24 Things To Do In Helsinki

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Museum (7)
Church & Cathedral (2)
Garden & Park (2)
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1. Market Square

1 km from city center

Avenues & Promenades

Kauppatori, known in English as the Market Square, is a vibrant and central square in Helsinki. Situated at the eastern end of Esplanadi, it borders the Baltic Sea to the south and the Katajanokka district to the east. This bustling marketplace is renowned for its lively atmosphere, offering a variety of traditional Finnish foods, fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy (Read More)outdoor cafés that provide local delicacies amidst picturesque views of the harbor. It also serves as a departure point for ferries to nearby islands.

Top Attraction

3 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Suomenlinna is a historic sea fortress spanning several islands near Helsinki's city center. Constructed in 1748, it offers visitors a blend of military architecture, museums, and scenic landscapes. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna provides insight into Finland's maritime history and serves as a popular destination. It can be reached year-round by a 15-minute ferry ride from (Read More) Helsinki's Market Square.

Top Attraction

1 km from city center

Landmark

Senate Square is a historic plaza located in the heart of Helsinki's city center. Renowned for its cohesive neoclassical architecture, the square is framed by four significant buildings: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki's main building, and the National Library of Finland. It is a convenient starting point for exploring Helsinki and seasonal events, such as the (Read More) Helsinki Christmas Market, add a festive charm to the square during the winter months.

1 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is a prominent Lutheran church located in the heart of Helsinki, Finland, overlooking Senate Square in the Kruununhaka neighborhood. It is an iconic symbol of the city, renowned for its striking white façade and green domes. Visitors are drawn to the cathedral for its architectural grandeur, historical significance, and the panoramic views it offers of Helsinki's cityscape. Atte (Read More)nding a service or concert, like Helsinki Festival, here is often recommended for an immersive cultural experience.

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5. Esplanadi

0 km from city center

Garden & Park

Esplanadi Park is a renowned urban park situated in the heart of Helsinki. Established in 1818 and designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel, the park stretches between Erottaja Square and Market Square, flanked by Pohjoisesplanadi (North Esplanade) and Eteläesplanadi (South Esplanade) streets. The park is a favored spot for leisurely walks, people-watching, and enjoying street performances. During (Read More)the summer months, the outdoor stage near Kappeli restaurant hosts a variety of live music performances.

0 km from city center

Church & Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral is a prominent Eastern Orthodox church located on a hillside in Helsinki's Katajanokka district, offering panoramic views of the city and its harbor. The interior's rich iconography and serene atmosphere offer a contrast to the city's more austere Lutheran churches. It showcases the Russian Revival style, characterized by its red-brick façade and multiple onion domes.

7. Ateneum

0 km from city center

Museum

Ateneum Art Museum is Finland's premier art institution, centrally located in Helsinki adjacent to the main railway station. Established in 1887, it is renowned for housing the nation's most extensive collection of classical art, encompassing over 4,300 paintings and 750 sculptures. The museum houses "The Wounded Angel" by Hugo Simberg, voted Finland's "national painting" in 2006. It also regular (Read More)ly hosts lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions.

Street Food & Drinks

A food tour in Helsinki gives travelers an opportunity to sample local dishes, explore markets, and visit iconic eateries while learning about the region’s food culture. Tours typically cover historic food districts, street food hubs, and hidden local gems, lasting 2-5 hours with small groups. Prices range from €30-€120, with premium tours costing more. Bookings can be made online, or local operat (Read More)ors or through your hotel concierge.

0 km from city center

Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is a leading institution dedicated to contemporary art and a part of the Finnish National Gallery. It serves as a vibrant platform for both Finnish and international contemporary art. Visitors are drawn to Kiasma for its dynamic exhibitions, architecturally innovative building. It is renowned for its distinctive curved form and interplay of natural light, embodyin (Read More)g the concept of "chiasma," which refers to the intersection of structures.

3 km from city center

Monument

Sibelius Monument is a renowned sculpture located in Sibelius Park in the Töölö district of Helsinki. It is one of Helsinki's most visited attractions. It is known for its unique design and its serene park setting. The abstract design, resembling organ pipes, aims to capture the essence of Sibelius's music. It comprises over 600 hollow steel pipes welded together in a wave-like pattern, measuring (Read More)8.5 meters high, 10.5 meters wide, and 6.5 meters deep, with a total weight of 24 tons.

Things To Do

Finnish sauna experience is a must-try when visiting Helsinki, offering a deep dive into one of Finland’s most cherished traditions. In Helsinki, visitors can find a variety of sauna options, from modern urban saunas with panoramic views to traditional wood-heated and smoke saunas set in serene natural surroundings. Some popular ones are Löyly, Allas Sea Pool, and Kuusijärvi.

1 km from city center

Museum

Finnish Museum of Natural History in Helsinki showcases Finland's natural diversity. Managed by the University of Helsinki, it includes the Natural History Museum and the Botanic Gardens of Kaisaniemi and Kumpula. Situated just behind the Parliament House, the museum is easily recognizable by the prominent elk statue at its main entrance. Visitors are drawn to its extensive exhibits that showcase (Read More)Finland's diverse flora and fauna, geological treasures, and the evolutionary history of life on Earth.

2 km from city center

Garden & Park

Kaivopuisto is one of Helsinki's oldest and most cherished parks, located in the southern part of the city, bordered by the Gulf of Finland. Established in 1834, this expansive park offers visitors a blend of lush green spaces, rocky terrains, and scenic coastal views. It's a favored spot for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation, outdoor activities, and picturesque vistas of the archipelago (Read More). The park is especially popular during May Day (Vappu) celebrations and in winter, its slopes become a hub for sledding and snow activities.

Day Trip

An archipelago excursion from Helsinki offers a unique opportunity to explore the city's surrounding islands, characterized by their natural beauty and historical significance. These tours typically depart from central locations such as the Market Square. These are either guided nature tours to peninsulas like Porkkalanniemi, or sightseeing cruises navigating through Helsinki's extensive archipela (Read More)go. They last from 1.5 hors up to 4 hours.

1 km from city center

Museum

Design Museum Helsinki, in the Kaartinkaupunki district, is a museum known for its extensive exhibitions on industrial design, fashion, and graphic design, offering deep insights into Finland's rich design heritage. Its collection includes iconic pieces from renowned Finnish designers. The museum is regarded as a perfect place to see a comprehensive portrayal of Finnish design evolution. Its museu (Read More)m shop offers a diverse selection of design items.

Day Trip

25 km from city center

National Park

Nuuksio National Park offers a pristine natural retreat characterized by lush forests, serene lakes, and rugged crags. Established in 1994, the park spans over 53 square kilometers across the regions of Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti. It's renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the emblematic Siberian flying squirrel, and serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities like hiki (Read More)ng, camping, and wildlife observation.

Day Trip

89 km from city center

City

Estonia's capital, Tallinn is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant culture. Several ferry operators provide regular services between Helsinki and Tallinn, with an average crossing time of approximately 2 hours. Some notable companies include Viking Line, Tallink Silja Line, and Eckerö Line. Tallinn is compact Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is ideal for e (Read More)xploration on foot.

1 km from city center

Museum

Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) is a small museum located in the Tennispalatsi (Tennis Palace) building in the Kamppi district of Helsinki. HAM oversees an extensive collection of over 10,000 artworks, including the city's public art pieces, and offers a dynamic exhibition program featuring both Finnish and international artists. It is popularly known for its dedicated section showcasing works by Tove J (Read More)ansson, including her renowned murals.

3 km from city center

Zoo

Korkeasaari Zoo is Finland's largest zoo, situated on the island of Korkeasaari near Helsinki's city center. Established in 1889, the zoo spans approximately 22 hectares and is home to over 150 animal species and nearly 1,000 plant species. Visitors are drawn to Korkeasaari for its diverse wildlife and the unique experience of exploring a zoo located on an island. The island is accessible via a br (Read More)idge connecting it to the mainland through the Mustikkamaa district, and during summer months, ferries operate from Helsinki's Market Square.

1 km from city center

Viewpoint

SkyWheel Helsinki is a 40-meter-tall Ferris wheel located in the Katajanokka district of central Helsinki. Situated near the harbor and close to landmarks like the Uspenski Cathedral, it offers panoramic views of the city's skyline, historic sites, and the Baltic Sea, making it a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. Notably, it features the world's first sauna cabin on a Ferris wheel, (Read More)known as the SkySauna. Ride duration of the ferris wheel is 10 minutes.

1 km from city center

Museum

Helsinki City Museum is a compact museum located right at the corner of Senate Square offering visitors an immersive experience into the city's past, highlighting personal stories and everyday life. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the world's only museum exclusively focused on Helsinki's history. Its "Children's Town" section is particularly popular among families. The museum focuses on (Read More) Helsinki's cultural and historical evolution, all with the added benefit of free admission.

0 km from city center

Art Gallery

Amos Rex is a contemporary art museum located within the historic Lasipalatsi building and is known for its underground domed galleries and integration of modern architecture with historical elements. These domes double as skylights, allowing natural light to enhance the art displays. It focuses on cutting-edge contemporary art with immersive and experimental exhibitions, often featuring internati (Read More)onal artists.

1 km from city center

Shopping Market

Old Market Hall is Helsinki's oldest covered market, located at Eteläranta near the Market Square in the Kaartinkaupunki district. It offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. The hall's cozy cafés and eateries are also noted as perfect spots for a casual meal or coffee break. It is relatively small, making it easy to explore in a short amount of time.

Seasonal only

4 km from city center

Museum

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is a unique cultural attraction located on Seurasaari Island in Helsinki, Finland. Established in 1909, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience into Finland's rural past by showcasing traditional buildings and artifacts from the 18th to the 20th centuries. It hosts various events throughout the summer, such as arts and crafts markets and workshops suitable for (Read More) all ages. Beyond its cultural offerings, Seurasaari Island is home to diverse wildlife, including birds, red squirrels, and hares.