The capital of the World’s happiest country is definitely worth a visit. Helsinki has a little bit of everything! Great outdoor spaces, cozy cafes, steaming saunas and libraries that will make any bibliophile green with envy. This guide covers the best things to do in Helsinki and also provides a mini guide to make your visit an easy and memorable one!
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Table of Contents
Helsinki – A Brief History
Helsinki has an interesting history that involves both Sweden and Russia. The city was founded in 1550 by Swedish King Gustav I and was run under Swedish rule until 1808 when it was conquered by the Russian empire. It remained under the Russian empire until 1917 when Finland finally gained independence.
When to Visit Helsinki
The best time to visit Helsinki in my opinion is from June to August but May and September are not bad either. These months will bring long days and extended day light hours. In addition there will be more activities to do in the warmer months including the activities on this best things to do in Helsinki list.
Getting to Helsinki
If you are coming from Stockholm or Tallinn, Helsinki is a ferry ride away. The fastest crossing between Tallinn and Helsinki is around 2 hours. Stockholm is longer and almost 17 hours but most ferries depart in the evening and arrive by mid-morning so you get to sleep on the ship.
If you are flying in to Helsinki International Airport, then you can either take a train or a taxi. If you are taking a train, lines I & P arrive every 10 minutes and it takes around 30 minutes to get to the Central Station.
- Trains depart every 10 minutes and takes 30 minutes
- Both I and P trains go to Helsinki Central Station, but in opposite directions:
- P-train – clockwise, slightly faster
- I-train – counterclockwise
- The airport station is directly connected to Terminals 1 & 2 (follow signs for the “Train to City”)
- Buy tickets in advance prior to boarding – ABC ticket required
- HSL app (easiest + supports cards)
- Ticket machine near train platform
- R-Kioski (news stand-style shop in terminal)
Getting Around Helsinki
Public Transport
Helsinki’s public transport is operated by HSL and includes:
- Trams – best for the city center and inner neighborhoods
- Metro – fast travel east-west (e.g., city center to Itäkeskus or Espoo)
- Buses – extensive network throughout Helsinki and suburbs
- Commuter trains – for access to the airport and surrounding cities
Buy tickets in advance prior to boarding:
- HSL app (recommended)
- Ticket machines at metro/train stations
- R-Kioski shops
Private Transport
You can also use the Bolt App to get around if you are looking for a faster option. Note however that the cost is not as cheap as when I used it in the Baltic States. FixuTaxi or Valopilkku are local rideshare apps that you can also use.
I don’t recommend renting a car to get around Helsinki.
To be transparent, I walked as much as I could and used Bolt taxis to get around and see these best things to do in Helsinki. I’ve come to the point in my travels now where I don’t mind paying a bit for convenience so that I don’t waste time. I know that is not great for the environment but I off set this by donating to plant trees every month.
The Helsinki Card
There are 3 versions of the Helsinki card and they are available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
Helsinki Card CITY (physical card)
- Covers HSL public transport zones A + B
- Includes attractions, tours and seasonal cruises (bus, canal, city‑highlights cruise)
- Transportation does not include airport train
Helsinki Card REGION (physical card)
- Includes zones A, B, C — which covers Helsinki Airport area
- Offers all the same sightseeing and attraction access as CITY, plus airport transit via HSL local train
Helsinki Card Digital (QR Code)
- Only includes attraction visits, sightseeing tours and discounts
- Does not include public transport a
The CITY and REGION cards can be purchased online or in person. If purchased online, pick up your actual card at designated collection points (airport arrival hall, Stockholm department store, hotels, kiosks) in Helsinki
The cards are pricey so look at the attraction list to see what it covers for free and compare if it covers things on this best things to do in Helsinki list before making a decision! You may also decide to add some things based on the free attraction list.
How Many Days In Helsinki
You need about 3 to 4 days to leisurely cover these best things to do in Helsinki. With about 4 days in Helsinki, you can see the city and do about 2 day trips. If you have 3 days, then I suggest doing just 1 day trip and leaving the rest of the time for the city.
Best Things to Do in Helsinki
This section covers the best things to do in Helsinki. Feel free to do them in any order but I think certain ones that are next to each should be explored on the same day so that you are not running across town and wasting time.
Neighborhoods
One thing about all Nordic cities is that there’s is never a shortage of colorful streets and buildings and Helsinki is no different. Huvilakatu Street is one of the most colorful streets in Helsinki and one you should definitely visit. The street is lined with early 20th‑century Art Nouveau built by famous architects.
Close to Huvilakatu street is the Design District. The Design District is known for its streets full of design centric businesses and buildings including both the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture (one ticket covers both). The Design Museum includes over 75,000 objects, 40,000 drawings, and hundreds of thousands of photographs, tracing Finnish design from the late 19th century to today while the Museum of Finnish Architecture cleverly intertwines Finnish architecture with Finnish history and how the happenings of each era influenced the architecture of that area and beyond.
The Design District includes about 25+ streets across neighborhoods like Punavuori, Kamppi, Ullanlinna, and Kaartinkaupunk and is home to around 160–200 design-focused businesses where you can explore ethical and sustainable design shops, second‑hand boutiques, and galleries showcasing ceramics, textiles, fashion, jewelry, lighting and more.
Churches
The Helsinki Cathedral serves as the main church of the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Helsinki. It was built between 1830 and 1852 as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I. In fact, it was originally called St. Nicholas’ Church but was later named to the “great Church” after Finland gained independence in 1917. Then in 1959, it was renamed the Helsinki Cathedral. The exterior is in the neoclassical style while the inside is very simple in true Lutheran fashion. It’s really hard to comprehend how big the cathedral is with its Corinthian columns and massive dome.
Uspenski Cathedral located just walking distance away from the Helsinki Cathedral was my favorite and one of the best things to do in Helsinki! This is the largest Orthodox church in Northern and Western Europe and was built between 1862 and 1868. The cathedral houses sacred relics, including a rare icon of St. Nicholas and has other lavish Byzantine-style iconostasis.
Temppeliaukion Church or simply Rock Church is perhaps one of the most famous churches in Helsinki. It is called Rock church because it is carved directly into solid granite bedrock. It’s celebrated as an architectural masterpiece and is a must visit in Helsinki. before you go, note their opening times as they tend to change based on service times and other religious activities.
All 3 of these churches hold concerts if you are interested in attending one! See their respective websites for more information on concerts as well as opening times for each which are very seasonal.
Squares
Senate Square is the symbolic core of Finland’s historic capital,. It is surrounded by neoclassical buildings built by architect Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852. At the center stands the 1894 statue of Emperor Alexander II, sculpted by Walter Runeberg and flanked by allegorical figures representing law, culture, peace, and work. Each day at 17:49, a unique digital carillon plays throughout the square. However, if you want a peaceful experience come first thing in the morning as the square gets very crowded right after.
A few blocks from Senate Square is Market Square. Located at the water front, Market Square is always busy. This is where you can catch ferries to nearby islands.
Next to the Market Square is the skywheel,. This giant ferris wheel has some cool views of the city and the harbor.
Famous Cafés
Helsinki is no stranger to really good cafes and bakeries! Go to Café Ekberg for breakfast one day. Founded in 1852, this cafe is Helsinki’s oldest operating and known for iconic baked goods. Most of the baked goods sell out my mid-day so go early if you can. I really had some amazing treats here!
Don’t miss visiting Fazer Café! Opened by Karl Fazer in 1891, this flagship café features a deli, pastries, coffee, and chocolates. It is located near the Central Station and a go‑to spot for breakfast or afternoon treats.
Perhaps the most famous café is Café Regatta. This iconic waterfront wooden shed from 1887 is located close to Sibelius Park (see below) and is known for grilled sausages, pastries and hot beverages.
Libraries
National Library of Finland is right across the street from the Helsinki Cathedral and is a neoclassical structure with a stunning interior. A definite must visit when in Helsinki! Note that the library is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Helsinki Central Library Oodi is the latest library opened in 2018. This library has a cool design inside and outside. The terrace gives you nice views of the bustling square outside which is full of people on a nice sunny day. This library was interesting! In addition to books, they also had two cafes and spaces you can rent for everything activities like recording music to playing video games.
Parks
Helsinki has plenty of parks that you can visit and enjoy some down time at. Esplanadi park is very close to Market Square and is called Espa by the locals, This long and narrow park is the most famous park in Finland and Helsinki’s beloved green space.
Sibelius Park is famous for housing the Sibelius Monument. This monument was built to celebrate Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The steel pipes are said to be a visual expression of the way Sibelius’ music depicts nature.
If you have time pop into Kaisaniemi Park. This park was founded in 1812 and is Helsinki’s oldest public park. At this park, you will find landscaped paths, ponds, floral beds, and green lawns. You will also find the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden, featuring ten historic greenhouses (opened from 1889 onward), with themed rooms like the Rainforest Room, Desert Room, and Waterlily Room.
Markets
Vanha Kauppahalli is the Old Market and was opened in 1889. It’s the oldest indoor market in Helsinki. Here you can find Finnish delights, caviar, lots of open sandwiches, seafood and traditional sweets. There are stalls and there are also small cafés where you can sit and eat. This was another one of my favorite places on this best things to do in Helsinki list!
Kauppatori is an outdoor market in the Market Square. This market sells fresh food like berries and honey as well as hot food. It also sells local souvenirs like wool socks, wooden crafts, handmade soaps and goods from Lapland like hats, mittens and reindeer-themed gifts.
Museums
If you love museums then you should visit the Finnish History Museum (currently closed until 2027 for renovations). Helsinki also has a few cool art museums like the Art Museum Ateneum, Amos Rex and Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.
Saunas
No trip to Helsinki or Finland to that matter is complete without a trip to the sauna. In my opinion this is in the top 3 things to do in Helsinki.
Sompasauna – As authentic as a sauna experience gets in Helsinki. This is a public sauna that is open 24/7 and 365 days of the year. It’s self run so there is no staff and you have to bring your own towel etc. You can jump into the water in between sessions. There are 2 main saunas.
Allas Sea Pool – This sauna has 3 (2 traditional Finnish saunas + 1 steam sauna). It also has 2 swimming pools, one that is fresh water using the Baltic and one that is a nice comfortable temperature through the year. One sauna has giant windows where you can see ships sail through as Allas is next to the harbor. You can buy tickets day of. Tickets are for 2 hours but you can extend and get an all-day pass. There is a nice cafe on-site.
Löyly Sauna – There are two general mixed saunas in Löyly, a modern smoke sauna and traditional wood-heated sauna. Once done or between sessions, you have the option of jumping into the Baltic sea to cool off! You definitely need to make reservations here! Sessions are timed where you pick a time slot for entry and once you enter you are capped at 2 hours. There is a popular high-end restaurant and bar on-site if you like to eat after your session.
I couldn’t decided if I liked Allas or Löyly better! I loved the outdoor pool at Allas and how hot the outdoor sauna got at Löyly
Note – Mixed gender saunas require swimwear but same gender saunas do not.
Day Trips
I wanted to include some easy day trips from Helsinki. Although technically not something to do in the city itself, I think that these days trips are easy enough to take from Helsinki that they deserve to be on this things to do in Helsinki list.
Suomenlinna
Suomentlinna is a sea fortress located 15 minutes by boat from Helsinki. You can even visit Suomenlinna on a half day if you are pressed for time.
See HERE on a very detailed guide on how to visit Suomenlinna from Helsinki!
Porvoo
Porvoo is located just 52 minutes and is an easy car or bus ride from Helsinki. This city was founded in the 14th century and is the second-oldest city in Finland. On a day trip to Porvoo you can explore its historic Old Town and charming surrounds.
See HERE for a full guide on how to spend one day in Porvoo!
Tallinn
The capital of Estonia is a 2 hour ferry ride from Helsinki. To visit Tallinn from Helsinki, start your day early and catch the earliest ferry to Tallinn and then get back on the last one. Tallinn is one of my favorite cities and I highly recommend visiting Tallinn if you can. With just one day in Tallinn you can concentrate your efforts on exploring its beautiful medieval Old Town.
Helsinki Tours
Below are a few highly rated tours that may help you further explore Helsinki!
Where I Ate in Helsinki
Instead of suggesting where to eat (because there are so many good options in Helsinki), I want to tell you about where I ate because I had some great meals in Helsinki!
Nolla – This Michelin guide recommended restaurant is Bib Gourmand and also has a Michelin green star for sustainability. Nolla means ‘Zero’, which is fitting for the restaurant’s zero-waste ethos. Small producers who share the Nolla philosophy provide the ingredients for the dishes. You can choose between the Chef’s table or the Chef’s Choice menu.
Savoy – Everything about Savoy oozes sophistication, from the setting on the 8th floor of an old building to the French/Finnish cuisine. I met 3 French sisters at Allas and they told me that their meal at Savoy was better than anything they have had in France! Savoy is also a Michelin recommended restaurant.
Finnjävel Salonki – This is probably one of the most if not THE most unforgettable meal I’ve had in my life! Finnjävel Salonki is a Michelin star restaurant that specializes in using ingredients and recipes from Finland. They have a set menu that features modern interpretations of traditional Finnish dishes and the service and attentiveness was flawless! There are only 10 tables so you should definitely book in advance. It was expensive but worth every penny! I would go again in a heartbeat! Hands-down another one of the top 3 best things to do in Helsinki in my opinion!
Restaurant Indus – If you are craving something spicy, try Restaurant Indus for some Indian food. It was delicious! I wiped out the entire dish!
For some good roof top cocktails head to either Sky Terrace or Kupoli Cocktail Bar. You should make reservations for both!
Where to Stay in Helsinki
I stayed at Scandic Helsinki Hub and really loved the hotel. The location was fantastic. Just around the corner from Ekberg café and about a 7 minute walk to Esplanadi Park. The room was nice and comfortable and had lots of Scandinavian design elements. The best part however, was the free sauna. I really enjoyed this amenity!
Hote Hotel Marski by Scandic is another good hotel by the Scandic brand and is even closer to the action, right at the edge of Esplanadi Park.
Other options are Hotel F6 and Hotel Fabian which are both boutique hotels in really great locations close to Vanha Kauppahalli.
All these options are great for seeing the places on this things to do in Helsinki list.
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