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Helsinki ( Swedish : Helsingfors ) is Finland 's capital and largest city. Helsinki combines modern and historic architectural styles with beautiful open spaces. The city is surrounded by hundreds of tiny islands, and is a cultural bridge between the East and West. The "Pearl of the Baltic Sea " is easy to explore on foot or on bike, and it has a laid-back vibe.
The city of Helsinki forms the core of Finland's largest urban area, known in Finnish as the "capital area" ( pääkaupunkiseutu ). Helsinki is bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the south, while the posh suburban city of Espoo , with the embedded tiny enclave city of Kauniainen , is to the west. The more industrialized city of Vantaa is to the north and east. The Capital Region has a population of about 1.2 million, 650,000 of them living in Helsinki proper. Beyond these, the suburbs rapidly give way to small towns, farms and forests, most notably Nuuksio National Park at the intersection of Espoo, Vihti and Kirkkonummi . On the eastern side, at the tri-point of Helsinki, Vantaa and Sipoo you can find the Sipoonkorpi National Park .
Helsinki's city centre is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare Mannerheimintie (or just Mansku ). The central railway station and the main bus terminal are in the city centre. Shopping streets Aleksanterinkatu (or Aleksi for short) and Esplanadi (or Espa ) connect to Senate Square ( Senaatintori ), the historical centre of the city. See the Helsinki Guide Map for an interactive searchable map of the city.
Helsinki was established as a trading town by the Swedish Empire in 1550, but it wasn't until 1812, when the Russian Empire made it the capital city of the country, that it started growing. Today, this hustling and bustling city has more than 658,000 inhabitants (2021), and it is the northernmost capital of an EU member state.
As Finland became part of the Swedish kingdom in the 13th century with Turku as its regional capital, Helsinki was founded in AD 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a trading post to compete with Tallinn to the south in Estonia, which was Danish at that time. Helsinki was established about 5 km north-east of the current centre in the area today known as Vanhakaupunki ("the Old Town"), at the rapids where Vantaa river (at that time known as Helsinge river) flows into the Baltic Sea, which in turn gave the city its Swedish name Helsingfors (ie. Helsinge rapids). Never becoming the trading post Gustav Vasa envisioned and largely bypassed by the King's Road — the major road along the coast at that time — the village faced some hard times during its first centuries with fires and diseases; today there is but a few stones left of the original Helsinki. Eventually the city was moved further south to its current location and in the middle of the 18th century the maritime fortress Sveaborg (nowadays Suomenlinna in Finnish) was established in the front of Helsinki. The now world heritage-listed fortress archipelago features some of the oldest standing buildings in the city.
In 1809, through the Finnish War (a part of the Napoleonic Wars ), Finland was annexed by Russia and the capital of Finland moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812, away from Sweden. The Czar felt the Grand Duchy of Finland needed a capital of grand proportions, and this was a major turning point in the history of Helsinki. The architects Johan Albrecht Ehrenström, a native Finn, and Carl Ludwig Engel, from Germany, were given the task of rebuilding the city in the Empire style. This can be seen today around the Lutheran Cathedral, which was completed in 1852. The same style, and even architects, is also a part of Saint Petersburg 's history.
Growing steadily during the 19th century, with the population exceeding 100,000 by the turn of the century, Helsinki established itself as the largest city and the political and cultural capital of the country. The city was a battleground in the Finnish Civil War 1917–1918, and was bombed by the Soviets in the Second World War . Until the 1950s Finland was largely an agricultural country, but the industrialisation and urbanization that happened during the following decades meant an influx of new inhabitants from the rural parts of the country and Helsinki started becoming the metropolis it is today, with suburbs, superhighways and even a small subway system. Architectonically a young city, many of the monumental buildings erected since the independence have a stark modernist style and the rest of the city's architecture is made up of National Romantic style buildings from the early 20th century and the aforementioned Empire style buildings in Central Helsinki. Though thoroughly a Nordic capital, Helsinki today reflects the influences gained from the Western and Eastern cultures.
There is also another one right in the Central Railway Station.
Helsinki is among the world's northernmost capitals and the lengthy winter is dark and chilly. Winter temperatures average −5 °C (23 °F) , but the wind chill and humidity makes it feel even colder and the mercury can plunge below −20 °C (−4 °F) on a particularly cold day. Days are short. In general snow falls only intermittently and often melts into grey slush. However lake-effect snowfalls dropping copious amounts of snow during a few hours (and messing up the traffic) is not unheard of in the early winter. Since the Helsinki peninsula juts into the sea, there is often a cold sea wind, and the climate is more maritime than inland , with snow and −5 °C (23 °F) replaced by slush, sleet and 0 °C (32 °F) . This is especially apparent in November and December, but the first months of the year almost always have colder temperatures and clear skies.
The spring brings clear skies but the temperature doesn't increase as fast as the sunshine hours; even in April you may experience sub-zero nights, even as the afternoon temperatures raise above 10 °C (50 °F) . The summer is often pleasant. Daytime temperatures are usually around 20 °C (68 °F) and July and August afternoons often see temperatures above 25 °C, and unlike the rest of the year you don't need a jacket or sweater even in the night. The sun sets late in the night and even then dusk turns into dawn without any real darkness in between. Parks burst into green, sunbathers dot the city's beaches and restaurants and bars deploy their terraces and patios, making the streetscape look more Central European for a couple of months. The autumn slowly develops throughout September with autumn foliage and moderate temperatures; snow and seriously cold weather before early November is very uncommon.
The city is officially bilingual, with an 86% Finnish -speaking majority and a visible 6% Swedish -speaking minority. Many in the Finnish-speaking majority only know the basics of Swedish, which they learned in school, while some speak it fluently.
Most people, especially in the younger generations, speak very good English. Although locals will appreciate an effort to say a few words in Finnish, they know very well how difficult Finnish is and will readily switch to English – many people also like the chance to practice their language skills.
Street signs and most other signs are usually in both Finnish and Swedish. In tourist-oriented areas, English signage is also prevalent. The Finnish and Swedish names of streets and places may differ significantly, for example Suomenlinna/Sveaborg for the fortress and Pasila/Böle for one of the train stations.
Being Finland's most cosmopolitan area by a fair margin, Helsinki also houses people from different parts of the world. While strolling around, you may hear people converse in Estonian, Russian, German, and Somali.
Authorities are required to give service in Finnish and Swedish, while many will speak English with foreigners and you may have luck with other languages. In touristy places, some staff will speak four or five languages.
The airport is well served from across Europe, from East Asia and (in normal times) from neighbouring Russia. There are also flights from some airports elsewhere in Asia and a few airports in the USA.
Coming from across the Baltic Sea, you may also consider flying to some regional airport with budget flights, such as Turku or Tallinn , if their connections happen to suit. You can take a ferry from Tallinn or an intercity bus or train from the other cities, which generally have excellent connections to Helsinki (connecting flights are sparse, and you'd miss the city visit).
Helsinki Airport is on a commuter train loop, with trains every 10–30 minutes from 04:30 until 01:15, taking about 30 min to the centre. There are buses to the centre, to Vantaa, to Itäkeskus (with metro connection) in the eastern suburbs, and to other cities. Taxis are available. See Helsinki Airport#Ground transportation for details.
There's a grocery store in the airport open 24 hr daily, like one at Elielinaukio at the north-western corner of Helsinki Central Railway Station (next to tracks 13–19). Shops under the railway station also have long hours.
Motorways connect Helsinki to Turku to the west, Tampere and Lahti to the north , and to Porvoo and to Saint Petersburg in the east. The south and west of Finland are mostly surrounded by water, but you can bring your car on ferries from Tallinn (south, many daily connections), Stockholm (west, daily), or even Germany (south-west). See "By boat" below. There are ferries from Sweden also to Turku and Vaasa on the west coast of Finland.
Long-distance national and international coaches terminate at the new underground 60.169 24.9321 4 Central Bus Station ( Linja-autoasema ) in the basement of the Kamppi mall ( Kampin Keskus ). The station is adjacent to Mannerheimintie, directly connected to the Kamppi metro station and within a short walking distance from the Central Railway Station. The main connections are served both by traditional coaches and low-cost Onnibus double-deckers.
For travel from St. Petersburg (Russia), there are ordinary buses and minibuses. Ordinary buses are operated by Lux Express , Ecolines and Sovavto . Russian minibuses depart from the Oktyabrskaya Hotel (opposite the Moskovsky train station) around 22:00 and arrive behind Tennispalatsi at Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8, one block away from Kamppi, early in the morning. Departures back start around 10:00 in the morning. The minibus trip costs around €15, making this by far the cheapest option, but the buses are cramped and uncomfortable and some of them stop at numerous supermarkets on the way so that Russian passengers can go for tax-free shopping. One of the operators is Transgold .
Helsinki is well connected with ferry services from Tallinn , Estonia , and Stockholm , Sweden , and there are limited services from Travemünde and Rostock , Germany . Service from St. Petersburg (Russia) are suspended because of Russia's war on Ukraine. There are occasional cruises from other ports.
For those continuing directly from Helsinki, many coaches to elsewhere start from the port and then continue via Kamppi, possibly with a transfer.
Ferries arrive at three harbours with six terminals:
See the Port of Helsinki site [ dead link ] for the latest details.
The ferry route from Tallinn , Estonia to Helsinki has upwards of 20 departures daily. Depending on the ferry, journey time is anywhere from 1½ to 3½ hours. Prices average €16–30 one way, depending on operator, season (summer costs more), day of week (Fridays and Saturdays cost more) and time of day (out in the morning and back in the evening is popular and hence more expensive). Particularly popular are day cruises , which can go for as little as €15 return. All ferries also carry cars, from €25 one way. Bicycles can be taken for around €5 one way. Bikes on car ferries must go through vehicle check-in, which closes earlier than passenger check-in, so plan for extra time.
The following companies operate ferries between Tallinn and Helsinki:
Eckerö and Viking usually have the cheaper fares, as they are more geared towards day-trippers and the party crowd who come to have a great time on board and tend to spend more in the bars, restaurants and shops on board.
Beware of the very busy ferry traffic, especially the fast ferries from Tallinn. Use boating routes if possible. There are guest harbours in Katajanokka in central Helsinki ; Pihlajasaari and Suomenlinna in the southern islands and Iso Vasikkasaari in Espoo . If you need customs clearance you should use the customs route from Helsinki lighthouse past Harmaja to the coast guard station at Katajanokka.
All public transport within the Capital Region is coordinated by HSL [ dead link ] , which is divided into four zones. Here's a rough description of the zones:
Tickets can be purchased from several different places — by using the preloaded travel card (see below), from kiosks, sales points or ticket machines or in the HSL app. Tickets are not sold on board of trains, buses, or trams. Save for trips in the D zone, only tickets for two, three or four zones are sold. The price of the ticket depends on the method of purchase. The following fares are the most common (fares given for adults, children travel for half the fare):
Alternatively, you can opt for a HSL Day Ticket or the Helsinki Card (see below), both of which offer unlimited travel within the city.
All tickets are valid on all types of transport, and allow unlimited transfers within their validity period (between 80 min and 110 min depending on ticket) and regions. Unlike public transportation tickets in many other cities the ticket is not invalidated if you exit the vehicle before the time has expired. Children under the age of seven travel free, while tickets for children under the age of 17 are half price.
Readers that support direct tap-and-go credit/debit card payments are set to roll out from the end of 2023. For time being, likely the most convenient way to buy tickets is the official HSL App [ dead link ] , which lets you pay for tickets by card, includes a handy journey planner, and does not require a Finnish phone number for registration.
Alternatively, the Travel Card ( matkakortti ) is an RFID card sold at R-kioskis and HSL offices, very similar to London 's Oyster card. The Travel Card costs €5 (non-refundable) and gives a discount on fares. Hold the card on the reader without pressing anything to see the remaining value or to register a transfer. A travel card for non-residents can be bought at most R-kioski stores, and can be cost-effective if you are using many single tickets (including multiple people sharing the card), or are here for 14 days and can get the 14-day season ticket for non-residents instead of weekly day passes. The travel card readers are inside buses, trams and trains, and before the platform areas for metro and Suomenlinna ferry.
In addition to a day ticket, you can also opt for a Helsinki Card , that also offers free admission to a number of museums and other attractions. The regular Helsinki City Card is valid for travel within the A and B zones, the more expensive Helsinki Region Card also covers the C zone.
The very useful HSL Journey Planner [ dead link ] will get you from a street address, place or sight to another by suggesting possible public transport connections, covering the entire metropolitan Helsinki region. Try e.g. "Airport" or "Railway station" for place names.
Getting around at night can be a bit tricky (or expensive), as most trains and trams stop before midnight and the buses before 02:00. A limited night bus network, all leaving from either Elielinaukio or Rautatientori next to the railway station, runs on weekends and public holidays after 02:00, at the same price as a normal ticket.
There are no ticket checks when getting on the metro, trains, trams or the Suomenlinna ferry, but ticket inspectors perform random checks on board. If you ride without a ticket and get caught by inspectors, you will be fined €100 plus the price of a ticket.
For tourists, the most convenient and scenic means of travel is the extensive tram network, though the last of the practical circular routes 7A and 7B were discontinued in August 2017. For an up-to-date route map and additional information check out HSL's website [ dead link ] .
There is also a free Helsinki Sightseeing 3T Tram Audio Guide available for downloading here [ dead link ] . It follows the route of now-discontinued tram 3T, that you will be able to replicate by taking trams 2 and 3, transferring at the Olympiaterminaali and in Taka-Töölö or on Nordensköldinkatu.
While the trams operate in the city center, buses cover the rest of the city. The main stations for northbound and eastbound buses are on the two squares adjacent to the Central Railway Station: Eliel Square ( Elielinaukio ) and Railway Square ( Rautatientori ). Westbound buses operate from the underground bus station in the Kamppi Center, adjacent to the Kamppi metro station.
You usually need to show you ticket to the driver (or the machine by the driver). Tickets are not sold on HSL buses since the spring of 2020.
Helsinki's metro holds the minor distinction of being the northernmost subway system in the world with Mellunmäki being the northernmost station. The distinct orange metro cars are worth a ride.
With the western extension opening in November 2017, and the second phase of it in December 2022, there are now two lines, but for the most part they run next to each other so they can be considered one single line. Both start in Espoo, M1 in Kivenlahti and M2 in Tapiola three stations along the line, proceeding through central Helsinki to the eastern suburbs. At Itäkeskus M1 forks south to Vuosaari and M2 north to Mellunmäki.
From 3 June to 8 September 2024, the Rautatientori (Central Railway Station) metro station in central Helsinki is under repairs and can not be used. This effectively bisects the metro line into two separate, disjoint lines, one running east towards the eastern suburbs of Helsinki, the other running west towards Espoo. Metro trains turn back at Kamppi metro station to the west of Rautatientori and University of Helsinki metro station to the east of it. The trip between these two stations can be made by tram or bus or on foot. The Central Railway Station itself remains in normal service.
VR's suburban trains operate north from the Central Railway Station, branching out in three directions. HSL city tickets are valid within city limits, regional tickets on suburban trains to Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen.
All carriages on local trains have the electronic readers which allow you to buy a fare with a travel card. Ticket sales on board trains on the HSL network have been discontinued, and you have to buy a ticket before you board the train. Some stations have ticket vending machines, or you can buy a ticket with your phone [ dead link ] , from R-kioski kiosks, or HSL service points.
The HSL ferry to Suomenlinna from the Market Square ( Kauppatori ) is a cheap and popular summer getaway. Another HSL operated ferry, mostly used only by the island's residents, leaves from the eastern end of Katajanokka. In addition, private operators provide ferries to Suomenlinna and various other islands during the summer; however, schedules can be sparse. HSL's Day Ticket and mobile-phone ticket are both valid also on the Suomenlinna ferry.
Taxis in Finland are expensive. As fares were deregulated in 2018, prices have risen significantly, especially in Helsinki. Taxis are now free to set the prices as they like, and at popular taxi ranks (such as the airport and the railway station), inflated prices are common. Still, prices must be told and you have to be warned if the price may turn out to be more than €100.
Comparing prices is not straight forward, as some companies have higher flag-fall price, some give more weight to time, others to distance, some have minimum prices, and a few do not use taximeters at all, but offer fixed prices. Still, the price logic has to be clearly told, with an example voyage of 10 km and 15 min in the night, which should cost about €35. If you order per app or web, you usually get a fixed-price offer based on distance and estimated time.
During weekend nights and some popular events or holidays, it can be difficult to find a free taxi. Walk to the nearest taxi stand or try to book one by phone from Taxi Helsinki ☏ 0100-0700 (non-geographic number) or Lähitaksi ☏ 0100-7300 (non-geographic number) (€2+1.5/min). If it's a very busy night, try calling Taksione at ☏ +358 50-545-5454 or Kajon at ☏ 0100-7070 (non-geographic number) . To pre-order a taxi for a given time, call ☏ 0100-0600 (non-geographic number) (€2.76/call+0.35/min) for Taxi Helsinki, the normal number for the others. A pre-order for a taxi should be made at least half an hour, preferably a day or two, beforehand. A pre-order fee of €7–14 will be added to the taxi fare with most call centres.
Drivers are not required to pick up a person hailing them on the street. If their light is on, and they pass a person hailing them, it is usually because there is a taxi stand very near by with available taxis waiting for customers. If you are not near a taxi stand, you will very likely be able to hail a passing taxi with the light on. If the queues at night seem frustratingly long in the city centre and you are willing to walk a bit, try heading towards Hakaniementori or Lauttasaari Bridge, where you can often hail a returning taxi (however, do not bother if the light is not on).
Some taxis are equipped with child safety seats or other special equipment, ask when booking if you need them. safety seats are legally required also in taxis for children under 3 years.
The biggest players are Taxi Helsinki and Lähitaksi (beware of companies using similar names).
Helsinki's City Bike [ formerly dead link ] bike-sharing system was relaunched in 2017. The system offers 3500 bikes spread across 350 stations in Helsinki and the neighboring city of Espoo. Users may buy passes good for one day (€5), one week (€10), or the full season (€35), which provide access to the bikes. Use of a bike for up to 30 minutes is free, with increasing charges for longer rides. Avoid these charges by returning the bike to a station within the 30-minute window – and checking it out again if you wish.
Several businesses also offer bicycle rentals.
If you bring your own bike, use City Bikes, or rent a bike, you'll find an extensive network of bike routes within the city. Bikers are required by law to ride on the street next to cars unless a bike lane or integrated pedestrian/cyclists pavement runs next to it, and the police ticket cyclists breaking this rule. Bike lanes are clearly marked by street markings and blue traffic signs. Biking is also allowed on pedestrian streets.
Downtown bike lanes are typically on the pavement (instead of next to car lanes on the street) so be aware of pedestrians. Don't be afraid to ring your bell! Review your bike map carefully, as some bike routes will stop and require you to walk your bike or drive next to cars. There is also a journey planner for cycling [ dead link ] . Once you get out of the city centre, cycling is less complicated and there are great, well-labelled paths.
Bikes can be taken on the metro and regional trains free of charge, but only if there is enough space. On buses and trams only folding bikes are allowed. Use the lifts and walk your bike on the stations.
Public libraries often have free biking maps for the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. If they are not visibly displayed on tables, ask for one from the staff.
If an ordinary bike isn't enough for you, you can also rent a cyclerickshaw ( riksa ) large enough for three from Riksavuokraus [ dead link ] ( ☏ +358 50-5582525 ) in Eiranranta near Kaivopuisto. Prices start at €9/30 min, driver not included but available on request.
Baana – Helsinki's new "Low Line" (as opposed to NYC's High Line) opened on June 12, 2012, providing pedestrians and cyclists with a 1.3 km long connector from the Western Harbour area to Kamppi and Töölö Bay. At the Harbour end, you can see all the international cruise ships that stop in Helsinki and visit a free sightseeing terrace with MiG-21BIS fighter jet on display, at the Verkkokauppa.com electronics store. On the Kamppi end, there's bicycle hire centre and cultural activities and sights.
It is possible to rent Swedish Voi , German Tier , American Lime , Dutch Dott and Norwegian Ryde electric kick scooters for use in the centre.
Don't forget walking! The central part of Helsinki is compact and easily walkable. There is no need for public transportation in the main Kamppi–Central railway station area where many attractions are, and even anywhere on the main peninsula (south of the train station) is within 30 minutes at a nice leisurely pace.
Car is not a particularly good way of getting around central Helsinki. If you have your own, consider not using it more than necessary. If you are going to rent a car, consider postponing it until you are going to leave the town.
Central Helsinki is rather difficult to get around by car due to restrictions (one-way streets etc.), and is congested in the morning 06:30–08:30 towards the city and in the afternoon 15:00–17:00 towards the suburbs – the ring roads are congested both directions at both times. For instance, if driving from Porvoo to central Helsinki at around 16:00, one can expect to spend half an hour driving 47 km to the end of the motorway and another half an hour to drive 7 km to the Kamppi centre.
Also parking is limited and expensive. Most street-side parking in the city centre is in "Zone 1" and costs €4/hour during working hours, although Saturdays (mostly) and Sundays (always) are free. There are also several large underground car parks at the Kamppi and Forum shopping centres.
Cars can be hired from the usual suspects.
24Go , OmaGo and AIMO offer web or app based self-service car hire, handy for short drives. Cars can be picked up and dropped off in public car parks. You may need a driving licence recognised by their server. Any service needed (oil etc.) is probably on paid time.
Surrounded by sea and a vast archipelago , Helsinki is at its best in the summer when the dialogue between the city and nature is at its fullest. Classical Helsinki's sights can be divided into an eclectic set of churches and a wide variety of museums . For a coastal amble past some of Helsinki's minor and major sights, see the itinerary A seaside stroll in Helsinki .
Many of Helsinki's museums are as interesting from the outside as from the inside. Architecture buffs will get a kick out of Helsinki's Neo-Classical center, centered around Senate Square ( Senaatintori ), where a statue of the liberal Russian czar Alexander II stands guard. Aleksanterinkatu and the Railway Station square also have some beautiful neo-classical buildings – look for the Romantic Kalevala-esque themes – but unfortunately these areas also have many concrete monstrosities mixed in.
If you see only one place in Helsinki in the summer, make it Suomenlinna . Entry to the island is free, but you have to pay for the ferry ride. The HSL ferry from Market Square is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting there at €9 for a 12-hour tourist return. The ferry is a part of the Helsinki local transit system, so if you have an HSL Day Ticket it includes ferry travel. The ferry runs approximately every half hour. On summer weekends the island is a popular picnic destination and you may have to wait for a long time as hundreds of people crowd the ferry terminal. In this case it may be worth it to use the more expensive private ferry company at the other end of the Market Square.
Suomenlinna is far from the only island, a beautiful archipelago ( saaristo ) surrounds the Helsinki city center. The major islands are Korkeasaari with the eponymous zoo, Seurasaari with its open air museum and Pihjalasaari with its beach. In addition to these, there are scheduled services to many smaller islands, and you can also tour them by sightseeing cruise. Most of the cruises depart from the Western corner of the Market Square and last from one to several hours. Most ferries and cruises operate only in the summer high season.
The situation with cinemas in Helsinki has deteriorated as one by one small cinemas have closed their doors.
Foreign films are mostly shown in the original language with Finnish (and usually Swedish) subtitles.
There are two large cinema complexes in Helsinki centre: Tennispalatsi at Salomonkatu 15, Kamppi and Kinopalatsi at Kaisaniemenkatu 2, Kaisaniemi, both run by Finnkino , the dominating cinema chain in Finland. Prices vary between €6.50 and €17.50 depending on location, time and 2D/3D.
Cinemas concentrating on classic and art house films are few and far between in Helsinki today. The cinema Orion , Eerikinkatu 15, run by the Finnish National Audiovisual Archive, displays a wide variety of films, including classics. Tickets €6 for non-members and €4.50 with a membership card. Kino Engel , Sofiankatu 4 near Senaatintori, concentrates on European and world cinema. Tickets €9. In Summers, Kesäkino ( Summer Cinema ) is held in the inner court of Café Engel [ dead link ] , Aleksanterinkatu 26. Tickets (€12) can be bought from the Kino Engel counter and for the same night also from the Kesäkino door 45 minutes before the screening.
There are also some (small) independent movie theatres in neighbouring Espoo , Vantaa and Kauniainen showing mainly the bigger blockbusters. Many of them have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board.
Luckily, several film festivals enrich the cinema culture in Helsinki region. The biggest is the Helsinki International Film Festival - Love and Anarchy held annually in September. Espoo has its own international film festival Espoo Ciné held every August in Tapiola and Leppävaara. In January, Helsinki Documentary Film Festival Docpoint [ dead link ] takes over. Some of the smaller film festivals include (to name few) Lens Politica [ dead link ] showing political films and art, and Night Visions [ dead link ] focusing on horror, fantasy, science fiction, action and cult cinema. The Cinemania [ dead link ] website collects at least some of the festivals together and also sells passes of 5 or 10 screenings that may be used in several festivals. However, check the site for the most up-to-date information as the ticket policy varies from festival to festival.
Helsinki has an active cultural life and tickets are generally inexpensive.
Important performing groups include:
Helsinki is on the Finnish Gulf, and several cruise liners arrange trips out to the archipelago ranging from short hops lasting only an hour or two to trips ranging a full day.
Helsinki's celebrations are among the most exciting in the country.
Most of Finland's exchange students end up in Helsinki's universities.
As the Alexander University, now the University of Helsinki, was a legal deposit repository also during the Russian time, Helsinki has the largest collection of Russian printed material from the 19th century outside Russia. For many people, studying it here is far easier than the alternative.
The University of Helsinki offers a highly popular Finnish for Foreigners program at six different skill levels, ranging from absolute beginner to advanced courses ending with language certification. Spring and Fall classes are offered in standard 1 unit (3 hr/wk, €135) and intensive 2 unit (8 hr/wk, €310) versions.
Summer courses [ dead link ] on Finnish language and culture are available at the major universities including Helsinki Summer University .
Shopping in Helsinki is not cheap, but fans of Finnish and Nordic design will find plenty of things of interest. The frugal shopper can find some good bargains, particularly during the sale seasons in January and July. If you live outside the EU and spend more than € 40 on a single receipt at any participating store, you can save a pretty penny by getting a refund for the hefty 24% VAT ( ALV ).
Since 2016, opening hours have been fully liberalized, but most large shops and department stores still have the normal hours: M–F 09:00–21:00, Sa 09:00–18:00, Su 12:00–18:00. A notable exception is the Asematunneli complex, underground adjacent to the Central Railway Station, most shops here are open daily until 22:00, except on a few holidays.
All S-markets are open until 22:00 daily. At least the major supermarkets K-Supermarket and Lidl in the Kamppi Center (see below) are open until 22:00, and the S-Market supermarket below Sokos, next to the railway station, is open around the clock. Small grocery stores and the R-Kioski convenience store chain are open until 22:00 or 23:00 (or later). A handful of small Alepa grocery stores are open 24 hours daily. In the centre you will also find small Delish and Pick A Deli convenience stores, open 24 hours daily, but more expensive than regular grocery stores. On holidays, many stores are closed, but at least the central S-supermarket (Sokos) and K-supermarket (Kamppi) are historically barely affected by holidays. Other centrally located small grocery stores and R-kioskis are open some hours in holidays, too.
In the neighbouring cities of Vantaa and Espoo you can also find big shopping malls. Vantaa has Jumbo [ dead link ] (including Flamingo) and Myyrmanni , while Espoo has the centres of Sello and Iso Omena . All of these are easily accessible by public transport or by car (free parking).
There are high-end design stores around Aleksanterinkatu and Etelä-Esplanadi. The Design District Helsinki area around Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu is full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, and trend-setters. Visit Design Forum Finland [ dead link ] at Erottajankatu 7 to get a map of shops and galleries.
Most outdoor markets in Helsinki are open only in summer, but the market halls are open all year round. They are great places to taste Finnish delicacies. The three major market halls are the Old Market Hall, Hietaniemi and Hakaniemi.
Helsinki has a selection of great "underground" record stores with a greatly varying selection of both Finnish and international music. Most of them also sell vinyl (12, 10 or 7 inch). Prices aren't cheap, but the selection may be worth it. Some of the more collectible stuff may even be cheaper than elsewhere. Price range is vinyl €20 ±€5 and CD €10 ±€5.
If you have only a limited amount of time, check out the record stores around Viisikulma , a brisk walk from the city centre.
In addition to Aleksanterinkatu, various fashion boutiques can be found along Fredrikinkatu, a 10- to 15-minute walk south from the railway station. Of course you can also head to department stores and malls like Stockmann, Kamppi and Forum.
Helsinki has by far the most cosmopolitan eating options in Finland, with eight Michelin-starred restaurants ( Palace on Eteläranta got a second one in 2022), and is a good place to enjoy a good meal – if you can foot the bill, that is. As usual in Finland the best time to eat out if you are on a budget is lunch , when most restaurants offer lunch sets for €8–21. Lunch sets are typically served 10:30–14:00 or 11:00–15:00, but the times vary between venues. In the evening, only budget places are less than €10, while splurges cost well over €30 per head. Almost every place will have at least one vegetarian option.
A surprisingly large number of restaurants close down for a month or more in summer (July–August) to give their employees vacation, so call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Budget choices other than the lunch offers are largely limited to fast food, although there are a couple of workaday Finnish eateries in the mix. In addition to McDonald's and its Finnish imitators Hesburger/Carrols, Helsinki is also full of pizza and kebab places, where a meal typically costs around €7–8 (sometimes as low as €4, especially in Kallio).
For lunch, a good budget option is Unicafe , a chain of restaurants owned by the Helsinki University student union, which has around 10 outlets in central Helsinki and offers full meals from €5.70, including vegetarian options (some with longer hours). There are also many other lunch restaurants for students that serve affordable food also for non-students. A good active listing of Helsinki's student restaurants and their menus as well as opening hours can be found at lunchmenu.fi . Another list of lunch restaurants in Helsinki can be found at lounaat.info .
In Helsinki, fine dining represents mainly pure Nordic touch with some unusual and surprising exceptions. A so called "pure Nordic touch" is usually represented with local products like local fresh seafood or some local vegetation. There are also other classes of fine dining that are pretty popular. For example a mixture of traditional Finnish or Nordic and something else is getting more and more attention nowadays. You can find a nice touch of French, German, Slavic and even Asian cuisine in your fine dining menu. For example a very fancy restaurant Demo is where French and Finnish cuisines are merging together, creating a "Nordic-French" touch. For something more different in Helsinki, try Vorschmack , an unusual but surprisingly tasty mix of minced lamb and herring, served with chopped pickles and sour cream ( smetana ); variants of this dish have survived also in some Eastern European countries and among Ashkenazi Jews.
Finland is the largest coffee consuming nation per capita and coffee breaks are written into law. However, in Finland most coffee is filter-brewed from a light, more caffeinated, roast that is quite different to what the rest of the world drinks. Finns often enjoy a bun ( pulla ) or cinnamon bun ( korvapuusti ) with their coffee.
In Finland commonly espressos and lattes are called "special coffees" and a large number of establishments that make such coffees have popped up all over town ever since the 1990s when they arrived. One which will give any Italian cafeteria a go for their money is La Torrefazione next to Stockmann. In the more common cafeterias the normal light brew coffee is sold by self-service at the counter even at some more expensive cafeterias (there is only a handful of cafeterias serving to the table in Helsinki - this shows how commonplace coffee drinking is considered).
Helsinki has plenty of hip places for a drink. The main nightlife districts, all in the city center within crawling distance of each other, are around Iso-Roobertinkatu , the Central Railway Station and Kamppi . Helsinki's busy gay nightlife is centered mostly around Iso-Roobertinkatu and Eerikinkatu and surrounding streets.
Going out is not cheap, and complaining about the prices is a popular Finnish pastime, but compared to (say) London or New York City the prices aren't that bad. If you are on a budget and intent on getting plastered, follow the Finns and drink up a good "base" at home or hotel before going out on town. Alternatively, you can start the night outside the city centre area and head to the district of Kallio where bar prices are significantly lower and you can find a plethora of drinking places.
While entry to bars and clubs is often (but not always) free, in club-type places and proper restaurants you must use and pay for the coat check ( narikka ), usually around €2, if you're wearing anything more than a T-shirt. In some places you must pay even if you don't leave anything at the cloakroom. The bouncer will be very strict with this as the much of the narikka-money goes into his pocket. If a ticket price is advertised, it usually does not cover the coat check.
The drinking age is 18, and this is rather strictly enforced, so bring along ID. Underaged drinking is still a huge problem, and many bars and clubs apply house limits of 20–24 years, but these are enforced less strictly and a patron of younger age will some times be let in if one fits the clientele, especially women.
Information on clubs and live performances can be found in free, Finnish-language tabloids such as City , which can be picked up at many bars, cafes and shops.
In Helsinki, the most popular nightclubs have long queues starting to form around 23:30. Get in early to avoid standing, although it can be a nice way to meet people. After around 01:00-02:00 it might be impossible to get in anymore. You may try to just walk past the queue looking important, but a more efficient strategy is to discreetly tip the bouncer (€10-20). The larger group you are, the more difficult things get. Look smart!
Accommodation is generally quite expensive, but of a high standard. Hotels are usually cheaper on weekends, when business travellers are away.
There are quite a few budget hotels in Helsinki, the cheapest being youth hostels. Many student dormitories turn into youth hostels during the July–August school break, which happily coincides with peak season for tourists. The Finnish Youth Hostel Association [ dead link ] can provide further information.
In a real pinch, the (by far) cheapest option can actually be to book a "last-minute" or "red-ticket" return cabin (from around €20) on an overnight cruise to Tallinn, and spend the night (and part of the next day) on the boat, rather than sleep in the city.
Hotels of national and international chains usually fall in this segment. Prices are usually above €100 per night. In addition, many apartments are rented for about €90–100 per night.
The upscale hotels are in the city centre and in the western parts of the city. Hotel Kämp right at the Esplanade park is definitely the most luxurious choice, and usually the place where actors, pop stars and other celebrities stay when they come to Helsinki.
Helsinki is a safe city for its size.
Helsinki has problems with drug trafficking and use, although this seldom affects visitors. Violent crime targeting strangers seems to be on a rise, but severe incidents are few enough to often reach the headlines.
On weekend nights, intoxicated people wandering around city streets may be an annoyance, especially during summer festivals and on New Year's Eve and April 30, the eve of May Day, which is the most important beer-drinking festival in the Finnish calendar. Warm summer nights always gather a drunken crowd in the centre. Intoxicated Finns tend to be rather noisy (in stark contrast to sober Finns) and admittedly sometimes picking a fight with just about anyone. Just use your common sense, and steer clear of overly loud groups of young men.
There are rare health hazards, although the winter weather should be borne in mind by visitors, especially those planning outdoor activities (or being out late). In midwinter the temperature can even drop to −25°C (−13°F), though this is increasingly rare. If you forget to bring winter clothing, you may want to visit local shops for appropriate apparel. Also, watch out for slippery pavements; thousands of people slip and injure themselves every winter! There are slip preventers for sale in the shoe repair shops and elsewhere.
In emergencies, ☏ 112 (free from all phones) .
You can contact the social service, when you need urgent help or advice for:
Emergency Social Services are available around the clock : ☏ +358 9 3104-4222 . Emergency Social Services can also be contacted by calling the emergency number 112.
The crime rate in Helsinki is generally low – Helsinki being maybe one of the safest capitals in Europe – although locals grumble that things have gotten worse since the EU removed restrictions on movement, and even more so since the mid-2010s. Pickpockets target crowds and bicycles are prone to petty theft. Walking in the streets after dark is generally safe and the city centre is indeed quite lively until the early hours of the morning. However, it's best to steer clear of obviously drunk people looking to pick a fight, the traditional trouble spots being the frustratingly long queues for late night snack food or taxis. Getting mugged for money in the streets of central Helsinki is almost unheard of. Traditionally violent crime mostly takes place between people who know each other; strangers are rarely targeted. However, in the 2020s, there have been several incidents of robbery by youth gangs, which have got much publicity.
Crimes in city centre concentrate around the central railway station and Kamppi shopping centre. The Kaisaniemi park behind the main Railway Station is possibly best avoided at night, and the area of Kalasatama, Kallio and Sörnäinen (north-east from the Pitkäsilta bridge) may be somewhat rougher than other parts of the centre. There's a somewhat higher likelihood of running into people high on drugs or alcohol and intimidating and anti-social behaviour here than elsewhere in the inner city, even in broad daylight. Relatively high-crime neighbourhoods are found in the 1970s concrete-built suburbs of Eastern Helsinki, Northwestern Helsinki and Northern Helsinki, mainly in the extreme reaches of the metro and local train, such as Kontula, Itäkeskus, Mellunmäki, Vuosaari along metro; Pukinmäki, Malmi, Puistola and Kannelmäki along local train.
Especially in the summer you will encounter Roma beggars from Eastern Europe sitting on the streets in the city centre. Most locals would prefer your not encouraging them by giving money, and donating to a charity instead.
In winter, try to keep a steady footing: despite the use of vast quantities of gravel and salt, pavements can be quite slippery when the temperature hovers around zero and near-invisible black ice forms.
Helsinki's bedrock is close to the surface, so new building works invariably involve some dynamite to build foundations, and it's thus quite common to hear explosions around the centre. Blasting is often preceded by a loud sequence of warning beeps, which speed up as they count down. There is no danger to anyone, as the builders are experts (and the solid granite bedrock is very, very strong), but now you know where that "BOOM!" came from.
If you are just passing through and choose Helsinki to apply for a Russian visa , be careful when choosing a travel agency: some may charge a lot extra for "express service" (although applying for one yourself at the consulate will take weeks).
Much of Helsinki is blanketed with Wi-Fi hotspots , and the City of Helsinki maintains a handy map . Cafés and restaurants also often have Wi-Fi hotspots, but these are intended for paying customers.
There are a large number of locations in Helsinki that offer free public Wi-Fi for those needing to connect to the office while outside of the country. Many public libraries , including the Oodi central library, have computers and Wi-Fi networks so you can get online for free. If you are staying in a hotel, they usually have free Wi-Fi in the rooms and a computer in the reception for the guests.
In Finland, the following make good day trips:
As a coastal city, Helsinki has good connections to some fine international destinations nearby:
Home » Travel Guides » Finland » 15 Best Things to Do in Helsinki (Finland)
Finland’s capital was founded in the 16th century but the city you see today really took shape in the 1800s. This was when the Russians laid out Helsinki along similar lines to St. Petersburg, with its broad streets and neoclassical mansions.
A little earlier the Swedes had completed Soumenlinna, an ambitious sea fortress that was intended to keep the Russians at bay. This huge project is still intact and is just one of a catalogue of exciting things to track down in Helsinki. Find time to see some modern architecture too; the Temppeliaukio Church is out of this world.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Helsinki :
Board the ferry from Kauppatori and in a few minutes you’ll be in one of the most amazing man-made places in Scandinavia, if not the world.
Suomenlinna is a giant maritime fortress spread across seven islands.
It was put up by the Swedes in the mid-1800s to defend their eastern territories, but Helsinki was overrun by the Russians at the start of the 19th century.
It’s no exaggeration to say that almost nothing has changed at Suomenlinna since then.
Amid the star-shaped walls and gun positions is a small baroque settlement that is still home to 1000 people.
The tall green dome of this landmark soars above the Helsinki cityscape, and from the water at night itseems to shine like a beacon.
Whatever your reason for visiting Helsinki, this whitewashed neoclassical cathedral is one of the sights you need to check out.
When it was built it in the mid-19th century was called St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, in honour of the Russian Tsar Nicholas I who was also Grand Duke of Finland.
After Finnish independence in 1917 it simply became Helsinki Cathedral.
Known to locals as “Espa”, this is a finger of green space right in the middle of the city, a place where tourists and Helsinki residents come to take picnics, relax and be entertained in summer.
At this time of year the space in front of Cafe Kappeli is the Espa Stage, an outdoor venue with an exciting schedule of shows and live music performances.
Come in July for Jazz-Espa, a month-long jazz festival, or in June for the Marimekko Fashion Show.
Safe to say there aren’t many churches in the world quite like this one.
Temppeliaukio was the result of a post-war design competition, won by Suomalainen Brothers and was inaugurated in 1969.
The building is partly underground and has been hewn from the bedrock, which forms the interior walls.
Around the central dome is a circular skylight, through which sunlight floods into the main chamber during the day.
Every piece of decoration and furniture inside this remarkable church was designed by the architects.
Approaching it along Fredrikinkatu, the broad copper dome of Temppeliaukio Church will look like some sort of alien invasion.
Taking up a whole island a few kilometres north of the city centre is an open-air museum that has put together a collection of typical Finnish buildings from around the country.
The museum is open all summer and this is when trained guides are decked in traditional garb can tell you about life and work in rural Finland over the last 400 years.
The old workshops, farms, manor houses and cottages are connected by a network of trails, making for gentle walks through woodland or next to the coast.
If you’re looking for sights that illustrate Russia’s century-long engagement with Finland, this orthodox cathedral in Pormestarinrinne is the best place to begin.
It’s the largest orthodox church in western Europe, sitting on a rise in the Katajanokka, one of Helsinki’s upmarket areas.
From the outside the church’s origins are unmistakable when you see its red-brick towers and their golden cupolas.
Take a look at the Iconostasis, with its set of beautiful paintings depicting the virgin Mary and an array of saints.
Open all day, Monday to Saturday, the Old Market Hall near the water in Eteläranta has been around since 1889.
Before then there had never been a permanent building for Helsinki’s markets, which were open-air and held in squares.
It’s a striking byzantine revival building, worth checking out even if you don’t need to do any shopping.
If you would like to pick something up you’ll be tempted by all sorts of stalls selling fresh produce including meat, fish, fruit and veg, but also Finnish cakes and cheeses.
Sauna is a Finnish word, and there are three million of them in Finland, a large quantity of which are found right here in Helsinki.
Many are open to the public, and whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, it’s just one of those things you have to try in Finland.
For public saunas try the districts of Kotiharju, Merihaka, Hermanni, or the new “Löyly” complex at the southern end of Helsinki peninsula.
There’s some sauna etiquette to remember but none of it is too difficult: Men and women are usually separate, naked is best but towels are allowed, and it’s usually best to keep your voice low if you have to talk at all!
This amusement park has been open for more than 65 years.
Throughout that time it has been donating all profits to Päivän Säätiö, a Finnish child welfare charity.
Well over a million visitors a year come to ride the white-knuckle roller coasters, try their luck in the amusement arcades or bring their kids to all kinds of child-friendly shows and attractions.
All the major rides at Linnanmäki break Finnish records: The highest and fastest in the country are set here, but among them are seven that go right back to the park’s origins in the 1950s.
From late-July to the end of August Helsinki’s citizens dress up in their finest and pack out the city’s seafood restaurants.
This is crayfish season, and the shellfish is paired with Akvavit in a surprisingly complicated set of rituals.
Waiters at local restaurants will be happy to fill you in about how to eat crayfish the right way, and when to take a shot of Akvavit.
And then of course come the drinking songs. It might be a bit more of a challenge to sing along with these.
Catch this tram from the Havis Amanda Fountain at Market Square on summer weekends.
You’ll set off on a 20-minute tour of nearly all of central Helsinki’s top sights.
These heritage trams are a century old, and although there’s no guide on board you’ll be provided with a multi-language leaflet to let you know what you’re looking at.
The trailer pulled by the main tram car will also give you some excellent shots of the city for your instagram account!
Another great way to see the best of Helsinki is along the waterfront as there’s a seven kilometre trail that runs from end to end.
Heading down the eastern side of the Helsinki peninsula your walk will begin at Hietaniemi Beach, which on the warmest summer days is the best sandy bay in Helsinki.
Later you’ll pass the Sibelius Monument, an abstract sculpture to commemorate Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius.
The waterfront path is served by ice cream sellers in summer and is always leafy, winding through parks or next to the grounds of the Prime Minister’s summer residence.
Going back to the post-war era Helsinki is a city that embraces cutting-edge architecture and design.
The Rock Cathedral illustrates this attitude best, but there’s a thriving culture that really deserves a bit of investigation.
Check out the Design District just below the Esplanadi: Across just a few city blocks are some 200 design-oriented shops, galleries, buildings and attractions.
The Design Museum is here and documents Finnish architecture and design over the last 150 years.
Since you’re visiting the capital you have to take the chance to find out about Finland’s past.
One section that will catch the interest of all comers contains the Treasure Troves.
As you make your way through these nine rooms you can goggle at silver, jewellery, coins, medals and armour.
Further on you’ll see how Finnish culture and society developed during the middle ages before it became part of the Swedish Kingdom and then the Russian Empire.
There are also intriguing exhibits covering the country’s early civilisations, among them a neolithic offering stone and an Iron Age burial cist.
As the city grew in the early-20th century Helsinki built whole neighbourhoods for its working class.
Many of these have since been demolished and replaced, but several remain, and the pretty painted timber houses here are now homes for Helsinki’s bohemian and creative types.
Areas like Puu Vallila have coffee shops and trendy bars, while Puu-Käpylä is loved for its green space.
This suburb was intended as a Garden City, so there’s loads of greenery and the vegetable plots allocated for workers are now urban farms.
Further reading: Best places to visit in Finland
The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau’s Tourist Information offers free information about the city and its sights, events and services. Tourist Information provides tips and advice for making the most of your holiday. At the same time you can pick up brochures and maps.
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A rich architectural experience gives you plenty to do in Helsinki . The city’s collection of buildings represent diverse styles, and it includes some of the most innovative and bold structures in Europe.
Besides the Finnish capital’s built environment, you can enjoy outdoor attractions and experience the country’s culture.
Get the Helsinki Card and save money. Get free entrance to to sights and museums, free public transport , a free sightseeing city tour, and discounts on shopping and restaurants
Table of Contents
1. market square, visit one of helsinki´s most iconic sights.
One of Helsinki’s most iconic sights and a must-see during any visit is Market Square. This is where many visitors converge while they explore the old town, especially for those arriving by ferry.
Along with the harbour, Market Square is a hub of activity and represents the best of Helsinki. Local sellers offer their best produce to locals and visitors, including fresh fish.
There are also various crafts and souvenirs for sale inside the Old Market Hall . You can find everything from reindeer horns and hides to homemade jewellery and toys. There is also fresh bread, wine, cheese and other great items.
If you are visiting in October, you can visit the Baltic Herring Market.
Opened in 1990, Kiasma’s imposing silver shell designed by Steven Holl was a controversial addition to the cityscape. Over the years, it has become an iconic landmark in Helsinki . Completed in 1998, the building represents Helsinki’s modern era.
You will find the contemporary collection of the Finnish National Gallery at the museum, which also has fine modern exhibitions.
If you like admiring urban landscapes, visit the north-facing end of the museum if you need something to do in Helsinki even if you are not a huge fan of art.
There you are treated to panoramic views of the city, including the majestic Parliament House and the contemporary Helsinki Music Centre.
Explore an array of plant life at the Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden , which traces its roots to the oldest scientific garden in the country.
In 1678, Peter Kalm opened a science-focused garden in Turku. It moved to the Helsinki University in 1829 following a fire and now offers visitors a top attraction to see in Helsinki.
From colourful flowers to sprawling plants, there are some 800 species of flora at the botanical gardens’ ten inter-connected greenhouses . In total, there are some 3,600 species across the site’s four hectares.
This is a great spot to escape from the cold during the winter, although it is a popular year-round destination for residents and travellers to the city.
This art museum is in the functionalist Lasipalatsi, or Glass Palace . Amos Rex celebrates art and urban culture with a thrilling programme of exhibitions.
Whether you appreciate classic art or contemporary performances, you will not be disappointed with your visit at this top cultural attraction and a must see in Helsinki.
Amos Rex is the home of the impressive Sigurd Frosterus Foundation’s post-impressionist collection . The courtyard is another highlight. The former site of Helsinki’s bus station, it now has unique tiled domes that also double as skylights.
Read also: Where to stay in Helsinki
In the bustling city centre is the Kamppi Chapel – the ‘Chapel of Silence’ . This calm escape is made from Nordic spruce.
Built in 2012, the construction of the building creates a refuge of quiet and serenity, while the circular shape exemplifies Scandinavian design and style.
This ultra-contemporary Lutheran chapel features pews made from ash and alder planks in the interior. The main hall also features an interesting altar with a solitary cross.
Wander among boutiques, antique shops, galleries and much more at the Design District. Located in southern Helsinki, there are also many restaurants to enjoy a meal while you explore the city.
The Design District embodies the minimalist character of Finnish design, including in the architecture of its buildings. Amazing collections with galleries, shops and more also represent the best of Scandinavian style.
From art to interior design, there is something for everyone. Find unique clothes, handmade products and other one-of-a-kind items.
Understand Helsinki’s history and culture at the Helsingin Kaupunginmuseo – the Helsinki City Museum. The extensive site includes five buildings at Cathedral Square. It includes the city’s oldest central building that dates from 1757.
Diverse exhibitions are housed in the City Museum, which has a collection of approximately 450,000 artifacts and over a million photographs. You will find unique collections, including home décor from the 19th century and traditional costumes from across Finland.
Virtual technology helps enhance your visit, allowing you to see the city’s past from a unique perspective.
About a 15-minute ferry journey from the city centre is Suomenlinna, a series of small islands in the South Harbour. Recognised by UNESCO for its cultural relevance, it is also known as the ‘Fortress of Finland.
You can visit the various islands to admire Helsinki’s skyline while you explore the sea fortress’s many sites.
Built when Finland was part of Sweden, the fortifications were originally known as Sveaborg. It served as a strategic defence point for southern Finland and featured an impressive dock, an architectural marvel that still stands.
The site also includes interesting museums and pleasant green spaces , and there is a fine restaurant on Lonna island.
To gain a better perspective on this area’s history, consider taking a guided tour .
Helsinki’s Central Library , Oodi is an exciting architectural wonder for you to see in Helsinki. There is a café and restaurant along with a cinema in this beautiful yet functional building.
You can admire 3D printers or use sewing machines, or even spend time in a recording studio. This is a bold book repository like no other.
On the third level, you will find a welcoming terrace . From there, admire some of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks like Parliament House, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and more.
If you are looking for something unique to do in Helsinki , this is a great place to start.
The quintessential Finnish experience is visiting a sauna, a tradition that dates to the Vikings. Along with relieving stress, saunas are also visited to help lose weight, soothe muscle and joint pain and even improve cardiovascular performance.
Meditate and relax at the Kotiharjun Sauna, one of only three traditional public saunas that remain in the city. If you have little time to spare to go to a sauna in Finland’s more rural areas, this is a great place to enjoy a classic experience during your visit.
Housed within a lavish neo-Renaissance building from 1887, the Ateneum is Finland’s premier art gallery. This is the place to go to see the country’s most celebrated art, including paintings and sculptures.
The collection at the Ateneum includes works by Albert Edelfelt, Helene Schjerfbeck, Pekka Halonen, Hugo Simbery, the von Wright brothers, and others. The Kalevala is a celebrated masterpiece from Akseli Gallen-Kallela and one of the museum’s highlights.
Known as the oldest café in Helsinki , Café Ekberg is arguably the most elegant café in the city. It is a great spot to start your day with a delicious breakfast and flavourful coffee before exploring the city. It is also a fine place to end your day and unwind.
Opened in 1852, the classic café’s highlights include mouth-watering patisserie like its famed Napoleon cake . The menu also has a wonderful array of cookies, biscuits and pastries to tempt you.
If you love design, you need to visit Helsinki’s Design Museum. The museum explores the roots of Finnish design , including its ties to nature and cultural traditions. The focus is mainly on contemporary works, including clothing and décor.
You can combine a ticket with the Museum of Finish Architecture and visit both museums during your stay in the city. During the summer, both museums host a shared pavilion where students create a sustainable structure.
MOST POPULAR GUIDED TOURS IN HELSINKI
At the edge of the South Harbour is Allas, a fantastic recreational facility for you to unwind.
There are three outdoor pools, including a heated one that can even be enjoyed on the coldest days of the year. One pool is reserved just for kids. There are also saunas to help you relax.
Watch boats sail past from a terrace on the top of the wooden pavilion. After your relaxing day at Allas, you can enjoy dinner at Allas Wine & Dine. Concerts are also hosted during the summer, where top musicians from Finland and abroad entertain the masses.
On an island northwest of the city centre is Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo, an outdoor museum with 87 historic buildings.
Reach the island of Seurasaari via a long footbridge to enter this leafy oasis with reconstructed rural architecture, offering you a glimpse of life outside the city from bygone eras.
You will find a manor house, barns, cottages and a timber church. You can visit the island for free, but tickets are needed to enter the buildings.
The island’s Festival Stage hosts folk dancing during Midsummer, when newlyweds also light bonfires on the coast after their wedding ceremony.
You might mistake the Kansallismuseo for a Gothic church thanks to its imposing square tower and heavy stonework. Opened in 1916, the museum is one of Finland’s top-tier museums.
From prehistory exhibits to collections from every period between the 13th and 19th centuries , the museum has a rich collection covering the breadth of Finish history .
This is a fun destination if you are looking for something to do in Helsinki with little ones . The hands-on Workshop Vintti makes learning about history fun and exciting for children.
On the first floor, step out onto the balcony and admire frescoes on ceiling arches. These works by painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela tell the story about Kalevala, the national epic.
Situated on the waterfront, Kaivopuisto is a large park dating from 1834. The popular greenspace includes sprawling lawns for picnics and sunbathing.
There are also meandering paths to explore alongside sculptures. Paths also connect you to other attractions, like the Mattolaituri café and Kaivohuone bar.
Visit the park if you are looking for something laid-back to do in Helsinki. During the winter, tobogganing is a favourite pastime on the park’s slopes.
In the summer, you might catch a concert . From classical music to the latest pop songs, the sounds of different genres echo through the park.
On the island of Korkeasaari is Helsinki Zoo. This is a fabulous day out to do in Helsinki if you are visiting with kids . Founded in 1889, the zoo has approximately 150 animal species and 1,000 plant species from Finland and beyond.
Animals are housed in large natural enclosures, and there is also a farm at the zoo.
You can travel to the zoo by ferry, offering a unique experience and great views of the coast off Helsinki. There is also a café and terrace at the site if you need to rest or grab a bite to eat.
Built in 1938, Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a fine example of Helsinki’s functionalist architecture . The venue was the main stadium for the 1952 Olympic Games. Now, it hosts concerts along with national and international sports events.
At 72 metres or 235 feet, the Stadium Tower lets you see Helsinki from a unique perspective. You can look out for central Helsinki’s most famous buildings while admiring the view.
The Olympic Stadium is also the site of the Finnish Sportsmuseum and the bistro Stadion restaurant.
One of the top things to do in Helsinki is spend time in Senate Square. There are fine examples of neoclassical architecture, including Helsinki Cathedral, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
The Government Palace is also found here. Carl Ludvig Engel designed all four buildings, and a statue of Alexander II is at the heart of the square.
Helsinki Cathedral is one of Finland’s most iconic buildings. It is also something you must see in Helsinki. The oldest stone building – Sederholm House – in the city stands on the square’s southeast corner. There you will find the Helsinki City Museum.
A public sauna , Löyly is on the southern edge of Helsinki in the Hernesaari district. The complex includes two wood-heated saunas and a traditional Finnish smoke sauna to help you recharge. From the saunas you can step into an outdoor seating area by the sea.
There is also a terrace and restaurant that are open at this year-round attraction.The restaurant serves a menu with local ingredients for brunch, lunch and dinner on Saturdays.
Built atop a hill, Erottaja rescue station was completed in 1891. At 42 metres above the city, the station’s tower offers fabulous views of the city. On clear days, you can see Tallinn from the tower.
The rescue station is home to the second oldest municipal professional fire brigade in Europe’s Nordic countries. There is also a fire museum within the station’s courtyard.
Known locally as “Espa”, Esplanade Park is one of Finland’s most popular parks. People flock to this greenspace to enjoy a picnic or watch performances. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, the park features tree-lined paths, monumental sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.
Located close to Market Square, the park is also home to one of Helsinki’s most iconic restaurants. Kappeli was built in 1867 and designed by Hampus Dahlström. Across from the restaurant is Espa Stage, which hosts concerts from May to August.
The Tennis Palace or Tennispalatsi offers top quality recreation and culture. Built in a functionalist style, the building features vaulted halls and served as the city’s main tennis venue and hosted basketball during the 1952 Olympics.
The building houses the Helsinki City Art Museum (HAM) , which draws fans of contemporary and modern art. The museum’s collection has more than 9,000 pieces .
The Tennispalatsi also features several cafes and restaurants plus Finnkino, the largest cinema complex in Finland.
People have flocked to Linnanmäki Amusement Park since 1950. There is a great collection of rides if you are looking for something fun to do in Helsinki. Rides thrill and excite, but there are also fun and more laid back rides if you want to avoid really scary attractions.
Built in 1951, a wooden rollercoaste r at the park is one of its most popular rides. There are also fun games to play and test your luck. Outdoor performances are also staged at this wonderful amusement park.
Photos: Shutterstock
Your list is great but you should really include something about Moomins. If you don’t know Moomins and come to visit Helsinki you will see them everywhere. They are characters in a series of books written and illustrated by Tove Jansson, and look a bit like white hippos. In Helsinki you can go to Moomin Shops to see them, or visit HAM for the Tove Jansson exhibition to learn more about their creator. We also have a Moomin museum in Tampere and a Moomin park in Naantali.
Hi Hanna. Thank you for your comment
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We’ve crafted this travel guide to Helsinki with a mission to help all who plan on visiting Helsinki, Finland, and are looking for detailed yet crisp information. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and read on.
Helsinki, fondly known as the Daughter of the Baltic is full of life. Helsinki stuns its visitors with its simple yet beautiful charm. You can’t help but awe at the magnificent design and architecture as you walk the streets and squares of Helsinki. Finnish cuisine is as famous as Finnish design. From strolling its historic lanes to hopping its islands to chilling at its beaches to hiking in its forests to stretching a leg in its urban parks and gardens to cozying up in its world-class sauna – You gotta fall in love with the city, one step at a time.
Here’s a guide to get you started in this uber-cool city!
The largest city and the capital of Finland, Helsinki is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The most northerly of the capitals of Europe, Helsinki is often referred to as the white city of the north as most of its buildings are crafted using light-colored granite.
Best time to visit helsinki.
Spring (May and June) and Autumn (September and October) are the best times to visit Helsinki. Summer (July and August) is good but crowded.
The plus point of traveling in the summer months is the great weather and long, mild, and warm days. We visited in July and enjoyed the long summer days. I mean, summer days just don’t end here. You can explore all day long. Isn’t it amazing?
The capital and the largest city of Finland, Helsinki sits in Europe’s northernmost corner squeezed between Sweden and Russia.
You can fly or sail or drive into Helsinki depending upon where you’re coming from.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is served by all major international airlines to and from major cities around the world.
For a classic Finnish experience, fly with Finnair . We loved flying with them.
We recommend Skyscanner for the best flight deals.
You can sail via the Baltic Sea from Sweden (Stockholm), Russia (St. Petersburg), (Tallinn) Estonia, and even Germany.
The major ferry companies include Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line, Linda Line, Eckero Line, Finnliness, and St. Peter Line .
Finland has a good road network. It’s easy to rent a car and drive to Helsinki from other cities in Finland and from Russia.
You can also plan a road trip to Finland from other Nordic countries but that’ll include a ferry.
The major routes include E18, E12, E75, and E63 .
We recommend Discover Cars for all your car rental needs in Europe.
Helsinki Central Railway Station in Kluuvi has excellent train connections from all the major cities in Finland and from Moscow and St. Petersberg in Russia.
Helsinki’s Central Bus Station in Kamppi has a regular bus service to and from all the large cities in Finland.
Read More: Train from Oslo to Bergen on a Scenic Bergen Railway
I and P trains from the airport take about 30 minutes to the city center.
Alternatively, you can board the Finnair City Bus or Airport Bus 615 from the airport to the city center. The night bus service ( 415N ) is also available.
Taking a taxi is the easiest and fastest option but then it costs much higher.
Related Read: The Little Fairytale Finnish Town on Porvoo
Walking is the best way to explore the attractions in and around the city center. You can take a self-guided tour or a guided walking tour to explore the center.
Biking is the second-best way to get around the city. Check out the cycling routes in Helsinki .
Helsinki has a vast public transport network of bus, metro, tram, train, and ferry services.
The city has a zoned public transport system.
Choose a ticket that best fits your needs. If you’re sticking to the city center, you should buy a ticket for the main zone (AB) or for the airport downtown (ABC) but if you’re planning a day trip from Helsinki, you’d need a different ticket. Click here to learn how to use a public transport system in Helsinki.
You can buy a ticket from HSL ticket machines, train stations, R-Kioski (convenience stores in Finland), or the HSL Mobile Ticket app.
I’d suggest you buy a Helsinki Travel Card that allows unlimited travel for the duration (24, 48, or 72 hours) on all modes of transportation – trams, buses, the metro, trains, and the Suomenlinna ferry.
Helsinki Card is another awesome option. It not only allows free, unlimited travel on all modes of public transportation but also gives free access to a ton of attractions and museums in Helsinki.
Trams are the best and most beautiful way to explore the center of Helsinki.
Public buses are also an efficient way to travel from one location to another in Helsinki but are not helpful in the center of the city. Trams make sense there.
Helsinki’s metro system is the world’s northernmost and has two lines – M1 (Matinkylä–Vuosaari) and M2 (Tapiola–Mellunmäki) that serve about 25 stations.
Helsinki Commuter VR Trains form an important part of Helsinki’s public transport system.
There are some beautiful places to visit in Helsinki. We have a complete post about the best things to do in Helsinki, Finland for you.
Walking (tip: take a guided walking tour) in the center of the city is mandatory, you see. You can also ride the sightseeing tram to get pally with the city. Island hopping and café hopping remain the quintessential things to do in Helsinki.
Take a dip in the Finnish sauna to get off the tiredness of the sightseeing before you dine in on delicious Finnish cuisine. And, how can you not check out the impressive Finnish design and architecture? You must plan a visit to the Design District of Helsinki.
We stayed in a spacious 50s house with a wood-heated sauna in Lintuvaara, Espoo, and loved every bit of it. Our host Marko and his family were welcoming and helpful.
It’s away from the center but the bus stop is just a few meters away from the house. We boarded a bus that dropped us at Sello Mall and then a train from Leppävaara train station to the Central Railway Station to reach the center of the city.
If you want to stay near the city center, check out these best hotels right in the heart of Helsinki.
For those who wanna luxe it up, we recommend Hotel F6 , Hotel St. George Helsinki , and Lapland Hotels Bulevardi .
Check out the Best Luxury Hotels in Helsinki.
If you prefer living like a local like us, there are a ton of lovely apartment options, like this Apartment Hotel Aallonkoti in the heart of the city , this stylish studio in Ullanlinna , this artist apartment in Kallio , or this cozy, super-cute apartment in Vironkatu .
You Might Like: Driving from Bergen to Oslo
If you want to visit Helsinki sometime soon, make use of our Helsinki guide . We sincerely hope our travel guide to Helsinki helps you plan a perfect trip to Helsinki . If you have any queries, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be happy to help.
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Anjali Chawla
Somehow the link to your Airbnb does not open Marko’s property, but coincidentally we may have booked the exact same place. We are planning our trip for August 2023, so just starting researching. Your “First timers guide to Helsinki, Finland” is my first “pin” on my Finland board. Excited to start planning our trip!
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Whether you decide to spend a few hours or several days in Helsinki, you can always find something interesting and unique to see and experience. Just in one day, you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Helsinki archipelago, get to know the city's unique architecture and visit the best cultural attractions.
Did you visit Helsinki?
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By Ingrid K. Williams Updated August 7, 2024
By Ingrid K. Williams Photographs by Vesa Laitinen
Ingrid K. Williams is a regular contributor to the Travel section. She lives part-time in Stockholm and has covered the Nordic region since 2010.
For seven consecutive years, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world , and summer is the brightest, cheeriest season to visit its capital. At its peak, Helsinki basks in nearly 19 hours of daylight, which is more than enough time to explore the stunning architecture of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago. Meanwhile, ongoing construction along the waterfront continues to transform industrial zones into livable, residential neighborhoods in this progressive, design-focused city.
Many arrive in Helsinki via the central railway station, which is also an ideal spot to begin a tour of the city’s contemporary architecture. But first, stop to admire the station’s Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau, facade, clad in Finnish granite and designed by Eliel Saarinen with a tall clock tower and stern statues flanking the main entrance. From there, it’s mere steps to Oodi , the new central library in a monumental, three-story, curved-wood building. Head to the top floor — an open-plan, glass-enclosed reading space nicknamed “book heaven.” There, a wide balcony overlooks Kansalaistori Square , a grassy plaza surrounded by other architectural landmarks: the curvilinear Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma , the boxy glass Musiikkitalo concert hall and, farther away, the Alvar Aalto-designed Finlandia Hall (currently under renovation).
Continue the tour at Amos Rex , a new museum (known as the Amos Anderson Art Museum before it moved to its current location) that opened in a functionalist building from the 1930s on Lasipalatsi Square. Today the square is dominated by futuristic, undulating domes — each with a spherical skylight for the museum’s subterranean galleries below — and a free temporary exhibition of giant, moss-green elfin figures by the Finnish sculptor Kim Simonsson (through Oct. 20). Inside the museum (admission €20, or about $22), current exhibitions include post-Impressionist paintings by the Finnish artist Magnus Enckell and an experiential installation with beds and silicone “wombs” by the European artist collective Keiken. Visitors this fall should also stop at the nearby HAM Helsinki Art Museum to see “Paradise,” an unprecedented exhibition of Tove Jansson’s large-scale public paintings, which is part of the 80th anniversary celebration of the Moomins, the whimsical, hippo-like trolls that Jansson created (Oct. 25 through April 6, 2025; €18). The museum also holds a small permanent collection of her murals.
Fun might not be listed on the menu, but it’s always included with dinner at Luovuus Kukkii Kaaoksesta , which translates to “creativity blooms from chaos.” This downtown restaurant opened in 2022 with eclectic décor foraged from second-hand shops, a colorful mural of sea creatures and a menu of inventive small plates that changes with the seasons. Ask for a table in the main dining room, where the owner Samu Räsänen charms diners with his delightful banter and fantastic wine pairings. A recent meal also included fresh scallop sashimi with pink sesame seeds and nectarine slivers, white asparagus beneath a frothy tomato-spiked Béarnaise sauce (both €13), and a hibiscus-flavored “tuttifrutti parfait” (€10).
After dinner, socialize as Finns do, in the sauna. Sompasauna is a popular, no-frills option in an industrial zone north of the city center with three mixed-gender, clothing-optional saunas steps from the Baltic Sea. There’s no admission fee (or staff) at this community-run locale, so users are expected to pitch in, either by donation or by helping with chores, like chopping firewood. Bring your own towel and a lock to secure your belongings. For a late-night sweat session with more amenities, try Uusi Sauna , which recently opened in Jätkäsaari, a new residential neighborhood along the western harbor that had been a cargo port until 2008. At this modern complex, the saunas are single-gender (admission, €18; towel rental, €5), and there’s an on-site bar serving Nordic craft beers beside an outdoor courtyard where sauna-goers cool off between rounds.
Vanha Kauppahalli
Vanha Kauppahalli , the 19th-century Old Market Hall, is a natural first stop for many visitors disembarking from the hulking cruise ships that dock along the bustling harborfront. But for a less touristy atmosphere, hop on a tram to Kallio, a residential neighborhood just to the north, where Hakaniemen Kauppahalli , the Hakaniemi Market Hall, reopened last year after a long restoration. Inside the two-story, red-brick building, which first opened in 1914, stroll the airy aisles where vendors sell fresh fish and meats, seasonal vegetables, delectable cakes and pastries, hearty rye loaves and edible souvenirs like smoked reindeer, salty licorice candies and bags of locally roasted coffee beans.
It’s a short walk from the market to Way Bakery , an all-day cafe and artisan bakery with minimalist design and sunny sidewalk tables where locals linger over granola bowls (€7) and thick focaccia squares topped with burrata (€11.50). For brunch, consider the ever-changing selection of special pastries displayed atop the stainless-steel counter, which recently included frosted rhubarb-strawberry financiers and raspberry-and-mascarpone-filled maritozzi buns (from €6.50). Or order my go-to: the bread plate with chewy sourdough, thinly sliced cheese, a generous schmear of salted butter and a jammy soft-boiled egg (€11).
Suomenlinna
On a sunny summer afternoon, you won’t be the only one lining up on the harborfront to board a boat headed to one of the more than 300 islands that make up Helsinki’s archipelago. One of the most popular islands, Suomenlinna, is a former sea fortress (and UNESCO World Heritage Site ) to which crowded ferries depart as often as every 15 minutes. For a more tranquil island escape, instead hop on a boat to Vallisaari , a small island that opened to the public in 2016 after serving as a military area since the 18th century (€13.90 round-trip). It’s a breezy, 20-minute ride to this idyllic island, where an easy, two-mile nature trail loops past mossy woodlands, a glittering lake, grazing sheep and military fortifications with spectacular views across the archipelago.
Back on the mainland, meander through the Design District , which has grown to encompass not only shops and galleries but also design-minded hotels, restaurants and museums. Find up-and-coming Finnish fashion designs at Liike , a boutique stocked with shimmering flower-print coats from the Turku-based designer Miia Halmesmaa and hand-crocheted hair clips from a local brand called the Finnish National Romance Museum . In the white-walled galleries of Galerie Forsblom , view a series of color-splashed, politically charged paintings by the Finnish artist Riiko Sakkinen (until Aug. 18, free). Several blocks south, scoop up Finnish antiques, including ceramic plates by Arabia and glassware by Iittala , at Fasaani Antiikki , a maze-like second-hand emporium. Then peek inside nearby Salakauppa , a tiny shop filled with fanciful, hand-crafted treasures such as Russian matryoshka figurines shaped like root vegetables, and hand-painted Japanese kokeshi dolls.
Southwest of the city center, BasBas Kulma is the new sibling restaurant of Baskeri and Basso — a beloved bistro locals call “BasBas” — that opened in a sprawling space with brick walls, exposed pipes and a laid-back vibe. Reserve a table in advance to join the jolly crowd feasting on charcoal-grilled skewers of octopus with spicy ’nduja sausage (€14) and charred spring cabbage smothered in peanut-chile sauce (€12). Other standouts from the menu of shareable small plates might include a crisp kohlrabi-and-pear salad with crumbled goat cheese and rhubarb vinaigrette (€11); a delicious pile of tiny Baltic shrimp, tender potatoes and foamy horseradish cream (€11); and for dessert, a warm Belgian waffle with apricot jam and white-chocolate mousse (€9).
Bob’s Laundry
After dinner, you could walk two blocks to Bob’s Laundry , a kitschy laundromat-themed cocktail bar serving drinks like the Rum’N’Soap, a tiki-inspired highball with rum, pineapple, lychee, orange and coconut (€14). Or hop on a tram to SalamaNation , a beer bar in the downtown Kamppi neighborhood, to sample Finnish craft brews like the Neo-Elektro, a hazy I.P.A. from Salama Brewing. Or head across town to the city’s quintessential summer bar: The Old Man & the Sí! , a seasonal pop-up on an old three-masted wooden schooner docked in the harbor beside the northeastern Kruununhaka district, where you can lounge on the poop deck with a Bitter Paloma (tequila, pink grapefruit, hibiscus, lime and tonic; €15) as the sky dims but never fully darkens.
Could coffee be the key to happiness? Finns are among the world’s top consumers of coffee per capita, so it’s certainly part of the equation. To test this theory, step inside Rams Roasters , a busy little coffee shop on a quiet street in the southern Ullanlinna neighborhood. Order a shot of espresso (€4.50) or a light-roast coffee made with beans from Sweden’s Koppi Roasters (€3.50), and don’t sleep on the outstanding baked goods, particularly the buttery cinnamon buns in the Finnish style: oversize and topped with pearl sugar (€5.20).
The Aalto House
The Aalto House is a modest, two-story home that the world-renowned architect and designer Alvar Aalto and his first wife, Aino, also an architect, built for themselves in the mid-1930s. Today the well-preserved building in the suburban Munkkiniemi neighborhood, a half-hour north of the city center by tram, is a museum open to the public on engaging, small guided tours (tickets, €30). The timeless home was a family residence and an office, with a sliding partition separating the wings, both furnished in the midcentury modern style that the Aaltos pioneered. If you’re left wanting more after the hour-long tour, it’s only a seven-minute walk to Studio Aalto , a separate office that Alvar Aalto designed to accommodate the growing architecture firm in the 1950s (guided tour, €20).
Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..
52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .
Lake Como, Italy: Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .
South of France: Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.
Disney Theme Parks: As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves if they should rethink their vacations.
Helsinki, Finland: Explore the stunning architecture of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.
Salzburg, Austria: The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .
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Art and culture are the key enablers for happiness in helsinki – the capital of the happiest country in the world.
The World Happiness Report has anointed Finland as the world’s happiest country for six years straight. What makes a Nordic land with 5,5 million people so happy? In Helsinki, the capital of Finland, art and culture make the city a good place to live and visit.
According to the UN-published report, Finns rate highly on key issues such as a high level of education, affordable healthcare, social stability, and positive work-life balance. But it’s not just these societal indicators that affect how Finns view their quality of life – Culture and art are highly prized aspects as well.
“We see a vibrant cultural sphere that is accessible and affordable for all citizens as a major contributor to everyday happiness. And we are looking at culture through a broad lens: from urban city culture, to sauna culture, to high-end cultural offerings, such as the world-famous Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. It's a diverse mix,” according to Reetta Heiskanen , Deputy Culture Director at the City of Helsinki.
The capital of Finland, Helsinki , is home to approximately 650,000 people, with more than 1.5 million inhabitants living in the wider metropolitan area. This area includes the cities of Helsinki , Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. Known for its inclusive culture and openness, the compact city has a well-developed transportation system designed to make the city more accessible for the public.
In Helsinki, cultural events are designed for everybody, regardless the socioeconomic status, with world-class ambition. The city’s expanding cultural life makes the city a more exciting and diverse place for residents and visitors.
“Good examples are the Helsinki Festival and Flow Festival that draw international music lovers’ and urban hipsters’ attention to Helsinki every August. As well as the Helsinki Biennial, a visual art festival in summer – dealing this year with the wicked problems of our time, such as environmental crisis, political conflicts, and the consequences of technological development,” Heiskanen says.
“In Helsinki, culture belongs to everyone. For example, in the Culture Kids program, every child from Helsinki born in the 2020s has a cultural institution as a host, through whom the children and their families get a personal touch with art,” she adds.
Culture Supports Economy
Helsinki has a Nordic approach to art and culture : A unique urban culture is a key enabler of a good life – and culture also supports economic wellbeing.
Culture and events make Helsinki an enjoyable, dynamic, and attractive city. Cultural events boost economic development – while the city government is flexible, people and businesses find the city easy to work with when arranging events, big or small.
But what good would it be to provide interesting cultural offerings if people don’t have the time and energy to enjoy them? If you are working long hours, wouldn’t the sofa be the best option after a long day?
The answer is Finland’s emphasis on work-life balance. This year, Helsinki placed second in the Forbes worldwide work-life balance index of major cities. Generous paid leave and flexible work arrangements, such as hybrid and remote working, were among the factors cited for the high ranking.
“It’s a Nordic dream, a good everyday life, which you can achieve in Helsinki. This means that you can build a successful career and still have enough time and energy for a flourishing personal life and cultural experiences. A vibrant culture creates an attractive city that is easy to fall in love with,” Heiskanen concludes.
Unleash Your Curiosity About Finnish Culture
This year offers unique cultural offerings in Helsinki throughout the year. There are multiple great exhibition openings, such as world-famous Tom of Finland and Albert Edelfelt, in Ateneum, Finnish National Museum of Art, which will open its doors after a year-long renovation.
When traveling to Helsinki, MyHelsinki.fi, the official website of the city marketing company Helsinki Partners, is the local guide for discovering the most inspiring sights, events, and novelties in Helsinki.
Resources for planning a trip to Helsinki:
The post Exploring Helsinki, Your “Happy Place” appeared first on The Design Tourist .
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Practical information for visitors about Helsinki. ... Submit an event This link opens in a new browser tab. Submit a new place This link opens in a new browser tab. Give feedback This link opens in a new browser tab. Submit a new place This link opens in a new browser tab. Give feedback
Best reasons to visit Helsinki in a nutshell. Marvel at the city's world-renowned architecture, design, and museums. Visit the free public events co-created by the locals, such as Helsinki Day on the 12th of June. Taste the clean palette of Finnish cuisine at some of the best restaurants in the country. Flaneur around lush Töölönlahti Bay ...
Helsinki Tourist Information. Aleksanterinkatu 24, 00170 Helsinki. Helsinki Tourist Information Office provides free information about the city, main attractions, events, and services. The Tourist Information provides tips and advice for making the most of your holiday. At the same time you can pick up brochures and maps. # sights. # kruununhaka.
Helsinki Tourist Information provides free information about the city, main attractions, events, and services. The new Tourist Information Office is located at Aleksanterinkatu 24, in the corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Sofiankatu streets. The summer information point in the Pavilion on the Lyypekinlaituri pier closed on 30 September 2022. ...
Welcome to Helsinki! Discover Helsinki is made for visitors to the city who are looking for information and inspiration about Helsinki. Whether you are planning your visit, new to Helsinki or visiting right now as a tourist, at Discover Helsinki you will find lots of practical tips and information about what to do and how to get around, as well as Helsinki's fascinating history.
Free. Helsinki Tourist Information provides free information about the city, main attractions, events, and services. The Tourist Information provides tips and advice for making the most of your holiday. At the same time you can pick up brochures and maps. Exceptional openings hours and further details are available on: https://www.myhelsinki.fi ...
Helsinki is a totally unique combination of quirky urbanity and peaceful nature that gives silence and space to feel more, hear more and experience more. It offers you the freedom to have it all. 131 km of shoreline. Enjoy the seaside. 40% covered by greenery. Relax in nature. 14°C few clouds. Check events.
You can always find unique things to see in Helsinki! Just in one day, you can enjoy city's archipelago, go sightseeing and visit Helsinki's best attractions. ... Search. Search. ... Tourist information; Getting to Helsinki; Getting around; Practical information; FAQ; History of Helsinki; Think Sustainably. Use the service; Join the service ...
Contact information. Visiting address: Aleksanterinkatu 24, 00170 Helsinki View location on service map. E-mail: [email protected]. Telephone number: +358 9 310 13300. Service language: Finnish, Swedish. How to get here: Show the route in the HSL Journey Planner.
Tourism Helsinki - Travel Guide to Helsinki. A modern city featuring some of the most distinctive architecture in the world, both old and new, Helsinki is one of the cultural hot spots of Northern Europe. An idealholiday destination for both for lovers of the arts and those who relish its exciting and vibrant nightlife, Helsinki is also a child-friendly city perfect for family vacations, and ...
The Helsinki Tourist Info Container . The Info Container is located in Töölönlahti Bay Park next to Little Finlandia. It is open from June 1 st until August 30 th, 2022. Opening Hours: Mon - Sun, 9:30 - 16 Please note that the Tourist Information Center at the Helsinki Central Railway Station has been permanently closed.
Helsinki Travel Guide. Welcome to Helsinki, the trendy vibrant capital with beautiful green locations and an unique seaside. Helsinki is close to the Baltic Sea with a 100-kilometre-long shoreline and around 300 islands. It's on UNESCO`s "15 most beautiful designed cities in the world", and design is embedded in the Finish soul and Euro ...
If you prefer to travel around the city independently to visit some of the top attractions, the Helsinki Card will save you time and money. Valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, the card gives you free unlimited public transport in the city; admission to more than 50 attractions, including the Ateneum Art Museum and Suomenlinna Fortress; an audio city ...
Helsinki is bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the south, while the posh suburban city of Espoo, with the embedded tiny enclave city of Kauniainen, is to the west. The more industrialized city of Vantaa is to the north and east. The Capital Region has a population of about 1.2 million, 650,000 of them living in Helsinki proper.
Let's explore the best things to do in Helsinki: 1. Suomenlinna. Source: flickr. Suomenlinna. Board the ferry from Kauppatori and in a few minutes you'll be in one of the most amazing man-made places in Scandinavia, if not the world. Suomenlinna is a giant maritime fortress spread across seven islands.
Русский. Helsinki City Tourist Information. +358 9 31013300 [email protected] Website. The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau's Tourist Information offers free information about the city and its sights, events and services. Tourist Information provides tips and advice for making the most of your holiday.
9. Esplanadi Park. 2,835. Historic Walking Areas. Serenity meets urban charm with this central park and boulevard, where visitors unwind on lush lawns, enjoy public art, and relax amidst shops and eateries. See ways to experience (71) 2024. 10. Helsinki Tram System.
Visit Helsinki and discover why it's said to be one of the world's most liveable cities! 5 reasons to visit Helsinki region. The Helsinki region around Finland's capital is a green, spacious, and vibrant region with world-class architecture and design, one-of-a-kind public sauna culture, unique Nordic restaurants, and picturesque villages and ...
If you are visiting in October, you can visit the Baltic Herring Market. 2. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the best things to do in Helsinki for art lovers. Opened in 1990, Kiasma's imposing silver shell designed by Steven Holl was a controversial addition to the cityscape.
7. Central Library Oodi. 583. Libraries. Modern library with a wide array of activities, from 3D printing to music studios, set in an impressive architectural space with areas for families and various interactive technologies. See ways to experience (53) 2024. 8. Senate Square.
Best Time to Visit Helsinki. Spring (May and June) and Autumn (September and October) are the best times to visit Helsinki. Summer (July and August) is good but crowded. The plus point of traveling in the summer months is the great weather and long, mild, and warm days.
1. Oodi, Helsinki Central Library. Oodi is Helsinki's new Central Library and a living meeting place in the city centre on the Kansalaistori Square. Oodi is a venue for events, a house of reading and a diverse urban experience. It will provide its users with knowledge, new skills and stories, and will be an easy place to access for learning ...
The largest Orthodox Church in Western Europe and one of the best examples of Russian influence on Finnish culture. . 6 mins. 11:25 Senate Square. Part of the oldest section of Helsinki, the square is the site of many of the city's most significant landmarks. See Full Itinerary. 1 days. 7 attractions.
Ingrid K. Williams is a regular contributor to the Travel section. She lives part-time in Stockholm and has covered the Nordic region since 2010. Aug. 8, 2024 For seven consecutive years, Finland ...
When traveling to Helsinki, MyHelsinki.fi, the official website of the city marketing company Helsinki Partners, is the local guide for discovering the most inspiring sights, events, and novelties ...