Places to Visit in Helsinki

Discover Helsinki's Olympic Stadium, a national treasure that combines the heritage of the 1952 Helsinki Olympics with functionalist architecture. It was created by architects Toivo Jäntti and Yrjö Lindegren and represents a significant period in Finnish history. 

The stadium changed throughout seven decades to accommodate a variety of requirements, combining original integrity with useful modifications. Renovated recently, it accommodates public events and new sports events while maintaining the elegance of the 1930s and 1950s.

Vanha Kauppahalli, which is known locally as the Helsinki Old Market Hall, is known for its traditional ambience and also for being the oldest market hall in Finland. The market is located centrally in the close vicinity of the market square in a beautiful European-inspired building and has been serving its customers since 1889.

Discover the Parliament House Helsinki, which has been Finland's parliamentary centre since 1931 and is tucked away in the city's centre. Its neoclassical elegance and distinctive exterior, designed by J.S. Sirén, establish it as a national landmark that embodies democratic principles. Here, you can witness how the Finnish government is shaped within its walls by legislative sessions that represent the opinions of its people. 

The Sinebrychoff Art Museum in Helsinki, Finland, showcases an impressive collection of European art spanning several centuries. From Dutch masters to Russian icons, this museum offers a rich cultural experience for art enthusiasts.

See the exquisite art nouveau structures and quaint streets of Helsinki's calm Katajanokka harbourside for a peaceful getaway. Here, you can take a walk through this beautiful neighbourhood and look at the beautiful Uspenski Cathedral. Its golden domes and red brick exterior are very striking. You can eat high-end fish at one of the nearby restaurants or check out the Wanha Satama, a historic warehouse with markets and maritime displays.

Visit Kulosaari, a charming island in the Uusimaa area of Helsinki. The calm waters of the Baltic Sea and luxuriant vegetation welcome you as soon as you set foot on the island. Here, you can explore beautiful walking paths and take in the stunning views of the water. 

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.

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.

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. 

Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a modern architectural marvel in Finland, offering a vast collection of books, multimedia resources, and community spaces, embodying innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Nestled within Helsinki's stunning archipelago lies a true treasure: the Great Courtyard of Suomenlinna. This special place blends history, culture, and natural beauty in a way that's sure to captivate anyone who visits.

Picture this: as you stroll through the courtyard, you're surrounded by ancient buildings and charming cobblestone paths. Each structure has a story to tell, giving you a glimpse into the past. It's like stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand.

But Suomenlinna isn't just about the past – it's a vibrant cultural hub too. Throughout the year, you'll find all sorts of events happening here, from art exhibitions to music festivals. It's a place where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate and have fun.

Located in the Lakeland region of Finland, Hevossalmi is one of the most scenic villages in the country. It's famous among travellers across the globe for its stunning blend of cultural and natural beauty.

Enter the magnificent Presidential Palace in Helsinki, a neoclassical wonder finished in 1820 and proudly perched on the banks of the Gulf of Finland. With its imposing columns and fine detailing, the stately facade radiates authority and ageless grace.

Laajasalo, is a beautiful island located in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. It's among the most visited tourist destinations in Finland and is extremely famous for its cultural heritage and natural landscapes.

Finlandia Hall, located in Helsinki, Finland, is an iconic modernist building designed by renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Completed in 1971, the hall showcases Aalto's signature organic forms and innovative use of materials, including white Carrara marble and Finnish granite.

Vartiosaari is a charming island located in Helsinki, Finland, known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. Accessible by ferry, it offers scenic views, walking trails through lush forests, and opportunities for birdwatching along its shores. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The University of Helsinki, founded in 1640, is Finland's oldest and largest university, renowned for its high academic standards and international research output. Originally established in Turku, it moved to Helsinki in 1829 after the Great Fire of Turku. The university has four main campuses, specializing in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, law, and theology.

Villinki, located in the serene Helsinki archipelago, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the island's rocky shores and small sandy beaches, which are known to be Helsinki's top spots for relaxing.

Built in 1833, the City Hall Helsinki was once used as the Hotel Seurahuone which hosted international delegates like world leaders. This is a building that was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel who is also credited for designing the Senate too.

Johan Ludvig Runeberg, a Finnish-Swedish poet born in 1804, is celebrated as Finland's national poet. His works, including "The Tales of Ensign Stål," deeply influenced Finnish literature. Runeberg lived in Helsinki, where his legacy endures. His poetry emphasized patriotism, nature, and moral values, inspiring national identity.

Prepare to be immersed in a world of culture at the Helsinki Music Centre. This modern building gem is right in the middle of Helsinki. It's home to the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, which plays a wide range of music, from classical and jazz to modern and world music. With over 1,700 seats and cutting-edge acoustics, every show is one you'll never forget.

Kadriorg Park, which surrounds the Kadriorg Palace, is the most impressive palatial as well as urban park in Estonia. Covering an area of approximately 70 hectares, the park was built by Tsar Peter the Great of Russia and showcases Baroque design techniques. Beginning its construction in 1718, the park will give you the opportunity to witness elements belonging from the 18th to the 20th centuries in its design. You will be able to witness characteristics of various European countries such as Dutch canals, Italian terraces, and the French axisymmetric road network.

Mannerheim Street, commonly known as Mannerheimintie, is one of the most special streets in Finland. It is named after Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, a prominent military leader and statesman. This bustling avenue stretches from the city center to the northern suburbs. Thus, it plays an important role in shaping Helsinki's urban landscape.

Explore Finland's rich architectural history at the Museum of Finnish Architecture in Helsinki. The museum is in a beautiful old building in the Kaartinkaupunki district and has an interesting collection of Finnish design history. Here, you can discover Finland's architectural evolution from mediaeval times to contemporary developments. You can do it through detailed scale models, authentic sketches, and breathtaking photos.

The Helsinki City Museum offers an immersive journey through the city's history, showcasing its development from a small town to a modern capital. Located in the heart of Helsinki, this free-entry museum features five buildings, each presenting different aspects of urban life across the ages. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including reconstructed homes, streets, and even a virtual reality experience of Helsinki in the early 1900s.