14 Adorable Things to Do in Helsinki, Finland

This visitor submit is by Alisa Goz:

As somebody who loves touring, I used to be excited to take a look at Helsinki – and it didn’t disappoint! There are so many issues to do on this metropolis, from exploring the historic websites to testing the wonderful parks and metropolis life.

If you’re seeking to discover Finland past Lapland, Helsinki is certainly value a go to.

With its mixture of old-world allure and trendy vibes, Helsinki is a metropolis that may captivate you from starting to finish.

I may have simply spent weeks right here and nonetheless not seen every little thing. But, if you happen to’re like me and your time is restricted, listed here are the 14 finest issues to do in Helsinki:

1. Explore the town’s many neighborhoods

Helsinki is a metropolis with many neighborhoods, every with its distinctive allure. The finest solution to get a really feel for the town is thru an area’s eye. In Helsinki, there are many strolling excursions with locals who will present you their private favourite spots:

If you’re seeking to discover independently, I like to recommend testing the Design District, Kallio, and Kamppi. These are central areas with rather a lot to supply by way of procuring, eating, and nightlife and an incredible place to get to know the town.

For a deeper dive into Finish design, I like to recommend testing the Design Museum (which this $6 self-guided metropolis tour covers) and the Museum of Finnish Architecture.

2. Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

The Helsinki Cathedral, positioned on Senate Square, with its hovering white partitions and imposing inexperienced domes, is likely one of the most recognizable landmarks in Helsinki.

You’ll additionally see a number of different examples of neoclassical structure on the sq.: the Government Palace, the principle constructing of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland.

Senate Square is nicely value a go to for anybody inquisitive about studying extra about Finnish historical past and tradition. Helsinki Cathedral, specifically, is a lovely instance of neo-classical structure, and its inside is embellished with gorgeous artworks.

The entrance payment to go to is 5 Euros and is open to guests on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to six:00 p.m. On Saturday, the Cathedral is open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. 

Whether you’re inquisitive about historical past, structure, or just wish to take pleasure in a number of the most iconic views in Helsinki, be sure you add Senate Square to your itinerary!

3. Enjoy a stroll by way of Esplanade Park

After exploring Senate Square, take a stroll by way of Esplanade Park, some of the in style parks in Helsinki.

The park is a good place to chill out or folks watch, and it’s additionally residence to a number of necessary monuments, together with a statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, considered one of Finland’s nationwide poets (He additionally wrote the Finnish nationwide anthem!).

Esplanade Park is the right place to take a break from strolling round and take in the environment of Helsinki.

On the weekends, you’ll hear musicians enjoying within the park, and in the summertime months, you possibly can take pleasure in a refreshing drink or ice cream from one of many meals stands or pop into Robert’s Coffee Jugend for a cup of espresso.

4. See the Presidential Palace

Located only a quick stroll from Senate Square and Esplanade Park is the Presidential Palace.

The neoclassical palace, designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel, was accomplished in 1845. Today, the palace is the official residence of the President of Finland.

The Presidential Palace shouldn’t be open to the general public, however from the skin, you’ll see guards in conventional Finnish uniforms standing on the entrance, and you may take a photograph in entrance of the spectacular constructing.

5. Take a ferry journey to Suomenlinna Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Have you ever needed to step into Narnia by way of the magical wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’ tales? For me taking a ferry journey to Suomenlinna Fortress had the same impact. You are utterly transported into one other world. The fortress acquired its standing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 to be preserved for instance of 18th century fortress structure in Europe.

Suomenlinna Fortress is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in Finland, and it’s straightforward to see why.

The fortress is positioned on a gaggle of islands simply off the coast of Helsinki, and it affords gorgeous views of the cityscape and surrounding sea. Visitors can discover the fortress partitions and towers, go to museums and exhibitions, and even take a ferry journey out to one of many close by islands.

The finest solution to see the island is by occurring a guided tour of the fortress. The one hour tour prices €11 for adults and €4 for youngsters. The Suomenlinna museum is open every day 11 a.m – 4 p.m.

When visiting Helsinki, that is an unmissable cease.

6. Try native delicacies on the many eating places and cafes all through Helsinki

Helsinki is a metropolis with a wealthy culinary tradition, and the most effective methods to expertise it’s by sampling the native delicacies.

Restaurants and cafes all through the town provide a wide range of conventional Finnish dishes, in addition to worldwide favorites with a Finnish twist.

One of the most well-liked Finnish dishes is karjalanpiirakka, that are small pies made with rice or potato filling. These pies are sometimes served with egg butter or bitter cream. Delicious! 

And if you happen to’re in search of one thing candy, attempt Finnish cinnamon buns! These buns are made with a beneficiant quantity of cinnamon and are sometimes served with espresso or tea.

Start your day with a cup of espresso and a cinnamon roll from Kanniston Leipomo, a historic bakery based in 1914 within the very coronary heart of Helsinki. 

For lunch or dinner, there are many choices to select from, together with hearty stews, recent seafood, and even reindeer! Check out Kannas or Kappeli for an incredible number of conventional Finish delicacies. 

If you’re inquisitive about attempting some Finnish delicacies, there are a lot of scrumptious conventional dishes to select from.

Finnish salmon soup might be the most well-liked dish. This hearty soup is made with smoked salmon, potatoes, carrots, and dill. It’s the right meal to heat you up on a chilly day.

7. Shop for souvenirs in markets like Hakaniemi and Kauppatori

Helsinki is a good place to buy souvenirs, and two of the perfect locations to search out them are Hakaniemi Market and Kauppatori Market. Both markets provide all kinds of Finnish items, together with handmade crafts, jewellery, meals, and extra.

Kauppatori Market is positioned proper on the waterfront, so it’s the right place to select up a memento whereas having fun with the views of the ocean.

Hakaniemi Market is a little more off the crushed path, nevertheless it’s value searching for out for its distinctive number of items. This market is extra generally frequented by locals than vacationers, so if you happen to’re in search of a have a look at what native life is like, this market is value a go to. 

The Hakaniemi Market has round 70 retailers divided between two flooring. On the primary flooring you’ll discover primarily meals gadgets. And on the second flooring, you possibly can uncover many specialty retailers, like second-hand bookstores, textile handicrafts shops, and extra. 

In addition to the shops, there are a number of cafeterias that serve all types of delicacies from conventional Finnish lunch to extra worldwide dishes. The market is open Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Some souvenirs you’ll wish to hold a watch out for are Finnish woodcrafts, wool sweaters, socks and mittens, and, after all, reindeer-themed gadgets!

8. Attend a live performance or efficiency at considered one of Helsinki’s theaters or live performance halls

If you’re a fan of the humanities, then you definitely’ll wish to make time to see a efficiency or live performance throughout your keep in Helsinki. The metropolis is residence to many theaters and live performance halls, together with the Finnish National Opera, the Helsinki Music Centre, and the Finlandia Hall.

There’s certain to be a efficiency occurring throughout your go to, so be sure you verify the schedules upfront and snag a ticket.

9. Wander by way of forests and parks on the outskirts of city

If you’re seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town, Helsinki is the right place to do it. Just a brief stroll from the town heart will take you to one of many many forests and parks that line the outskirts of city.

One of our favorites is Lapinniemi, the place you possibly can wander by way of tranquil woods and alongside serene shores. You’re certain to discover a second of peace right here, away from the busyness of on a regular basis life.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can lease a kayak or paddle board for a enjoyable water sport outing! For much more excursions in nature, take a look at these half-day journeys from Helsinki:

10. Relax in considered one of Helsinki’s many saunas

If you’re in search of a solution to chill out and rejuvenate whereas in Helsinki, the most effective issues to do is to go to one of many metropolis’s many saunas.

There are saunas of all completely different setups, from conventional wood-burning saunas to extra trendy electrical saunas. Regardless of your choice, spending a while in a sauna is an effective way to unwind after an extended day of sightseeing or exploring.

The Finish sauna is used for leisure and detoxing, and many individuals imagine that it has well being advantages equivalent to decreasing stress, enhancing circulation, and serving to to ease muscle ache. 

There are two most important kinds of saunas: dry saunas and moist saunas. Dry saunas are the commonest sort, and so they use dry warmth, sometimes from a wood-burning range. Wet saunas, alternatively, use steam to create the specified impact. 

There is normally a bench within the sauna the place you possibly can sit or lie down, and you may pour water on the recent rocks to create steam. When utilizing a sauna, you will need to drink loads of water earlier than and after to keep away from dehydration, and to restrict your time inside to 15-20 minutes. 

Saunas are sometimes shared with different folks. Some folks come right here as a social exercise with pals or relations. They could be unisex and will require you to put on a washing swimsuit, but when it’s separated by gender you possibly can normally simply put on a towel.

If you need an genuine Finish expertise, the Kotiharjun Sauna is a good possibility. This historic sauna has been in operation since 1928 and is the one remaining public wood-burning sauna within the metropolis.

Whether you’re seeking to chill out or just wish to expertise a novel Finnish custom, spending a while in a sauna is a good factor so as to add to your Helsinki to-do record.

11. Take a day journey to close by sights like Porvoo, Tampere, and even Tallinn, Estonia

If you’ve gotten some further time whereas in Helsinki, think about taking a day journey to one of many many close by sights.

Porvoo is a captivating seaside city that’s only a quick drive from Helsinki. You also can take a tour if you happen to don’t really feel like driving. This tour requires you to take a bus from Helsinki, which runs recurrently and can get you to Porvoo in about an hour. Here, you possibly can stroll by way of cobbled streets, discover quaint retailers and cafes, and even take a cruise down the river.

Tampere is one other nice possibility for a day journey. This energetic metropolis is understood for its many museums, together with the Moomin Museum, in addition to its scenic views from Pyynikki Park.

And if you happen to’re seeking to cross one other nation off your record, Tallinn, Estonia (pictured above) is only a quick two-hour ferry journey away. This historic metropolis is filled with stunning structure, charming cafes, and way more.

These journeys will make for full days however are an incredible concept if you happen to’re seeking to discover past Helsinki throughout your keep.

12. Spend a night strolling alongside the waterfront promenade in Kaivopuisto Park

One of the perfect issues to do in Helsinki is to easily take a stroll and luxuriate in all that the town has to supply, and there’s no higher place to try this than alongside the waterfront promenade in Kaivopuisto Park.

This park is positioned only a quick stroll from the town heart and affords gorgeous views of the ocean. It’s the right place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just chill out and take within the view.

If you’re visiting in the summertime, be sure you stick round for the sundown. Watching the solar dip under the horizon is an unforgettable expertise.

13. Experience Finnish tradition firsthand by way of ice fishing or reindeer sledding

If you’re in search of a memorable journey, think about taking part in considered one of Finland’s many out of doors actions.

Ice fishing is a well-liked pastime in Finland and one thing that curious guests can attempt their hand at. I don’t advocate going alone, as a result of it may be fairly harmful. But there are native guides who may also help you organize a fishing journey if you’re ! I like checking on Airbnb expertise for some native consultants. 

Reindeer sledding is one other nice solution to expertise Finnish tradition. This exercise is barely out there within the winter, nevertheless it’s an effective way to see the nation’s stunning winter surroundings.

There are many different actions that you may attempt, like downhill or cross-country snowboarding. Finns are very lively folks, so there are many choices to select from!

14. Indulge in some leisure time at considered one of Helsinki’s many spas or wellness facilities

Helsinki is residence to many various spas and wellness facilities, so if you happen to’re in search of a solution to chill out, you’ll have loads of choices to select from.

In current years, Finland has undergone a spa remedy renaissance of types. 

There at the moment are dozens of spas, spa resorts, and wellness facilities positioned all through the nation. Just a few of my favorites in Helsinki are Kämp Spa and Hotel St George Helsinki.

These trendy Finnish institutions are basically inns with specialised gear and amenities for spa therapies.

Many even have wellness courses and sports activities courses, starting from yoga to badminton. But don’t fear about packing your personal towels, yoga mat or rackets– this might be offered in most locations. 

You can discover every little thing from conventional saunas to extra distinctive experiences like salt saunas and extra.

Helsinki is a metropolis filled with surprises. Although it could appear small at first look. But whether or not you’re touring solo, with a companion, or pals, there may be a lot to see and do on this Finnish capital. 

From exploring its many neighborhoods and visiting iconic landmarks to having fun with nature and indulging in some leisure. Helsinki has one thing for everybody. So whether or not you’re visiting for a number of days or a number of weeks, you’re certain to search out loads of actions to maintain you busy.

Have you ever been to Helsinki? What are your favourite issues to do within the metropolis? Share your ideas within the feedback under!

Happy travels!

Pin me for later:

About the writer: Alisa Goz is a digital nomad, journey blogger, and passionate life-long learner. Join Alisa at AlisaGoz.com for the perfect suggestions for stress-free journey. Before beginning her weblog, Alisa labored as a non-profit fundraiser at high New York cultural establishments. She carries her ardour for constructing group by way of every little thing she does.