20 Top Things to Do in Helsinki

Is Helsinki worth the hype? Does Helsinki have fun things to do? Can Helsinki make your Finnish dream come true? We know you are searching for these answers while reading this post. That is why we are here to tell you all the things to do in Helsinki on your Finland tour.

Helsinki is crammed with so many things to do, see, and explore. All you have to do is pick the stuff you want to do, places you want to explore, and attractions you want to see.

Be it winter or summer, there is always something to do and enjoy in Helsinki. Here is your guide to the top things to do in Helsinki.

1. Experience Finnish Sauna Culture

Sauna culture is the most significant thing in Finland. If you’re in Finland and have not visited a Sauna yet, you have missed something major. It is one of the best things to do in Helsinki without this Finnish vacation is incomplete.

Helsinki has many public saunas. These saunas have been here for thousands of years now. Locals in Finland have their own saunas at home and apartments. For tourists, there are public saunas that offer a relaxing bath. The most famous public sauna is Loyly, which has numerous sauna rooms with a large terrace and glass-fronted restaurants.

2. Go on a Walking Tour

Taking a walking tour is one of the top things to do in Helsinki because every corner of Helsinki is bathed in history. Every street you walk by tells you something from the past. And every lane has a few historic buildings wearing the marks of a bygone era. That is what makes your walking tour more impressive.

The best way to enjoy the walking tour is to stroll with a local who can tell you more about the things around you. On this tour, you will learn about Finland's culture, tradition, and history, which is worth your time. Isn’t it one of the best things to do in Finland without spending any penny?

3. Explore Beautiful Cathedrals

There is not one but two glorious cathedrals in Helsinki. One is Helsinki Cathedral, which is the most famed and recognized in the country. It was built in the 19th century to honor Czar Nicholas I. This magnificent cathedral is hard to miss when you are in Helsinki. It is among the best places to visit in Helsinki and is one of the most photographed buildings.

The second majestic cathedral in Helsinki is Uspenski. Settled near the south harbor of Helsinki, this red-colored cathedral never fails to collect eyeballs. The most striking thing about this church is its iconic architecture, intrinsic patterns, and gold embellishments. Exploring these cathedrals is one of the most captivating things to do in Helsinki.

4. Hangout in Pretty Coffee Shops

One of the most common things you will notice in Finland is cute little coffee shops. Helsinki has many of them in every nook and corner. Finns love to have their coffee as much as they love art and nature. The coffee shops in Helsinki are pretty attractive and lavish. Spending time in these shops makes you forget everything else and stop time. It is one of the mesmerizing things to do in Helsinki.

The traditional filter coffee is the most popular among Finns. Some famous coffee shops in Helsinki are Kaffa Roastery, Good Life Coffee, Rams Roasters, Andante, etc.

5. Enjoy a Lunch at Vanha Kauppahalli

The Old Market Hall is Vanha Kauppahalli in Finnish. Situated near the Helsinki Market Square, Vanha Kauppahalli is one of the top Helsinki places to visit. Built-in the 1800s, the Vanha Kauppahalli is a hub for all kinds of Finnish foods. You will find high-quality Finnish culinary delights that can melt your gourmet heart.

From fresh fish & meat to cheese, truffles, coffee, and tea, you can get anything from here. Besides, the Old Market Hall is famous for many delicious dishes like salmon soup, fish sandwiches, etc.

6. Stroll Around the Parks

One of the best things about Helsinki is its green landscapes. Wherever your eyes are set, there is a green vista that you can not unsee. For admiring its beautiful green terrain, the best places to see in Helsinki are its parks and gardens. Some must-visit parks in Helsinki are Esplanadi, Kaisaniemi Park, Kaivopuisto, Sibelius Park, Sinebrychoff Park, etc.

Strolling inside these parks and sitting in quiet are the best things to do in Helsinki. These are ideal places to spend quality time and get rid of all the travel exhaustion. You can relax and have a picnic at one of these parks in Helsinki.

7. Visit the Extraordinary Museums

Museum visits in Helsinki are always fun, mythical, and knowledgeable. Helsinki has numerous museums that tell you about the past, present, and future of the city & country. Moreover, there are art museums that showcase the country's contemporary art collections, which are worth admiring.

These museums are one of the most interesting places to visit in Helsinki. Here are some must-see museums in Helsinki: Design Museum, Helsinki City Museum, National Museum of Finland, Amos Rex, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, etc.

8. Discover Nearby Hidden Gems on a Day Trip

Finland has plenty of things to offer to tourists throughout the country. Likewise, Helsinki has multiple nearby locations worth visiting. To explore those places, you can take a day trip from Helsinki. It is one of the best things to do in the Helsinki holiday. A few places you can go on a day trip are Porvoo, Hanko, Nuuksio National Park, Turku, Tampere, etc.

These are some of the top places to see in Helsinki on your tour. All you need to do is pack a bag with snacks, water, & food and go on a day tripping.

9. Go to a Candlelight Concert

A classical candlelight music concert is one of the most incredible things you can experience in Helsinki. Here, you can watch a series of musical concerts played by local musicians. These artists play different music with unique instruments that set the concert on fire. If you have a knack for good music, you must attend this candlelight concert in Helsinki.

The best part about this concert is the thousands of candles lit on the stage around the musician. Imagine watching a show where a musician sitting with his instrument in the middle of the stage, where candles are gleaming. And the hall is filled with his beautiful music.

10. Spend a Day Exploring Suomenlinna Fortress

Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the most fascinating places to see in Helsinki. It is among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland. The unprecedented beauty of this fort has been spread across the six islands. It was built in 1748 by Swedish people when Finland was still part of Sweden. It was created to protect Finland from Russians.

It is just a small piece of this fortress's unwavering history. You can learn more about this fortress by paying a visit to this place on your Helsinki tour. Spending a day here and digging through the old chapters of this fortress is one of the most engaging things to do in Helsinki.

11. Drop by Gorgeous art Galleries

Helsinki is a city that brims with art, music, and culture. Therefore, you are going to see a lot of art galleries throughout the city that are worth exploring. The art galleries in Helsinki will show you the heart of Finnish art. Some must-see art galleries in Helsinki are Kiasma, Galerie Forsblom, Galleria Bronda, Ama Gallery, Sinebrychoff Art Museum, etc. These art galleries are among the top places to visit in Helsinki.

The art galleries in Helsinki have a collection of contemporary and traditional art that depicts the Finnish culture and artistic side of Finland. You can admire the classical work of artists at these galleries.

12. Tour the Central Market

Central Market is the heart of Helsinki. Indulging in a central market tour is one of the most-loved things to do in Helsinki. You can immerse yourself in some shopping experience here. There are many souvenir shops, local food stalls, and plenty of restaurants & cafes. All of these things keep you busy. You can shop for souvenirs to take home as a Finland memory.

The best thing about the central market is its proximity to a harbor that sits beautifully on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It makes the market one of the best Helsinki places to visit for scenic evening strolls. Besides, you can sit by the cafes or restaurants for a good lunch or dinner.

13. Devour Your Heart with Delicious Finnish Food

Helsinki has a variety of food shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and street food stalls selling mouthwatering Finnish food. Finland has a rich culinary history that is somewhere similar to the cuisines of Scandinavian and Nordic countries. Trying delicious Finnish food is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Helsinki.

The best traditional Finnish dishes you should try here are Karelian Pie, Rye Bread, Fried Baltic Herring, Finnish meatballs, Pea Soup, Pyttipannu, etc. Most of the Finnish food has influences from Sweden and Russia.

14. Roam Around the Old Market Hall

The old market hall is one of the ancient marketplaces in Finland. Its traditional and elegant ambiance makes this one of the spectacular places to visit in Helsinki. For food lovers, this place is a treasure trove. It has countless food shops, local craft stores, and restaurants. Started in 1889, this market still holds great value among tourists and locals alike.

From cinnamon buns to local crafts to ceramic items, there is something to buy and eat for everyone. There are national and international delicacies for every appetite. The other floor has beautiful handicraft shops beaming with art and textiles.

15. Try Out Finnish Chocolates

One thing that is always in every shop in Helsinki is Finnish chocolate. Trying Fazer chocolate is one of the best things to do in Helsinki. Fazer is one of the renowned chocolate brands in Helsinki. There is a Karl Fazer Cafe, where you can take out your favorite chocolate and indulge in its sweetness.

There are different flavors of Fazer chocolate that you can try, such as caramel popcorn chocolate, pullava flavored chocolate, etc. So, if you are wondering what to do next on your tour, trying out these chocolates is one of the top things to do in Helsinki.

16. Live Through Finnish Culture at Seurasaari Open Air Museum

Seurasaari Open Air Museum is one of the most breathtaking attractions in Helsinki. Resting on Seurasaari Island, the Seurasaari Open Air Museum features coastal forests, beautiful flora, mesmerizing ponds, and coastal meadows. Exploring this museum is like living through the Finnish culture. For nature lovers, It is one of the most fascinating things to do in Helsinki.

It is a nature’s paradise filled with peace and tranquil air. You can get close to nature through unique bird species and squirrels in this museum. It is an ideal destination for summer holidays.

17. Indulge in Hiking at Sipoonkorpi National Park

Sipoonkorpi National Park is one of the famous national parks in Finland. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Helsinki. Known for its untouched nature and unspoiled wilderness, Sipoonkorpi National Park is one of the best places to go hiking. It has majestic hiking trails and picturesque spots for photography.

Some famous hiking trails here are Byabacken Nature Trail and Korvenportti Trail. It is a perfect location for tourists of all ages. It is peaceful, beautiful, and fulfilling.

18. Experience a Ferry Ride from Helsinki to Tallinn

Tallinn is just a few hours away from Helsinki, and reaching there is one of the most amazing things to do in Helsinki. There is a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki to Tallinn, which is worth taking. The route to Tallinn is best witnessed on a ferry because of the unparalleled landscapes you witness from the window during the ride.

You can enjoy a short exploration tour of Tallinn’s ancient town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must-visit.

19. See Reindeer at Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio National Park is another fantastic place to visit in Helsinki. To get close to Finnish nature, Nuuksio National Park is an ideal place to head on your Helsinki vacation. The best part about your visit here is that you can see a reindeer. Take a short tour of this national park and explore the unspoiled landscapes adorned with unique flora and fauna.

20. Visit the National Library of Finland

There are hundreds of libraries throughout Finland because Finns love libraries. These libraries are one of a kind. One among them is the National Library of Finland. This library is one of the best places to visit in Helsinki. The neoclassical architecture of this library is one of the things to admire here besides the books. You shouldn’t miss its elegant and premium architecture because it's worth admiring.

Opened in 2018, the National Library of Finland has a wide collection of books, along with two cafes and an outdoor terrace. If you are in Helsinki, you must visit the National Library of Finland.

Know About: Best Places to See Northern Lights in Finland
 
Visit Helsinki with Dook International

If you want to do the above things and see beautiful places in Helsinki, you should plan a vacation here. For an affordable trip and hassle-free holiday, Dook International is here to assist you. We have a wide range of Helsinki tour packages that are customizable as per a traveler’s needs. So, curate a perfect Helsinki travel package with us and enjoy the best holiday of your life.

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