10 Things to Do in Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and one of Scandinavia's major cities, but it is also one of the region's cultural beacons, largely due to the number of museums, activities, and monuments it offers. By visiting these sites, you can discover this cosmopolitan destination that celebrates avant-garde culture despite its thousands of years of history.

Among the best activities you can do in Helsinki are visiting the Suomenlinna Museum, exploring Temppeliaukio Kirkko, enjoying a speedboat ride through the city's canals, discovering the local architecture on a guided tour, visiting the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, marveling at Porvoo, exploring the Linnanmaki amusement park, and even taking a helicopter ride.

Finland, like the rest of the Scandinavian countries, has a Viking tradition and a rich naval and military history. One of the best places to discover this side of the country is the Suomenlinna Museum, located off the coast of the Finnish capital in the old fortifications and military buildings dating from the 18th century, which were in official use until 1970.

The island of Suomenlinna, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is home to a museum that reflects the daily life of the soldiers of the fortress over the years, and galleries with artifacts, photographs, and military remnants that will allow you to learn about the warrior profile of the Finns since the wars of independence. You will also learn about the importance of this island as a strategic site.

During the exhibitions, you will also have the opportunity to discover the different military technologies of the periods when the fortress was active, in displays that include weapons, uniforms, and tools that were used to defend this site and make Suomenlinna one of the best museums in the city.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Helsinki in winter, you will be able to experience firsthand the harsh climate that the soldiers and inhabitants of the island endured in this place.

Temppeliaukio Kirkko, also known as the Rock Church, is a religious building that blends modern architecture with the natural beauty of stone. This Lutheran church was carved directly into solid rock, creating an underground space designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. It opened in 1969 and has been captivating visitors from all over the world ever since.

The uniqueness of Temppeliaukio Kirkko lies in its avant-garde design and creative use of natural rock as a central element. The bare stone walls and the dome pierced by daylight create an idyllic and unique setting. In addition, the acoustics of the space have made the church a popular venue for concerts and musical events, especially during Christmas in Helsinki.

The history of Temppeliaukion kirkko is also deeply rooted in the search for innovative design that blends harmoniously with the environment. The decision to excavate the church from the rock reflects the architects' vision of creating a place of worship that could merge with the surrounding nature. As a result, this church has become a distinctive icon of Helsinki and its rich architectural heritage.

Enjoying a speedboat ride in Helsinki is an exciting experience that allows you to explore the city from a unique perspective. These speedboats, known as RIB boats, offer a combination of speed, adrenaline, and the opportunity to discover the charms of Helsinki from the Baltic Sea.

During the speedboat ride, you can discover the silhouette of Helsinki Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, and the Suomenlinna maritime fortress. The speed and agility of the boat will also allow you to explore the coast and surrounding archipelagos in a fun and efficient way, which is ideal if you plan to visit Helsinki in three days or even less and want to get a glimpse of the city's skyline.

During the tour, you will be assisted by an expert local guide who will share recommendations, information, and interesting facts about the buildings, monuments, and natural wonders you encounter along the way. In addition, speedboats offer a dynamic alternative to the experiences offered by the best cruises in Helsinki, which are generally focused on tours of the city's canals.

You can't say you've really gotten to know Helsinki until you've discovered the different styles and eras that have shaped the unique appearance of the Finnish capital, and one of the best ways to get to know this side of the city is to take a guided tour of the local architecture.

These tours usually start at Helsinki Cathedral, an architectural icon that combines neoclassical elements in a prime location opposite Senate Square. From there, you can also explore the functionalist elegance of Helsinki Central Station, designed by Eliel Saarinen, which stands out for its façade and multipurpose interior full of artistic details.

These tours will also take you through the Kallio district, which is known for its Jugendstil buildings, a type of Finnish art nouveau. You can also visit the National Museum of Finland, famous for its romantic architecture, and see Temppeliaukio, the Lutheran church carved into the rock that is often featured in the best tours of Helsinki.

Also, keep in mind that some tours can be customized to suit the specific interests of participants, whether they prefer the classic charm of ancient structures or the contemporary architectural avant-garde that also distinguishes this city.

Helsinki is a multicultural melting pot with mainly Swedish and Russian influences, and within the latter, the Orthodox religion is present through the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that stands out for its size and location on top of a hill.

This cathedral, which was built between 1862 and 1868, is one of the largest of its kind outside Russia, and its presence, with its red domes, is inseparable from the Helsinki skyline, so it cannot be left out of your itinerary for the city, whether you visit it on your own, on a private excursion, or on one of the best guided tours of Helsinki.

At Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, you can admire the intricate details of the domes and facades, as well as the frescoes that adorn the interior of the religious building. The richness of the icons and ornamentation, a typical feature of Orthodox churches, reflects the importance of this religion in northern Europe.

In addition, the cathedral is also a meeting place for religious and cultural events, and one of the best places to visit in the city in December, when Orthodox Christians prepare for Christmas, which, unlike Catholicism, lasts until January 7 of the following year.

Discovering Porvoo on your own or on a full-day excursion from Helsinki will allow you to explore one of Finland's oldest and most picturesque cities. Located about 50 kilometers east of the country's capital, this town is known for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and rich history dating back to the 14th century.

The historic center of Porvoo is famous for its pastel-colored wooden houses, many of which house craft shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. There you can also explore Porvoo Cathedral, a medieval building that dominates the city skyline and is located very close to the Old Bridge, a stone structure that connects the two banks of this destination.

In addition, during your tour you will have the opportunity to discover the local culture by visiting craft shops and sampling Finnish cuisine in local restaurants. Porvoo is known for its handicrafts, such as ceramics, textiles, and sweets, as well as its bustling port, from which you can board a ferry to visit Tallinn or the Gulf of Finland.

If you want to get to know one of the most interesting aspects of Helsinki, you can't miss out on trying the local cuisine, and one of the best ways to do this is to visit the Market Square. This place is a meeting point for local vendors offering a variety of fresh produce and culinary delights that reflect the richness of Finnish cuisine.

Among the options you can try is the famous kalakukko, a pie filled with fish and smoked meat, wrapped in traditional dough. This dish is a sample of Finland's culinary heritage and is a popular choice among visitors, whether you plan to visit Helsinki in the summer or winter.

Another dish you can't miss during your trip is hernekeitto, a green pea soup typically served with mustard and rye bread. This is a classic choice in Finnish cuisine and highlights the country's preference for fresh, natural ingredients. In addition, the market stalls offer specialties such as karjalanpiirakka, a pie filled with rice, carrots, and mashed potatoes, accompanied by egg and butter.

Helsinki allows you to try fresh local products such as wild berries, mushrooms, and fish. The proximity of the Baltic Sea guarantees the quality of the products, and vendors offer everything from smoked salmon to marinated herring. In addition, the Market Square is one of the meeting points for guided tours of the city, which you can book on your own or through the Helsinki Card, allowing you to combine a culinary experience with an unmissable sightseeing tour.

Visiting the Linnanmaki amusement park in Helsinki will allow you to discover a world of fun and entertainment for the whole family. This iconic park offers a wide variety of attractions, games, and shows for visitors of all ages. From roller coasters to classic carousels, Linnanmaki is a place that combines adrenaline-fueled experiences with the tranquility of its surroundings.

One of the most notable attractions is the Vuoristorata roller coaster, a vintage ride that has been part of the park since it opened in 1951. In addition, Linnanmaki has interactive games and activities, as well as live shows that keep visitors entertained throughout the day.

The park also serves a social function, as the Linnanmaki Foundation was created with the purpose of raising funds to help disadvantaged children in Finland, and this organization is financed by the admission fees to the attractions. Therefore, it is one of the most respected places by locals and also one of the most popular choices for tourists, especially those who come to Helsinki with children or as a family.

In addition, due to its location in the city center, from there you can also enjoy other entertainment options in the city, such as the Flying Cinema experience or concerts at the Finnish National Opera.

Are you one of those people who wants to discover the most exciting activities when visiting a destination? If so, in Helsinki you will find this alternative in helicopter tours, which are very popular in the city and allow you to see the main sights of this destination from a different perspective.

This activity will allow you to enjoy panoramic views of the city from above and discover iconic monuments, such as Helsinki Cathedral and the Senate, from a fascinating perspective that reveals the harmonious combination of classical and modern architecture that characterizes the Finnish capital.

During the tour, you can also see and fly over the Baltic Sea, marvel at the Helsinki coastline, and admire the coastal architecture that lines the canals. The surrounding islands, such as Suomenlinna and Vallisaari, will give you a glimpse of the natural wonders that surround Finland's most important city. In addition, the helicopter will allow you to get to know the city in a short time, an ideal option if you have scheduled a tour of Helsinki for less than two days.

During the experience, you will also have commentary from the pilot and an expert local guide, which will enrich your visit and provide you with detailed information about the points of interest and local culture.

If you want to see Helsinki's attractions in a traditional way, you can opt for the sightseeing bus tour, an experience that will allow you to explore the highlights of the Finnish capital in an economical and effective way. These hop-on, hop-off buses also allow you to get on and off at various strategic stops to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Among the iconic sites you can see from the bus are Helsinki Cathedral, the modern architecture of the Oodi library, and Hakaniemi Market. However, it will also take you to other more distant sites such as Helsinki Harbor, where you can enjoy the sea views and discover the lively harbor scene, full of cafes and restaurants.

In addition to offering a comprehensive view of the city, tourist buses usually feature recorded commentary or live guides who provide information about Helsinki's history and culture. On the other hand, if you plan to visit Helsinki from November onwards, these buses will allow you to discover the Christmas lights and decorations that characterize the city.

List of stops on the Helsinki hop-on hop-off bus

• Senate Square, the epicenter of Helsinki and meeting point for guided tours.
• Olympia Terminal, the city's most important pier.
• Kaivopuisto Park, one of the most popular green spaces in the Finnish capital.
• Compass Square, the city's most visited dry square.
• Eira, a district known for its traditional architecture and historic charm.
• Hernesaari LHB & LHC Cruise Terminal, the busiest in the city.
• Loyly, the epicenter of sauna culture in Finland.
• Flea Market, Helsinki's haven for second-hand treasures.
• Swedish Theater, one of the city's most visited cultural sites.
• Central Market, the ideal place for lunch and the starting point for canal cruises.
• Amox Rex / Kiasma / Art Museum, Helsinki's "Museum Island."
• Temppeliaukio Church, one of the masterpieces of local architecture.
• Sibelius Monument, a tribute to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
• Olympic Stadium, the epicenter of Helsinki's sporting history.
• National Opera, the city's cultural reservoir.
• National Museum / Parliament, one of Helsinki's most traditional sites.
• Ateneum Art Museum / Central Railway Station, a combination of masterpieces and traditional architecture.
• Botanical Garden, the natural heart of Helsinki.