What to do in Helsinki? Well, the otherwise laid-back and easy-going Finnish capital has lots to see and do, from mind-boggling design and architecture to enjoying its unique café culture. Here’s our take on the best things to do in Helsinki, Finland.
Helsinki. A small big city, or rather a big small city.
I mean, it’s just the right size!
The Finnish capital is small and compact enough to be explored on foot, big enough to bestow you with an umpteen number of options and attractions that any cosmopolitan city does.
Captivatingly authentic.
Laid-back yet invigoratingly dynamic.
Helsinki feels ultra-safe, inviting, smooth, easy, and caring.
Sprawling park areas, beautiful lakes, forests, an unending coastline, and a lovely archipelago (330 islands) scattered off the city, make sure you don’t have to go too far to get into nature.
The mini-metropolis is a design-driven city and thus is overflowing with astonishing design and architectural achievements.
Finnish design is characterized by its clean, simple, and minimalist aesthetic.
Helsinki showcases the work of the legendary architect Alvar Aalto and earned World Design Capital status in 2012.
We fell hard and fast for Helsinki. Two days just flew by. Couldn’t get enough of it. I wish we had added more days for Helsinki to our Nordic itinerary.
Note: Don’t forget to grab a Helsinki City Card. It provides an unparalleled sightseeing experience, guiding you to all the top attractions and museums in Helsinki, thereby saving you time, hassle, and money. A good bargain!
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Top Things to do in Helsinki, Finland
Explore the City Center on Foot
Helsinki is compact, and most of the main attractions and sights are within walking distance, meaning you can easily explore it on foot.
We took a self-guided tour to cotton on to the city and its layout. But if planning and mapping your route isn’t your thing, consider this epic Helsinki guided walking tour or this Finntastic walking tour as a better alternative. It covers all the main sights, some hidden corners, and saves you the time and effort of figuring it all out on your own.
Start at Helsinki Central Station, a beautiful example of an Art Nouveau building designed by Eliel Saarinen. It is deservingly one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world.
Adjacent to the station is the Finnish National Theater, the oldest Finnish-speaking theater in Finland.
Just across from the station is the Ateneum Art Museum, the best-known art museum in Finland. It’s home to the largest collection of Finnish art.
Move further to Kruununhaka District, Helsinki’s oldest district, which showcases a blend of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture.
Settled on a hillock, shining in red and gold, Uspenski Cathedral at Kanavakatu looks impressive. It’s said to be Western Europe’s largest Orthodox Church.
Cross the Katajanokka Canal to reach the Presidential Palace of Finland, a 19th-century neoclassical building designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, a German architect who’s known as the forefather of Finnish architecture.
A little further, you can see the City Hall at Pohjoisesplanadi, designed by none other than Carl Ludvig Engel.
Just across the street from the City Hall, Kauppatori (Market Square) welcomes you. It’s an open-air market full of stalls that sell local produce and handicrafts. It’s a perfect place to buy authentic Finnish souvenirs to take back home.
Also, check out the Old Market Hall at Eteläranta. It has been selling local fresh food since 1889.
At Market Square, you’ll spot a fountain with a statue of a naked mermaid in the center, accompanied by four fish and four sea lions. Known as Havis Amanda, it’s one of the iconic statues in Helsinki.
You can walk about 250 meters on Aleksanterinkatu to reach Senate Square, the main square in Helsinki. It’s one of the masterpieces designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.
The square is purposefully surrounded by the University of Helsinki, the Government Palace, Helsinki Cathedral, and Sederholm House, representing the four powers of the country, viz. senate, the church, the university, and commerce.
The statue of Tsar Alexander IIÂ stands in the center of the square.
You can also check out the National Library of Finland at Unioninkatu, about 200 meters from the Senate Square.
Walk back to Havis Amanda straight on Pohjoisesplanadi to reach Esplanadi Parka (Espa), an urban downtown park surrounded by Esplanadi Boulevard. A statue of Johan Ludwig Runeberg graces the park.
Cross the Espa towards Korkeavuorenkatu to reach the Design Museum.
Walk about 650 meters and you are in Ullanlina District, an upscale neighborhood with mansions, embassies, and luxe cafes and restaurants.
Walking through Punavuori and Kampii, you reach one of the most unique attractions in Helsinki, Temppeliaukio Kirkko (Rock Church) in Töölö. The underground church is built into solid rock, thus the name.
From here, walk about 1 km to reach Mannerheimintie, the main and longest street in Helsinki. You can find many notable attractions and city landmarks here: the National Museum of Finland, Finlandia Hall, Helsinki Central Library Oodi, Helsinki Music Center, Finnish Parliament Building, Kiasma, Amos Rex Art Museum, and Kampi Chapel of Silence.
Sibelius Monument
Sibelius Monument in Sibelius Seaside Park, Mechelininkatu, is another worth-visiting attraction, but a little away from the center. You can ride one of the trams 4, 7A, or 10 from Lasipalatsi on Mannerheimintie.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is a must when you’re visiting an archipelago of over 330 islands. Isn’t it?
You can visit Suomenlinna, Vallisaari, and Lonna on just one ticket. The ferry (JT Line) leaves from Market Square and takes you to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress with stops at Lonna and Vallisaari.
Seurasaari Island can be reached by tram 4 to Meilahdentie or bus 24 from the city centre. You need to walk a little over a mile to reach the island. Besides natural scenery, the island has the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.
The island of Korkeasaari is home to Helsinki Zoo. It can be reached by a ferry from the Kauppatori Market Square and Hakaniemi or by bus 16 from the Central Railway Station.
JT Line’s ferry from Ruohosaari or Merisatama takes you to Pihlajasaari Island.
Ride the Tram
One of the oldest electrified tram networks in the world, Helsinki’s tram system is picturesque and super easy to navigate. Also, it’s the preferred mode of transport in the inner city.
Tram line 2 takes you through all the main attractions in Helsinki. If you’re short on time, riding tram line 2 is the best way to explore the top attractions in Helsinki.
Trams 4 and 6 run on the routes that offer the design and architectural wonders of Helsinki.
Nuuksio National Park
Take a break from the city sightseeing and bask in the Finnish nature at Nuuksio National Park. Hike or stay in a cabin, pick the wild berries, or enjoy the shimmering lakes and lush wilderness – whatever you do, fun is guaranteed.
Linnanmaki Amusement Park
A short walk away from the center of the city, Finland’s beloved amusement park offers free entry and free rides for kids. You must take your kids there.
Enjoy the views over Helsinki from the rotating Panorama Tower. That’s also free!
Cafe-Hopping – Check Out the Best Cafes in Helsinki
Finland is literally addicted to coffee. That’s pretty evident by the endless number of cafes in a pint-sized town like Porvoo. So, when in Finland, you have to sample the finest coffees in the world.
Let’s talk about the best cafes in Helsinki.
The most-talked-about, written-about, and touristy yet so adorbs and cozy, Cafe Regatta is a must-go in Helsinki.
You must have been familiar with Tove Jansson’s Moomins if you’ve been in Finland for a while. If not, meet them here. Mini-me became their huge fan. We even visited Moomin Island. A perfect place for families with kids, Mumin Kaffe at Fabianinkatu is everything Moomins. Take your kids there.
Robert’s Coffee, Karl Fazer Café, Ekberg Café, and Kahvila Sävy are other cafes to check out when in Helsinki, Finland.
Visit One of the Many Museums
Museums in Helsinki not only offer an insight into Finnish history, culture, and art, but also are eye candy for design and architecture lovers.
There are over 80 museums in Helsinki, each inspiring curiosity and amazement.
Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), Kiasma, Design Museum, National Museum of Finland, and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum are some of the best.
If traveling with kids, add the Finnish Natural History Museum, Tram Museum, and Sederholm House (Helsinki City Museum) to your itinerary.
Try Finnish Cuisine
Finnish cuisine is simple and delicious. Fish and meat (reindeer, beef, and pork) are Finnish staple foods.
The country is a food haven for non-vegetarians, but vegetarians like me don’t need to be disheartened as there’s a lot for them too – freshly picked berries, berry or rice pies, pastries, bread, and cheese.
Karelian pies (Karjalanpiirakka) are traditional pasties that are made from thin-crust rye flour and stuffed with rice, potatoes, or carrots. The best place to sample the Karelian pies in Helsinki is Konditoria Hopia.
Ruisleipä is a culinary staple, or rather identit,y accompanied by butter or cheese spread. It’s a rye bread made from sourdough and comes in many varieties, with reikäleipa (bread with a hole) being the most popular.
Finns pack ruisleipä for their travels just like Gujjus in India pack theplas 😉
Korvapuusti is a Finnish version of Cinnamon Buns.
Pulla is a famous cardamom-flavored bread or pastry that Finns eat as a snack with their tea or coffee.
If you travel to Finland in July and August, you’re in for a delicious and colorful treat. We picked wild lingonberries, cloudberries, and bilberries on a tour around the Finnish forest in Rovaniemi.
We found these Finnish berries in the local markets in Helsinki. A lot of them. Everywhere.
The berries are made into homemade pies, jams, and juices. You can find the delicacies made of berries in local markets.
Poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer meat) with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam is one of the most popular and healthiest foods in Finland. Hubby and mini-me relished it wherever we went in Finland.
Lappi Ravintola in Annankatu is the best place to taste traditional Lappish reindeer meat.
Summer in Europe asks for a frozen treat now and then. How can we not taste one or two, or actually a dozen of the best ice-creams in the town?
Where can you find the drool-worthy ice cream in Helsinki?
Jädelino, Helsingin Jäätelötehdas(Helsinki Ice Cream Factory), Vanhan Porvoon Jäätelötehdas (Old Porvoo Ice Cream Factory), and Robert’s Coffee Gelato Factory are some recommendations for the best ice cream in Helsinki.
Dine at the Best Restaurants in Helsinki
Foodie or not, trying new cuisines and places to eat is a huge part of travel.
Right across the Helsinki Cathedral, Restaurant Savotta serves traditional food in a traditional style. The typical laid-back Finnish atmosphere adds to the experience.
Juuri, Korkeavuorenkatu, is where creativity meets tradition. They use local and organic fresh ingredients. Their menu features a variety of sapas (mini-dishes) akin to tapas.
Near Erottaja Square, Savoy is a good but expensive restaurant. If not for food, go for design – yes, its interiors are designed by Alvar Aalto.
Restaurant Yes Yes Yes at Iso Roobertinkatu easily became my favorite, for it serves tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes. I liked the contemporary and playful interiors.
Experience the Finnish Sauna
You can’t leave Finland before soaking in the Finnish Sauna culture. Sauna culture is huge here. They even celebrate Sauna Day in March.
Fins’ obsession with the sauna can be seen at Skywheel Sauna, a Ferris wheel, with a wooden sauna cabin. Weird?
We experienced Finnish Sauna in Rovaniemi and also had sauna in our Airbnb in Helsinki.
I’m quite certain that you’ll find a sauna (because we did everywhere we stayed) in your hotel or apartment in Helsinki. I read that even Burger King in Helsinki has a sauna 🙂
If you want a chic and contemporary sauna experience, Löyly is the one for you. For an authentic and traditional sauna experience, Kotiharjun is perfect.
Stroll the Charming Streets of Helsinki
How do we explore a new city? Well, aimlessly wandering its streets is our way of getting familiar with the city.
We walk wherever we can on foot and discover something new at every turn.
Would you like to discover Helsinki, one street at a time?
The major streets that we walked in Helsinki are Merisatamanranta, Huvilakatu, Korkeavuorenkatu, Mannerheimintie, Pohjoisesplanadi, Aleksanterinkatu, Fredrikinkatu, Espa, Korkeavuorenkatu, and Iso Roobertinkatu.
Huvilakatu in the Ullanlinna district is a charming and vibrant street. It’s a perfect photo spot in Helsinki for Instagram lovers.
Right in the heart of the city, Aleksanterinkatu (Aleksi) is one of the most famous streets in Helsinki. Esplanade Park, Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the University of Helsinki, Market Square, and Helsinki Central Railway Station are the attractions on or near the street.
Aleksanterinkatu transforms into a Christmas Street in November.
Starting at Esplanadi and Bulevardi near Erottaja Square, Mannerheimintie (Mansku) is the main street in Helsinki. The Finnish Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Hufvudstadsbladet, Eduskunta Palace (Parliament), the National Museum of Finland, and Finlandia House are some of the attractions along the street.
Check Out the Impressive Design and Architecture
The moment you arrive at the city of design, you’re welcomed by impressive design and architecture every which way.
From the Central Train Station, the Kampi Chapel of Silence, the Design Museum, the Oodi Library, to the Museum of Finnish Architecture, the National Library of Finland, and Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall – Helsinki reflects the fine taste when it comes to design.
Helsinki deserves to be on top of your Europe bucket list if you appreciate art, culture, and design.
To feel the pulse of Finnish design, head to the Design District of Helsinki. The district stretches over the downtown neighborhoods of Punavuori, Kaartinkaupunki, Kruunuhaka, Kamppi, and Ullanlinna.
The Design District showcases an irresistible range of galleries, museums, studios, boutiques, cafes, and international designer labels.
A little away from the center, Oil Silo 468 in Kruunuvuorenranta (former oil harbor) is another architectural masterpiece. Designed by Tapio Rosenius, the silo’s steel shell with more than 2000 perforations makes it gleam beautifully.
The silo is open to the public during the autumn for limited dates only. Check the schedule here before you plan.
Hope our guide to Helsinki helps you plan an awesome trip to the Finnish capital. If it does, please share with us in the comments section and with the world so others can also benefit 🙂
Recommended Reading:
- Renting a Car in Europe
- Schengen Visa for Europe
- How to Plan a Trip to Europe
- A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki, Finland
- Porvoo in Finland
- Trip to Finnish Lapland in Summer
- Where to Stay in Rovaniemi, Finland
- Nordics Itinerary
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This sounds like an amazing time. Loved these amazing views! I plan to visit helsinki finland in the future. Great post with great pics.
Great post! I was in Helsinki a few years back and loved it. It is such a beautiful city. I was there in the winter, so it was rather cold and some of the outdoor activities were closed. I would love to go back in the spring and experience everything the city has to offer.
Thanks you so much for stopping by. You must visit in the spring. Finland is at its best during spring. I mean, you can enjoy winter activities like skiing if you head to the north of Finland like Rovaniemi and further while south of Finland like Helsinki remains warm and thus, a great time to experience sauna and go beach hopping. We loved the Hietaranta Beach in Töölö, Helsinki. All the best on your future travels 🙂
Hi! This was really lovely, I even got a new café tip even though I’m from Helsinki! I do have one thing, Tove Jansson is how her name is written! 🙂
Hey Gisela, I’m glad that we could give a tip about Helsinki to a Helsinkiläinen 🙂 And thank you so much for the heads-up. I’ve fixed the mistake. Thanks again for stopping by.
Love the tips! But for me browsing this page using a Mac Book trackpad is nightmare. Barrelly scrollable. But the content <3
Oh my my! I am feeling jealous of you. What an adventure tour? It would be my dream comes true a trip of such a fantastic place.
Looking forward to exploring Helsinki in May. Excellent post with such details. Thank you.