Visit Helsinki: what are the best things to see and do in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities?
In the north of the European continent, but in the south of Finland, we find Helsinki, the capital of this Nordic country. It lies on a peninsula in the heart of the Gulf of Finland. The city is renowned for its beauty and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. The country is attracting more and more visitors because of its breathtakingly beautiful, unspoilt nature… and its capital, Helsinki, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Come and discover clean boulevards brimming with splendid monuments and historic buildings. From places of worship to the central market, from museums to zoos, from large lakes to dense forests, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re on your own, on a romantic getaway, with family or friends, this great lady will win you over. And it’s sure to make your stay unforgettable!
Wondering what to do in Helsinki during your stay? Here’s a selection of must-do activities when you visit Helsinki and want to make the most of your trip!
1. The National Museum of Finland
Photo credit: Flickr – Hans Permana
A proper visit to Helsinki starts with an exploration of the National Museum of Finland. It traces the country’s history from prehistoric times to the modern era. As you wander through the halls, you’ll learn all about this unusual nation shared between Scandinavia and Russia, whose language is still a mystery!
Guided tours are available all year round, but you can also explore the museum at your leisure. Interactive content is available in a range of languages to appeal to the youngest visitors. Don’t miss the section devoted to the Sami, the country’s astonishing original people.
2. Temppeliaukio church
Photo credit: Flickr – Jorge Láscar
What can you do in Helsinki if you’re a fan of unusual places? We recommend a visit to the Temppeliaukio church. Its unique feature is that it’s carved right out of the rock! Made of granite blocks, it was built in the 1960s. Given the specific nature of the site, light (divine or otherwise) only penetrates through the ceiling. Modern and uncluttered, this is one of Helsinki’s must-sees.
Did you know that the Finnish, who are huge fans of heavy metal, used to hold masses here to the sound of this frenzied music? Incredible, but true. In any case, we recommend a visit.
3. Suomenlinna fortress
Photo credit: Flickr – Johnathan
Suomenlinna lies off the coast of Helsinki. This fortress, built by the Swedes in the 18th century, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. It’s a must-see when you’re looking for something to do in Helsinki. Comprising six islets, the fortress is inhabited by a few hundred permanent residents. You can discover rare artillery pieces and a lovely green park. While observing the remains of the military era in the fortress museum, young and old alike will be delighted to stroll along the shores on a sunny afternoon… or not.
Don’t forget to bundle up for the sometimes bitterly cold wind that blows through Suomenlinna!
4 . Hakaniemi market
Photo credit: Flickr – Kirsi L-M
The Hakaniemi market is a local institution, famous throughout Finland and beyond! It’s a must-see when visiting Helsinki. The covered market is located in the square of the same name, from Monday to Friday. There’s even a fair on the first Sunday of every month!
Ideal for shopping and discovering the amazing Finnish cuisine and its typical dishes: reindeer or salmon, prepared in a thousand different ways. The shopkeepers are very friendly and, like the vast majority of Finns, speak perfect English.
5. Nuuksio National Park
Photo credit: Flickr – akiro
Located in Espoo, some thirty kilometers from Finland’s capital, Nuuksio National Park is the perfect opportunity to admire the country’s natural beauty. It’s a large protected area, freely accessible to visitors, who can even organize barbecues during the summer season. It’s also one of Helsinki’s must-do attractions, thanks to its well-marked, perfectly safe routes, which are accessible to everyone, whatever their level of fitness.
The park is the Sunday rendezvous par excellence for locals and their families. If you’re keen on country walks amidst majestic conifers, don’t hesitate to visit.
5. Hietaniemi Beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Antti T. Nissinen
Yes, it’s perfectly possible to go for a swim when visiting Helsinki. Hietaniemi is a beach located in the center of the city, more precisely in the Töölö district. It’s certainly the city’s most popular beach. Don’t expect to swim in a turquoise sea sipping a guava cocktail – this isn’t the place, as the water rarely exceeds 18°C in summer. But you can take advantage of the cool Baltic Sea to relax and test your resistance to the cold… in winter, as group swims are organized for the bravest.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime activity if you’re determined!
6. Seaside saunas
Photo credit: Flickr – saw2th
That’s right! Saunas are typically Finnish. In fact, the Finnish nation has one sauna for every… two inhabitants. So it would be a shame not to take advantage of one when visiting Helsinki. The city has many establishments offering a restaurant, private beach and sauna all in one: Sauna Löyly is one of the capital’s leading establishments.
Linger over a drink on the terrace, then face the misty atmosphere of the wood-fired saunas, where locals and visitors alike sweat merrily. What are you waiting for, then, to try this unforgettable, authentic experience?
7. The Design District
Photo credit: Flickr – A.Davey
It’s not widely known, but Helsinki is a major commercial hub in the surrounding area. The big names have made no mistake, setting up shop in the heart of Design Destrict, Helsinki’s contemporary district. Located in the Punavuori district, you can go window-shopping, take a photo in the middle of Anankatu street or enjoy a snack in the trendy stalls of Uudenmaankatu, a veritable street-food Mecca to discover when you’re looking for something to do in Helsinki.
So, are you ready to draw your bank card?
8. Helsinki Design Museum
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Grisha Bruev
Since you’re in the heart of the Design District, you could also take the opportunity to visit the Design Museum, just to the east of the area: it’s a must-see in Helsinki. The country has a long tradition in the field of design: woodworking and ecological awareness are an integral part of the collective consciousness in Finland.
Founded in 1873 in a neo-Gothic building, it includes an exhibition devoted to Finnish design, as well as space for other temporary exhibitions. Educational and fascinating, we recommend it to you if you’re in town!
How to get to Helsinki
Helsinki has its own airport, Helsinki-Vantaa. Located just 15 km north of the capital, it offers regular flights to destinations all over the world. Thanks to flight comparison services such as Ulysse, you’ll be able to find the best price for your flight to Helsinki.
Shuttle buses and cabs provide easy access to the city center from the airport. If you’d like to explore the surrounding area on your own, you can rent a car directly from the airport for total flexibility.
Ferries also run to Helsinki from Sweden and the Baltic states.
Once in the city, you can use public transport to get around: metros, buses and streetcars await you! And why not use your bike during the summer season? Clean and pleasant, it’s the best way to discover the city.
Where to stay in Helsinki?
When you’re looking for something to do in Helsinki, you inevitably have to think about accommodation. In fact, you’ll find several types of accommodation to choose from, depending on your wishes and your budget.
The touristy Kamppi district is home to a number of renowned hotels. These are a simple, flexible solution for the occasional traveler looking to visit Helsinki! In fact, you’ll find your ideal establishment on a hotel comparator.
What’s more, there’s a wide range of rental properties available in the city, particularly in the outlying residential areas of Harju and Kallio. So it’s a good idea to have a look at the apartments for rent on Airbnb, for example, or on other platforms. These solutions can be adapted to your budget, allowing you to choose between a villa or a small, more affordable studio. The aim is simply to make you feel at home!
Now you know how to best explore Helsinki and take advantage of the best activities on offer in this splendid Nordic city. But it’s up to you to choose the ones that will win you over!
Map of hotels and accommodations –