Helsinki is a captivating city with an intriguing history, impressive architecture, innovative design, and fantastic food. Light and airy in the summer and a snowy wonderland in winter, Finland’s capital can be enjoyed year-round.
Like other Nordic countries, Helsinki is not generally considered an affordable destination; however, it can still be enjoyed on a limited budget. There is plenty to see, do, and eat without breaking the bank.
Stroll in the Heart of the City
Helsinki’s city center is compact, with scenic squares and streets perfect for discovering on foot. The heart of the city is Senaatintori (Senate Sq), overlooked by the impressive Tuomiokirkko (Helsinki Cathedral). Dramatically perched atop an immense staircase, the church is free to visit, framed by lovely neoclassical buildings, with a statue of Tsar Alexander II standing watch in the middle of the square.
Only steps away is Helsinki’s harbor, home to Kauppatori. This outdoor marketplace is open year-round, with stalls offering local products, souvenirs, and food. From here, you can spot Uspenski Cathedral, an imposing Russian Orthodox church overlooking the harbor, which can also be visited for free. Off Senate Sq, a series of shopping streets is lined with historic buildings and interesting statues, including Kolme seppä (The Three Smiths), which bears damage from the Continuation War against the USSR in 1944.
Discover Local History
Take a journey through the city’s past and present at the City Museum. This free-to-visit museum features several venues around Helsinki. The main museum at Senate Sq showcases exhibits like ‘Helsinki Bites,’ offering glimpses of life in the city throughout its history, while ‘Children’s Town’ allows kids and grown-ups alike to experience a schoolroom from the 1930s, ‘Grandma’s House’ from the 1970s, and Finnish toys through the years.
The Burgher’s Home (open May to September) is also part of the City Museum, located about a kilometer away. It is the oldest wooden home in Helsinki, furnished in the style of the 19th century. Meanwhile, the Tram Museum in the Töölö neighborhood follows the 100-year history of trams in the city.
If you want to learn more about Finland’s history, the National Museum is free to visit every Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM.
Savour the Local Flavours at the Markets
Despite being a relatively small city, Helsinki has no fewer than three market halls in the city center. They are wonderful places to explore and get an affordable taste of local foods. The Old Market Hall sits next to Kauppatori on the shores of the harbor. This historic market’s wooden stalls offer unique items like reindeer chips, bear sausage, and smoked fish, as well as chocolate, honey, and handicrafts.
Hietalahti Market Hall is popular with workers on their lunch break, offering a range of cuisines from French to Filipino. The weekday lunch special of handmade noodles with teriyaki salmon at Tokyo Street is a mouth-watering steal at €10.
Just north of the center, Hakaniemi Market has a very local feel, with stalls offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, handicrafts, clothing, and gifts, along with cafes and bakeries. Soppakeittiö (Soup Kitchen), known for its delicious and affordable soups, including Finland’s famous salmon soup, can be found at all three markets.
Marvel at the Architecture and Design
From the engaging sculptures of the art nouveau central train station to the imposing columns of the neoclassical Parliament House and the flowing glass of the modernist Finlandia Hall, intriguing architecture can be found around every corner in Helsinki. The city is also home to two unique churches: Temppeliauko (entry €3), known as the Rock Church, which was built into solid rock and features a dramatic copper dome, and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence (free entry), a wooden pod-like structure designed to provide a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Wander the Katajanokka neighborhood to take in historic homes, and stroll through the Design District to window shop for Finnish brands such as Aalto, Marimekko, and Artek.
Get Some Fresh Air
Whether it’s sunny summer or snowy winter, Helsinki’s parks are an ideal place to go for a stroll and enjoy nature. Esplanadi, a charming green space with walkways, statues, and cafes, runs through the heart of Helsinki. It’s a popular spot with locals and often hosts events and concerts.
Sibelius Park, located by the seaside in the Töölö neighborhood, is named after famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The park’s centerpiece is the unusual monument in his memory, an abstract sculpture made up of 600 pipes that creates a wave representing Sibelius’ music, alongside a large likeness of the composer’s face. The piece generates music as the wind blows across the tubes.
Head to Suomenlinna, the Island Fortress
Hop on a ferry departing from Market Square on Helsinki’s harbor and set sail for Suomenlinna, a former fortress that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey takes 15 minutes and costs €3.20 each way; Suomenlinna itself is free to visit.
The six connected islands are open year-round and provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, exploring old tunnels, and visiting the museums and restaurants, including a brewery. In the summer months, the last ferry returns to Helsinki at 2 AM.
Enjoy Cafe Culture
Helsinki’s cafes also offer delicious local food at an affordable price. Cafe Engel boasts an incredible view of Helsinki Cathedral from its cozy dining room, with surprisingly affordable prices for its tourist-friendly location. A generous serving of meatballs with lingonberries and mashed potatoes offers a hearty meal for under €15.
Themed cafes provide quality and value. Drop into the Fazer Cafe for breakfast, pastries, and the famous Karl Fazer chocolates. Alternatively, visit the charming Mumin Kaffe, inspired by Tove Jansson’s beloved stories. Longstanding favorites Esplanad and Ekberg also provide excellent options for light meals, with weekday lunch specials at Cafe Aalto for around €10.
For a budget-friendly and authentic restaurant meal, visit Ravintola Nokka in Katajanokka on weekdays for its farm lunch special, featuring local ingredients like reindeer, moose, salmon, and cloudberries.
