Flights to

Helsinki

Sights and activities in Helsinki

From interesting architecture to sauna relaxation and island adventures, there is a lot to discover in Helsinki.

Allas Sea Pool – how about a hot sauna with a side of sea views? This seaside bathhouse in the heart of the city offers saunas and swimming pools, including a seawater pool. Relax and take in the views at the pool deck or enjoy delicious food and drinks offered at the venue.

Löyly public sauna – Löyly provides another option to enjoy traditional Finnish sauna right by the seaside. There is a smoke sauna and a wood-burning sauna, and after you have warmed up, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea. The building features distinctive wooden architecture and is a sight in itself.

Suomenlinna – this impressive historic sea fortress and its gorgeous island home are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best‑known destination in the city’s archipelago. Just a short ferry trip away from Helsinki’s centre, Suomenlinna offers an exciting adventure exploring tunnels, museums and fortress walls. You’ll also find cafés and restaurants on the island for a break between sights.

Senate Square – in the city’s historic centre lies one of Finland’s most popular sights. The square is framed by four landmark buildings: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.

Helsinki Cathedral – this white Neoclassical church towering over Senate Square is one of the most iconic sights of Helsinki. Its domes, columns and wide steps give the square a bright, spacious feel. The cathedral is open to visitors, with an admission fee charged during the summer. Occasionally, events and services are held.

Uspenski Cathedral – an Orthodox cathedral built of red brick, rising above Helsinki’s Katajanokka district. Its golden domes and hilltop location make it a distinctive part of the city's skyline. The cathedral is one of the clearest symbols of Russian influence on Finnish history and is open to visitors for an admission fee.

Church of the Rock (Temppeliaukio Church) – ever visited a church carved out of bedrock? Now’s your chance. If you’re a fan of unique architecture, this Lutheran church is a must-visit. The great acoustics also make it an excellent concert venue.

Sibelius Monument – a striking steel sculpture dedicated to Jean Sibelius, Finland’s most celebrated composer. The monument resembles organ pipes, with more than 600 pipes and a bust of Sibelius on one side. Set in a waterfront park, it is one of Helsinki’s best‑known public artworks.

Esplanade Park – a green meeting place in the heart of Helsinki, known for both quiet walks and live performances.

Kaivopuisto Park – one of Helsinki’s oldest and most loved parks, stretching along the shoreline. With open lawns, rock cliffs and views of the sea, it’s a great spot for picnics and seaside strolls. In winter, the park is popular for sledging.

Hietaranta Beach – Helsinki’s most popular sandy beach, close to the city centre. It's perfect for swimming and beach activities in summer, and for walks along the shoreline at other times of the year. There’s also a summer terrace, serving delicious street food and drinks.

The Finnish National Gallery – Finland’s national art institution, bringing together three art museums. Ateneum introduces visitors to Finnish art from the 18th century to modernism. Kiasma focuses on contemporary art, with changing exhibitions in a distinctive modern building. Sinebrychoff Art Museum offers insights into European art from the 14th century to the 1850s, set within the historic rooms of a former private residence.

Amos Rex art museum – a museum of contemporary and experimental art and a landmark in its own right. The museum sits beneath Lasipalatsi Square, where its round skylights create a hilly, futuristic-looking surface above. If you’re short on time and can’t explore the museum, the square itself is worth a visit.

Seurasaari Open‑Air Museum – step into rural Finland of days gone by. The museum showcases historic buildings from different regions of Finland, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life. Located on a peaceful island, Seurasaari is connected to the mainland by a footbridge.

Oodi, Helsinki Central Library – the name means ode in Finnish and that’s exactly what it is: an ode to knowledge and stories, but also to community and creativity. Discover the books residing in the library, play some checkers or participate in a craft workshop. The building’s striking architecture with its wooden façade is a great example of contemporary Finnish design.

Finlandia Hall – designed by Alvar Aalto, this white‑marble public building is a popular sight in Helsinki. It’s mainly used for holding concerts, conferences and other events. Töölönlahti, the bay and park area right next to it, offers waterside paths and cafés.

On Tove Jansson’s trails – Helsinki is the hometown of Tove Jansson, the creator of the beloved Moomins. Follow her footsteps and experience the city as she did. On the My Helsinki website, you can find a list of all the places that Tove frequented – from her childhood neighbourhood to her favourite park.

Korkeasaari Zoo – Finland’s largest zoo, focused on conservation and placing strong emphasis on animal well-being in its care and enclosures. You can see species such as tigers, snow leopards, bears, lynx and reindeer. It can be reached by bridges connecting the island to the mainland.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park – Helsinki’s most popular amusement park, offering rides, games and views over the city. With attractions for all ages, including a historic wooden roller coaster, it’s perfect for a fun day for the whole family.

Huvilakatu – a street of colourful Art Nouveau villas with decorative façades and ornate balconies that invite you to stop and snap a photo.

Things to see and do near Helsinki

Fazer Visitor Centre in Vantaa – discover the iconic Finnish confectionery company through interactive exhibitions and as many sweets as you can eat. You can reach the visitor centre in about 40 minutes by metro and bus from Helsinki. By car, the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Sightseeing cruises – feel the sea breeze on your face and explore Helsinki's shorelines and the beautiful archipelago with numerous cruise operators.

Helsinki archipelago – beyond Suomenlinna, there are many other islands to visit. In the south, Lonna offers local delicacies and a unique public sauna. Vallisaari, a former military island, combines nature with history. In the west, Pentala gives a glimpse into the life of local fishermen, with an old cottage and other museum buildings. Make the most of the Finnish summer by visiting Iso Vasikkasaari, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The islands can be accessed by water buses or public ferries, but note that the transport runs primarily during the summer season.

Fiskars – this village is the birthplace of the world-famous axes and scissors with signature orange handles. Established in the 17th century as an ironworks, the village carries an air of craftsmanship and creativity to this day. By public transport, the journey takes about 2 hours, usually by train from Helsinki to Karjaa, followed by a bus. By car, Fiskars can be reached in around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Nuuksio National Park – this beautiful natural park offers peaceful lakes and forest trails. It’s a popular place for Finnish‑style therapy: slowing down and spending time in unspoilt nature. By train and bus, Nuuksio can be reached in roughly 1–1.5 hours from Helsinki. By car, the journey takes about 45 minutes.

Porvoo – just outside Helsinki, Finland’s second‑oldest city charms with cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses, a riverside setting and small cafés. You can get to Porvoo from Helsinki by direct bus or car in about 1 hour.

Shopping in Helsinki

From fresh goods to Finnish design, here are some of the best shopping spots in Helsinki.

• Design District Helsinki – 25 streets in the heart of the city, filled with design shops, galleries, showrooms, museums and restaurants. From timeless Finnish pieces by Marimekko and Iittala to fresh ideas from new designers, there’s plenty to explore.
• Market Square – Helsinki’s most popular marketplace, located right by the harbour. Browse fresh market food, local handicrafts and souvenirs.
• Old Market Hall – shop for fresh cheeses, fish, vegetables and more at this historic market hall, established in 1899. It’s located only a couple of minutes’ walk away from the Market Square.
• Shopping centres – Helsinki’s malls combine shopping, dining, entertainment and services in one place. Highlights include Forum and Kamppi in the city centre, Mall of Tripla in Pasila, Kämp Galleria showcasing Finnish design and fashion, the historic Stockmann department store and Kluuvi Shopping Centre.
• Vintage and second-hand stores – some of the best flea markets, vintage and second-hand shops are located in the Kallio district. You’ll find everything from affordable thrift stores like UFF and Fida to more specialised shops such as Mekkomania, known for its curated selection of vintage clothing, including Marimekko pieces.

PS: If you don’t feel like going out to eat, the Finnish food-delivery service Wolt will bring great food from some of the best cafés and restaurants to your doorstep.

Helsinki’s public transport is managed by the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL). Their website and app make getting around Helsinki easy – buy tickets, use the route planner and see traffic updates.

• By foot – Helsinki is easy to explore on foot, with a pedestrian‑friendly layout. If your destination is close by, walking is often the best option, allowing you to notice corners of Helsinki you might otherwise pass by.
• By tram – with 11 lines, trams are the main way to get around the city centre.
• By metro – running in only two directions, east and west, the metro is a fast and comfortable way to travel between the city centre and the suburbs of East Helsinki and West Espoo.
• By bus – buses complement Helsinki’s other public transport options and help connect areas beyond tram and metro routes.
• By taxi – in addition to traditional taxis, ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt and Taksi Helsinki are often used to catch a ride in Helsinki.
• By bikes and scooters – in addition to Helsinki’s convenient city bike system, many companies also offer bicycles and electric scooters for rent. With around 1,200 kilometres of bike paths, cruising around the city is easy and comfortable.
• By train – frequent local trains connect the city centre with Vantaa and Helsinki Airport.