thanks?

Thanks Mark

I’ve never even considered travelling to Finland before this post. Thank you so much, it’s definitely on my list now! What a beautiful looking place.

Thanks for dropping by, Sarah!

good stuff¡¡¡

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Places to Visit in Helsinki

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Helsinki Tourist Places

Here's the list of best places to visit in helsinki:.

Helsinki Olympic Stadium

The Helsinki Olympic Stadium, constructed in 1938, stands as a symbol of Finnish pride and sporting excellence. Hosting the 1952 Summer Olympics, it has witnessed historic moments in track and field, soccer, and ceremonies. Renowned for its iconic tower and sweeping curves, the stadium continues to serve as a venue for major events, blending architectural elegance with athletic prowess in the heart of Finland's capital.

Top Experiences To Do in Helsinki Olympic Stadium

Old Market Hall

The Old Market Hall in Helsinki, Finland, is a historic gem nestled by the waterfront. Dating back to the late 19th century, it exudes charm with its traditional architecture and bustling atmosphere. Inside, visitors can explore a vibrant array of stalls offering local delicacies, fresh produce, and artisanal crafts, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Top Experiences To Do in Old Market Hall

Katajanokka helsinki.

Katajanokka, a peninsula in Helsinki, Finland, is known for its picturesque waterfront views, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It offers a blend of modern amenities and timeless charm, making it a sought-after destination for residents and visitors alike.

Suomenlinna

Helsinki Cathedral

Temppeliaukio Church

Top Experiences To Do in Temppeliaukio Church

Kulosaari, a picturesque island located in Helsinki, Finland, boasts serene landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Encircled by the tranquil waters of the Baltic Sea, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The island is renowned for its lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and stunning waterfront views, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Seurasaari Island

Uspenski Cathedral

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Top Experiences To Do in Linnanmäki Amusement Park

National Museum Of Finland

Sibelius Park

Korkeasaari Zoo

Kallio Church

Helsinki Railway Station

Senate Square, Helsinki

Senate Square is a famous tourist attraction, located in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. The square was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and designated as the main square in 1812. 

You can spot a statue of Emperor Alexander II (1894) which is built in the centre of the square. Designed by Walter Runeberg, the statue of Alexander stands on a pedestal, surrounded by sculptures representing law and culture. 

Top Experiences To Do in Senate Square, Helsinki

Great Courtyard of Suomenlinna

Nestled within Helsinki's stunning archipelago lies a true treasure: the Great Courtyard of Suomenlinna. This special place blends history, culture, and natural beauty in a way that's sure to captivate anyone who visits.

Picture this: as you stroll through the courtyard, you're surrounded by ancient buildings and charming cobblestone paths. Each structure has a story to tell, giving you a glimpse into the past. It's like stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand.

But Suomenlinna isn't just about the past – it's a vibrant cultural hub too. Throughout the year, you'll find all sorts of events happening here, from art exhibitions to music festivals. It's a place where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate and have fun.

Laajasalo, often referred to simply as "Laakso" by locals, is a picturesque island district situated in the eastern part of Helsinki, Finland. Connected to the mainland by bridges, Laajasalo is one of Helsinki's largest districts, both in terms of area and population. With its blend of urban conveniences and natural beauty, Laajasalo offers residents and visitors a unique living experience within the vibrant Finnish capital.

Finlandia Hall, Helsinki

Finlandia Hall, an architectural masterpiece in Helsinki, epitomizes Alvar Aalto's design brilliance. Completed in 1971, this cultural venue seamlessly integrates modernist aesthetics with functionality. Nestled by the Töölönlahti Bay, it hosts a myriad of events, from concerts to conferences. Finlandia Hall stands as a cultural beacon, embodying Finland's commitment to artistic expression and innovation in the heart of the capital.

Vartiosaari,Helsinki

Vartiosaari is a charming island located in Helsinki, Finland, known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. Accessible by ferry, it offers scenic views, walking trails through lush forests, and opportunities for birdwatching along its shores. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Best of Finland

Villinki, Helsinki: A serene island escape just a ferry ride from Helsinki's bustle. With lush greenery, sandy beaches, and picturesque wooden cottages, it's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Enjoy fishing, hiking trails, or simply unwind amidst the Baltic Sea's peaceful embrace.

City Hall, Helsinki

City Hall Helsinki, located in the heart of the Finnish capital, stands as a prominent civic institution. This architectural gem serves as the administrative hub for municipal affairs, embodying Helsinki's commitment to efficient governance. The building's design reflects a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, symbolizing the city's rich history and progressive ethos. City Hall Helsinki is a vibrant focal point where civic engagement and urban culture converge.

Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park in Helsinki is a serene oasis, boasting lush greenery and tranquil pathways. Nestled in the heart of the city, it offers a refreshing retreat for locals and visitors alike. The park's centerpiece is the historic Kadriorg Palace, an architectural gem with its elegant Baroque design. 

Best of Turku

Mannerheim Street

Mannerheim Street in Helsinki, Finland, is a cultural and historical artery that reflects the city's vibrant essence. Named after Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, a prominent Finnish statesman, the street boasts architectural marvels, upscale boutiques, and culinary delights. It serves as a nexus of activity, where locals and tourists converge to explore its eclectic offerings. Lined with elegant buildings and shaded by trees, Mannerheim Street exudes an aura of sophistication and charm. From its bustling cafes to its serene parks, it embodies Helsinki's fusion of tradition and modernity. As a symbolic thoroughfare, Mannerheim Street epitomizes the heartbeat of Finland's capital city.

Wooden House Districts

Museum of Finnish Architecture

The Museum of Finnish Architecture in Helsinki is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Finland's rich architectural heritage. Situated in a historic building in the Kaartinkaupunki district, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through Finnish design history.

Best of Tampere

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Why the Arctic Is This Winter’s Hottest New Market for European Airlines

Gordon Smith , Skift

May 25th, 2024 at 7:00 AM EDT

More flights to destinations deep inside the Arctic Circle will be available from major European airports this winter.

Gordon Smith

Hundreds of new flights will serve the European Arctic region this year, collectively offering tens of thousands of additional seats. In recent weeks, major airlines from across the continent have announced a flurry of routes to destinations deep within the Arctic Circle. 

Notably, many of the services will be operated for the very first time, suggesting a shift in travel demand and broader consumer behaviors. 

As Skift reported  earlier this week, Scandinavian countries are becoming more popular as the effects of climate change take hold. Higher average temperatures in traditional ski areas such as the French and Swiss Alps are a key factor. 

According to a report  published by the European Tourism Commission, the search for more reliable weather conditions is driving many winter sports enthusiasts further north.

The demand for vacations away from the crowds has also been a broader post-pandemic shift. In 2022, Skift highlighted the ‘rapid ruralization of travel’  as one of its Megatrends , countering over-tourism in more established destinations.  

Here is just a selection of the major new air routes operating into and around the region this coming winter:

Lufthansa: Frankfurt to Rovaniemi, Finland

While the title of Santa Claus’ hometown is contested, Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, claims to be his official residence. From November 30, Lufthansa will fly twice a week from its Frankfurt hub for the first time. 

Alongside Rovaniemi, the German flag carrier already serves the northern Finnish destinations of Oulu, Kittilä, Ivalou, and Kuusamo, as well as Helsinki. 

British Airways: London Heathrow to Tromsø, Norway

From December 1, British Airways will add Tromsø as the most northerly destination on its global route map. The city sits comfortably within the Arctic Circle and is known as a prime location to view the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. It will be the first time the airline has served the Norwegian city. 

Neil Chernoff, BA’s Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said the airline’s schedule has been optimized to allow three and four-night trips that are in particular demand. Flights will operate twice a week until March 27. 

Iberia: Madrid to Tromsø, Norway

Joining its sister airline British Airways in Tromsø this winter is Iberia. The Spanish flag carrier will begin flights from its Madrid hub on December 1, with twice-weekly frequencies on Thursdays and Sundays until March 2. A total of 9,000 seats will be available during the three-month season. 

As well as Tromsø, Iberia is bringing back its Rovaniemi service. The airline, which described the route’s performance last year as “very successful,” is ramping up capacity for the coming winter. Flights will start on November 30 and end on March 1, representing an extra month of flying compared to a year earlier. The peak holiday period in December will see four weekly flights, with more than 12,000 seats on offer overall. This marks a 74% increase compared to winter 2023-24. 

SAS: Five New Nonstop Routes

By definition, SAS Scandinavian Airlines already had a robust presence in key winter markets. But the Nordic carrier is proving that even incumbents have room for expansion in the coming season. Responding to what the carrier describes as “increasing demand from travelers seeking winter adventures in the north,” the airline is adding five new nonstop routes. 

Tromsø and Rovaniemi will see new flights, alongside Kiruna and the aptly named ‘Scandinavian Mountains Airport’ in Sweden. Here are the highlights:

• Alongside existing routes to Scandinavian Mountains Airport from the Danish cities of Copenhagen and Aalborg, new flights will begin from Aarhus (also in Denmark) and London Heathrow. 
• A new route from Copenhagen to Rovaniemi, Finland
• An extra link from Copenhagen to Kiruna, a town in the far north of Swedish Lapland
• It will also add pressure to British Airways’ newly announced service, with its own flights between Heathrow and Tromsø.

Erik Westman, Chief Revenue Officer at SAS said Northern Scandinavia was seeing “a significant rise in Europeans” traveling to the region during the winter. He added that for the coming season, onward connections to destinations in the United States and Asia are being optimized. 

Finnair: Flights to Lapland ‘Every 30 Minutes’

Finnair is no stranger to Lapland and other Arctic destinations, but this winter’s program looks set to be one of its largest ever. The airline will offer up to 63 weekly flights to Rovaniemi – a 20% increase from last year. 

Finnair says the frequencies will be focused on popular travel days, which are Wednesdays and at the weekend. During peak hours on select Saturdays, there will be flights to Rovaniemi every 30 minutes; described by the airline as ‘Santa’s Shuttle’.

As well as regular services between its Helsinki hub and destinations in Lapland, it will also offer a nonstop connection between two Arctic destinations. A Rovaniemi to Tromsø service will operate six days a week, building upon a successful introduction in December 2023. The intra-Arctic services are operated as tag flights: Helsinki-Rovaniemi-Tromsø and Tromsø-Rovaniemi-Helsinki. Finnair has 14 destinations in Finland and 25 destinations in the wider Nordic region. 

Pasi Kuusisto, the carrier’s General Manager for North America said the region’s popularity among U.S. visitors had never been greater. Finnair flies direct from Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Seattle to Helsinki. 

Air France: Paris to Kiruna, Sweden

Finally, Air France is also ramping up its Arctic program this year with the addition of a fifth destination in Lapland. Kiruna will join the network from December 21, with weekly flights from the French capital. The Swedish town joins Rovaniemi and Kittilä in Finland, as well as Tromsø and Narvik Lofoten in Norway on the Air France route map. 

A Scandi Summer Spike?

The wider Scandinavian region is no longer just a winter playground. The area is also enjoying a surge in popularity as a  prime summer destination .

A recent study saw an 18% increase in Norway’s overnight stays, a 12% increase in Sweden, and a 9% increase in Denmark since the start of 2024. 

Short-term rental supply also increased, with a 37% rise in Norway, a 32% rise in Sweden, and a 24% rise in Finland.

Elsewhere, other northern markets such as Iceland have sought to diversify their offerings in recent years. Year-round arts and culture attractions  are now being presented  alongside more traditional tourist destinations. 

Airlines Sector Stock Index Performance Year-to-Date

What am I looking at?  The performance of airline sector stocks within the  ST200 . The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies.

The Skift Travel 200 (ST200)  combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number.  See more airlines sector financial performance . 

Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.

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Tags: air france , airlines , arctic , british airways , finland , finnair , iberia , lufthansa , norway , scandinavia , sweden , tourism , Travel Trends

Photo credit: Tromso is one of the destinations set for a big rise in flights this winter. Daniel Vogel/Unsplash Daniel Vogel/Unsplash / Daniel Vogel/Unsplash