This Helsinki Travel Guide will provide you with the top things to see and do in Helsinki
In my opinion, Helsinki is one of the most underrated capital cities in Europe. In spite of the fact that Copenhagen and Stockholm are some of the top Scandinavian tourist destinations, most people skip this beautiful city because it is a little bit off the beaten track. Helsinki never seems to get the attention it deserves from its neighbors, as opposed to those who live nearby.
However, it’s definitely worth taking the time to take a look at it.
With its rich history, its small size, its awe-inspiring greenspace, as well as its location on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a city filled with friendly people and very few tourists. As a city with an impressive collection of museums and a vibrant music scene, it is especially great if you love art and music.
I believe Helsinki to be one of the most underrated capitals in all of Europe, if I had to pick one. It is always a pleasure to spend time here with you!
The following Helsinki travel guide can help you either plan your trip or make the most of your visit by saving you money and helping you save time.
A few key points to keep in mind
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There are three top attractions in Helsinki: Suomenlinna Fortress, Market Square, and Uspenski Cathedral.
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A glimpse into the culture of Finland: Finnish cuisine, customs, seasonal festivals, and local customs
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Tips for saving money: Helsinki Card, free admission days to museums, and local markets are just a few
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The best time to visit is during the summer months for endless days and winter months for the Northern Lights
Listed below are 10 of Helsinki’s best sights and activities that you shouldn’t miss
1. Pay a visit to the Finnish National Museum
As you can see, this museum is home to an extensive collection of Finnish artifacts dating back to the Stone Age, including jewelry, coins, tools, swords, and more. With the most comprehensive collection of cultural history in Finland, this museum is an excellent place to learn about Finnish folk culture and the Finno-Ugric people. It wasn’t until 1910 that the museum began construction on the structure that today houses the collection (construction started in 1910) that the collection actually had a building that housed it. In 1916, the National Museum of Finland was officially inaugurated as the country’s national museum. In addition to the permanent collection, you will also be able to view a wide array of rotating pop-up exhibits that will delight your senses. As well as hosting workshops and tours, the museum also offers special events. If you are looking for an overview of Finland’s history, this is a good place to go. Every Friday between the hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., admission is 15 EUR and free.
2. Spend some time relaxing at Kaivopuisto Park
There is no doubt that residents and tourists alike will flock to this park during the summer to hang out, play sports, picnic, and enjoy the Baltic Sea view. It is located on the southern edge of the peninsula, in a high-end neighborhood, with plenty of green space, well-maintained walking paths, and some old growth trees. At the highest point of the park is the Ursa Observatory, the oldest park in Helsinki, built on the highest point of the park. It is common to find cafes and restaurants scattered along the shoreline and on the islands. There are often concerts and other events held in the park during the warmer months of the year. Tobogganing is one of the most popular things to do in the park during the winter months, especially on the biggest hill in the park. It would be great to bring a book and spend the day lazing around if the weather is nice!
3. Visit the Helsinki Cathedral, which is located in the city center
As a monument to the Grand Duke of Finland, Czar Nicholas I, this large cathedral was built in the 19th century and was known as St. Nicholas Church until 1917, when Finland gained independence from Russia. As one of Helsinki’s most recognizable landmarks in the city’s skyline, this landmark, built in a Neoclassical style, can be seen from almost every vantage point in the city. You probably won’t think this is one of the best cathedrals in Europe if you’ve visited a lot of them, but I personally believe it’s one of the best cathedrals in Scandinavia if you’ve visited quite a few.
4. Take a tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art (Kiasma)
Located in a unique modern building not far from the Post Museum (see below), Kiasma has been a part of the community since it was opened in 1990. Currently, the collection consists of over 8,500 works that pay tribute to Finnish art from the 1960s to the present day. An important part of the Finnish National Gallery, Kiasma is Finnish for “chiasma,” a term that describes the crossing of nerves or tendons, and was given that name by Steven Holl, an American architect who designed the unique building within the gallery. Kiasma holds a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, and besides the theater and library, there are also cafés, restaurants, and bookstores within the building. Adult tickets cost 18 EUR, and children under the age of 18 are free of charge. Every month, the first Friday of the month is a free admission day.
5. Visit the fortress of Suomenlinna
As part of the Swedish defense against the Russians, this island fort was built by the Swedish in 1748. As a result of the Russian takeover of Helsinki in 1808, the city was used as a garrison. As a result of the unique geographical characteristics of the area and the unique design and architecture of the fortress, many of the buildings were constructed using stone that came directly from the islands. There have been several additions made to the sea fortress over the years, and it has served as a garrison to defend three different nations since 1748. A total of six islands have been included in the city’s boundaries, all of which are owned by the city. Finland was able to use the fort after World War II when it was converted into a public building for the use of the people. Currently, this area is used as a park and a residential area. A lot of interesting buildings, secluded beaches, parks, and other attractions can be found in this area. There is a fee of 11 euros for guided tours.
- Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
- Description: Carved directly into solid rock, this architectural wonder offers a serene space for reflection and events.
- Admission: €5.
- Esplanadi Park
- Description: A central park perfect for picnics, summer concerts, and people-watching.
- Löyly Sauna Complex
- Description: Experience Finnish sauna culture in a stunning wooden structure overlooking the Baltic Sea.
- Admission: €20 for sauna access.
- Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
- Description: This outdoor museum displays traditional Finnish buildings and rural life.
- Admission: €10.
- National Museum of Finland
- Description: Explore Finland’s cultural and historical evolution.
- Admission: €12.
A list of other things to do and see in Helsinki can be found below
Helsinki has a lot to offer beyond its main attractions. Spend a day wandering the Design District, visiting quirky cafes in Kallio, or exploring Helsinki’s vibrant nightlife in the Punavuori neighborhood.
1. Visit the Post Museum to learn more about the history of the Post
As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to the history of Finland’s postal service. Although it sounds absolutely boring, I found it to be surprisingly interesting and educational at the same time. Throughout the book, you will learn about the history of the Finnish mail service, from the ships and sleds of the 1600s to the modern delivery services in use today. Artifacts, photographs, and short films about how they managed to make mail delivery work in such sparsely populated and harsh conditions can be found in various parts of the museum. There is a fee of 14 euros for admission.
2. Take a trip to the Finnish Museum of Photography
Photographic works by Finnish artists can be found in the photography museum (there are over 2 million photos in the collection). You will find photos from famous Finnish photographers such as Elina Brotherus and Pentti Sammallahti on our website. In addition, they also host rotating international exhibitions on a regular basis. The price of the tickets is 12 euros.
3. Visit the Central Market for some shopping
There is a market near the harbor where you can do lots of souvenir shopping, eat some local food, and buy fresh vegetables (and lots of fresh berries during the summer months). Although it is usually bustling with tourists, there is enough Finnish there that I know it is not just a complete tourist trap. Also, there is a covered section of the market where you will be able to find pastries, fish, meat, and cheese. The Soup Kitchen is a great place to eat if you are hungry (they have amazing seafood soups at the Soup Kitchen).
4. Pay a visit to the Sinebrychoff Art Museum
There are a number of old paintings and portraits in this museum that date back to the 14th and 19th centuries. In fact, it is the only museum in the city that really focuses on the art of the old European world. On the bottom floor of the museum, there are a lot of photos and more modern pieces of art, while on the top floor, you will be able to see the old paintings that can be seen as you walk through the old Sinebrychoff residence. Two of the most outstanding pieces in the collection are Portrait of a Lady by Alexander Roslin and Portrait of Mademoiselle Charlotte Eckerman by Adolf Ulrik Wertmüller. The admission fee is 16 EUR and entry is free on the first Wednesday of the month from 5-8pm. On the second floor of the house, there is a free museum that is open to the public.
5. Take a stroll in Sinebrychoff Park and relax
In the immediate vicinity of the Sinebrychoff Museum there is a nice little residential park that is worth spending some time in. Originally a private garden belonging to a Russian businessman dating back to the 18th century, the park became a public park in the 1960s after it became a public park due to its history. It is possible to get a snack and a little time to relax if you visit one of the many coffee shops nearby today. It is a great place to relax with a book, a cup of coffee, and some time to think!
6. Visit the Bank of Finland Museum for a guided tour
My opinion is that this was one of the coolest museums that I have ever been to in my entire life, and I believe it to be one of the best. While the book does an excellent job explaining the history of money in Finland, what it really excels at is describing the history of finance and modern finance, not the history of money in Finland. This is an opportunity to see Euro coins from every European country and to see what a gold nugget looks like, as well as how to spot counterfeit money. There is a lot of background information provided here as well as some wonderful exhibits. There was a lot to learn from this experience! There is no charge for admission.
7. Spend the day admiring the Uspenski Cathedral
Located on the top of a hill overlooking the city, this massive red cathedral is one of the most visible buildings in the city. It is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral with large domes and gold crosses that can be found in Uspenski. The building is made of red brick that stands out nicely against the rest of the city’s buildings. The Eastern Orthodox church was consecrated in 1868 and is the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Western Europe. Despite many of the statues and items being stolen over the years, the interior of the cathedral is lavishly decorated with typical Eastern Orthodox iconography. Dress respectfully when you visit this place of worship, as it is a place of worship. There is no admission fee for this event.
8. Visit the Helsinki City Museum
Helsinki City Museum offers an in-depth look at Helsinki’s history, just like the National Museum of Finland. Throughout the museum, there are plenty of great exhibits, photos, and detailed descriptions that tell the city’s story. Besides photos by famous Finnish photographers like Signe Brander, there are also exhibits of typical Finnish homes from the 1950s and 1970s so you can see how life was back then. It’s free to enter.
9. Take a stroll in the Esplanade Park and relax
A popular place to spend a lunch hour if the weather is nice is this park (called “Espa” by the locals), where you can sit back and relax for a few minutes. It is usually a very busy street with a lot of street musicians and a few eateries nearby, as well as a number of street musicians. A few of the statues honoring Finnish poets and writers such as Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Zacharias Topelius, and Eino Leino can be found in the park that was opened in 1812. The park is a great place to relax, enjoy a picnic, read a book, or just watch the people go by!
10. Take a trip to the Harbor Islands
In total, there are over 330 islands that make up the archipelago of Helsinki. The easiest way to get on and off Suomenlinna is by regular municipal ferries (you can take a ferry directly from Market Square to get there). It is also worthwhile to visit the islands of Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari, as they were once military bases closed off from the public (during the Viking era, Vallisaari was used as an outpost for lighting a fire whenever a Viking raid was approaching so that people could prepare for it). Currently, the islands have been reclaimed by nature and turned into parks, with abandoned fortifications and forts dotted throughout the area. It is possible to explore the city on your own or take a guided tour; there are many options available; most of them last 1-2 hours and cost around 25 euros.
11. Enjoy your time at Linnanmäki and have a great time
If you are traveling with kids (or if you just want to act like a kid yourself! ), this amusement park is a fun place to visit if you are just north of the city. As of 1950, the park was founded by a non-profit organization that donates money to child welfare programs in exchange for ownership of the park. More than 40 different attractions are available at this theme park, including eight roller coasters (one of which is a traditional wooden coaster that has been restored). In order to get access to all the rides on the park, you will need to buy a wristband for 45 EUR. In addition to the fact that the park itself is free of charge, if you want to just visit the park and explore, you do not have to spend any money to do so.
12. Take part in a Finnish sauna experience
As a Finnish word, sauna means “Finnish bath” in Finnish, and it is thought that saunas originated in Finland. Finland, a country of a little over 5 million people, has about 2 million saunas, so you will not have a problem finding one if you come here. As a matter of fact, many hostels, hotels, and even apartments have their own sauna. Among the many public saunas in the Finnish capital, Löyly Helsinki is the most popular. The cost of a two-hour session is 19 euros. Be sure to follow sauna etiquette at all times: bring your swimwear; men and women should be separated; towels are acceptable, but people are usually naked; and be sure not to be loud.
13. Go and see the church of Temppeliaukio
It is known as The Church of the Rock, or Temppeliaukio Church, as it is a Lutheran church built into solid rock and partially underground. During the 1960s, the Suomalainen brothers won an architectural competition for their design, and construction began on the building. In addition to the exposed stone walls, the roof of the building is topped with a huge dome that lets in plenty of natural light. The church is visited by more than half a million people every year, and the venue is also used regularly for large events and concerts.
14. Take a stroll through the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, located on the island of Seurasaari north of Helsinki, offers a unique opportunity to go up close to a variety of traditional Finnish buildings that date back to the early 18th and 20th centuries. Neither are they replicas; they are structures that have been gathered from all over the country and brought here as a collection. A number of houses, cottages, outbuildings, a windmill, and other things can be found here. It was opened in 1909 and is open every day during the summer (closed during the winter). Guided tours are available throughout the year. The cost of admission is 10 euros.
15. Take a trip to the Design Museum
There is no doubt that Finnish design, like its Scandinavian counterparts, is incredibly popular, thanks to the seamless integration of design elements into everyday life. As a visitor to the Design Museum, you will be able to learn about the history of Finnish design and architecture over the last 150 years. Founded in 1873, this museum has a collection of over 75,000 objects, 40,000 drawings, and 100,000 photographs. There are also books and exhibition catalogs that are published by the museum about the modern design movement. On the last Tuesday of every month from 4-8 pm, it’s free to get in, but you have to pay 15 EUR to get in.
16. Take a ride on the Skywheel Helsinki
There are a few minutes away from Uspenski Cathedral. Skywheel Helsinki is a Ferris Wheel that offers panoramic views of the city from its top. It is the best way to see the city from “above” since there aren’t many skyscrapers in this part of the world, as it stands 40 meters high (131 feet). The cost of the ride is 14 euros, and it lasts around 12 minutes. While riding the Skywheel, it’s also possible to have a sauna experience as well (though it’s not cheap). There is a starting price of 240 EUR per hour for up to 4 people for the SkySauna, which includes two drinks per person.
17. Take a trip to Amos Rex
As an art museum, this one opened in August 2018 and is already one of the most popular ones in Helsinki. The museum is named after Amos Anderson, who was a Finnish patron of the arts. Check the website to see what events/exhibits are coming up because there is a rotating series of temporary exhibitions from both local and international artists, so it is always a good idea to check the website for updates. Although I am not a big fan of modern art myself, I have heard that this gallery presents a lot of cool exhibitions. The cost of admission is 20 euros.
18. Spend some time admiring some classical art works
As part of the Finnish National Gallery, the Ateneum is one of three museums that make up the Finnish National Gallery (along with the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum). There are over 4,300 paintings and 750 sculptures in the collection, which is the largest collection of classical art in Finland. Additionally, you’ll be able to see pieces by famous artists such as Van Gogh and Cézanne. Don’t miss this museum if you are a fan of classical art. There is a fee of 18 euros for admission.
How to Stay Safe in Helsinki
Helsinki ranks high in safety, but it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas. Emergency assistance is accessible by dialing 112, and most Finns speak English, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Where to Stay in Helsinki
| Area | Best for | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kallio | Young travelers, nightlife | Known for its eclectic bars, affordable dining, and artsy vibe. |
| Kamppi | Central location | Great for easy access to main attractions and transportation. |
| Punavuori | Art and design lovers | Home to Helsinki’s Design District, with boutique hotels and galleries. |
Food to Try in Helsinki
Finnish cuisine is all about fresh, local ingredients. Here are a few must-try dishes:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Lohikeitto | Finnish salmon soup with a creamy, comforting taste. |
| Karjalanpiirakka | Savory rice-filled pastry is often topped with egg butter. |
| Ruisleipä | Traditional rye bread, a Finnish staple. |
Local Tip: Don’t leave without trying a Finnish cinnamon roll—rich, spicy, and perfect with coffee!
Typical Costs in Helsinki
| Item | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel stay | €30 per night |
| Mid-range hotel | €100 per night |
| Meal at a local eatery | €10-€15 |
| Public transportation | €3 per ride |
Suggested Budget
- Daily Budget: €80-€120 per person, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.
Money-Saving Tips
- Helsinki Card: This all-access card includes public transport and entry to major attractions.
- Free Museum Days: Many museums offer free entry on certain days—plan your visit accordingly.
- Public Transport Pass: If you’re staying for a few days, a day pass for public transport will save money.
How to Get Around
| Transportation | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transport | €3 per single ticket | Covers buses, trams, and trains. |
| City Bike Rental | €5/day | Accessible bike-sharing for eco-friendly travel. |
Tips for Getting Around:
- HSL App: Download the Helsinki Transport app for easy ticket purchases and schedules.
- Walk or Bike: Helsinki is compact and easy to navigate on foot or bike.
When to Visit Helsinki
The best time to visit Helsinki depends on your preferences.
- Summer (June-August): Ideal for festivals, long days, and outdoor activities.
- Winter (December-February): A magical time to experience Christmas markets, saunas, and possibly the Northern Lights.
Best Places to Book Your Trip
- Flights: Skyscanner, Google Flights
- Accommodation: Booking.com, Airbnb
- Tours and Activities: GetYourGuide, Viator
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s the best time of year to visit Helsinki?
- Summer offers long days and events, while winter is ideal for Christmas markets and cozy saunas.
- Is Helsinki an expensive city to visit?
- Yes, Helsinki can be pricey, but you can save with public transport, free museum days, and budget accommodations.
- Do people in Helsinki speak English?
- Yes, most locals speak fluent English, making it easy for travelers to get around.
