Things to Do in Helsinki
Things to Do in Helsinki
There are endless things to do in Helsinki that will ensure that you're not bored, even for a second during your trip. Whether you're an adventure lover, history fanatic, nature enthusiast, or a religious soul, you'll never feel disappointed here. You can turn the pages of history at Helsinki City Museum that upholds Helsinki's material, architectural and spiritual heritage. If you're a nature lover, you can learn about the different varieties of plants and flowers by visiting the Helsinki University Botanical Gardens.If you're still confused thinking about what to do in Helsinki, you can enjoy traditional and modern saunas that grant you ultimate rejuvenation. If you want to celebrate your love in unique ways, you can attend Crayfish Parties and dance with your partner at famous nightclubs. You can also enjoy a ferry ride to Suomenlinna Fortress and experience quietude at The Chapel of Silence.
There are also some of the best nighttime activities in Helsinki, like walking food tours and crazy dance parties that every night owl must try. You can watch amazing dramas and theatrical shows at the Finnish National Opera House for even added fun. So try these interesting activities and get every inch of your soul drenched in neverending happiness and excitement.
Explore the fortress further by visiting the museum and miscellaneous attractions of historical nature, which are located here. There are many different artefacts to check out while you are here, including a 250-ton Vesikko submarine, which was even used during the time of the second world war.
Location: 00190 Helsinki, Finland
Location: Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you want to come and watch different performances, experience picnicking, and listen to music, then you will not be disappointed here at this urban park, which is popular among the locals as ‘Espa’. In addition, you can come and enjoy the scenic views of the park, which is among the famous places to visit in Helsinki, laden with beautiful trees and flowerbeds.
If you happen to come here before noon, you will witness the light from outside spreading across the windows of the roof, right up to the altar wall. The church is a prominent venue for events throughout the year, owing to its excellent acoustics.
Location: Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:50 PM; Closed on Saturday and Sunday
A visit here during the summertime will also bring you out to the beaches where you can relax along the shores. The island is also famous for fine restaurants such as Cafe Mieritz and holiday events which are held during Christmas and Easter.
Location: Seurasaari, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland
Timing: Open 24 hours
This cathedral is one of the incredible places to visit in Helsinki. It is a historic building that has been standing since 1868 in the Katajanokka district of the city. The Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church that you will find in all of Western Europe, making it a tourist attraction that cannot be missed.
If you are seeking places to go in Helsinki, the Linnanmaki Amusement park is an incredible attraction where you can travel with your family. It has been operational since 1950 and has been entertaining over 1 million visitors annually. From fun rides to special events, there are many reasons why you will love visiting this park.
Location: Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Timing: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday & Friday; 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Wednesday & Thursday; 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday & Sunday
Entry fees: 17 €
The building of the museum is an architectural beauty, attracting tourists to visit all round the year. For your comfort, a café and shop will serve you as you stroll through the displays.
Location: Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Timing: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry fees: Adults: 14 €
The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is a prominent art museum located in Helsinki, Finland. Opened in 1998, Kiasma is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, focusing primarily on works from Finland and the Nordic region, while also featuring international artists. The museum's striking modernist architecture, designed by American architect Steven Holl, is itself a work of art, with its flowing, organic shapes symbolizing the merging of different perspectives.
This is one of the most exciting and scenic tourist places in Helsinki, being located at the seaside spot. The park and the memorial located within it, happen to be an exciting and historic destination. Tourists can come here to enjoy the kinetic music sculpture which is installed in the park.
Helsinki's National Urban Park is a unique green space intertwining nature and urban life. Spanning the city, it offers diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and waterfronts. The park is a haven for wildlife and provides residents and visitors with extensive recreational opportunities, making it a vital part of Helsinki's charm.
While you are here, the only way to explore the zoo is by walking. Take note of the applicable guidelines before you visit the zoo for a peaceful and fun experience.
Location: Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00270 Helsinki, Finland
Timing: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry fees: Adults – 14 €
It is a fine representation of the unique nationalistic style of Finland. Among the notable features of the church is its decoration with murals of art nouveau style. If you are around the church during the noon or evening, you may hear the German bells playing at this time.
Location: Itäinen Papinkatu 2, 00530 Helsinki, Finland
Timing: Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Each day, close to 2 lakh people visit the station, making it one of the most visited buildings in all of Finland. Among the notable elements of the station is its 48-meter-high clock tower. When you are here, do observe the distinguishing features of the station such as the Finnish granite and the ‘Lantern carriers’.
Location: Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
You will also find some interesting commercial establishments around the district to settle down while you are here. Among the most popular districts here is the Puu-Kapyla, which is quite magical in how it introduces you to this distinct residing centre.
Location: Keuruun Ie 11, 00510 Helsinki
Senate Square is a famous tourist attraction, located in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. The square was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and designated as the main square in 1812.
You can spot a statue of Emperor Alexander II (1894) which is built in the centre of the square. Designed by Walter Runeberg, the statue of Alexander stands on a pedestal, surrounded by sculptures representing law and culture.
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What are the best things to do in Helsinki?
1. Explore Senate Square: If you're on the hunt for the best things to do in Helsinki, you can explore Senate Square that houses nineteenth-century neoclassical buildings and grand cathedrals designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.
The square is dominated by 4 buildings: Helsinki Cathedral, the University of Helsinki, the National Library of Finland, and the Government Palace. A grand statue of Alexander II stands in the middle of Senate Square. The Senate also hosts a sound installation event- the Sound of the Senate Square, the modern version of the European glockenspiel.
Location:Aleksanterinkatu, Hallituskatu, Helsinki Finland
2. Experience quietude at The Chapel of Silence: One of the best things to do in Helsinki, to seek enlightenment and bliss, is visiting The Chapel of Silence that was born out of the innate desire of a local community formed by different religious beliefs. It has been constructed in a circular shape representing the best architectural innovations in the Scandinavian style.
The chapel is calm and grand and has thick wooden walls made mainly of Nordic spruce. As you step into the main room, you'll witness wooden benches, a fascinating altar, a bowl, and a metal cross.
Location:Simonsgatan 7, 00100 Helsingfors, Finland, Helsinki
Timings:8 am – 8 pm
3. Turn the pages of history at Helsinki City Museum: If you wish to know about the rich history of Helsinki, you must visit Helsinki City Museum that upholds Helsinki's material, architectural and spiritual heritage.
It features a complexity of exhibitions ranging from displays of nineteenth-century home décor to traditional Finnish costumes with early prototypes of irons and refrigerators. A steel spring bed, a suburban yard photo, and a Kiss-kiss candy wrapper are a few of the museum's precious treasures.
Location: Aleksanterinkatu 16, Helsinki 00170 Finland
Price:€12.00 per person
Timings: 11 am – 5 pm
4. Get immersed in nature at Helsinki University Botanical Gardens: If you're confused about what to do in Helsinki, you can visit Helsinki University Botanical Gardens, which has immense collections of exotic flowers, trees, and plants from around the world.
It is the oldest botanical garden in Finland, inaugurated by Peter Kalm in the year 1678. The glasshouses and lush green grounds offer nature lovers the best experience all year round. The garden is the perfect place to escape the Finnish winter or have an afternoon stroll.
Location:44 Unionsgatan, Helsinki, 170, Finland
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
5. Admire the breathtaking art in Sibelius Park: One of the best things to do in Helsinki is visiting Sibelius Park that celebrates Finland's most renowned composer Jean Sibelius. The centerpiece of the park is an abstract monument that was designed in 1967 by Eila Hiltunen.
The sculpture is called Passio Musicae and has over six hundred steel pipes welded together. Located in the heart of the city, it is a perfect place to stroll around and enjoy the picturesque settings.
Location:Kirkkokatu, 48101, Kymenlaakso
6. Seek the blessings of God at Temppeliaukio Church: If you're a religious soul looking for the best things to do in Helsinki, you must visit Temppeliaukio Church, which is a quiet space for reflection and introspection.
The building is slightly underground and has been constructed from the bedrock that forms the interior walls. If you go before evening, you'll see splendid shadows cast across the walls through the window to the altar wall from the light streaming. Various religious events are also held here, especially on the weekends.
Location:Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki 00100 Finland
Price:€3
Timings:10 am – 5 pm
7. Enjoy a ferry ride to Suomenlinna Fortress: One of the most interesting things to do in Helsinki is enjoying a fifteen-minute ferry ride to Suomenlinna from Helsinki's Kauppatori. Suomenlinna Museum displays fascinating exhibits on the preservation and history of the fortress.
A guide will accompany you during the ride providing you information about Finland's military history. You also get to explore the jetty barracks, courtyards, and dry dock during the ride.
Location:Suomenlinna Island, Helsinki, Finland
8. Enjoy rides at the Linnanmäki Amusement Park: If you're thinking about what to do in Helsinki with kids, you can visit Linnanmäki Amusement Park, an absolute haven for thrill-seekers. It has nine free rides like the 4D cinema, carousel, panorama sightseeing tower, and several rides for small children.
It is especially renowned for its large Ferris wheel that spins the riders in a large circle. You can wander around the amusement park, enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the Panorama Tower, and indulge in lip-smacking food at the stalls inside the park.
Location:Tivoli Kuja 1, Helsinki, Uusimaa
Timings: 01:00 pm - 09:00 pm
What are the best things to do in Helsinki at night?
1. Hang out with your friends at Ateljee Bar: One of the best nighttime activities in Helsinki that you must try is enjoying alcoholic beverages and the most refreshing cocktails at Ateljee Bar. Enjoy stunning views while relishing a cocktail in the Ateljee Bar perched on the top floor of the fourteen-story Hotel Torni.
2. Explore Suomenlinna Island: If you're confused about what to do in Helsinki at night, you can explore Suomenlinna Island that has golden sand beaches, beautiful seashores, and various hipster beach shacks and cafes. During the wee hours, you can sit alongside the shore and appreciate the beauty of nature.
3. Finnish National Opera House: If you love dramas and theatrical shows, you must visit the Finnish National Opera House that features various opera performances and ballet dance.
What are the romantic things to do in Helsinki?
1. Enjoy a Finnish sauna: One of the most romantic things to do in Helsinki is experiencing the Finnish sauna with your partner for an ultra-cool and rejuvenating experience. For public saunas you can visit the districts of Merihaka, Hermanni, Kotiharju.
2. Attend Crayfish Parties: If you and your partner love relishing seafood, you must attend the Crayfish Parties that are organized from July to the end of August in Helsinki. During the event, you get to taste a wide range of seafood delicacies that will leave your tummy full.
3. Vintage Tram Ride: One of the most romantic activities in Helsinki is enjoying a Vintage Tram Ride with your partner from the Havis Amanda Fountain on summer weekends. These heritage trams are more than a century old, and there's no guide on board.
4. Get your caffeine fix at Cafe Regatta: If you and your partner are coffee lovers, you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee at Cafe Regatta. You can enjoy here various varieties of coffee such as frappe, latte, and espresso.
How to reach Helsinki?
- By Air: Helsinki Airport, situated in Vantaa, receives regular international flights from various cities across the world, such as Berlin, London, Prague, Moscow, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Tokyo, etc. Airline carriers like Aeroflot, Air Berlin, Czech Airlines, Finnair, British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Turkish Airlines serve the airport.
- By Rail: The main railway station of Helsinki is Helsinki Central Railway Station. It receives trains from various cities in Finland and the cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow in Russia.
What is the best time to visit Helsinki?
November to March (Winters) is the best time to visit Helsinki as the weather remains pleasant and you can enjoy snow sports and a sauna. You can also grab off-season deals and discounts if you visit Helsinki during winters.
November to March (Winters) is the best time to visit Helsinki as the weather remains pleasant and you can enjoy snow sports and a sauna. You can also grab off-season deals and discounts if you visit Helsinki during winters.
Is it safe to visit Helsinki?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to visit Helsinki as the crime rate over here is low and the Police take strict security measures to ensure the safety of the visitors. You should, however, avoid visiting dark and shabby areas at night.
Do we need a visa to visit Helsinki?
Tourists visiting Helsinki from visa-exempt countries—including the U.S., Mexico, the EU, U.K., Japan, and many others --don't need to apply for a visa beforehand. Indian citizens need to apply for a visa to visit Helsinki.
What is Helsinki known for?
1. Churches: Helsinki is home to various churches such as Kamppi Chapel, Vanha Kirkko, Temppeliaukion Kirkko and Uspenskin Katedraali.
2. Saunas: Helsinki has various traditional and modern saunas, such as Kotiharjun Sauna, Sky Wheel, and Allas Sea Pool.
3. Senate Square: Senate Square is home to grand cathedrals and nineteenth-century buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.
4. Helsinki Cathedral: It is an impressive landmark of the city with a neoclassical all-white façade and five green domes.
What to buy in Helsinki?
- Vases and jewelry boxes
- Glasswares
- Glass Aalto mini bowls
- Glass Kivi candles
- Traditional wall hangings
- Sauna bucket and ladle
- Puukko
- Kalevala Jewelry
- Fazer Candies
- Kuksa Drinking Cup
- Lapp Hat
- Finnish Vodka
- Ryijy Rugs
- Traditional Finnish Knitwear
- Arabia Ceramics
- Kantele
How many days do you need in Helsinki?
You'll need two days to explore Helsinki.
- On the first day, you can visit Linnanmäki Amusement Park, Temppeliaukio Church, Senate Square, and Sibelius Park.
- On the second day, you can enjoy a sauna, attend Crayfish Parties and enjoy vintage tram rides.
Is Helsinki expensive?
Yes, Helsinki's cost is more expensive than 69% of cities in Western Europe. You'll have to spend around €112 per day on your Helsinki vacation. The average cost of a meal in Helsinki will cost you around €27 per day. On local transportation, you'll have to spend €18 per day in Helsinki.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Helsinki?
Yes, you can see the northern lights in Helsinki, but there must be a strong solar storm and a clear sky that produces aurora bright enough to be seen by the visitors. You can view the northern lights from Observatory Hill or the parks in the city.
