Summary
- Visit the Suomenlinna Fortress
- Stroll Through Helsinki’s Market Square
- Sail to Helsinki’s Nearby Islands
- Partake in Finnish Sauna Culture
- Explore Helsinki’s Numerous Churches
- Go to the Beach
- Go Swimming Year-Round
- Bring the Kids to Linnanmäki Amusement Park
- Admire the Helsinki Central Railway Station
- Catch a Concert
- Go Museum-Hopping
- Shop ’til You Drop
- Enjoy Nature in Central Park
- Relax at the Library
- Take a Day Trip
Of the five Nordic countries, Finland might be the least familiar to travelers. While hordes have descended upon the Scandinavian capitals of Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen — and Iceland’s Reykjavik, of course — Helsinki remains an under-the-radar gem. This small capital city is one of the most alluring destinations in Northern Europe, offering a plethora of attractions from historic UNESCO sites to design museums to beautiful parks, alongside the kindness of local Finns and the warmth of their famous saunas.
Visit the Suomenlinna Fortress
Address: 00190 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 29 5338410
Suomenlinna Fortress is one of Helsinki’s top tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Construction on this UNESCO-designated historic site began in 1748 when Finland was still part of Sweden. Although it’s no longer an active military site, Suomenlinna houses a variety of museums— including one in the Vesikko submarine— shops, and restaurants. Moreover, it’s home to around 800 permanent residents who enjoy island living. To reach the fortress, take a scenic 15-minute ferry from Market Square.
Stroll Through Helsinki’s Market Square
Helsinki’s Market Square is lined with colorful tents hosting local vendors, offering everything from baked goods to handicrafts to fresh produce. While often seen as a tourist attraction, locals also frequent the market, especially during summer, for coffee and fresh vegetables. Although the square operates year-round, vendor presence diminishes in winter. Adjacent to the market is the Old Market Hall, providing an indoor haven from the elements.
Sail to Helsinki’s Nearby Islands
Address: Seurasaari, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 29 5336912
Helsinki is surrounded by an archipelago consisting of around 330 islands. Both locals and visitors are drawn to these islands for recreation year-round. One of the most popular, Seurasaari, hosts an “open-air museum” showcasing Finnish buildings and traditions from the 1700s to the 1900s. Seurasaari is perfect for celebrating major annual events like Christmas, Easter, and Midsummer’s Eve. For a quaint exploration, visit Lonna, a transformed military base featuring a Nordic restaurant, café, and a traditional sauna. Ferries to these islands depart from the harbor near the Market Square.
Partake in Finnish Sauna Culture
Address: Kaarlenkatu 15, 00510 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 50 4762184
It’s notable that there’s approximately one sauna for every two Finns—a testament to their cultural significance. Saunas are found far beyond gyms and spas, penetrating deeper into Finnish households. Visitors in Helsinki can experience this tradition at various public saunas, ranging from the historic Sauna Arla to the modern Kulttuurisauna, both conveniently located just north of the city center. It’s wise to inquire about sauna etiquette—Finns usually go nude, yet swimsuits are generally acceptable for guests. Some saunas, however, may restrict swimsuits.
Explore Helsinki’s Numerous Churches
Address: Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 9 23406120
Helsinki’s skyline is adorned with majestic steeples rather than towering skyscrapers. The city is home to nearly a dozen significant churches, most of which welcome public visitation daily. Helsinki Cathedral stands out with its striking white neoclassical façade and green domes, whereas the contemporary Temppeliaukio Church is notable for its unique rock-carved structure and popular concert venue. For a moment of tranquility, consider visiting the Kamppi Chapel, known as the “Chapel of Silence,” dedicated to reflection.
Go to the Beach
Address: Hietaranta Beach, Helsinki, Finland
You might assume that the chilly Finnish weather would deter sunbathing, but short summers provide an ideal backdrop for beach visits. As a coastal city surrounded by numerous islands, Helsinki boasts multiple public beaches. One notable site is Hietaniemi Beach, known for its café-lined shores that attract locals enjoying volleyball on sunny days. Moreover, there’s a beach at Suomenlinna Fortress, allowing visitors to explore a museum in the morning before taking a refreshing dip in the afternoon.
Go Swimming Year-Round
Address: Katajanokanlaituri 2a, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 40 5656582
Finns possess a great love for swimming, whether basking at beaches during the summer or immersing in icy waters in winter (followed by a sauna, of course!). For those less inclined to brave the elements, several public swimming pools offer more temperate waters. The Allas Sea Pool is a unique venue featuring three outdoor pools on a floating jetty, where seawater fills two heated pools. The site includes saunas and a café. For a unique experience, visit the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, Helsinki’s oldest public indoor pool, opened in 1928. Note that swimming is done without bathing suits, providing a truly authentic experience.
Bring the Kids to Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Address: Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 10 5722200
If you’re visiting Helsinki with children – or if you’re young at heart – Linnanmäki offers a plethora of fun. Experience the thrill of roller coasters, a ferris wheel, and family-friendly rides such as spinning teacups. Besides rides, you can engage in arcade gaming, enjoy theater performances, or marvel at the Carnival of Lights decorations held each fall. This amusement park operates from April to October each year, and it’s run by a nonprofit organization that supports child welfare through its proceeds.
Admire the Helsinki Central Railway Station
Address: 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Opened in 1919, the Helsinki Central Railway Station stands as one of the city’s most recognizable architectural landmarks, crafted by the esteemed Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. Though it functions as an operational station accommodating both local and international trains, it also invites visitors to admire its stunning structure, dine at on-site restaurants, or browse the shops. Conveniently located in the city center, it’s within walking distance of other notable attractions.
Catch a Concert
Address: Mannerheimintie 13 A, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 20 7070400
One of Finland’s beloved national icons is composer Sibelius, who resided north of Helsinki by Lake Tuusula. His influence is deeply embedded in Finland’s musical heritage. For a memorable experience, attend a concert at the Helsinki Music Centre (Musiikkitalo). This venue houses the Sibelius Academy music school, the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, offering diverse programming, including family-friendly events. If your schedule is tight, consider taking a guided tour of its exquisite music halls.
Go Museum-Hopping
Address: Mannerheimintie 22-24, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 9 6844460
Helsinki is brimming with museums featuring a variety of subjects, including Finnish design history and military legacy. Many museums are intimate, enabling the fitting of several visits into one day. If art captivates you, visit Amos Rex, an underground museum hosting rotating exhibitions—two of 2019’s highlights included Finland’s inaugural show dedicated to René Magritte and a showcase by Studio Drift, notorious for blurring the lines between art and design. Additionally, the Design Museum Helsinki provides insights into the country’s rich design history, spanning items from cell phones to fashion. For those intrigued by dinosaurs and wildlife, check out the Finnish Museum of Natural History.
Shop ’til You Drop
Address: Design District, Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s city center showcases an array of vintage stores, designer boutiques, and malls suitable for all shoppers. If there’s one item to purchase in Helsinki, it should be something from Marimekko, the country’s most renowned brand known for vibrant patterns in clothing, fabric, and home decor. You’ll spot Finns adorned in Marimekko everywhere, as it enhances hotel rooms and even airplane blankets on Finnair. Additionally, delightful craft pieces abound throughout Helsinki; keep an eye out for stalls managed by local artisans. For window shopping, make your way to the Design District.
Enjoy Nature in Central Park
Address: 00630 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 9 31022111
Finns cherish nature, making it no wonder there’s a sprawling park nestled in the heart of the city (just north of the city center). Central Park stretches nearly 2,500 acres, with substantial areas resembling a primordial forest—at times more akin to a wild national park than New York’s landscaped counterpart. Visitors can enjoy hiking paths, sports facilities, and ski trails, along with cafes, restaurants, and even a sauna.
Relax at the Library
Address: Tölölnlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 9 31085000
The Oodi Helsinki Central Library, which opened in 2018, offers a vast public space for locals and visitors alike. While books are available for borrowing, the library excels in its urban workshop that allows free usage of various technologies, including 3D printers, large format printers, vinyl cutters, and sewing machines. Moreover, you can reserve video game rooms, play board games, or unwind with a glass of wine at the café. Oodi serves not only as a reading sanctuary, but also as an engaging venue for learning, relaxation, and socializing.
Take a Day Trip
While Helsinki itself boasts plenty of activities, numerous destinations nearby are ideal for a day trip. A mere 30-minute drive or train ride north leads to Lake Tuulsula, a historically inspiring area favored by the city’s 20th-century creatives. Explore composer Sibelius’s residence, Ainola, or visit local art museums. Adventurous spirits might enjoy canoeing on the lake or biking along scenic trails. Another commendable day trip option is Fiskars Village, just an hour west of Helsinki, where the iconic Fiskars brand originated. The quaint village is dotted with artisan studios and shops in historic structures—ideal for strolling along the river, collecting unique goods, and visiting local distilleries and breweries for a refreshing drink.
