Helsinki

Helsinki is a city of avant-garde architecture, historic attractions, and green spaces, offering a wealth of unforgettable experiences. From exploring iconic landmarks and world-class museums to indulging in Nordic cuisine and venturing into the breathtaking archipelago, Finland’s capital spoils travellers with choice.

It’s time to delve into the 10 best things to do in Helsinki, Finland, and uncover the treasures of this captivating city.

Visit the grand Senate Square

Located in the heart of Helsinki, Senate Square is a grand and historic public space that embodies the city’s neoclassical architectural heritage. Surrounded by iconic landmarks, this must-visit plaza often serves as a stage for various cultural and civic events.

Travellers can admire the splendour of this square, defined by magnificent 19th-century neoclassical buildings that create a harmonious and visually stunning ensemble. The stunning white Helsinki Cathedral — the city’s symbol and iconic landmark — dominates the plaza, enticing visitors to step inside, experience its serene atmosphere, and marvel at the beautiful altarpiece. Guests can even climb the cathedral’s tower for panoramic city views.

Other remarkable buildings surrounding the square include the stately Government Palace (home to the Finnish government) and the impressive University of Helsinki. Visiting the bustling Senate Square is a must and one of the best things to do in Helsinki, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural heritage.

Take a boat trip to Suomenlinna Fortress

Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO-listed historic landmark located on an island near Helsinki, has protected the Finnish capital for centuries. And travellers can take a day trip to this unique attraction and explore its expansive bastions, ramparts, and tunnels.

Visitors typically enter the fortress through the impressive King’s Gate, an outstanding historic landmark in its own right. The best way to explore this historic defensive complex is by following the “Blue Route,” which guides guests through the major sights and must-see places of Suomenlinna.

Travellers can also visit several captivating museums housed within the fortress. The Suomenlinna Museum — the undeniable highlight — delves into the history of this defensive complex from its construction to the present day. The Ehrensvärd Museum explores the life and work of Augustin Ehrensvärd, the architect behind Suomenlinna, while the Submarine Vesikko allows visitors to step inside a WWII-era Finnish submarine.

There are also more “innocent” museums, such as the Customs Museum, which explores the subject of smuggling in Finland, and the Toy Museum, exhibiting toys from different eras.

Beyond the fortress, the island is a lovely place for picnicking, hiking, and swimming in the summer. Numerous cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces offer delightful spots for savouring a meal or enjoying a coffee. With regular and seamless ferry connections, taking a day trip to Suomenlinna is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Helsinki.

Visit the rock-hewn Temppeliaukio Church

The Finnish capital boasts several stunning churches, including the majestic white Helsinki Cathedral and the hilltop Uspenski Cathedral. However, the most fascinating is the extraordinary Temppeliaukio Church (also known as the Rock Church), carved directly into solid rock. And, undoubtedly, it is also one of the best things to see in Helsinki, Finland.

Visitors can step inside this remarkable church, feel its one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and admire the awe-inspiring space surrounded by rough-hewn rock walls. The Temppeliaukio Church is renowned for its outstanding acoustics, making it a popular venue for concerts and musical performances. Open year-round, this unique attraction is a must-see in Helsinki.

Explore the Mecca of Finnish design

For a taste of creativity and fashion, travellers can head to the inspiring Design District, located within walking distance from the city centre. Created in 2005 as part of Finland’s celebration of World Design Capital Helsinki, this neighbourhood has transformed itself into a cradle of craftsmanship.

Today, the Design District serves as the city’s hub of creativity and innovation, enticing travellers with high-end boutiques, trendy art galleries, and open-air art installations. Here, guests are welcome to learn about the famous Finnish design at the Design Museum or delve into the evolution of the country’s architecture at the Museum of Finnish Architecture.

The district itself is a feast for the eyes, lined with buildings of various styles — from elegant Art Nouveau and restrained Nordic Classicism to innovative contemporary design. Home to numerous cosy cafés and stylish cocktail bars, this neighbourhood is an excellent choice for a kahvi — a traditional Finnish coffee break — or an unforgettable spirituous adventure.

The Design District is undeniably one of the best places to see in Helsinki, boasting innovative design and art coupled with stylish venues for socializing.

Appreciate Helsinki’s vibrant art scene

Beyond design and open-air installations, Helsinki is a genuine haven for art lovers. Boasting several world-class art museums and countless smaller galleries, the Finnish capital offers a plethora of memorable experiences.

The Finnish National Gallery, the country’s largest art institution, encompasses three remarkable museums. Ateneum, the largest of these, displays an extensive collection of Finnish art from the 19th century to the present day, along with a curated exhibition of international art. Guests will appreciate works by renowned Finnish artists such as Helene Schjerfbeck, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, and Albert Edelfelt, as well as masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne.

Another gem of the Finnish National Gallery is Kiasma, a contemporary art museum housing a collection of over 8,000 modern artworks, from paintings and sculptures to photography and moving images. The building itself, designed by Steven Holl, is an architectural masterpiece that uses natural light to create an inviting atmosphere. Finally, there’s the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, housed in a splendid mansion, exhibiting a remarkable collection by classic artists, including Rembrandt, Goya, and El Greco.

Travellers can also explore lesser-known museums, including the Didrichsen Art Museum, exhibiting a private collection of classic art, and the impressive Amos Rex art museum in the Glass Palace. Overall, joining this captivating journey through the country’s artistic landscape is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Helsinki, Finland.

Admire Helsinki’s modern architectural marvels

Travellers wondering what to do and see in Helsinki should explore the city’s impressive examples of contemporary architecture. In addition to the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church and the Kiasma Museum, Helsinki boasts a plethora of architectural masterpieces.

Oodi Helsinki Central Library is a must-visit. Opened in late 2018, the library quickly became a city landmark, celebrated for its innovative design with spaciousness, abundant natural light, and flexible spaces. The building features three floors with distinct atmospheres: the urban workshop on the ground floor, the workshop on the middle floor, and a spacious library with myriad books on the top floor. It’s not just a library; it’s a hub for creativity, relaxation, and socializing.

Finlandia Hall, a prime example of Finnish modernism with white marble cladding, is located next door. Travellers can also admire the spectacular Amos Rex art museum, the recently constructed Dance House Helsinki, and the out-of-the-ordinary Kamppi Chapel of Silence. The city’s modern architecture will undoubtedly inspire and delight any visitor.

Continue museum-hopping adventures

Bridge to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, located on an island in Helsinki.

Immerse yourself in Finnish culture by visiting museums beyond the art scene. Helsinki is home to several stellar museums, which are also absolute must-sees in our opinion.

The National Museum of Finland (closed for renovation until 2027) will delight every history enthusiast, covering the country’s past from the Stone Age to the present day. Visitors can learn about Finland’s prehistory through archaeological artefacts, witness an impressive collection of treasures, and appreciate the country’s folk culture by exploring the vast ethnographic collection.

Located on a picturesque island near the city centre, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum allows visitors to step back in time and experience the life of an ordinary Finnish peasant from centuries ago. The museum exhibits 87 historical buildings, including farmhouses, cottages, windmills, and a manor house. Guests can even participate in traditional crafts and activities, such as weaving, blacksmithing, and baking.

Another remarkable place in Helsinki is the Mannerheim Museum, which delves into the life of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, a Finnish statesman who played a crucial role in preserving the country’s independence. Here, travellers can learn about the life of this Finnish leader, explore his former residence, and see his personal belongings.

With such a wealth of outstanding museums, visiting at least a couple of them is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Helsinki.

Explore the residential neighbourhood of Käpylä

For an authentic glimpse into Helsinki’s everyday life, travellers can venture beyond the city centre to the charming district of Käpylä. This residential neighbourhood, lined with historic wooden houses built in the 1920s in the Nordic Classicism style, offers a distinct, laid-back atmosphere.

Visitors can stroll through the heart of the district at Puu-Käpylä, observe the Olympic Village built for the 1952 Summer Olympic Games, and experience the local scene at cozy bars featuring live music and invigorating drinks. Travelling beyond the city’s typical tourist routes to this tranquil district is undeniably one of the unique things to do in Helsinki.

Shop for treats and souvenirs at Kauppatori

Kauppatori, Helsinki’s Market Square.

Located right on Helsinki’s lively harbour, Kauppatori (the Market Square) is a bustling hub and a must-visit destination for every traveller, offering local delicacies and authentic souvenirs.

Visitors can browse the numerous food stalls that crowd the market, searching for Finnish delicacies and international flavours. From fresh seafood and local produce to sweet treats and steaming cups of hot chocolate (a Finnish staple), there’s something to tempt every palate. Essential Finnish culinary experiences to try at Kauppatori include lihapiirakka (savoury meat pies), muikku (small fried fish), and Karelian pies, a traditional Finnish pastry.

Beyond the culinary delights, visitors can hunt for unique and memorable souvenirs. Local handicrafts, vintage items, Finnish designs, and authentic Sámi crafts are just a few of the treasures waiting to be discovered. The lively atmosphere and sensory feast of Kauppatori make it one of the best places to visit in Helsinki, offering a true taste of local life and culture.

Venture outside the city for a day trip

Häme Castle in Hämeenlinna, Finland.

Helsinki offers a wealth of amazing destinations for a day trip, extending beyond the popular Suomenlinna Fortress.

To the east, Porvoo, a charming town just an hour’s ride from Helsinki, is renowned for its well-preserved 18th-century wooden houses and numerous art galleries. To the west, Turku, Finland’s oldest city, entices visitors with its historic landmarks and a vast archipelago of picturesque islands, perfect for exploration. Travellers can even hop on a ferry and cross the Gulf of Finland to visit Tallinn, Estonia’s captivating capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, a trip to Nuuksio National Park is one of the best things to do in Helsinki in summer. This protected area boasts expansive forests, serene lakes, and rocky hills, creating ideal conditions for hiking and cycling during the warmer months. It’s also a perfect place to experience the Finnish sauna tradition, followed by a refreshing dip in a cool lake.

Other enticing day trip options include the Porkkala peninsula, a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts; Hämeenlinna, a historic town with a medieval castle; and Lahti, renowned for its prominent legacy in winter sports.

With its strategic location and top-notch infrastructure, Helsinki provides excellent opportunities for unforgettable day trips, allowing travelers to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures of southern Finland and beyond.

Getting around

Helsinki is a pedestrian-friendly city with an efficient public transportation system and eco-friendly options, making it a breeze to get around. Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) oversees the municipal transport network, which includes buses, trams, metro, ferries, and commuter trains.

Helsinki’s public transportation is extensive, covering the entire city, the surrounding suburbs, and even nearby islands. It is also highly efficient; visitors can download the HSL app for real-time schedule information and ticket purchase. Trams, buses, and the metro run frequently throughout the day, minimizing wait times.

Travellers can also purchase the Helsinki Card for free public transportation and free entry to many tourist attractions. The city even operates a night-time bus service, allowing people to enjoy Helsinki’s nightlife without relying on taxis.

The city centre is compact, walkable, and boasts abundant green spaces, making it a pleasure to explore Helsinki on foot. Finland’s capital is also bike-friendly, featuring countless dedicated cycling lanes and offering visitors Helsinki City Bikes (a bike-sharing system).

Helsinki’s smooth and efficient public transportation system, coupled with pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets, makes exploring Finland’s capital a pleasant, unforgettable experience.