Helsinki! The Capital of Finland – you’ve made it. I hope you are ready to discover and explore one of the most wonderful cities in the world. Sitting comfortably in the far south of the country, Helsinki perches on a peninsula surrounded by over three hundred islands and stunning natural harbors providing breathtaking, sea-facing landscapes. The beauty of Helsinki cannot be underestimated and will leave you speechless!
The city is known for delighting visitors with its architectural diversity, world-famous design, and delicious Nordic cuisine. Compact enough to explore on foot but with enough to see and do to last a lifetime, Helsinki is an incredibly popular tourist destination! With a wonderful mix of both city life with the mainland of the Gulf of Finland and island life with the many fantastic surrounding islands, connected to the mainland via bridges, Helsinki truly has it all. So, if you’re wanting to begin planning your dream trip to Helsinki, Finland, you’re in the right place. Listed below are this author’s top nine things to do in the capital of Finland. That should get you started!
Stroll Around The Helsinki Cathedral
What better place to start than one of the most iconic landmarks in all of the city? The Helsinki Cathedral exists as a fantastic example of neo-classical architecture, standing proudly in all white, its tall green dome and four smaller domes towering over the beautiful city below. Its unique appearance makes it so you cannot mistake this glorious building once your eyes lay upon it.
The venue is known throughout the city as a fantastic hangout destination, with spacious stairways and a large square sitting comfortably in front of the incredible structure. If you’re wanting to test out your photography skills, the Helsinki Cathedral is the perfect subject. Top tip, wake up early and you’ll be able to snap a photo of this breathtaking cathedral with no one around!
Location: Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Have a Coffee With a View Above Shopping Street
Want to know, arguably, the best spot for grabbing a coffee, and doing a little people-watching, in all of Helsinki? Well, this author knows it! La Torrefazzione is a wonderful little cafe located on the second floor of a building on Aleksanterikatu Street. Spend hour upon hour watching the interesting people whilst you feast on delicious dishes handcrafted by some of the most passionate baristas and chefs in the entire city. A mug of coffee? A croissant? Or, something a little heftier? A whole meal? This wonderful eatery has it all and more. Plus, its location is beautiful and boasts brilliant landscapes from its second-floor haven. If you’re looking for a secluded getaway a delicious snack or two with some fantastic views, then a stop by La Torrefazzione is a necessity when visiting the beautiful Helsinki!
Location: Aleksanterinkatu 50, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Discover the 18th Century Sea Fortress of Suomenlinna
How about a break from city life and a trip to a distant paradise? Give island life a try! As you pass the Helsinki Tran Station and Cathedral and make your way toward Market Square you will discover Kauppatori Pier. Step aboard the quaint pier and get ready for a trip across the sea! Clamber on to one of the many departing ferries (there are usually one to four per hour, depending on the time of year) and find yourself sailing toward the Sea Fortress of Suomenlinna.
This island fortress is both breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly historically important. The Sea Fortress of Suomenlinna was built in the eighteenth century by the Swedish, which is when Finland was still very much a part of Sweden. Arriving on the island, there is so much to see and do! It can take a few hours to cover all that the sea fortress has to offer, so make sure to keep at least half a day free to explore. There are several routes you can take when navigating, but the ‘Blue Route’ is recommended. The Blue Route will tour you through all the main sites of the island including the King’s Gate and the Kustaanmiekka Artillery.
This route should only take a minimum of forty-five minutes to complete, though, of course, you could easily spend multiple hours completing the route. This is especially encouraged when the weather is good! The island offers walking route maps that can be collected during the ferry ride or online prior to your trip. Visiting the eighteenth-century Sea Fortress of Suomenlinna is a true adventure and an excellent way to escape city life and admire some true natural island beauty.
Location: 00190 Helsinki, Finland
Admire Helsinki Central Station
Considered by the BBC to be one of the most beautiful train stations in the entire world, the Helsinki Central Train Station is one of the top tourist attractions in the entire city. Complete with a stunning granite facade and a multitude of fascinating sculptures, the station truly resembles a piece of art. Of the most notable sculptures are the infamous statues of giants, who roam the station bearing circular lanterns. It is almost as if these magnificent statues are the guardians of the train station. Within a few moments of being in the Helsinki Central Rail Station, you will understand why it is considered one of the most magnificent in the world, as you stand in awe admiring its breathtaking architectural beauty.
Location: Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Swim in the Outdoor Pool at Allas Sea Pool
Wanting to experience the famous Finnish sauna culture? I’m sure you’ve all heard of it! Well, if you’re wanting to, this author has the perfect location for you. The Allas Sea Pool is just waiting for you to take a dip! Located centrally near Market Square and equipped with outstanding facilities, a visit here guarantees a fantastic pool day.
Allas Sea Pool is an outdoor pool, so make sure to pack your suncream if it’s a particularly hot day and get ready to soak in the Finnish sun. Not only built with a wonderful outdoor pool area, but the Allas Sea Pool is also home to a number of magnificent saunas, perfect for relaxing and experiencing the infamous Finnish sauna culture that the country is so interestingly known for. On top of all this, a ticket for a day at the Allas Sea Pool will cost you only fourteen euros! Such a fantastic deal for a brilliant day out!
Location: Katajanokanlaituri 2a, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
Explore the District Of Kallio
If you’re wanting to experience the creative side of Helsinki, look no further than the district of Kallio. Known as one of the most spirited, vibrant, laid-back, and bohemian areas of the city, this is your one-stop shop to explore some of the city’s very best street art, authentic food, and quirky shops and stores. The people here are not only some of the most creative, but incredibly friendly too.
There is so much to see and do, so it is recommended to spare at least a day to explore! The district is accessible via route three of the tram, so any time of the day you are wanting to visit, Kallio will be there waiting! Tour through the wonderful stores displaying old vinyls and vintage clothes, or stop by one of the many craft coffee shops or vegan bistros. Pop by the Kallio Church to catch a glimpse of one of the many regular concerts and organ recitals that take place there, or grab a beverage at one of the many Kallio bars – each offering its own alternative feel.
Location: Kallio, Helsinki, Finland
Visit the Uspenski Cathedral
Located close by to the very central Market Square is the wonderful Uspenski Cathedral. The structure was built to dedicate the Dormition of the Theotokos, with its names coming from the Old Church Slavonic word ‘uspenie’. Sitting comfortably on the hillside of the Katajanokka Peninsula, the cathedral overlooks the city of Helsinki. The Uspenski Cathedral exists as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral and is actually the very largest of its kind! The building is stunning! Built in red brick and complete with spiky steeples, the Uspenski Cathedral is unconventionally beautiful.
Why not venture inside? The interior is just as impressive as the exterior! This is particularly the case during the day, when the sun shines through the cathedral windows, illuminating the fascinating interior. The Uspenski Cathedral boasts staggering architectural beauty and is well worth a visit during your time in Helsinki!
Location: Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
Relax in the FREE Sauna at Sompasauna
One of the more unique experiences offered in Helsinki now! Located a little outside of the central Helsinki area lies Sompasauna, an authentically Finnish location. Sompasuana offers brilliant, self-service saunas! Open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and free to use, this is truly one of the best ways to experience the infamous Finnish sauna culture! Unfortunately, the sauna was set up without permission, and so the city oftentimes attempts to get rid of this attraction. So, make the most out of Sompasauna whilst it is still here!
Location: Verkkosaarenkuja 6, 00580 Helsinki, Finland
Enjoy a Delicious Falafel at Fafa’s Mikonkatu
It is no secret that eating out in Helsinki is not the cheapest! Travelling comes with budgeting, so this author is here to help! It can be challenging to find somewhere affordable to eat, but look no further than Fafa’s Mikonkatu. Serving delicious falafel at incredibly reasonable prices, this is a fantastic choice to fill your stomach on a budget! Averaging around seven euros for some delicious falafel, which is very reasonable for Helsinki! Fafa’s Mikonkatu is located rather centrally and so can be accessed super easily. If falafel isn’t for you, the area in which Fafa’s Mikonkatu sits is surrounded by alternative eateries where you can find something that makes your mouth water.
Location: Mikonkatu 8, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
