What to Do in Helsinki: Attractions, Experiences, Neighborhoods & More!

Tucked along Finland’s southern coast, its capital city of Helsinki has consistently received the title of the ‘happiest city in the world’ by the World Happiness Report. A blend of beautiful urban cityscape and gorgeous green spaces, Helsinki is also home to various world-class museums, excellent food, and a wonderful sea fortress. Despite all of this, the city is not yet a major tourist destination, meaning that those who do visit are treated to a relaxed and highly authentic experience. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, design lover, or outdoor adventurer, this Finnish gem has something for you—let’s check out what to do in Helsinki: top attractions, cool activities, and the best neighborhoods to explore.

1. Grab a Coffee on Senate Square

The Senate Square, known in Finnish as Senaatintori, is the perfect starting point from which to explore Helsinki. Here you’ll find some of the most famous landmarks in the city. The beautiful architecture of Helsinki Cathedral, the Sederholm House (the oldest house in Helsinki), Helsinki University, and the Government Palace surround the square. In its center, you’ll find a sculpture dedicated to Tsar Alexander II of Russia, who is celebrated for supporting the development of the city during the nineteenth century. Learn more about the city’s history (including Senate Square) on this free walking tour of Helsinki or on a private tour.

If you visit Helsinki at Christmastime, Senate Square also hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Listen to carol singing, meet Santa Claus himself, grab some gorgeous hand-crafted gifts, and much more!

2. Feel the Hustle and Bustle of Old Market Hall

Less than 10 minutes walking from Senate Square is Vanha Kauppahalli, the oldest market in Helsinki, which dates back to 1889. In this covered space (which was once open-air), you’ll encounter cheese mongers, wine sellers, and butchers, along with cafés and restaurants. This traditional (and recently renovated) market has long been a hub for shopping and socializing, and its unique atmosphere alone makes it a must-visit destination.

Look out for the pastries, homemade liqueurs, reindeer meat, and bear pâté… An authentic gastronomic journey through the most typical products of Finnish cuisine awaits!

3. Descend into Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

We continue on to Helsinki’s center to discover another of its most iconic buildings: the Rock Church, or, Temppeliaukio, in Finnish. Constructed in 1969, Temppeliaukio has been carved directly into solid bedrock and receives its light through a glass dome. The church has an incredible mystical atmosphere, with soft light bouncing off the rock walls and stunning acoustics. In fact, this space is also used as a concert venue, so definitely check if there are any events on when you visit!

• Pro tip: The access ticket to this monument is included in the Helsinki Card, which also includes unlimited use of public transportation, along with admission to the city’s major museums, tours, and more! The Helsinki Card is a great way to save money if you plan to visit several museums or landmarks, as it combines tickets at a reduced price.

4. Visit Helsinki’s ‘Coolest’ Area in Kallio

Of course, there’s a lot more to Helsinki than just downtown! A quick and easy tram ride from the center, you’ll find Kallio—the cultural heart of the city. This quirky, laid-back area is frequented by a younger, more diverse population for its array of indie cafés and vintage clothes shops. By night, this area becomes a party paradise, with lots of buzzing bars, music venues, and good, welcoming vibes! Check it out for yourself on this Kallio free tour.

This area’s distinctive character shines through year-round, but it truly comes into its own during the annual Kallio Block Party—a free street party run by volunteers, with live music, street food, and drinks flowing!

5. Marvel at Uspenski Cathedral

Perched dramatically on a hilltop near Helsinki’s main harbor, the Uspenski Cathedral is a stunning, must-visit architectural marvel. This red-brick Orthodox sanctuary boasts thirteen towers—symbolically representing Christ and his twelve apostles and creating a distinctive silhouette against the Helsinki skyline.

A change of pace from the relatively austere Helsinki Cathedral, Upenski’s interior features golden frescoes, an intricate altar, and a grand chandelier. The best part? Admission is completely free, making this cathedral a no-brainer, regardless of your budget! If you just want to see the church from the outside, join this Helsinki tram tour, which passes by Uspenski Cathedral, as well as several of Helsinki’s other main sights.

• Pro tip: The cathedral’s hilltop location offers fantastic views of the city and is a popular photo spot for travelers!

6. Visit Kiasma, Museum of Contemporary Art

Right in the heart of Helsinki, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art is where art comes to life! Opened to the public in 1998, this (somewhat challenging) museum is an architectural marvel in itself, designed by American architect Steven Holl. Inside, you’ll find a diverse array of contemporary art by Finnish and international artists, with everything from large canvas paintings to short films on display, all arranged according to the dynamic design of the building.

The bold and innovative artwork will challenge your preconceived notions of the very concept of ‘art’ itself, making for a really cool day out. Kiasma also offers guided tours, workshops, and educational programs for people of all ages.

Note: If you’re not that interested in museums or traveling with little ones, give this museum a miss, or simply enjoy it from the outside.

7. Check Out Kamppi Chapel – A Modern Masterpiece

Kamppi Chapel is another of Helsinki’s architectural masterpieces. This sleek wooden structure looks like it’s straight out of another planet! A prominent landmark in the city center, this ultra-modern ‘Chapel of Silence’ isn’t your typical religious space. Its smooth, curved walls and minimalist design make it a must-see for anyone who appreciates architecture. Whether you’re religious or not, this is a lovely place to enjoy a moment of peace. You can see it for yourself on this Helsinki tourist bus, which passes by the Kamppi Chapel.

8. Helsinki Central Station – One of the World’s Most Beautiful Train Stations

Much more than a train station, Helsinki Central Station, or Rautatientori, is one of the main communication hubs of the country. It connects the center with the airport, various national cities and towns, and, of course, with the famous and beautiful Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, and home to Santa Claus himself!

However, beyond its importance as a transport hub, the building is a wonderful example of Art Nouveau design. Its sculptures, clock tower, and ornamentation give it a truly distinctive appearance, which led to it being recognized by the BBC as one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. If you’re interested in architecture, you can learn more about this train station, along with several other architectural feats in the city, on this Helsinki architecture tour.

9. Wander the Colorful Huvilakatu Street

Next on our list is Huvilakatu, which, for us, is the most beautiful street in the city. Lined with colorful Jugend buildings dating back to the start of the 20th century, this street is a popular photo spot and has also been used for various Finnish productions, including the country’s most popular soap opera, Salatut elämät. At the end of the street, you’ll arrive at a lovely little park, which sits on the waterfront, providing gorgeous views of the Baltic Sea.

Huvilakatu is a quick 15-minute ride by public transport from the city center. So if you’ve had enough of exploring the busy center, take a break and breathe in the sea breeze!

10. Sail to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

One of the most fascinating places to visit in the city (and perhaps our favorite ) is the Suomenlinna sea fortress, which dates back to 1748, to defend the Finnish coasts against Russian expansion. This fortress would serve as an important node of defense under the control of Sweden, Russia, and, indeed, Finland, until 1973, when it ceased to have a military role. Within, it houses around 200 buildings, and nearly 4 miles (6 kilometers) of defensive walls, spanning over six separate islands.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site can be reached by a quick and easy ferry, which departs from Market Square (Kauppatori) and takes 15-20 minutes. Once you arrive on the island itself, the route you take is up to you. The most popular way to visit is probably along the ‘Blue Route’, which is signposted, running from the north to the south of the island.

The best way to see the island, however, is on this Helsinki and Suomenlinna guided tour, which includes a tour of the city itself as well as a walking tour of Suomenlinna.

11. Enjoy Musical Whispers at the Sibelius Monument

Our final entry is the gorgeous Sibelius Park. This green lung is located in the neighborhood of Töölö, just outside of the city. The park stands in tribute to Finland’s extensive musical legacy, and especially that of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Its standout feature is the beautiful Sibelius Monument, which emits a faint musical sound as the wind passes through its structure. Beyond the sculpture, the park offers scenic walking trails with sea views and a welcoming red hut serving classic Finnish refreshments. Grab a cinnamon bun and coffee while soaking in the maritime landscape.

12. Enjoy a Hike at Liesjarvi National Park

How did we make it all the way to the final entry on our list without talking about Finnish nature? The final entry on our list is a hike at Liesjarvia National Park, one of our favorite things to do in Helsinki, at any time of year! Whether it’s covered in snow or taken on a lush green, in spring/summer, Liesjärvi National Park is a feast for the eyes, and a wonderful place to enjoy some fresh air. As part of this tour, you stop halfway along the hike to light a fire, cook up some salmon and soup, and enjoy a red fruit cake with some coffee/tea.

When is the Best Time to Visit Helsinki?

Although Helsinki is pleasant to visit year-round, you should be cognizant of the fact that the weather will heavily impact your itinerary! Really, Helsinki has two peak seasons. First, the Summer season, which spans from June to September. At this time of year, cruises are in full swing, temperatures are pleasant, and daylight hours are considerably longer than the rest of the year.

Another popular time to visit (and our favorite) is in December. Helsinki is the best place to enjoy the magic of Christmas, with beautiful markets and streetlights. Of course, this time of year is pretty cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing and snow covering large parts of the city.

Transport in Helsinki – How to Get Around the City

If you’re trying to figure out how to get from Helsinki airport to the city center, the easiest way to do it is by booking a private, fixed-price transfer with Civitatis, directly to your hotel. Alternatively, you can grab a train to Central Station and go from there by bus, subway, or tram. Helsinki’s public transport works pretty well, and you can easily pay with single tickets or daily passes with unlimited travel for one or several days.

If you have only a few hours in Helsinki because you’re there on a layover, definitely consider this Helsinki layover tour, which will bring you to and from the airport, and also bring you around the main landmarks in the city, including Sibelius Park, Senate Square, and Uspenski Cathedral.

Regardless of how long you spend in Helsinki, it’s a city that is sure to earn your love. If you’re still fleshing out your itinerary, or on the fence about booking your trip, be sure to check out more tours & experiences in Helsinki with Civitatis!