25 Things to do in Helsinki: Best places to visit (+ map)

Are you planning to visit Helsinki and looking for tips on the most beautiful places and sights to see? Make your itinerary with our list of things to do in Helsinki.

A map with best places to visit in Helsinki will also help you plan. You can download and edit the map as you wish.

Helsinki, where nature meets modern Nordic architecture, is a city of contrasts. Here you can explore the UNESCO fortresses, enjoy a sauna on the seashore or lose yourself in the greenery of the city parks.

The city is home to a vibrant café culture, innovative design and a unique blend of Finnish tradition and avant-garde. If you’re wondering what not to miss in Helsinki, check out our list of things to do in the Finnish capital.

Things to do in Helsinki: Best places to visit

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Let’s start with the biggest attraction in Helsinki, which almost everyone will recommend before visiting. It is the historic sea fortress Suomenlinna (translated as Finnish Castle), which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will learn about the history of Finland and Northern Europe.

You can visit the guided tour of Suomenlinna, the Suomenlinna Museum, the Ehrensvärd Museum, the Military Museum, the Vesikko Submarine or the Suomenlinna Toy Museum.

The fortress is large and has its own online guide. There are restaurants, cafés and a grocery store.

The fortress is situated on a group of 6 islands, which the inhabitants of Helsinki consider a paradise. Beautiful nature surrounded by water, where you can just walk along one of the hiking trails, explore the fort and the surrounding area and have a picnic in the grass overlooking the sea.

How to get to the Suomenlinna archipelago?

From the harbour at Kauppatori Market Square, a boat departs for the Suomenlinna archipelago up to four times an hour (frequency varies according to the season). The journey takes only 15-20 minutes.

The fortress falls within Zone A and regular Helsinki transport tickets apply. You can also buy a ticket from a machine at the port. Everything is well marked, including the place from where the boats sail to the archipelago.

An even easier option is to download the HSL app, where you can buy tickets and plan where you need to go in Helsinki.

Admission to Suomenlinna Fortress

• The fortress itself is free to visit, unless you visit one of the museums see below
• Guided tour of Suomenlinna – adult 13 €, child 4 €
• Suomenlinna Museum – adult 9 €, students and seniors 6 €, children 5 €, under 7 free
• Ehrensvärd Museum – adult 5 €, child 2 €
• Military Museum – adult 7 €, students and seniors 4 €, under 18 free
• Submarine Vesikko – a tour of the submarine is included in the ticket to the Military Museum
• Suomenlinna Toy Museum – adult 9 €, students and seniors 5 €, child 3 €, family admission 20 € for 2 adults and 2 to 4 children

Port and Kauppatori

The Port of Helsinki is one of the busiest and most important ports in Northern Europe. Its strategic location on the Baltic coast has made Helsinki a key hub for international shipping, trade and tourism. The port serves both freight and passenger traffic and is the gateway for many passengers arriving in Finland by boat from destinations such as Tallinn, Stockholm and St Petersburg.

It’s a great place to stroll along the landscaped waterfront, lined on one side by landmarks such as Helsinki Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, and on the other by boats moored along the piers.

Right on the harbour in the centre of town is Kauppatori (Market Square), a year-round market with orange stalls where you can buy everything from local produce to handicrafts.

Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral

Senate Square is the iconic centre of the city, surrounded by imposing buildings from the 19th century. This is where culture and history meet.

Its focal point is Helsinki Cathedral, a building with a white-glowing facade that rises majestically above the steps and immediately catches the eye as soon as you enter the square. You can visit the cathedral for free.

Esplanadi

Esplanadi is a lively boulevard and park in the centre of Helsinki, surrounded by shops, cafés and restaurants where locals gather. You can just sit on one of the benches and watch the surroundings. The park leads directly to the harbour.

Hotels in Helsinki 😴

Hotel Arthur

3* hotel near the train station

Hotel Helka

Cosy hotel with excellent accessibility

Church of the Dormition (Uspenskin katedraali)

The Church of the Dormition is one of the most beautiful churches in Helsinki. With its golden domes and distinctive red brick facade, this building is not to be missed.

The temple is the official seat of the Orthodox Church in Helsinki and the largest Orthodox church in Western and Northern Europe. Admission to the front hall is free.

SkyWheel Helsinki

It wouldn’t be Helsinki if it didn’t have its Ferris wheel like most major cities. But SkyWheel Helsinki isn’t just any Ferris wheel – one of the gondolas has a sauna, something that surprises few in Finland.

If you want to enjoy the view of the city, head here. There aren’t many places in Helsinki where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. SkyWheel is located right on the waterfront a short walk from Market Sguare, making it very accessible.

Full admission for everyone over 12 years is 14 €, for students and seniors 12 € and for children over 3 years 10 €. Opening hours vary according to the season.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park

Linnanmaki Amusement Park is the oldest amusement park in Finland. It’s also the park with the biggest heart because it’s run by a non-profit organization and proceeds are donated to support children.

Linnanmäki offers more than 40 attractions, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, such as the famous “Vuoristorata” from 1950, to family rides and quieter attractions for the youngest visitors. There is something for everyone, regardless of age.

The opening hours of Linnanmaki Park vary according to the season. So before visiting, check the official website for opening times. They’ll let you into the park for free.

You can purchase a €51 wristband, which gives you access to all attractions (reduced admission of €41 if you arrive up to 3 hours before closing time), or you can pay for each attraction separately.

The popular SEA LIFE Helsinki underwater world is also right next to the park. It is divided into several zones, such as rainforest, tropics, ocean, Baltic Sea and others.

Full admission is 20 € for everyone over 15 and 17 € for children 3-14. Underwater World is normally open 10:00-20:00, but opening hours are reduced during the low season.

Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is one of Helsinki’s most striking architectural gems. Carved directly into the granite rock in 1969 by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, this church is characterised by its unusual yet harmonious combination of natural elements and modern architecture.

Its interior is illuminated by natural light that penetrates through a unique roof structure made of a copper dome made of glass segments. In addition to services, thanks to the excellent acoustics, concerts are also held here.

Admission to the church is 8 €, under 18 is free. You can buy your ticket in the church. It is open daily from 10:00-17:00, on Sundays from 12:00. To be sure, check the opening hours here.

Kaisaniemi Park

A short walk from the main station is Kaisaniemi Park, a beautiful place full of greenery, flowers and a relaxed atmosphere.

The heart of the park is the Botanical Garden of the University of Helsinki, where you can see thousands of plant species from all over the world.

The Botanical Gardens Park is open daily from 9:00-20:00. The greenhouses are open from March 10:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays). The gardens are free to enter, the greenhouses have an entrance fee of 12 €, a reduced fee of 9 € for seniors and a reduced fee of 6 € for children 7-17 years old.

Kamppi Chapel

Kamppi Chapel (Kampin kappeli) means “Chapel of Silence”. It’s a place where you can just contemplate and enjoy the tranquility of the busy city.

The first thing that strikes you about the chapel is its simple but impressive design, which creates a feeling of warmth and calm.

The interior is simple, with an emphasis on natural materials to promote the meditative atmosphere of the chapel.

No photography is allowed in the chapel. Admission is free. Before visiting, check the opening hours on the official website.

Sibelius Park

Sibelius Park, named after the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, is home to one of the most remarkable works of art in Finland – the Sibelius Memorial. This abstract monument is made up of more than 600 steel tubes that symbolize music. The place is freely accessible.

Seurasaari Open Air Museum

Seurasaari is a picturesque island that serves partly as an open-air museum. Here you will go back in time with traditional wooden houses from all over Finland, where you will see how life used to be in the Finnish countryside. There is also a museum with local products that are made according to former methods.

The whole island is perfect for walks, picnics and exploring Finnish history and culture. The island is connected to Helsinki by a long white bridge. It has several smaller beaches and cliffs with views of the surrounding area.

The open-air museum itself is open for a fee from mid-May to mid-September. But you can also come here the rest of the year. Admission to the Seurasaari open-air museum is €12 and €9 for students and seniors (under 18 free).

There are also two cafés (open daily in high season, weekends in low season). You can visit the island outside the open-air museum at any time for free.

Finnish National Museum – under reconstruction until 2027

The National Museum of Finland is a great introduction to better understand the history, art and culture of Finland. The permanent exhibition is complemented by smaller, temporary exhibitions. The museum is currently under reconstruction until 2027.

Hotels in Helsinki 😴

Eurohostel

Cheap hotel in the city centre

Hotel Haaga Central Park

In the middle of nature + excellent accessibility

Amos Rex Museum of Art

The Amos Rex Museum of Art only opened in 2018, but it has already attracted thousands of visitors in just a few weeks. The museum combines traditional and modern art in an unusual way. What is even more unusual is its underground location and outdoor exterior.

Admission to the museum is 20 €, 15 € for seniors and free for children under 18. It is open daily except Tuesdays from 11:00 to 20:00.

Kalasatama district

Kalasatama (Fiskehamnen) is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing neighbourhoods in Helsinki, located north-east of the city centre. Originally an industrial and port area, Kalasatama has been undergoing a transformation in recent years into a modern, vibrant urban centre full of greenery, innovative architecture and cultural events.

If you like unusual places, where mainly locals come together, don’t miss the Kalasatama district. It’s not big and you can easily walk through it in a couple of hours.

Enjoy a stroll along the landscaped shoreline where you can enjoy a coffee overlooking the sea, dance with the locals on the dance floor and admire the interesting architecture, including the modern pedestrian bridge that connects the district to Mustikkamaa Island. The island is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city – an ideal place for a picnic, nature walks or relaxing by the water.

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Do you like modern architecture and art? Then you can’t miss the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art (Nykytaiteen museo Kiasma).

The Kiasma building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by American architect Steven Holl. Its innovative design and use of natural light create a dynamic space that provides an ideal environment for the presentation of contemporary art.

The permanent exhibition is complemented by temporary exhibitions and regular events.

Admission for adults is €22 (€20 online), reduced admission for students and seniors is €12, and children under 18 are free. The Kiasma Museum is open daily except Mondays – Tuesday to Friday 10:00-20:00, Saturday to Sunday 10:00-17:00.

The whole area around the museum is architecturally interesting. Don’t miss the Oodi library, whose futuristic design and innovative use of glass and wood create a bright and open space that attracts more than just book lovers.

Just opposite is the concert hall, another interesting building, as well as various statues and sculptures in the surroundings and a pleasant open space.

If you prefer 18th to 19th century art, the Ateneum Art Museum is located nearby in a beautiful historic building. This includes art from Finnish masters and international artists.

The historic Parliament building is also unmissable, literally dominating the whole area.

Boat cruise

Helsinki’s location makes boating one of the best activities in the city. You’ll see beautiful coastal towns and plenty of places of interest, including Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Degerö Channel, Korkeasaari Island and the icebreaker fleet.

You can even take a boat trip to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, which is very easy to reach from Helsinki (2 hours via the Gulf of Finland).

The price per cruise and the duration varies accordingly, which cruise you choose.

Hietaniemi beach

Thanks to its location by the sea, Helsinki also offers several smaller beaches. Hietaniemi, or also “Hietsu”, is the most popular city beach in Helsinki.

In summer, locals and tourists alike gather here to enjoy the sun, sand and water sports. In addition, there are also various cultural and sporting events.

There are other easily accessible beaches on the surrounding islands.

Kahvipaussi

Sweden has fika, Finland has kahvipaussi, or coffee break, during which the Finns often have something sweet too.

Finland is known for having the highest coffee consumption per person in the world. Finnish coffee is lighter, light roasted and often served with sweet pulla pastries (like cinnamon snails with cardamom).

For coffee (or mountain chocolate) you can go to Cafe Regatta a cute little traditional cafe by the sea. In the winter months, you can rent a sledge for free and sledge on the frozen sea.

Kaivopuisto

Helsinki is famous for its parks and wooded areas where you can escape the busy city. Kaivopuisto is one of the most popular and oldest parks in Helsinki, a popular place for picnics, walks and relaxation.

It stretches along the coastline, so you can enjoy spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding islands from the park. Or visit one of the cosy cafés and restaurants and enjoy a coffee or a Finnish speciality.

Finnish sauna

Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture and Helsinki has a wide range of saunas, from traditional public saunas to modern wellness centres. There are even more of them than cars, as there are 2 million saunas for every 5.5 million inhabitants in the country. The word sauna comes from Finland.

And which saunas in Helsinki are the most interesting?

Löyly

Löyly is one of Helsinki’s most modern and stylish saunas, which also includes a restaurant. Here you will enjoy stunning sea views, wooden architecture and a wide range of sauna experiences, including a traditional Finnish sauna, steam sauna and wood-fired sauna.

Allas Sea Pool

The Allas Sea Pool is a unique combination of sauna, seawater pools and a cultural centre. The ideal place for those looking for an easily accessible sauna in the centre of Helsinki. Here you can enjoy a sauna with sea views and then refresh yourself in the outdoor pools.

Kulttuurisauna

If you’re looking for something less mainstream, Kulttuurisauna is ideal. The sauna is located in a minimalist and sustainable building on the seashore, where you can refresh yourself after a sauna session. In addition, it offers small refreshments. Advance reservation is required.

Sompasauna

Sompasauna is a unique and somewhat unconventional public sauna in Helsinki that has become a cult place thanks to its informal, community-run character. It is located in Sompasaari, a former industrial area near Helsinki harbour that is undergoing a gradual transformation.

This sauna is the result of a volunteer initiative and is completely free and open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Alpine Rose Park

The Alpine Rose Park (Haagan Alppiruusupuisto) is one of the most beautiful parks in Helsinki, attracting locals and tourists alike with its beautiful blooms of alpine roses of all colours every year. There are wooden walkways and two viewing platforms that offer a great view of the flood of flowers in the middle of the forest.

The best time to visit the park is from the beginning of June to about mid-June (max. until the summer solstice), when the plants are in bloom. If you’re visiting during this time of year, the best time to visit is early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

The park is located in a quiet residential area of The Hague, easily accessible by train or bus. Huopalahti Station is just a few minutes from the park entrance.

Porvoo

Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland, is known for its picturesque historic centre with colourful wooden houses and narrow streets that create a charming atmosphere.

The city is located about an hour east of Helsinki and is one of the most popular day trips. Enjoy a stroll along the river, lined with picturesque wooden houses, and visit the old town, which is made up of cobbled streets, houses with colourful panelling, cosy cafés and interesting galleries.

Porvoo can be reached with the OnniBus bus service, which runs several times a day. The journey takes 50 minutes and you can check the current timetable here.

Nuuksio National Park

Would you like to enjoy the beautiful Finnish nature? Nuuksio National Park is one of the best places to do that, and it’s only 30 kilometres northwest of Helsinki. If you would like to explore the typical Finnish landscape with lakes, forests and rocky peaks, don’t miss a visit to the park.

The park is interwoven with trails of varying difficulty, from easy walks suitable for strollers to longer day hikes. Here you can rent a boat, roast something good on the fireplace or visit the popular Haltia Visitor Centre, where you can see an exhibition about Finland’s national parks.

How to get to Nuuksio NP

The 245 bus stops right by the park, where there is also free parking. First, take a train or bus to Espoo, where you will change to a bus to the national park. Allow 1-1.5 hours. You can find the current route on hsl.fi or on Google maps.

Where to stay in Helsinki?

• Hotel Arthur: Pleasant hotel in a medium price range a short walk from the train station
• Eurohostel: Cheap accommodation in Helsinki city centre
• Hotel Helka: Cosy, clean hotel with an excellent location, from where you can easily walk to the train station, the centre and the beach in a few minutes
• Hotel Haaga Central Park: 4* hotel in the middle of nature on the outskirts of Helsinki, but with excellent access to the city centre

Hotel Arthur

3* hotel near the train station

Hotel Helka

Cosy hotel with excellent accessibility

Eurohostel

Cheap hotel in the city centre

Hotel Haaga Central Park

In the middle of nature + excellent accessibility

How to save in Helsinki?

Helsinki Card is a great tip to save money on transport and entrance fees in Helsinki. It is a tourist card for which you pay one aggregate amount and get free entry to more than 25 sights, attractions and museums and the possibility to use public transport, including the ferry. Read about the other benefits of the card in the article about Helsinki Card.

Things to do in Helsinki on the map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of things to do in Helsinki. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in Helsinki Travel Guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

Best booking resources for visiting Helsinki

Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.

Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.

These were our tips on the best things to do in Helsinki. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about Scandinavia

HELSINKI: Here is a Helsinki Travel guide. Are you planning to enjoy Helsinki with everything? Read our review of Helsinki Card.

COPENHAGEN: Read our detailed itinerary of what to see in Copenhagen in 3 days. Get inspired by the things to do in Copenhagen. For more information on public transport, read our detailed guide to transport in Copenhagen.

STOCKHOLM: Stockholm is another beautiful, royal city in Scandinavia. Get inspired with tips on best things to do in Stockholm.

Summary: Things to do in Helsinki: Best places to visit