History, nature, architecture and design blend uniquely in a city with distinctive charm. We have gathered the best of Helsinki into one list.
From the atmospheric harbor with icebreakers and ferries that connect the islets of the archipelago to the stunning Art Nouveau buildings, the lush green squares and the revitalized neighborhoods, Helsinki, though small in size, hides intriguing surprises.
While Finland may be associated with Christmas and Santa Claus’s village, its capital has so much more to show you. History, nature, architecture and design blend uniquely in this city of Europe’s North with its singular charm. Here we’ve gathered the best things to see and do in Helsinki.
What to do in Helsinki
Admire the architecture and landmarks
Take a long walk through the city center to revel in its architectural diversity. You’ll see buildings from different eras that have retained their allure. The monumental Central Railway Station, designed by Eliel Saarinen, the foremost exponent of the National Romantic style, is a hallmark of Helsinki. The National Theatre, the National Museum and the buildings in the Katajanokka area are gems of Art Nouveau architecture.
In Senate Square (Senate Square) you’ll see the gleaming white Lutheran Cathedral, designed by the renowned architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Don’t miss a photo of the astonishing circular Temppeliaukio Church, built into the heart of a granite rock and capped with a copper dome (its acoustics are perfect). Another very interesting church with distinctive architecture is the Kamppi Chapel, inNarinkka Square, which looks like a wooden egg!
Stroll through the parks
Helsinki is a city filled with green. The central Esplanadi park, a small oasis and one of the liveliest spots in the city, is encircled by hotels, shopping centers and museums. In the city center, you can also unwind in Kaisaniemi Park with its botanical gardensor get your adrenaline pumping at the Linnanmaki amusement park, taking rides on the wooden roller coaster. In theTöölö area there is theSibelius park with the striking metal sculpture dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Just a 40-minute drive from the city lies Nuuksio National Park - a magical place in every season, with lakes, forests and saunas in the wild.
Get to know the citys history
Take a journey into the city’s past and present at the City Museum, which has free admission and several branches around Helsinki. The Burgher’s House (open from May to September), also part of the City Museum, is the oldest wooden house in Helsinki, furnished in 19th-century style. If you want to learn more about the country’s history, from prehistoric times to today, visit the impressive National Museum of Finland.
Visit the «Gibraltar of the North»
Just 15 minutes by ferry from central Helsinki lies one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Suomenlinna fortress was built in 1748 and is one of the country’s most famous attractions. It’s also known as the «Gibraltar of the North». It has picturesque paths through greenery, cobbled lanes, tunnels and cannons, while the castle buildings also house 6 museums and a brewery. Perfect for a day trip.
Nightlife in Kallio
At the eastern edge of the center, the revitalized Kallio district buzzes with life. The former working-class neighborhood is now full of pretty cafes, restaurants, boutiques, bars and clubs. This is the beating heart of the city’s nightlife. During the day, visit the covered Hakaniemi market, then continue with a stroll along Fleminginkatu, Helsinginkatu and Vaasankatu streets, as well as in the small Torkkelinmäki neighborhood where you’ll find shops with clothes by local designers and intriguing restaurants for every taste.
Art and design
A visit to the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art is well worth it, both for the wonderful collection of contemporary Finnish art it hosts and for the building itself, a brilliant example of futuristic architecture. To get a good taste of Finnish design, take a stroll through the Design District, a large area in the heart of the city spread over 25 streets, filled with original shops. There you’ll find the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture.
Discover distinctiveFinnish cuisine
The country’s gastronomic culture is fascinating and highly creative. Fish takes center stage, especially salmon, which is cooked in many ways (don’t miss the traditional salmon soup). Equally popular are pickled herring and smoked trout. Local dishes feature berries from the Arctic forest, wild greens and herbs. Ravintola Nokka in Katajanokka, Kuurna in Kruununhakaand Plein in Vallila are a few restaurants to get a taste of contemporary Finnish cuisine. A more gourmet experience is offered by the Michelin-starredFinnjävel.
The culinary experience isn’t complete unless you honor the fresh traditional products at the famous Market Square (Kauppatori) at the South Harbor, the local delicacies at the Old Market Hall and the Hakaniemi market in the Kallio neighborhood. But it’s not only the markets that offer tasty food at affordable prices; the city’s many cafes do as well. Cafe Engel, with its beautiful view of Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanad and Ekberg are good options for a light meal. For breakfast, make a stop at the historicCafé Succès (the cinnamon buns are delicious) and atFazer Cafe with wonderful pastries and the famous Karl Fazer chocolates.
Relax in a sauna
Many say the sauna makes Finns happy. In Finland, saunas are everywhere - in hotels, shopping centers, villages and campsites. Finns heat them to temperatures that can reach 100 °C, while the boldest combine sauna relaxation with invigorating dips in open holes in the ice. Almost all hotels in Helsinki have a sauna, and there are also several public saunas operating year-round, mainly in the Kallio, Hermanni and Merihaka areas.
