16 Best things to do in Helsinki
In June 2022 we made a 2-week road trip in the Baltic States. We started in Vilnius (Lithuania), rented a car, and explored as much as we could on the way to Tallinn (Estonia) while stopping by Latvia.
Helsinki, which is not anymore in the Baltic states, was our last stop. We actually made a 1-day trip to Helsinki from Tallinn in the morning.
Helsinki is the biggest and capital city of Finland with 715km² fir 658 864 inhabitants. So, in one day you won’t be able to see, visit or discover everything but you can truly do a lot and see the best things to do in Helsinki.
We will start by taking a ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki, then a tram to get to the market square from where we will directly go visit the island and fortress of Suomenlinna. Then we will come back and spend the rest of the day hanging around the city center before going back to Tallinn.
It is an intense day but totally worth it, plus from the ferry was super nice. You can also consider doing a 1-Day tour from Helsinki to Tallinn.
If you too are planning a trip to the Baltic states and to Tartu, then let ‘s dive in these best things to do in Tartu.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
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Getting there
Getting to Helsinki is quite easy, as it is the biggest city of Finland:
- By plane: there are over 350 flights a day in Helsinki Airport. From there it is a 30min ride to the city center.
- If you are already in Finland or nearby, you can also take the train. Finland has an extended network or rails
- But there are also plenty of buses.
- And if you come from a country around the Baltic Sea, you can even take a ferry.
From Tallinn, there are lots of ferries. You can check their timetable here : Check more here
We personally opted for the 7h30 from Tallink. It was a megastar class ship which is a huge multiple decks ferry with coffee shops, restaurants and even sleeping cabin. We first stopped at the lounge area for a coffee with the view of the sea and later went around the ship.
Moving Around
The best way to move around Helsinki is by foot if you have time. Most of the main spots are nearby one another.
But if you prefer, you can also use trams which has more than 10 lines and can bring to all the main spots.
If coming from Tallinn, once out of the ship, you can directly take the Tram 7 at 9h42 toward Market square which is 10 stops. We recommend taking the day-card of Helsinki as you will also be taking another ferry later. A single ticket cost 2.8€ while the day-card is 8€
When to Visit
You can visit Helsinki all year round but be aware that temperature varies from the extreme 30°C in summer to freezing -25°C in winter. Also, the length of the day varies a lot from 4h in winter to almost 18h in summer.
The touristic season is mostly July and August and is made of local tourism. Riga and generally the Baltic states are not the most touristic countries in the world nor in EU.
The best time to visit it in term of weather are from May to September but we would without a doubt recommend June as the best month to visit it. Out of 16 days in the Baltic states, we only got 2 of them with rain. It wasn’t yet too hot and wasn’t too cold and really enjoyed it.
Where to Stay
We made a 1-day trip to Helsinki, but you could honestly stay for one of two more days in this beautiful city. Here is where we would stay
- (€): Eurohostel
- (€€): Downtown Studio
- (€€€): Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Also, if you want an unique experience, you can even go on a night cruise and sleep on a ship.
What to Eat
One of the best places to eat in Helsinki is the Market square. There you can lots of the local and fresh good such as:
- Salmon and potatoes
- Salmon soup
- Deep friend vendace
- Vendace Meal
- Fish and Chips
- Reindeer hotdog
- Lapland style reminder
Price ranges from 7 to 18€ per dish.
Best things to do Helsinki
Suomenlinna
Once out of the tram 7, walk to market square and spot the ferry to Suomenlinna. Be careful to get the ferry on the left side of the square and not the sea bus. That’s a bit tricky not to mix. But the ferry is included is your transportation pass or ticket as a connection. It is a short ride to Suomenlinna island. Maybe 10min or so.
Suomenlinna is without a doubt the best things to do in Helsinki. Suomenlinna is an 18th-century sea fortress and nature area with centuries-old artillery and defensive walls, spread across 6 linked islands.
You are free to stroll around the island and used their walking trails across parkland and popular sights like the King’s Gate drawbridge and Suomenlinna Museum, which recounts military and maritime history. Submarine Vesikko lets visitors explore a restored 1930s vessel. There’s also a brewery and several waterside restaurants.
Note: if you have more time in the city, you can spend a complete day there. Make a picnic and even enjoy one of the small beaches.
Market Square
The market square is famous for its flea market made of 2 area. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also heated café tents where you can comfortably have a steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter
Vanha Kauppahalli
Located next to market square, the old market hall is a traditional, 19th-century venue features shops & stalls offering unique Finnish specialties
Katajanokka
Katajanokka is a district of Helsinki known for its elegant art nouveau buildings, the gold-domed, red-brick Uspenski Cathedral and upscale seafood restaurants. Icebreakers dock on the north shore, and 19th-century warehouse Wanha Satama hosts markets and nautical exhibits.
Take the time to stroll a bit around this beautiful district before heading to Uspenski Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral
Next, visit for free the Uspenski Cathedral, an Eastern Orthodox cathedral. It is alsothe main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos. Its name comes from the Old Church Slavonic word uspenie, which denotes the Dormition
Senate Square
Then reach the main square in Helsinki and where more than one things to do in Helsinki start.
Helsinki Cathedral
While in the square, visit the Helsinki Cathedral, which is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki. The church was originally built from 1830–1852 as a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia
The National Library of Finland
While going out, you can stop at the National Library of Finland, the foremost research library in Finland. Administratively the library is part of the University of Helsinki. The National Library is responsible for storing the Finnish cultural heritage.
Aleksanterinkatu
It is then time to walk along the main commercial street in town. In the city plan by Carl Ludvig Engel, it was the Decumanus Maximus, the main east–west street in the city, crossing the Cardo, Unioninkatu at the corner of the Senate Square
Esplanadi
While going down the Aleksanterinkatu, make a small detour to the Esplanadi. Also known as Espa, an esplanade and urban park.
Ateneum
Unfortunately, the Ateneum is closed but it is still a nice monument to see from outside. The Ateneum is an art museum and one of the three museums forming the Finnish National Gallery. It has the biggest collections of classical art in Finland.
Finnish National Theatre
One the same area is the Finnish National Theatre. Established in 1872. The Finnish National Theatre is the oldest Finnish speaking professional theatre in Finland
Helsinki train station
And next to it is the Helsinki train station with its unorthodox art nouveau design.
Kamppi Chapel
One of the top things to do in Helsinki is the Kamppi Chapel (Free). Located on the Narinkka Square, it is also known as the “Chapel of Silence” since it is intended to be a place to calm down and have a moment of silence in one of the busiest areas in Finland.
Its architecture is super original and the inner part of the chapel and amazing. And super well sound-proof.
The National Museum of Finland
North of the city, the National Museum of Finland presents Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present day, through objects and cultural history. It also has a small park where you can rest in a bench.
Temppeliaukion Church
And last things to do in Helsinki in this day-trip is the Temppeliaukio Church, a Lutheran church built in 1969 directly into solid rock, it is also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church.
It is also quite the original place to discover. Here the entrance is not free and cost 5€ per person.
More things to do in Helsinki:
- Sibelius Monument
- Hietaranta Beach
- Seurasaari
- Puu-Vallila wooden house district
- Design Museum
- Kaivopuisto
An amazing 1-day Helsinki Itinerary
- 7h30 Ferry to Helsinki
- 9h30 Arrival in Helsinki
- 7h42 Tram 7 to Market square
- 10h10: Ferry to Suomenlinna
- 12h35 Ferry back to Market square
- Lunch at the Market Square
- Stop by Vanha Kauppahalli
- Stroll around Katajanokka
- Visit the Uspenski Cathedral
- And then walk to Senate Square
- Visit the Helsinki Cathedral
- And then The National Library of Finland
- Walk along the Aleksanterinkatu
- Small detour to Esplanadi
- And then back to the Ateneum
- And the Finnish National Theatre
- And Helsinki train station
- Enjoy silence at the Kamppi Chapel
- Rest in the park of the The National Museum of Finland
- Discover Temppeliaukion Church
- 16h30 : Ferry back (or later)
Sataa kuin Esterin perseestä – To rain like from Ester’s ass
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