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21 Things You Must Do When Visiting Helsinki

Forget Reykjavik, Helsinki is the dreamy Nordic city you need to visit this year. From the culinary scene to the steaming saunas, to the boutique shopping (yes, shopping), Helsinki is booming with activities.

Nestled against the sea, Finland’s capital city offers everything you need for a holiday of adrenaline-filled adventures, luxurious pampering, or a combination of the two. And with Finnair’s stopover program, which lets you stop in Helsinki for up to five days on your way to or from select European and Asian destinations for no additional fee, it’s easier than ever to visit. 

Here are the 21 things to eat, see, and do that should be on your Helsinki itinerary.

21 Things to Do in Helsinki

  1. Sniff, swirl and sip natural wines at Baskeri & Basso.
  2. Explore Helsinki’s Central Park. The mystical forest park stretches across the city from north to south. Pro Tip: If you visit during the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland which is best explored on cross-country skis. Rent a pair at the Paloheinä Recreational Center.
  3. Melt your worries away at Lonna, a traditional Finnish sauna.
  4. Tuck in at night surrounded by modern luxury at Hotel Lilla Roberts.
  5. Love Marimekko? Learn all about Finnish design culture at the Design Museum.
  6. Or make a day out of museum hopping with visits to the Helsinki Art Museum and the Helsinki City Museum
  7. Smell the hops and have a Finnish craft beer at Bryggeri. Whatever brew you order will go well with one of their pretzels. 
  8. Take an icy plunge in a fresh pool at Allas Sea Pool and then warm up with a steamy soak at the floating seap spa. 
  9. Take a 15-minute ferry ride to the islands of Suomenlinna, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fortress of Suomenlinna.
  10. Indulge in vegetarian comfort food at Yes Yes Yes!.
  11. Slurp the salmon soup at Kauppatori in Market Square. The famous market with a variety of food and craft stalls is also a good place to buy friends and family (or yourself) souvenirs. 
  12. Briefly get out of the city with a day trip to charming Porvoo. Roughly 30 miles from Helsinki, the historic city is known for brilliant red houses, cozy cafes and funky shops. 
  13. Listen to Finland’s emerging artists at Semifinal.
  14. Take a trip back in time at the Tram Museum
  15. Dance the night away at Los Cojones (the place is small but dancing on the table is allowed if not encouraged). 
  16. Spend an afternoon or a day wandering around Helsinki’s Kallio neighborhood. From its market square of Hakaniemi to its vintage shops it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from this part of the city.
  17. Stop by the Central Railway Station and marvel at 1919 National Romantic style building.
  18. Surround yourself in Art Nouveau architecture with a walk through the neighborhoods of  Katajanokka, Kruunuhaka or Eira.
  19. Put the pedal to medal cycling around the city by renting a city bike for the day or week. 
  20. Dine at the farm (hydroponic that is). Ultima grows a majority of its ingredients inside its restaurant thanks to an on-site hydroponic farm.
  21. Escape the bustle of the city with a walk around the bay in Töölönlahti park.

Explore Helsinki, Finland: the Daughter of the Baltic

On the breezy banks of the Gulf of Finland is the nation’s capital and largest city, Helsinki. Southern Finland is a cornucopia of metropolitan innovation and unrivaled natural phenomena. Helsinki’s refreshing, mild year-round temperatures make this a classic destination for both summer travelers looking to beat the humid, equatorial heat and audacious winter warriors. Regularly ranked one of the most livable cities in the world thanks to its high standard of living and residential accommodations, the city was even chosen as the World Design Capital by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design for 2012. Known for its world-renowned architectural designs and cultural anomalies, Helsinki’s modern amenities and old-world amiability are just a few reasons it’s a top international tourist destination. Artists, in particular, will find dozens of opportunities to learn and revel in the bustling Helsinki scene. It’s home to a multitude of galleries and museums of all tastes and styles. Its most famous museum is the Helsinki Art Museum, or HAM, which includes over 9,000 individual works of art under one roof. Whether you’re into art, design, or just new experiences, Helsinki enthusiastically welcomes you.

 

Architecture and Design

The Finnish Romantic movement flourished in the early years of the 20th century, and with the fusion of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and modern Functionalism, the city’s design is truly something to see.

Golden Sibelius monument in Helsinki, Finland
Golden Sibelius monument in Helsinki, Finland

For Romantic architecture, check out the National Romantic Railway Station, constructed in 1919 out of Finnish granite. Its clock tower and illuminated statues, designed by  Eliel Saarinen, are the most notable features of the easily seen structure. Just a short walk from the railway station is the National Museum, fitted with impressive stone bears on its exterior. The National Theatre is considered one of Helsinki’s most impressive public Art Nouveau buildings. Constructed in 1902 by Onni Tarjanne, it’s made of grey Finnish granite and red roof tiles that age it substantially. One last architectural staple in Helsinki is its Yrjönkatu swimming hall. Built in the 1920s, the hall remains one of the city’s top relaxation and recreation destinations during every season.

helsinki finland architecture
Temppeliaukio Rock Church, a famous modern architecture landmark interior in Helsinki, Finland.

 

Aurora Borealis

Due to Finland‘s northern positioning, it makes a premier location for viewing the Northern Lights. Although northern Finland offers better views of the astro-phenomenon, the dancing spectacle can be seen near Helsinki 20 nights a year, usually during late winter to early spring. To maximize the possibility of seeing the lights, visit Helsinki during the heart of winter and remove yourself from city lights. Early hours of morning, when the sky is darkest, is the best time to look up. The northern European Sami people, indigenous to the region, tell the story of a sly fox racing through the sky, pushing snow up with its tail and creating bountiful visions.

Northern Lights in Helsinki, Finland
Northern Lights in Helsinki, Finland

 

Get Outside

Nearly one-third of Helsinki is covered in green space.

Fortress Suomenlinna in Helsinki, Finland.
Fortress Suomenlinna in Helsinki, Finland.

The city offers visitors the opportunity to take advantage of parks and maritime recreation such as canoeing and kayaking, as well as wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding fishing, and biking. The archipelago of Helsinki consists of roughly 330 islands, with plenty of  beaches and campsites. Many of these islands can be easily reached by ferry all day. The city even features a Central Park for people watching or catching up on a good book. In winter, the city is a hot spot for skiers, snowboarders, and other ambitious athletes.

Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, Finland

 

Fun for Foodies

Restaurants in Helsinki range from traditional Nordic cuisine to classic American, and everything in between. For the full experience, check out the many restaurants offering dishes you’ve probably never heard of. Some good options are Spis, Ora, Nokka, and Farang. These restaurants all offer several-course meals to take your palate on a Baltic journey. Dishes include seafood, berries, fruit, and red meat.

helsinki finland
Helsinki Restaurant Day is a traditional street carnival of food in Helsinki, Finland where participants sign up on the website and get cooking. Here are members selling homemade pies.