Helsinki may seem like a small city, but it’s full of surprises. There are several things to do in and around the city. In this post, we highlight our list of top things to do in Helsinki during winter or summer. The list is a mix of day trips and attractions in the heart of town and should enable you to experience the best of what Helsinki offers.
Getting around in Helsinki
Mannerheimintie, Helsinki, Finland – one of Helsinki’s main streets
It’s easy to get around Helsinki on foot or by tram. It’s always a good idea to stay in the heart of the city (close to the central train station). We stayed at Hotel Indigo, a few metres away from the tram stop. The tram is well-connected to many of the attractions such as the Market Square and the Uspenski Cathedral.
Accommodation in Helsinki
Helsinki’s beautiful architecture
Here are a few centrally located options for accommodation in Helsinki:
Hotel Indigo
A 4-star property located within walking distance from a tram stop, and a 15-minute walk from Market Square. We loved our stay here and would recommend this hotel.
One of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen – Helsinki, Finland
Hotel Kamp Helsinki
Located in the main shopping area, and 5 minutes walk from Senate Square, Kamp is the most centrally located hotel. This luxurious property has great reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
Hotel Katajanokka
Katajanokka is another good hotel located close to the Uspenski Cathedral. It even has a tram stop located just outside the property that brings you to the centre of the city within a matter of minutes.
Or check out these amazing hotel deals in Helsinki.
Top Things To Do In Helsinki
Here are our top things to do in Helsinki, summer or winter.
Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square
When wandering through the heart of Helsinki, Finland’s capital city, you can’t miss the breathtaking Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. This historic hub is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Finland.
Senate Square – Helsinki Finland
The stunning white cathedral, officially known as Temppeliaukion Church (but affectionately called the Helsinki Cathedral), is an eye-catching presence on the square. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel (and later altered by Ernst Lohrmann), its neoclassical architecture and elegant dome make it a masterpiece of Finnish art. Take a stroll around the building to admire its beautiful details and tranquil atmosphere.
The statue of Emperor Alexander II in the middle of Senate Square
Just outside the cathedral lies Senate Square (Senaatintori in Finnish), the heart of Helsinki’s historic center. This vibrant square is filled with bustling cafés, quaint shops, and lively street performers during the summer months. As you explore the area, be sure to snap a photo in front of the elegant buildings that surround the square – their neoclassical facades are simply stunning.
In the evening, Senate Square transforms into a romantic setting, bathed in golden light from the city’s street lamps. Take your time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a warm coffee or snack at one of the nearby cafés.
If you are visiting in December, try the Christmas goodies which are sold at the numerous pop-up stalls at Senate Square.
Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland
Visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is, in our opinion, Helsinki’s top tourist attraction. Founded in 1748 on a cluster of islands off the coast of Helsinki, it was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in 1991. The island is not only convenient to get to from Helsinki but also easily accessible by foot with quite a few things to do.
You can spend an entire day walking around the island, discovering its museums and restaurants. View the complete guide to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress in this post.
Explore Market Square
Market Square is the vibrant heart of Helsinki, Finland’s capital city. This bustling hub is where locals and visitors alike come to shop, eat, and soak up the city’s atmosphere. On any given day, you’ll find a colourful mix of fresh produce, flowers, crafts, and souvenirs on display.
Shops at Market Square, Helsinki, Finland
Located near the Helsinki Harbour, Market Square comes alive during the holiday season. Quaint pop-up shops that sell Finnish handicrafts, cheese and meats, Gloggi (during winter) and souvenirs fill the area. We visited Market Square multiples times during our stay in Helsinki because we simply loved the atmosphere.
Admire The Uspenski Cathedral
The stunning Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Finland’s capital city. This majestic cathedral is a true gem, both inside and out.
When the lights come on at the Uspenski Cathedral
Designed by architect Aleksey Gornostayev in 1868, the Uspenski Cathedral is an exquisite example of Byzantine architecture, with its striking red-brick exterior and gleaming golden domes. It is also the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.
The gorgeous Russian-designed Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki
Built to serve the Finnish Orthodox community, it was originally intended for the Russian Imperial Navy. Today, it remains an active place of worship and a popular tourist destination.
The Russian Uspenski Cathedral
Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, or simply want to experience a unique aspect of Helsinki’s cultural heritage, the Uspenski Cathedral is a must-see attraction.
Take a Day Trip to Porvoo
Entering the old town of Porvoo
Porvoo is one of the six medieval towns of Finland. Its charm and quaintness will immediately make you fall in love with it. Colourful houses by the river, little boutique shops, and beautiful cafés that offer mouthwatering desserts. Take your time to explore Porvoo’s Old Town on foot.
Located only a 50-minute bus ride from Helsinki, Porvoo offers a quiet retreat and makes for a great day trip.
The world heritage red storage houses along the waterfront in Porvoo
Don’t miss the famous Runeberg’s Cake named after the Finnish Poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg.
How to get there: You can catch the bus to Porvoo from Kamppi Bus Station in Helsinki. The frequency is quite high, and the tickets can be bought online. You can read about how to make the best of your day trip to Porvoo in this post.
Book A Day Trip To Tallinn
Cruise ships are quite popular in Helsinki
The neighbouring country of Estonia is only a short cruise away from Helsinki. Depending on your flexibility, you can either take a day trip to Tallinn or go on a one-way ticket.
The journey by cruise ship or ferry takes about 2 hours and is probably the most fun way to get to Estonia. I would advise that you buy your tickets from Helsinki to Tallinn online. It’s far more convenient.
Swim in the Hot Sea Pool at Helsinki Allas
The Allas sea pool by the sea in Helsinki
The Allas Sea Pool is near Market Square and is open all year round. This is a marine spa where you can experience a Finnish sauna, swim in one of their three pools, or even dine in their cafe. Recharge your senses and spend a day relaxing with your family while overlooking the Baltic Sea.
Enjoy a Finnish Meal
Enjoying salmon soup in Helsinki
Finland can be quite a treat if you are a foodie and Helsinki has some amazing restaurants. Our favourites were:
Restaurant Savotta
A Finnish restaurant which is so popular that we had to make a reservation several weeks in advance. Located right opposite the Helsinki Cathedral, this restaurant serves lip-smacking local food and has a very cosy ambience.
Address: Aleksanterinkatu 22, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 9 74255588
Shelter
Located near the Uspenski Cathedral, Shelter serves modern Finnish cuisine and great cocktails. We recommend their tasting menu where each dish is carefully prepared by their chefs and is kept a secret until served. Dining here was an incredible experience.
Address: Kanavaranta 7, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Phone:+358 9 666118
Muru
This was the first restaurant that we ate at in Finland and were pleasantly surprised by our experience. Muru, in our opinion, serves the best truffle ravioli!
Address: Fredrikinkatu 41, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 300 472335
Enjoy Linnanmaki Amusement Park
Located only 4 km away from the centre of Helsinki, Linnanmaki Amusement Park has something for all ages. If roller coasters and games interest you then you must make Linnanmaki part of your itinerary.
Your Helsinki Card gets you free entry to the park and the Panorama Tower, as well as nine free amusement rides for children.
Discover peace and quiet at the Kamppi Chapel
The Kamppi Chapel of Silence came up in 2012 for residents to retreat and reflect. It’s a windowless structure with minimal interiors. The chapel unlike others does not hold any ceremonies or masses. It offers complete silence and is perfect for anyone who wants to clear their mind.
More details about this unique chapel can be found here.
Our guide to exploring Helsinki
We hope you enjoyed reading our recommendations. If you need more help planning your trip to Finland, do check out some other blogs on Finland.
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