helsinki day trip itinerary

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One Day in Helsinki – The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

• January 23, 2024
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1 Day in Helsinki might not seem like much time when, in fact, it’s quite enough to get acquainted with the city. And to help you make the very most of your time, I’ve put together this perfect 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary.

We recently spent just over 24 hours in Helsinki, so we can share what we got up to, and what we consider to be the best things to do in Helsinki in 1 day. We cover all of the Helsinki hotspots, where to eat, sleep, and drink, as well as all of our top tips, to ensure you have the best possible time exploring the city.

Helsinki is an underrated city, bursting with art, culture, nature, and architectural gems. It’s not a place you hear come up in conversation very often, which makes it easy to disregard. But if you’re planning a trip to Finland, I guarantee you won’t regret allocating some time to look around.

Truth be told, we knew very little about the unassuming seaside capital before our  winter trip to Helsinki . So we were quite surprised by just how much there is to see and do. Having planned to spend only one day in Helsinki before moving on to Lapland, it meant we had to be strategic with our time. But by following this exact itinerary, we were able to cover the very best of Heliskini in a day.

If you’re wondering what a typical Helsinki itinerary might look like, think traditional Finish spas, abstract art galleries, cool history museums, and uber-cool cafes.

Sound good? Let’s get to it then. Here’s our tried and tested 1 Day in Helsinki Itinerary.

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase a product through these links, we will earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you.  And we can continue bringing you free tips and advice. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates –  you are awesome, and we thank you! 

Is One Day in Helsinki Enough?

Let’s face it; 24 hours isn’t a lot of time. But if you plan those hours wisely, you should be able to cover all the best things to see in Helsinki in 1 day.

Thankfully, the city is relatively compact and easy to navigate. If you don’t mind walking, you can quickly get around on foot, which means that ultimately you get to see a lot more than you would by taking public transport.

While we felt we could have easily spent longer exploring Helsinki, our wallets were certainly grateful that the trip was short-lived.

It is by far one of the most expensive cities we’ve ever visited. And we lived in London, so that says a lot! If we had any complaints about the city, it would only be that it isn’t at all budget-friendly.

Other than that, we had a truly wonderful time. See our guide to travelling  Helsinki on a budget  if you’re eager to keep the costs down.  

Helsinki Travel Essential Info

With Helsinki being such a unique and exciting city, you’ll find it difficult not to have an incredible time. However, the tips and tricks below can help you make the very best of your winter getaway.

• Save money on public transport, attractions, and restaurants with a Helsinki card .
• Book a hotel or hostel here  or check out these best air bnbs in Helsinki.
• Stay connected in Helsinki with a portable wifi hotspot or a local sim card .
• Get to know the city on a best-selling Helsinki tour .
• Don’t forget travel insurance.

Save Money with a Helsinki Card

Are you going to be visiting all of the cities top attractions and taking full advantage of the public transport network? If yes, you should consider purchasing a  Helsinki Card in advance. 

Where to Stay with One Day in Helsinki

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Helsinki, catering to various budgets and tastes. However, if you only have 24 hours in Helsinki, it makes sense to locate yourself centrally. This way, you can avoid journey time eating into your valuable exploring time. I’ve made some hotel suggestions below, or you can click the link for a list of all hostels, guesthouses, and hotels in the city.

• Hostel & Budget Rooms $ – Cheap Sleep Helsinki
• Mid-Range $$ – Hotel Indigo Helsinki-Boulevard
• Luxury $$$ – Hotel Katajanokka, Helsinki

Alternatively, you may look at staying nearby, in which case you can compare hotels here . Or use the Map below to see all your options​:

Best Things to See in Helsinki in 1 Day

I go into quite a lot of detail in this comprehensive Helsinki Itinerary, so if you’re short for time, here’s a quick overview of the best things to do in Helsinki in a day.

• Learn about Finnish history and culture at the National Museum
• Visit the incredible Temppeliaukion Rock Church
• Enjoy a hot drink at Oodi Library Terrace – Possibly the funkiest library in the world.
• Check out some unusual art at the Kiasma Contemporary Museum
• Have a traditional Finnish Sauna
• Enjoy a cinnamon bun at the ‘ insta-famous ‘ Regatta Cafe
• Wander around Sibelius Park

1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

OK, let’s dive into our suggested itinerary for one day in Helsinki. I’ve tried to make it as strategic as possible, so to minimise your travel time, and ensure you experience as much of the city as you can. With just 24 hours, I suggest sticking around the city centre which concentrates most of Helsinki’s major landmarks. However, if you did want to mix it up a bit, I’ve proposed some alternatives further down the article.

Helsinki Free Walking Tour

If you don’t want to explore Helsinki alone, why not join one of the free walking tours. Not only will you cover all the city highlights, but you’ll learn about the history of Helsinki from a licensed local guide. The tours are completely free to join, but be sure to tip your guide generously if you enjoy it!

Book Your Tour: Helsinki Free Walking Tour

Cafe Regatta

Alright, assuming you’ve stayed the night in Helsinki, you’ll want to be up bright and early to ensure you make the very most of your day. If you have breakfast included with your hotel, that’s awesome, but you’ll want to save some room. As our first stop of the day is the Instagram famous Cafe Regatta.

You’re probably wondering why I’m suggesting to start the day here, but I have a good reason. The whole idea of our blog is to give you fantastic advice and recommendations, while at the same time, ensuring you don’t make the same mistakes as we did.

This was one of those mistakes. We visited Cafe Regatta at lunchtime, and the queue was all the way down the street. With such limited time in the city, we couldn’t afford to queue for hours to get in. And of course, a shot ‘ for the gram ‘ was out of the question.

We were disappointed as we’d heard incredible things about the coffee and cinnamon buns at Cafe Regatta. So for now, we will have to live precariously through you. The cafe opens at 8 am, and if you get there early, you can enjoy the magical vibe of this Lapland inspired cafe without the pressure of crowds.

Entrance: Free (must buy something to take a photo)/Allow: 30 mins – 1 hr

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Sibelius Park & Monument

Next up you can make your way to Sibelius Park where you can take a walk around and burn off some of those cinnamon buns. While the park itself is nothing more than a series of scenic walking trails and green open spaces, the primary attraction is the unusual Sibelius Monument.

Known for his captivating music & symphonies, Jean Sibelius was and still is the most respected Finnish composer of all time. Designed to capture the essence of his music, the Sibelius Monument is an abstract structure of 600 steel tubes. Similar to a pipe organ, the tubes create musical notes using the wind. It’s really quite impressive and a worthy stop on your Helsinki itinerary. 

Entrance: Free/Allow: 30 mins-1 hr

Temppeliaukion Rock Church

In many ways, Helsinki is a futuristic city. Especially their architecture, which is generally quite modern and abstract. The same goes even for their churches, and the Temppeliaukion Rock Church is a prime example. Engineered directly into solid rock, the church is a highlight of our one day in Helsinki.  

You could say that the Rock Church gives a paradox impression. From the outside, it is mysterious and unassuming – just an entrance into a towering pile of rocks. But on the inside, the awe-inspiring dome ceiling, the majestic brass organ, and bright purple seating area create a truly unique display. I’ve never seen a church like it, and I doubt I ever will again.

Entrance:  €3 /Allow: 30 mins

National Museum of Finland

We don’t consider ourselves museums buffs; however, if there’s a national museum, we will generally take the time to go. They are especially useful if you know very little about the country, as they provide a fascinating insight into its history and culture.  

For us to really enjoy a museum, they have to be quite interactive otherwise we lose interest. Thankfully, the National Museum in Helsinki has created a fully immersive and fun experience for all the family. We particularly enjoyed the digital photo booth, which saw our photo end up on the wall next to a wealth of Finnish Kings and Queens.

The only downside about the museum is that it is quite expensive, especially if you’re travelling as a family. A great tip to keep in mind is that the museum is free to enter on Fridays from 4 pm – 6 pm. Other  museums offer free admission  on selected days as well, so keep  this list  saved for when you travel.

Entrance:  €12 /Allow: 1-2 hrs

Oodi Library

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A short walk from the National Museum is the remarkable Oodi Library. A new addition to Helsinki’s diverse collection of architecture, the multi-storey library has quickly become one of the cities most significant landmarks.

To walk around inside the new age library is free of charge, and it’s worth it to experience the co-existence of literature and digital intelligence. The library acts as a working space on the one hand, with all the mod con technology and quiet areas. On the other, there’s a sprawling library of books that occupies the entire top floor.

Again, Oodi is unlike any other library I’ve ever visited, and you won’t regret stopping by during your 1 day tour of Helsinki.

Entrance: Free /Allow: 30 mins – 1hr

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Located directly next door to Oodi Library, The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art sits under the same umbrella as the Finnish National Gallery. As the name suggests, the museum displays a realm of contemporary, and one might even say unusual artwork. 

If it hadn’t been for it being the last Friday of the month when admission to the museum was free, I’m not sure we would have paid to go. We enjoy art in general, but I often don’t understand a lot of contemporary art, and this was certainly the case at Kiasma. I believe the exhibitions rotate frequently, and one of ours involved a film of an animated man removing his body parts. Yes, very bizarre indeed.

I have, however, seen photos of some quite vibrant and captivating exhibitions at Kiasma. So I would suggest checking out  the website  to check what’s on during your time in Helsinki.  

Entrance:  €15 /Allow: 1hr

On your way to lunch, you’re going to walk past the playful landscape of Amos Rex. Amos Rex is an art gallery displaying art from an emerging generation of artists. However, we didn’t go inside. We only admired the domed subterranean galleries that pop up from the ground in Helsinki Plaza.  

Amos Rex is another example of Helsinki’s contemporary and forward-thinking architecture. You’ll often find groups of families and friends here running up the slopes and sliding back down again. The area also makes for some unusual photo opportunities. 

Entrance: Free to visit the outside galleries/Allow: 15 mins

Moomin Cafe

If you’re a 90’s kid, it’s very likely the Moomins played a big part in your childhood. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, the Moomin’s are a fictional troll family created by a Finnish creator named Tove Jansson. Although the family are designed to look like Finnish trolls, I can’t help but think they look white hippos.

Nevertheless, the Moomin’s are a national icon to Finland, like Harry Potter is to England and Hello Kitty to Japan. You’ll find Moomin themed souvenirs and memorabilia all over Helsinki, as well as, you guessed it, a Moomin themed cafe. 

While neither of us was into the Moomins growing up, we were excited to visit the Moomin cafe. So imagine our disappointment when it was closed!   We didn’t have much luck on the cafe front, did we ? Alas, I hope you guys will get to experience the fun-filled cafe, where you can dine with your favourite Moomins and indulge in various sweet treats.

Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral

Located in the oldest area of Helsinki, you can find some beautiful architecture around Senate Square. Most notable is the Helsinki Cathedral, often referred to as the ‘ white jewel’  of the city. Designed in a traditional neo-classical style, the 17th-century cathedral stands in stark contrast from the contemporary architecture you’ve encountered elsewhere in the city.

While we didn’t experience it ourselves, the cathedral is open for viewing at certain times of the day. Otherwise, walk around the square and admire the other buildings which include the University of Helsinki, the National Library of Finland, and the Government Palace. Afterwards, if you need a coffee, we can recommend Paulig Kulma, a cute little cafe just a 5-minute walk from the square. 

Entrance: Free to walk around the square/Allow: 15-30 mins

Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. Even though we’ve never actually been to Russia, we immediately recognised its resemblance to Russian architecture. Boasting a facade of red brick with golden cupola domes, it’s one of the most beautiful architectural gems we saw during our 24 hours in Helsinki. 

Entrance: Free/Allow: 15-30 mins

Allas Sea Pool Sauna

After an action-packed day in Helsinki, what better way to wind down than to enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna. I’ll be honest; we didn’t end up doing this ourselves. The only reason being that we wanted to save the experience for Lapland. But if this hadn’t of been the case, we would have visited Allas Sea Pool sauna 100%. 

If you aren’t already aware, saunas play a significant role in Finnish culture. Most family homes have them, and they are considered a necessity for a happy and healthy life. Generally, saunas are separate for men and women, and it’s not unusual for locals to get completely naked. Of course, you can to, or you can wear a towel if you feel uncomfortable. Read more on  sauna etiquette in Finland here .

While there are several Finnish saunas in Helsinki, Allas Sea Pool is arguably the most popular. Here you’ll find a variety of saunas and swimming pools, including a heated outside pool that overlooks the ocean. If you’re feeling brave enough, you might even try the local tradition of a hot sauna followed by a cold dip in the seawater pool. Not for the faint-hearted but a memorable experience all the same. 

Entrance:  €14 /Allow: 1-2 hrs

Dinner & Drinks on Kanavaranta

Just a few minutes walk from Allas Sea Pool is Kanavaranta – A coastal strip that boasts a variety of bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to round off the day by enjoying a drink or some food overlooking the water. And if you’re travelling with your other half, why not seal your love with a padlock at the nearby Love Lock Bridge.

For more places to eat and drink in Helsinki see this guide on the best restaurants in Helsinki as well as this nocturnal guide to Helsinki.

Save Time and Book a Tour

For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours on  Get Your Guide :

Additional things to do 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary

If you have longer than one day in Helsinki, that’s great. You have time to check out some of the less touristy stuff to do in the city, and perhaps even take a day trip to other areas of the country. Here are a few suggestions for inspiration.  

Seurasaari Island

Unbeknown to some, Helsinki is an archipelago of around 330 islands, which means a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle is never far away. Seurasaari Island is the easiest of the islands to get to as it isn’t entirely isolated, and you can get there by bus or on foot.  

We had some time spare on the day of our departure from Helsinki, and so we used it to visit Seurasaari Island. Boasting a combination of walking trails, dense forest, and an open-air museum, it was an awesome addition to our Helsinki itinerary.  

Suomenlinna Island

Suomenlinna Island , on the other hand, requires a return ferry journey, and it’s an activity that will cost you most of the day. Having said that, many people consider it to be one of the best things to do in Helsinki, and as I haven’t done it myself, I can’t argue.

The island does appear to be very scenic and beautiful, so if you have the time, I expect it would be worth the trip. Once you’re there, you can explore the island on foot, which is home to a stunning 18th-century fortress and beautiful nature areas. 

Day Trip to Tallinn

If you fancy an easy day trip out of Helsinki, Estonia’s beautiful capital Tallinn is just a 2-hour journey away via ferry. If you book with Get Your Guide you can catch an early boat there and the late boat back, allowing up to 10 hours to explore the charming medieval city.

• Visit Estonia’s capital on an easy day trip and enjoy the comfortable 2-hour ferry ride
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, and shop, eat, and stroll as you please
• Book ahead to secure a place on comfortable crossing times
• Upgrade your comfort to Business Class, which includes food and drinks

Book Your Tour :  From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

Sightseeing Boat Cruise

“Head to the water and experience a canal cruise on your visit to Helsinki. Admire the most beautiful shorelines of the city and see many of its top attractions from the comfort of your boat.

You’ll pass by the historic Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island, the impressive fleet of icebreakers, and stunning Degerö Canal.

On this 90-minute ride, you’ll also hear about Helsinki’s fascinating history from the commentary that’s provided during the cruise. Enjoy a refreshing drink, a beer, a glass of sparkling wine, or a cup of coffee and a pastry in the boat’s cafeteria.” 

Book Your Tour :  90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route

Tips & Advice for One Day in Helsinki

Here I’ll list some of the travel tips that we accumulated during our stay in Helsinki. Hopefully, they will help you have a hassle-free break in the city.

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Currency & Exchanging Money in Helsinki

The unit of currency in Finland is the Euro. We recommend travelling with some cash in your pocket; however, if you don’t want to carry large sums, there are several ways to  exchange currency in Helsinki . Though naturally, some are more cost-effective than others.

The easiest option is to withdraw cash directly from an ATM. Some ATMs may ask if you want to proceed  “with or without conversion” . Whatever you do, never proceed with conversion because it leads to disastrous exchange rates. Trust us; we learnt the hard way. Instead, choose to be charged in the local currency, and you’ll receive a far more favourable rate on your conversion.

Another money-saving tip is to carry a  currency card such as Easy Fx  rather than withdrawing money using your debit or credit cards. This way, you can make purchases, withdraw cash and make transfers, all with no international fees. Again, so long as you proceed ‘without conversion.’

Helsinki Budget

As I mentioned earlier, Helsinki is an expensive city. However, if you are sensible with your cash, you could get away with spending £50/$60 a day. We were able to manage this, but we ate cheap, stayed in a hostel, walked everywhere, and were selective about the attractions we spent our money on.  

If you insist on paying for every attraction, eating at fancy restaurants, drinking alcohol, staying at a nice hotel etc. you can expect to triple or even quadruple that budget.

If like us, you are travelling on a tight budget, you might want to check out our  budget guide to Helsinki.  We’ve included a ton of useful tips in there that will allow you to maximise your time in the city, but minimise the cash you spend. 

Getting Around in Helsinki

If you just want to get around the spots on our suggested 1-day itinerary, you can easily do so on foot. But if walking isn’t an option, or you want to travel further afield, your best bet will be to take public transport. The public transport in Helsinki is reliable, albeit a little expensive, and consists of trams, buses, trains, and the metro.  

We only used public transport twice, and that was to get to & from the airport. But, if you plan to use public transport regularly, it’s worthwhile purchasing a  Helsinki Card . The card not only includes unlimited access to the cities transport network, but you’ll also get free entry at many of the cities museums and top attractions, as well as discounted dining, shopping, and tours.

For more in-depth info, see this article about  getting around in Helsinki . It gives extensive information regarding the different modes of transport, including getting to & from Suomenlinna Island.

The Best Time to Visit Helsinki

Though you’ll find plenty of things to do and a great atmosphere all year round, the best time to visit Helsinki is during the summer months of June, July and August. During this time you can expect ideal conditions for sightseeing, and the days are long, which is perfect if you’re only visiting for a day or 2.  

Of course, the downside is that the summer can often be the busiest and most expensive time to travel. So if you want to avoid that, try to go at the very beginning or end of the season. That way, you get all the positives, such as good weather and affordable accommodation, but without the bad stuff like crowds and inflated prices.  

We visited  Helsinki in Winter , and I expect several of you will be doing the same if you’re heading to Lapland afterwards. Thankfully we had all the right gear to keep us warm, and we thoroughly enjoyed the magical winter vibes. We only wished that the days were longer so that we could fit more into our schedule.

Staying Safe in Helsinki

In short, Helsinki, and Finland in general, is exceptionally safe. So much so, Finland often finds it’s way into the  top 20 of the safest countries in the world . That’s not to say crimes never happen. But they are rare and can often be avoided by exercising caution.

Like many places, theft and pickpocketing pose the biggest risk to tourists. We suggest  keeping your belongings close to you at all times  and use a small padlock or compartmental bag to keep your valuables safe.

Although  we never once felt unsafe in Helsinki , when travelling at night, it’s sensible to avoid being alone in parks or dimly lit areas.  

For  LGBT Travellers in Finland , there is little risk of hate crime; however, you may find rural areas to be more conservative than the bigger cities.

Drinking water in Helsinki  is not only safe to drink but delicious as well!

Get the best deals on travel insurance!

If you become sick or injured, those medical bills can really add up. Or perhaps you have your bag stolen, or a flight cancelled.  Although these events are unlikely, they do happen, and having travel insurance gives you that extra piece of mind that you are protected. 5% Discount for our readers using the button below! (discount applicable for non-American citizens).

Did you Enjoy our One Day in Helsinki Itinerary?

Let us know . That concludes  One Day in Helsinki – The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary.  We hope you enjoy your time in this fascinating city. If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comment section below.

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

Planning a trip around Finland? Check out our Finland series  for more travel tips and advice. 

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We’re Charlotte & Natalie, a British lesbian couple with a passion for travel and adventure.

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One Day in Helsinki Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Helsinki, Finland

The capital of Finland, also known as “The White City of The North”, nestles on the Gulf of Finland and overlooks more than 300 islands. Founded in 1550 under the name Helsingfors, Helsinki’s main purpose was as a trade competitor to Tallinn. It stayed a small fishing village until the 16th century when Russians took an interest in the Baltics. Finland was annexed to Russia as an autonomous Grand Duchy, and in 1812 Helsinki became Finnish capital. The 20th century started a little rough with the Finnish Civil War and the Winter War with the Soviet Union, but in the 1970s Finland went through rapid urbanization and Helsinki’s population tripled. Travelers spending one day in Helsinki can enjoy the remains of history, delicious cuisine, and astonishing architecture.

GUEST POST BY ROMI R. BLOG: Medium

What’s the best time to visit Helsinki ?

If the weather plays a significant part in your decision, the best time for your 24 hours in Helsinki is in the summer. From June to August , days are the longest, the attractions are open later, and the surrounding flora is in complete bloom.

The fall months of September to November are visually stunning with crimson, gold and orange colors taking over the city, but the weather starts to get unpredictable.

From December to March temperatures get quite cold, but there is still plenty of activities. From the famous Finnish saunas to ice water jumping, if you dare. If you want to experience real Finland and don’t mind the cold, winter is the best time to visit, with plenty of typical Helsinki things to do. 

A few facts about Helsinki

• Readers digests “dropped” 192 wallets with cash and cards around the world, with 12 in every city. Helsinki deemed to be the most honest city in the world, with its citizens returning 11 out of 12 wallets.
• Helsinki is the world’s coldest capital, with a yearly average of a whopping 0 degrees celsius.
• The water quality is so high in Helsinki that the country sells it to the rest of the world.
• There is no snow in central Helsinki because the city government heats the roads so the snow and ice melt.

One Day in Helsinki Itinerary

There are plenty of things to do in Helsinki, but if you’re only taking a short trip and want to make the best out of your Helsinki itinerary, here’s a list of best things to do in Helsinki in a day.

Start Your Day at The Kamppi Chappel

Your first stop of the day will most likely be the Helsinki Central Station, where you’ll either arrive from the airport, or with a train. Start your day meditating at the Kamppi Chappel also known as the “ Chappel of Silence .” The wooden structure stands out with its delicate simplicity. Pause for a few minutes and reflect, communicate your gratitude and step out into the world with a newfound appreciation for life and travel.

After your enlightenment, step into Mori Cafe for a delicious coffee and a healthy acai bowl! For those wanting to check-in to a hotel before beginning their 24 hours in Helsinki, check out the Hotel F6 , located in the best area to stay in Helsinki – Kaartinkaupunki.

Visit the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Walk east from the chappel and try to pronounce your next stop’s Finnish name – Helsingin Tuomiokirkko. Before you master the pronunciation you will reach the Cathedral. If you prefer taking the tram, head to Lasipalatsi station and take the number 4 to Tove Jansson’s park.

Originally built as a tribute to the Tsar Nicolas I of Russia, after the independence of Finland, the Helsinki Cathedral remained a major landmark and a site for celebrations.

Architect Carl Ludvig Enge designed both, the Cathedral and the Senate Square located in front of it. Check out the neoclassical interior, and don’t worry about the entrance fee. The entrance is free ! While they were always known around the world, in 1999 the Cathedral and Senate Square gained extra international fame when they were featured in the opening sequence for Darude’s  “Sandstorm” video.

Admire The Uspenski Cathedral

Since you’re on a church tour, take a short walk from the Cathedral to another famous Helsinki landmark – The Uspenski Cathedral, the main Cathedral of the Finland Orthodox Church . Designed by the Russian architect Aleksey Gornostayev and built around 1868, the Cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its name comes from the old word “Uspenie” meaning “Dormition” which stands for the passing of the Virgin Mary from the earthly life. There is no entry fee for the Uspenski Cathedral, and it’s definitely one of the most interesting things to see in Helsinki, so don’t miss a chance to do so.

Have Lunch And Shop at The Old Market Hall

Vanha Kauppahalli or Old Market Hall is just a short walk west from the Uspenski Cathedral. It is a must-do in Helsinki, especially if the weather is not on your side. You can warm up with a salmon soup and try the salmon sandwich on rye or some deer meat.  Shop for souvenirs as you stroll through the historic building. The best thing about the experience is that it is one of the more affordable places to eat in Helsinki, so if you’re looking for top things to do in Helsinki on a budget, the Old Market Hall is a perfect cozy stop on your Helsinki itinerary.

Take A Ferry to Suomenlinna Island

You will find the ferry port in front of the Old Market, the ferries are frequent and it only takes 15 minutes to reach the Island. You can buy the ferry tickets from any Helsinki City Transportation service points or from the vending machine at Market Square. It’s easy to spend a whole day here, but if you have one day in Helsinki, walk around the fortress just to get a taste of the history.

Suomenlinna is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world, and a UNESCO world heritage site. It was built as a protection point all the way back in the 18th century. Spend some time here, but be wary of time. The fortress is captivating with its superiority, but there’s a lot more of Helsinki to see.

Lose Yourself in The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Once you return from Suomenlinna Island, take the number two tram from Salutorget station to Lasipalatsi and step into the interactive world of Kiasma. Architect Steven Holl built the Museum guided by light, and you can clearly see it the moment you step into the building. The name Kiasma comes from a Greek word that means “ intersection of optical nerves .” The museum allows for interaction with the art, as well as the people.

Often you will see visitors interacting with each other and you might meet new artsy friends yourself. Each of the 25 galleries has a different treatment of natural light and the building is arranged with hidden curvy details. Try to find as much as you can! Tickets will cost you around 11€, but every first Friday of the month is completely free!

Check Out The Finlandia Hall

You’ll find The Finlandia Hall seven-minutes north from the Kiasma museum. Designed by Alvar Aalto the bright stylish hall hosts events, concerts, and meetings for the whole country. The building blends perfectly with the surrounding scenery and the interior is a blend of asymmetry and nature. Stop by for a coffee in the Cafe Veranda and if you have time, check out the public art gallery!

Step Down Into The Temppeliaukio Church

Walk just five minutes across from the Finlandia Hall to the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as “ The Rock Church ” because of its unique location, in a rock. That’s right, the Suomalainen brothers designed the Lutheran church right in the middle of a massive rock and it’s one of the most interesting places to see in Helsinki. The church bathes in the natural light combined with the excellent acoustics created by the rock surface. There are no bells at the church, but the recording of bells plays through loudspeakers. The entrance costs 3€, and you can check out the top floor for free.

Stop By The Sibelius Monument

The Sibelius Monument , dedicated to Jean Sibelius, a famous Finnish composer, won’t take much of your time but it is worth seeing.  Take the bus from Kauppakorkeakoulut station, maybe write that down, and ride to Tölö Bibliotek station that is by the Sibelius Park. The wave-like monument resembling organ pipes was made by Eila Hiltunen and it’s a really cool photo opportunity. If you have time check out the Cafe Regatta down by the shore and grill your own sausage!

Have Drinks At Hotel Torni Atelje Bar Rooftop

Rooftops are always a perfect way to end a sightseeing day and this bar should be on your list of fun things to do in Helsinki. Take the 24 bus down to Erottaja station and you will find the Hotel Torni , the rooftop is the perfect sunset spot , but even if you don’t make it by sunset, it has fabulous views of Helsinki at night. Take the elevator all the way to the top floor and then take the stairs up. The bar is open all year round, but it’s best to go in the summer so you can enjoy the outdoor patio. Try the Mojito!

Have Dinner And a Try a Finnish Sauna

By now you’re going to be ready for a nice dinner, so try the Löyly restaurant that doubles as a sauna. Located at the waterfront, it’s a beautiful way to end your day in Helsinki. The place is open all year round, but make sure to reserve your table and sauna spot online. A two-hour sauna session costs 19€ and it’s totally worth it! If you have the courage, you can jump into the Baltic Sea in January, as the Finns do. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!

Go Out to Kallio

Once you’re relaxed from a nice dinner and a trip to the sauna, if you have the energy to go out, the local favorite is the Kallio district. You can take the tram or the subway and be there in less than 15 minutes. If you’re looking for a hotel in Kallio, a good choice is CheapSleep Helsinki an affordable hostel close to all the bars, such as the popular Bar Molotow where you can enjoy a fair priced beer or, if you want to stay out to the early morning,  Kuudes Linja nightclub! If you prefer to stay in the downtown area, try Gate A21 cocktail bar , where you can enjoy the crafty cocktails till the late hours!

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Now that you’ve figured what to see in Helsinki in one day, we can help you with the hotels. If you have an early flight and want to stay close to the airport, that’s an option, but if you are trying to see the most of your Helsinki itinerary, here are a few hotels we recommend.

Hotel Katajanokka

Merikasarminkatu 1 A, Katajanokka, 00160 Helsinki

A very interesting hotel with an even more interesting restaurant. Located on Katajanokka island, near the Uspenski Cathedral, this hotel used to be a prison. The comfortable rooms, and the new decor still play off the prison story, but with plenty of added comfort. If you’re a lover of unique stays with an amazing backstory, this is a hotel for you!  Free sauna and the gym definitely do not feel like a prison, but check it out for yourself because you can say you’ve been in prison, without the uncomfortable part!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Fabianinkatu 6, Kaartinkaupunki, 00130 Helsinki

Hotel F6 is in the best area of Helsinki and you will receive comfy bathrobes and slippers as soon as you check-in. Close to the attractions, restaurants, bars and the central station, Hotel F6 is an ideal choice for travelers looking not to waste any time in Helsinki. Design lovers will love this hotel due to its unusual approach! All the shopping is in your backyard, so if you want to treat yourself, you don’t have to go far.

Cheap Sleep Helsinki

Sturenkatu 27, 00510 Helsinki

In the midst of all the nightlife, Cheap Sleep Helsinki offers the most affordable, but comfortable accommodation in Helsinki. Close to bars, nightclubs and live music combined with a shared lounge makes this hostel a favorite of the travelers looking to meet new people and party in Helsinki. Great staff, good atmosphere, and great security features. If you’re looking for a decent price, Cheap Sleep is the way to go.

Best Day Trips From Helsinki

45 minutes east of Helsinki rests The idyllic town of Porvoo. The second oldest city in Finland and a UNESCO world heritage site is also accessible by a steamboat. The river flows through the city where you can see the cute red houses painted in honor of the arrival of the Swedish king Gustav III. Cobbled streets, quaint shops, and small adorable cafes make Porvoo one of the best day trips from Helsinki. They even call it an Instagram paradise!

The medieval European historic city along the Aura river is about a two-hour drive from Helsinki. You can enjoy the tango, music, art, dance and medieval festivals in the summer and visit the Turku Castle. In the winter, you can experience the Christmas market by the main cathedral. Like Helsinki, Turku has a contemporary art museum (maybe you can compare the two) as well as a museum of art. Spend the day exploring Turku and it’s Old Town and try out one of the restaurants along the shore of the Aura river.

Overnight Cruise to Stockholm

Just like you can book a cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki, you can do so the other way around. Party all night long, wake up in a Stockholm, explore it and come back the next day. The cruise has karaoke, bars with live music and a Finnish sauna! You can check out the one day Stockholm itinerary here.

A shuttle ferry takes you to the capital of Estonia in just two hours. Explore Tallinn and check out the Alexander Nevsky Catedral, the Tallinn city wall and the Danish King’s garden, among many other sites and attractions. Get lost in the Old Town’s secret passages, over 300 are now open to the public. Sip on Estonian coffee in Maiasmokk cafe that opened its doors in 1864!

Extra tips for visiting Helsinki

Buy a daily ticket for 8€ – you can buy one at the airport. It’s valid for your trip to the city center as well as trams, buses, metro, and the public ferry.

Rent a bike for 5€ a day – you can find yellow bikes all over the city, although some hotels will supply you with bikes as well!

Visit Helsinki at the end of August – you will get to be a part of the Helsinki Festival, the largest multi-arts festival in Finland.

The Helsinki Card – The Helsinki card covers all your public transport costs and you can enter a lot of sites for free. You can buy a 1,2 or 3-day card and it is an investment you will see a return on!

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Helsinki Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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One Day in Helsinki, Perfect Itinerary

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a fascinating city that is wonderful to explore both as a weekend break and as an interesting stopover destination. Due to its location high up in the Northern Hemisphere, Helsinki has huge seasonal changes in terms of climate and daylight hours. This one-day Helsinki itinerary is great for the summer when the days are long (18-19 hours of daylight!) and you have time to visit everything.

Whether you have a few hours between flights and want to choose some of the top attractions, or you are visiting for a few days or want to squeeze some sight-seeing while you’re on a business trip, this one day in Helsinki itinerary should give you plenty of ideas of what to see and do in the city.  

We visited Helsinki after spending a weekend in Tallinn . It took us around 2 hours to cross from Tallinn to Helsinki with the ferry .

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. It costs nothing extra to you but helps keep my site running. Thank you for supporting me in this way.

Table of Contents

How to Spend One Day in Helsinki 

Map of one day helsinki itinerary.

Your one-day Helsinki itinerary will take you around some of the city’s best tourist attractions including historical buildings, churches, sculptures, and squares to give you a taster of the top spots. In between your cultural attractions you’ll want to pop in and out of Helsinki’s cafés, restaurants, and rooftop bars to try some local fare and take in the sights with a drink or a bite to eat. Baltic herring, pea soup, grilled sausages, and cabbage rolls are all savoury favourites and sweet treats like lingonberry pie and pulla (Finland’s version of cinnamon buns) are must-tries!

1. Central Railway Station

Helsinki Central Station, also known as Helsingin päärautatieasema, is the main train station in the city which thousands of people visit every day for both transportation means and as a tourist attraction. It is often featured in lists of the World’s Most Beautiful Railway Stations so it is well worth a visit.

The grand central station building was designed in an art nouveau style by Eliel Saarinen and the 48.5m clock tower is one of the city’s main landmarks. It is thought that around 400,000 people walk past and check the time here every day! The station also has two large “Lantern carrier” statues on each side of the main entrance which were designed by Emil Wikström as part of the Romanticism movement.

2. Esplanadi

Helsinki’s Esplanadi is an urban park located in the heart of the city that is a favourite for both locals and tourists alike. Known colloquially as Espa, the Esplanadi is a lovely place to enjoy a stroll on a sunny summer’s day. The Esplanadi is situated between the Erottaja square and the Market Square and it’s, therefore, a picturesque way of connecting some of the city’s main sights.

If you do choose to visit Helsinki in winter, the Esplanadi is likely to be doused in snow and will feature Christmas lights and decorations which make it equally atmospheric and worthwhile visiting. 

3. Market Square

Once you’ve walked eastwards down the Esplanadi, you will reach Helsinki’s Market Square. This is arguably the heart of the city where events and market stalls have been held for hundreds of years. There is always something different going on within the square so you might want to come and go here throughout the day (or over the course of a weekend if you’re staying longer).

Whether you’re visiting the market to pick up some snacks or souvenirs there are plenty of different stalls to fit the bill. The market square is also located right next to the harbor which allows you to connect to ferries to Suomenlinna, the Presidential Palace, and the Uspenski Cathedral.

4. Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is one of the most fascinating sights in Helsinki as it is an 18th-century sea fortress situated across six linked islands. This fortress is quite unlike any other settlements across Europe, with interesting features like star-shaped walls, natural beaches, churches, and a museum. Suomenlinna can only be reached by boat but it is well worth a visit if you have the time.

Of course, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, but what you might not know is that it is also home to around 800 residents!

5. Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral is a magnificent Eastern Orthodox church that is not only a tourist attraction in terms of its architecture, but it also gives an insight into the Russian impact on Finland. The grand, redbrick building stands proud against the neighboring buildings, and the golden cupolas glisten beautifully in the summer sun.

Uspenski Cathedral is over 150 years old and is considered the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Inside the cathedral are a number of rare and valuable icons displayed on the alter and the colouful domes are intricately decorated with murals and mosaics.

Entrance to Uspenski Cathedral is free.

6. Senate Square

Senate Square in Helsinki is another huge focal point for the city as it is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. These include Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland, and are supposed to represent the political, religious, scientific and commercial powers in the centre of Helsinki.

Senate Square also includes a statue of Alexander II as well as the Sound of the Senate Square installation which is a modern version of a glockenspiel that is played every day at 17.49. This is best heard from the middle of the square to really get a feel of the composition as it moves from building to building.

7. Helsinki Cathedral

The Helsinki Cathedral is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks thanks to both its sheer size and its bright, white colour which is especially impressive in summer. The neoclassical church (now a Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral) has a number of notable features including the large green domes, two free-standing bell towers, a sweeping staircase down to the square and larger-than-life sculptures of the Twelve Apostles guarding the city from the roof of the church.

The interior of the church is fairly simplistic in style but the organ is beautiful and if you can visit during one of the free organ recitals you’ll be in for a treat.

8. Temppeliaukio Church

The Temppeliaukio Church, also referred to as the Rock Church, is a relatively new addition to the city having only opened in 1969, despite having been originally designed back in the 1930s!

The Lutheran church is built directly into the solid rock so the walls have a rustic, natural style, while the copper-domed roof looks more like a sci-fi UFO than a church. This church is a completely unique work of architecture, with slatted sides allowing light to flood the building which changes the atmosphere depending on what time of day you visit.

The Temppeliaukio Church is now a popular tourist attraction thanks to its unique style and is often used as a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics.

9. Sibelius Monument

The Sibelius Monument, designed by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen, is an abstract art monument in homage to composer Jean Sibelius. The Finnish composer once stated “Pay no attention to what the critics say. A statue has never been erected in honor of a critic.” and Hiltunen decided to commemorate this with a sculpture of a cluster of organ pipes.

Of course, critics were quick to comment that Sibelius has not composed much music for organs, so the designer added a second sculpture of the composer’s face next to the original so as to ensure there was no confusion as to who the monument was for.

The monument is a beautiful collection of around 600 abstract organ pipes put together in a soundwave pattern to represent the compositions created by the famous composer.

So, there you have it, the top sights that you should be able to see on a one-day itinerary in Helsinki. This will give you a great insight into the city’s culture, architecture and history and will leave you loving Finland’s capital and longing to return for more.

Where to stay in Helsinki

Here are my top tips on where to stay in Helsinki so you are well located for seeing the sights and enjoying the city’s food scene and nightlife.

Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa

The five-star Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa is one of the best waterfront hotels in the city with excellent views and a whole host of on-site amenities. It is located a short tram ride away from the city centre. The bedrooms are modern, clean and comfortable, as you would expect from a Hilton, and the large buffet breakfast offers you plenty of options to start your day off right. The Hilton also provides guests with access to a wellness centre including a gym, sauna and swimming pool so you can unwind after a day of sight-seeing.

Click here for more information and to ckeck availability.

Seurahuone Helsinki

Hotel Seurahuone is located directly opposite Helsinki Central Station so is ideally placed for exploring some of the city’s top sights. The building was designed in art nouveau fashion, with a castle-like roof, large windows, impressive interior domes and balconies, and intricate detailing throughout. The hotel features large bedrooms giving guests plenty of room to relax and guests can even choose their own menu to ensure their comfort is second-to-none. The staff at Seurahuone Helsinki are friendly, helpful and welcoming and will be able to assist you with planning your trip.

Click here for more information and to check availability.

Staying for more days in Finland? You might be interested in this one day trip from Helsinki to Porvoo.

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Mapping out the perfect 2 to 3 days in Helsinki itinerary isn’t a difficult task when you consider all there is to do in the capital of Finland . Helsinki is easily the most underrated Nordic city, living under the shadow of other capital Nordic cities such as Oslo , Stockholm , and Copenhagen . Despite this, Helsinki in my opinion is one of the freshest, most exciting destinations to visit in the Nordics and Europe.

Many people will head to Finnish Lapland to visit Rovaniemi yet still skip the capital, missing the wondrous culture-filled city. For over 5 years straight, Finland has been voted the happiest country in the world, one of the safest, and with a few days in the city, exploring and meeting locals you’ll understand why. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Helsinki?

Before jumping into all of the things to do in the Finnish capital, you’re likely wondering how many days to spend in Helsinki. Well, to begin with, Helsinki is a pretty compact city but still with much to discover and to get out of on a trip to the Finnish capital city.

If you’re in transit to Finnish Lapland and only have 1 day in Helsinki, it’s still possible to see most of the main sights and experience the city.

If you decide to see Helsinki in 2 days, you’ll have plenty of time to see the main sights of the city and wander around without rushing too much.

In my opinion, 3 days in Helsinki is ideal to do the city justice, go at your own pace, and still have enough time to see all the sights and maybe return to a restaurant or cafe that you particularly enjoyed (Finland has a wonderful, fresh, and local food scene). 

When planning how long to spend in the city, an important factor to keep in mind is the time of year.

In the winter months, Finland gets very little sunlight and daylight in Helsinki lasts just for around 9 hours in December. In contrast to the winter, Helsinki gets around 19 hours of sunlight in the summertime.

So with that being said, if you’re someone who likes to sightsee with daylight to see the city, and would like to visit the Finnish capital in the winter , I suggest planning enough days to see what you’d like with at least 2. Otherwise, maybe visit during the summer months instead.

Getting To & Around Helsinki 

Getting to helsinki.

You’ll likely be arriving in Helsinki one of two ways; by plane or ferry. Helsinki Vantaa International Airport is a large airport with domestic, European, and international routes making it a pretty affordable destination to reach by air, particularly from cities in the region such as Oslo or Stockholm.

If you’re flying into Helsinki Airport, you have a few options to reach the center of the city. The most cost-efficient way to travel to the Helsinki center is by city bus (lines 615 & 617) located outside terminal 2.

Buses come just about every 15 minutes and one-way tickets cost €4.10 if purchased from a ticket kiosk. Expect to pay more if you end up purchasing bus tickets while on the bus.

There are also train transportation links available between Helsinki Vantaa Airport and the Helsinki city center.

The train station is located beneath the airport and has train services connecting Helsinki Vantaa Airport with the city every 10 minutes with a journey of half an hour. Helsinki city transport tickets can be used for these services, but an extended zone (ABC) ticket is required. 

If you’re traveling to Helsinki from Stockholm, Sweden or Tallinn, Estonia and are keen on an adventure, there are also regular ferries between those cities across the Gulf of Finland. You can view ferry schedules here.

Finally, if you’re not visiting on a budget, you can book a private transfer from the airport.

Getting Around Helsinki 

Due to Helsinki city center’s small size, it’s a pretty walkable city, with most of the city’s main sights within walking distance from each other. This is a really big benefit, as the city is a dream for walkers, full of interesting sights to take in that you may miss if you’re underground.

You may be able to manage walking throughout most of your time in Helsinki (if physically capable), except for a bus/metro ride or two.

If you’re visiting in the summertime or during the warmer months, Helsinki is also a lovely city to explore by two wheels with lush nature and greenery and bike-friendly streets.

Otherwise, the city has a wonderful transportation system that consists of bus, tram, metro, and even ferry transport options. Single tickets last for 80 minutes and are inclusive of any mode of transport necessary for 80 minutes.

Most sights in Helsinki will be within the AB zone, but if you decide to visit somewhere outside of the AB zone, you’ll need to pay for a top-up zone extension. 

If you plan on taking a fair amount of public transportation and would like to save money, purchasing day passes for the Helsinki transport system is a great option. Passes are available for purchase for any number of days.

The cost of individual tickets adds up quickly, so this is a great way to make the most of your budget in Helsinki as it is quite an expensive city.

Another great way to save on transport is by using the Helsinki Card which includes unlimited public transportation. It also includes a panorama sightseeing tour and entry into a number of top sites and museums, such as the National Museum of Finland, the Helsinki City Museum and Amos Rex.

2 to 3-Day in Helsinki Itinerary

Helsinki is truly a quintessentially beautiful city. With a unique blend of classic Nordic and Russian architecture, a fresh and delicious food scene, arts & culture, and sincerely friendly people and locals, it’s hard not to appreciate the city.

Helsinki is truly a European destination off the beaten path and is full of exciting things to discover on just about every other corner. If you prefer to explore with a guide, sign up to this walking tour or this walking tour.

Day 1 – Markets, Museums & Churches

Helsinki market square & old market hall.

A wonderful way to begin your first day in Helsinki is to head to the most famous market in Finland, Helsinki Market Square. The Market Square is located between the south harbour of the city and the esplanade and is one of the quintessential spots to visit while spending time in Helsinki.

Dating back to the 19th century, the Market Square is the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh Baltic air, and maybe pick up a Finnish souvenir or two from the stands. In the winter you’ll find a delightful winter market spanning an even larger area than the typical market, with tasty treats, bonfires, and holiday joy.

If you’ve built up an appetite, there’s no better option at this point than to head next door to the Market Square to Helsinki’s Old Market Hall. The Old Market Hall is quite old, as it’s the oldest indoor market in all of Finland.

The market itself dates back to 1889 and is a Helsinki staple, with merchants selling various delicacies; from fruits/vegetables to cakes and cheese. Among the characteristic design and colours of the stands, you’ll also find cafes and restaurants, the perfect opportunity to enjoy a classic Finnish meal. 

Helsinki Cathedral

From the market, walk about 10 minutes to the city’s Helsinki Cathedral in the Kruununhaka neighborhood.

The church is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki and is easily the most recognised monument associated with Helsinki and an incredibly important landmark for the city and a great place to visit.

The stunning pearl-white, green-capped cathedral towers over the center of the city and is worth a stop during a visit to the Finnish capital city. The church itself is located in the Senate Square of the city (the oldest part), which is a point worth observing the city from and getting your bearings beginning your Helsinki trip.

Helsinki is a city that is filled with interesting museums and, especially if you’re visiting in the winter months, spending some time exploring the various museums is an excellent way to escape the Finnish weather. Though a popular option is the National Museum of Finland, it is currently closed for major renovations until the spring of 2027.

Art fans, however, will have lots to choose from and one of the best places to visit is the Amos Rex Museum . This contemporary art museum is something of a newcomer in the Finnish capital, having only opened in 2018.

There are countless interesting exhibitions to visit here and you can easily spend a couple of hours taking them in. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, then this is one of the best things to do in Helsinki.

Entry into Amos Rex is €20 per person, however, it is also included in the Helsinki Card . The museum is open every day except for Tuesday, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Temppeliaukio Church

After a short journey by foot from Amos Rex, you’ll find yourself at one of the most interesting sights in Helsinki in the Töölö neighborhood; the Temppeliaukio Church.

While the Temppeliaukio Church at its heart is a simple Lutheran Church, the unique feature of the church is its structure. The church is carved directly into solid rock, giving it the alternative name of “church of the rock”.

Built in the 1960s by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the church is unlike any other church you’ll likely come across, and for that reason, is one of the most visited attractions in the city of Helsinki. 

The church is open for visitors every day of the week except Sunday.

Day 2 – Sauna Experience & Suomenlinna 

Finnish breakfast.

Among all the reasons that I love spending time in Finland, I’d be hard-pressed not to say that breakfast is my favourite reason. Breakfast in Finland is truly an experience, and the Finnish have truly figured out how to make it near perfect.

Finland uses some of the freshest and highest quality ingredients and has a knack for combining flavour and nutrition. Many cafes in the city do breakfast in a set meal style, where you have a choice of various menus and these typically include quite a few options, with a hot drink, juice, main, and dessert.

While these can be pricey (like most things in Finland), I do suggest it as it’s a great way to fuel up for the day. My recommendation is to head to Levain Bakery, with 3 locations in Helsinki.

Sauna at Löyly Helsinki

I think it’s pretty safe to say that there are few things more synonymous with Finland than the sauna. Sauna is less of just a “place you go” in Finland and is at the heart of Finnish identity and culture.

One of the best ways to experience Finland like a local and enjoy all it has to offer is to head to a sauna. I suggest heading to Löyly Helsinki , a Sauna located directly on the sea and the perfect spot for tourists and locals to soak up the heat and maybe even take a cold plunge beforehand!

You need to book a spot in advance as they fill up quickly, and €24 gets you two hours at the sauna, a towel, shampoo & soap, and a sauna seat cover. Don’t forget to bring your own towel!

Suomenlinna 

After enjoying a relaxing few hours at the Finnish sauna, the next stop on this Helsinki itinerary is to head to another one of the most well-known attractions in Helsinki.

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sea fortress made up of 8 islands located just off of the mainland coast of Helsinki. The fortress itself is a neighborhood of Helsinki and is an extremely popular spot to visit for both tourists and locals.

Originally built and occupied by the Swedish and then Russians, hence the Swedish name, Suomenlinna is an important part of Finnish history.

Reaching Suomenlinna is pretty straightforward, with a 15-minute ferry from the Katajanokka ferry port by a ticket that’s included in Helsinki’s public transport or can be purchased here.

The Suomenlinna Fortress itself is free for entry and is an incredibly interesting monument and a beautiful island to explore on a nice day.

Day 3 – Porvoo or Sipoonkorpi National Park Day Trip

If you’re seeing Helsinki in 3 days, I suggest spending your last day in an area outside of the city as there are lovely spots to visit that are nearby and a completely different experience.

Due to the weather being so different at various points of the year (winter vs summer), I’ve given two different day trip options in this section.

Sipoonkorpi National Park

If you’re visiting Helsinki during the summertime, I highly suggest taking advantage of Finland’s incredibly special nature, rich forests, and diverse landscapes.

The Sipoonkorpi National Park sits directly on the edge of Helsinki and is the perfect taster into Finland’s special natural world.

The best way to reach Sipoonkorpi is to first take a bus from Helsinki to one of the nearby towns in/by the park and then take a local taxi further into the area. It is also possible to take guided tours.

The towns and villages nearby are also lovely spots to enjoy a coffee or lunch before enjoying time in nature. Finland also has a free for all law, so pretty much anywhere in the country is available to wander through and any berries (delicious too) or anything else you can find is yours to enjoy!

For those visiting Helsinki during the winter months, a great day trip option is to head to the neighboring middle-aged town of Porvoo.

Unfortunately, train schedules to Porvoo from Helsinki are pretty irregular so I don’t suggest train transport, but you can get a bus to Porvoo from Helsinki in just about an hour or book a guided tour.

Porvoo is incredibly picturesque, and under the winter snow, it has an even more special atmosphere. The town is the second oldest in all of Finland and this is incredibly well preserved and reflected through the town’s unique architecture.

Spend time wandering through the old town, browsing through shops, sipping hot chocolate, and eating at one of the local restaurants and you have the perfect day trip from Helsinki. 

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Bob W Kluuvi – This mid-range hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a nice and comfortable place to base themselves in the Finnish capital. Centrally located, they have countless lovely rooms to choose from and there is breakfast available in the mornings.

Hotel Mestari – Those after a luxury stay in Helsinki will love this modern hotel. They have a great location for exploring the city, a number of sophisticated rooms to choose from and countless amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

The Yard Hostel – If you’re travelling to Finland on a budget, then this hip hostel is a great choice. They offer both dorms and private rooms, have excellent common areas and self-catering facilities and a good atmosphere for meeting other travelers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Helsinki hotels!

Finland easily seems like one of the closest things to a perfect oasis on earth and just spending time in the capital city of Helsinki and nearby areas will likely solidify this for you. Whether you’re intentionally planning a trip to Helsinki by itself or have a stopover in the capital city before heading to Finnish Lapland, you’re in for a treat.

Are you planning a visit to Helsinki? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Finland Itinerary (Winter or Summer)

Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Nordic Capital to Visit?

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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Helsinki in One Day: Your Perfect Itinerary for 24 Hours in Helsinki

February 7, 2020

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Make the most of one day in Helsinki with our itinerary for 24 hours in Finland’s cool capital. We have one itinerary that covers the classic tourist attractions. And another itinerary based on tips from Helsinki locals. Moomins and saunas await. Each within a single day. 

As local Antti puts it, “Helsinki doesn’t just show you its secrets. You have to work a bit to get to know it, but that’s very rewarding.”

Can you see Helsinki in one day?

Yes! Well, not entirely, obviously. But you can have a great day and see plenty of the city. Finland’s icy capital rewards visitors with a compact centre and hot design. Snack on cloudberries and lingonberry cocktails in chrome bars, nourish your mind with modern museums, then strip off to join the locals in a traditional sauna. All possible in Helsinki in one day.

ONE DAY IN HELSINKI VIDEO:

Just one day in Helsinki. In winter? No problem. Let’s go!

Table of Contents

Helsinki in One Day: Classic Sights

How this itinerary works.

This 24 hour itinerary includes classic Helsinki attractions as well as a few unusual spots. I’ve divided suggestions into three blocks: morning, afternoon and evening. 

That way, you can easily slice and dice it depending on what time you arrive in the city. The recommended activities and places to eat flow within the itinerary. At the end, I’ve suggested some other places which don’t fit quite as neatly into this one day in Helsinki plan. If you have more time (or really want to miss one thing for another) then swap around as you prefer.

Also, as an exciting bonus, we have a one day in Helsinki itinerary for you curated wholly by locals via the ever excellent Spotted by Locals team.  

However you want to see the city, we have you covered!

Disclosure – If you book or buy through some of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Don’t get in a spin if you only have one day in Helsinki. Follow one of these itineraries instead! [Oodi Library Interior]

Morning in Helsinki

Button up against the cold and stride out to see Helsinki’s classic landmarks. Luckily, they’re clustered close together and walkable with the right footwear.

Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Helsinki has the glacial Helsinki Cathedral. It’s served as the city’s landmark since its completion in 1852 and the Senate Square gives the building space to breathe (and visitors space to selfie.)

Torikorttelit Historical Centre

Warm up with cosy cafes in the narrow streets of Torikorttelit, Helsinki’s historical centre. Take your fill of design shops here (you may not be able to explore the Design District fully with only one day in Helsinki as it’s a little further away.)

Walk on to…

Uspenski Cathedral

In contrast to the white and aquamarine of Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski roars in blood red and deep green. It’s one of the largest Orthodox Churches in Western Europe and home to many icons and paintings. 

Optional: if you decide the afternoon plan is not for you, then walk from Uspenski Cathedral to Market Square to hop on a sightseeing cruise. This may work better as a summer option, however…

Esplanade Park

Known as “Espa” locally, this main city walkway runs between Erottaja square and Market Square and makes a good place for a stroll. 

Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplanadi streets make up the north and south borders.

Stockmann Department Store

The self-proclaimed biggest department store in the whole Nordic region, Stockmann’s covers several floors and glitters in the winter lights of Helsinki. Worth a quick look but then move on.

Plenty of food markets and cosy cafes with keep you well fed and warm during your one day in Helsinki

Lunch: Three Options in Helsinki

With only one day in Helsinki, it pays to combine lunch with another activity.

Here are three suggestions:

• Eat at the small café at the Deign Museum. As the World Design Capital 2012, Helsinki is no stranger to the idea that good ideas are good ideas.
• The Old Market Hall – running since 1889, find a wide range of local delicacies like salmiakki (salted liquorice) and sweet cinnamon Pulla. Grab and go or sit down at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
• – Hietalahti Market Hall – this gourmet street food market lives in a cute old fashioned building a little way out of town. Food is international, though, so for local dishes, check out the One Day in Helsinki Like a Local Guide.

Outside the stunning Oodi LIbrary

Afternoon in Helsinki

Swap tradition for modernity by taking in a series of world-class museums with astonishing structural design.

Helsinki Central Station

This deserves a shout out for its Art Nouveau exterior and useful point as a meeting place. It’s just a short walk past the station to a complex of four interesting buildings connected by a rather dreary flat square.

Oodi Library with Swirling Designs

Described as a “living meeting place,” Helsinki’s Central Library is an inspiring, uplifting, brilliant piece of community architecture. Check out the events page or just walk below its curving roof and clear glass angles. Look for the double staircase inside that creates an optical illusion of a spiral.

Helsinki Music Centre

Great for a concert and worth a quick look as it’s so close to the Oodi library. A café and crossing staircase show Helsinki’s flair for design again.

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

Enjoy the building of this Contemporary Art Museum as much as the exhibits inside, with its curving walls, walkways and windows.

National Museum of Finland

This beautiful Art Nouveau building presents Finnish history from prehistoric times to the 19 th century. The most interesting part is the exhibition on Sibelius, the great Finnish composer, and the jewellery collection.

That’s all you’ll have time for with only one day in Helsinki, but I’ve gathered a list of other cool museums further down in the article.

Last chance at modesty before heading into the Löyly Sauna in Helsinki

Evening: Sauna with the Locals

Sauna (pronounced S-OW-nuh) is BIG in Helsinki. Indeed, in the whole of Finland.

It’s not some tepid, add-on afterthought as it is in the gyms and swimming pools of the UK and beyond.

It’s  the  social activity, bordering on  the  reason for being.

Friends sauna together, strangers sauna together. Work colleagues sauna together.

I’ve visited Finland for work on two occasions now and each time, the first proper meeting took place in the sauna.

You have to try it! (Obviously, within the caveats of not having low blood pressure, pregnancy, etc etc, and all the usual medical caveats involved when searching online.

Do you really have to sauna naked in Finland?

Traditionally, people sauna in the nude in Finland. But Helsinki has taken pity on her foreign visitors and allows swimsuits at most public saunas to ease you into it.

Evening: Sauna at Löyly 

I’d highly recommend Löyly in Helsinki for a number of reasons:

• It’s beautifully made of fresh wood and clean design
• You can book in advance (in fact you should)
• It’s close to the sea, which becomes important for the next part

How Sauna works

• First, you put your coat and boots into a communal locker before you pay. Finland is designed for people to battle with the snow and so cloakrooms are plentiful and work well.
• At reception, you pick up a towel, cloth mat and key with rubber ankle band. Note, don’t make my mistake and put it around your wrist. That just makes you stand out. As if the rest of it didn’t.
• Changing rooms are segregated by gender, so change into your swimwear and put everything into the locker. Yes, everything. It’s not the place for a mobile phone or camera. Or book. Or anything except…
• All the local women brought cotton robes, flip flops, hairbrush, make up remover and moisturiser as these aren’t supplied.
• Take the towel and cotton mat and head into the communal area. Hang your towel on a hook for later and use the mat to sit on in the sauna itself.
• Get hot in the sauna
• Walk into the Baltic Sea (even below freezing in winter.)
• Traditionally, the idea is to rinse and repeat up to 6-8 times. In between, you can get water in a reusable plastic cup or order food. Although the setup suggests low-carb sprig-light salads, the way the locals prefer is to order a portion of chips with pickle, sliced chorizo-like sausage and mustard.
• The whole session lasts two hours and then it’s time to shower and change and head either out to the bar or off home.

Unlike the UK, sauna rooms are dark, smell nice and people chat. In fact, it’s closer to a pub atmosphere than anything else. Except hotter. Much hotter. There’s no timer or clock and people tend to stay in the sauna for 20-30 minutes at a time before…

So did I do it?

Yes, I did/ Did I enjoy it? It actually didn’t feel all that cold, but I did get electric shocks pinging their way up and down my skin.

Did I do it again? Erm. No.

Sauna Options in Helsinki

Traditional smoked sauna and wood heated sauna right by the Baltic sea. Fantastic view by day.

Allas Sea Pool

New spa complex with large pool area and saunas.

Lonna Island Sauna

Log built cabin open in summer.

Kotiharjun Sauna

Traditional wood-heated sauna that dates back to 1928.

Late Evening in Helsinki – The Sky Bar

If you have the energy, then make the most of your one night in Helsinki on the 13 th floor at the Sky Bar of the Clarion Hotel [hosted.] The bar sometimes has live music but always has a fantastic view.

Entrance is open to non-guests and the view in the lift includes all the classics of Helsinki like the two main cathedrals. It’s right by tram 9 so incredibly easy to get to from Helsinki town centre.

Cocktail Tip

Top Tip: try a Finnish gin and tonic. It comes with lingonberries and a sprig of rosemary and is both bitter and refreshing at the same time.

Pin now and save this itinerary for one day in Helsinki

Helsinki in One Day: Itinerary From a Local

This off the beaten track itinerary for Helsinki comes from the team at Spotted by Locals. They start their 24 hour itinerary in Helsinki early. Buckle up and see the overlooked sights!

Getting Around

No matter whether you’ve come by plane, train or ferry, you’ll need walking boots and a metro ticket to get around for the day.  Helsinki’s metro and orange trains have kept the  ‘70s decor but function easily and efficiently.

It goes without saying that you should get a day ticket!

Did you know?

Helsinki has the world’s northernmost metro line.

You can appropriately start your exploration at the famous Central Railway station, a local favourite meet-up point.

Alternatively, you can get off at the adjacent station, Kamppi, to admire the brilliant artwork Roots of the City.

Coffee in Helsinki: A World Record

Finns are the top consumers of coffee in the world, with 8-9 cups per day considered normal. 

Coffee and Breakfast in Helsinki

You can have your own first cup of the day at  Ekberg , Helsinki’s oldest café (founded in 1852.)

It’s one of the few cafés where you get table service. Locals of all ages feel comfortable here; local Janiina comes here with her sister every year on their birthday. You must be hungry by now, so you can do as she does and celebrate with the breakfast buffet — or some pie.

Helsinki’s Design District

• Nearby, Lokal is a bright art gallery featuring Finnish designers and artists. You can peruse one of the temporary exhibitions, buy a gift for someone special or get a cool piece to remember this little trip forever. Our Spotter Antti admits he’d easily go there every day if he could.
• While in the Design District, you can also drop by the Five Corners (or Viiskulma ), Helsinki’s “place-to-be” from 10 years ago. Its cool lustre hasn’t completely worn off — you can still find a lot here, especially if you’re interested in record stores like local Joonas (e.g. Digelius Music , Eronen & A.H. Records ).

Now: time for a walk.

Moomins and Sculptures

Remember the moomins?   All sorts of honours dedicated to author Tove Jansson (who passed away in 2001) can be found in Helsinki today. You’ll find a park named after her in the elegant suburb of Katajanooka, her former home.

Her father, Victor Jansson, was a famous sculptor himself, and used his family as models. You can make a game of finding statues of young Tove everywhere in Helsinki, but the best known one is in Kaisaniemi park, behind the National Theater. Would Mr. Jansson have ever imagined that his young daughter would go on to far surpass him in international acclaim?

Take in the Helsinki Skyline

Time for some views! Hotel Torni means “hotel tower” in Finnish. They weren’t joking: at 70 metres high, it used to be the country’s tallest building for a long time. You can have an early drink or take another step towards taking the Finns head-on in their coffee-drinking records at the rooftop ateljée bar.

You can even feel free to pop by and just use the restroom as a vantage point; from the ladies’ you can spot the Parliament house, Finlandia house, Music house, National Museum and Kiasma Museum. Local Aino-Marja often comes up here just to use the bathroom and enjoy the view. Shh. Not that we told you that.

Kallio: The Bohemian District & Sauna

Next stop: the famous neighbourhood Kallio. Use your metro day pass and get off at Sörnäinen station. There are few better ways to start your exploration in this vibrant, bohemian district than by treating your body & soul to a sauna visit. There are two excellent options in the area that have survived the general gentrification that’s taken place around them: Sauna Arla & Kotiharjun Sauna .

Which one you choose will depend on whether you visualise your authentic sauna experience in a more tranquil, private setting, or as a chance to socialise with strangers, respectively.

No matter which one you choose, our Spotter Joonas recommends you bring your own drinks (drinks are allowed but not sold in the premises.)

But bringing your swimsuit or towel is not advisable, at least if you want to make friends with the locals. 

More About the Sauna

Keep in mind that Finns do not consider being naked in the sauna as something sexual, and generally feel more comfortable inside saunas than anywhere else.

By now, it’s time to fuel up.

Where to Eat in Helsinki : The Local View

Nearby Ipi Kulmakuppila is one of our Spotter Janiina’s favourites: it’s a cool café with a white/wooden interior and big windows that manages to stay cosy rather than feel too trendy. Here they serve brunch and lunch and have a mostly vegetarian menu. Why not also grab a local craft beer to enjoy together with your lunch? A welcome social plus: the café gives employment to disabled people.

Alternatively, you may go for the vegetarian buffet at Silvoplee or the experience of eating seafood on the floating restaurant Meripaviljonki .

Helsinki’s Winter Garden for the Afternoon

Now, here’s a beautiful tip for the afternoon: Helsinki’s Winter Garden, or Talvipuutarha . It’s a “secret” yard inside a big, 120-year-old greenhouse. Its three rooms are filled with cacti, palm trees, magnolias and all kinds of plants. It also has benches where you can enjoy another coffee-on-the-go or you can get inspired by our local Janiina and have a picnic — in case you opted to skip lunch. You can come here with something from traditional bakery Leipomo K. E. Avikainen .

Speakeasy Helsinki

As the day is winding down, If you’re up for another beer, try Pub Sirdie , one of the few places in Kallio that haven’t changed a bit! It’s actually been here for more than 5 decades, and it’s said that, during Prohibition (1919-1932) it was already home to a speakeasy. You won’t find another bar that still has this rough and rugged punk rock vibe Kallio used to be known for.

The old (working!) jukebox has international and Finnish rock classics and, for a couple of years now, the bar has actually been run by its fans. After the announcement it was closing down, they came together and bought it! 

Helsinki Nightlife

Here are some suggestions for enjoying Helsinki’s nightlife.

• You can stay in Kallio and visit Elanto Block , which is actually the district’s main hub all day long, but truly shines after dark. It consists of old factories (including one for matches from 1874!) and warehouses that have been transformed into a buzzing hive around a club complex. It is an ideal choice if electronic music is your jam. In Elanto Block’s inner yard, our Spotter Joonas favourite part of the complex, you will find Kaiku and Kuudes Linja, both excellent venues for DJ sets and live music respectively. You can also find places to have something to eat before you continue your evening adventures.
• If you’re looking for a more relaxed night out, you can try Orion , a cinema back in the area around Kamppi. Housed inside an art déco gem, it is an independent cinema and has been screening films since the 1920s. It’s one of local Janiina’s favourite places not only in Helsinki, but on Earth!
• Last but certainly not least, how about pizza for dinner? Via Tribunali has two restaurants, one in the centre and one in Kallio, and it’s the only pizzeria in Finland to have received the supreme accolade, the authenticity certificate by Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana. Local Joonas hasn’t found a more balanced Pizza Siciliana anywhere else in Finland. Who said you can only get good pizza in Italy? Hyvää ruokahalua! (Buon Appetito!)

For more local favorites in Europe, the Middle East and North America, check out Spotted by Locals .

How to Spend More Time in Helsinki

Nature and the outdoors, suomenlinna sea fortress unesco world heritage site.

According to many, this is THE place to visit in Helsinki. When the weather is good.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can reach the island by ferry on public transport, or you can take a tour.

Tööjönlahti Bay

Popular with joggers, this large bay in the centre has historical wooden villas on the opposite shore.

Seurasaari Island Open Air Museum and Beach

See wooden buildings relocated from across Finland and relax on the beach and in the many restaurants and cafes.

Family Attractions in Helsinki

Helsinki zoo.

The island of Korkeasaari is home to one of the oldest zoos in the world. Helsinki zoo dates back to 1889. Reach from the centre on bus 16.

Outliers and Day Trips from Helsinki

While we’re lucky in that so many of Helsinki’s top attractions live so close together, there are a few outliers that you might want to know about if you have a little more time.

The Kamppi Chapel of Silence

Contemporary wooden architecture provides a place for meditation in Helsinki City Centre

Finlandia Hall

Finland’s legendary Alvar Aalto designed this venue for conferences, concerts and events.

Temppeliaukio – The Rock Church

Built into solid rock, this church looks as though a disc of gold has landed on the wintry capital.

The Ateneum Art Museum

The Ateneum holds one of the biggest collections of classical art in Helsinki and is one third of the Finnish National Gallery.

This new art museum looks like a cross between Gaudi’s Par Güell ceramic works and a Moomin. Inside live private art collections but it’s the outside that intrigues the most.

Helsinki Art Museum HAM

Modern and contemporary art run by the city.

Kunsthalle Helsinki

More contemporary art but also design, architecture and events and a building worth visiting.

Iittala & Arabia Design Centre

Take tram 6 or 8 to learn more about these celebrated Finnish design and lifestyle brands.

Uunisaaren Sauna

Steamrooms and whirlpool saunas on a small island in Helsinki. Absolutely fascinating in the midst of winter, when bathing holes are carved into the ice.

The modern Clarion Hotel in Helsinki

Where to Stay in Helsinki

The clarion hotel.

Design focused and with spectacular views across the city of Helsinki and her landmarks, the Clarion is a comfortable, restful place to stay with the option of a buzzing 16 th floor Sky bar if you’re looking for more energy.

Its rooftop gym, sauna and swimming pool help you to embrace the Finnish way of life . And I loved the living room area on the ground floor for coffee, map planning and sketching out ideas. (By the by, the pool is too small for swimming laps. It’s also outdoors and designed for splashing in as part of the sauna experience.)

It’s is a short ride on tram 9 into the centre of town and the tram stop is right outside the hotel.

• Check prices and availability for the Clarion Helsinki here.

Other Hotels in Helsinki

I haven’t stayed at these but from talking to people, I’d suggest: 

1 – The Kämp Hotel exudes classical five star luxury in Helsinki.

2 – Hotel Lilla Roberts lives off a quiet side street in a former police station and electrical sub-station. But the eclectic design makes up for it!

3 – The GLO Hotel is an affordable hotel near the central train station.

Helsinki is large, but most visitors stay in quite a small part at the tip.

Getting Around Helsinki

Our one day in Helsinki itineraries are deliberately designed to minimise your travel time. Helsinki city centre is walkable but the public transport can help if time is short or legs are tired.

The Tram and Bus System

Use Google Maps to easily find your way around this system. Tickets can be bought via the HSL app, which sounds like a fiddly nuisance but is actually really easy. Otherwise, you can buy tickets in the local supermarkets (which is simple enough as most people speak English but it’s still more hassle than quickly downloading the app.)

Tap to validate your ticket on boarding and then you can use it for two hours before it expires.

If you plan on more than two trips in a day, then it’s worth buying a day ticket instead.

The Helsinki Day Pass

This pass gives free public transport and reduced admission to several attractions across the city. It’s cheaper if you buy online in advance but the big question is… is it worth it?

Possibly but probably not, is the answer. If you plan on pelting through the expensive attractions and plan to use public transport a lot, then yes. If not, you may be better off to pay for things separately.

If you have more than one day in Helsinki, then the equation changes. It seems much more worthwhile to buy the 48 hour or 72 hour pass.

Taxis and Uber

Taxis are easy enough to track down at the airport or from a hotel. Elsewhere, Uber is much easier for non-locals.

Uber is alive and well in Helsinki and incredibly easy to use if you haven’t before.

Simply download the app, enter where you want to go and book your trip. You can trace the progress of the car as it reaches you, you’ll be given a numberplate so you know you’re getting in the right cab and, best of all, there’s no haggling over directions or the price. At the end, it bills the card you have registered with the app. Business travellers, note, you can switch to business Uber for free and get a receipt and expense the receipt. It’s also easy to switch back to your personal Uber account for anything, well, personal.

Visiting Helsinki in Winter?

• It may be very, very cold! As in minus 30 degrees. But it could also be 10 degrees. Check before you go.
• Many outdoor attractions are closed. The canal cruises are not running.

Flying to Helsinki

Helsinki airport is a beauty! Full of cool design features like curving natural screens and sounds of nature, it’s also a good place to stock up on Moomin merchandise and Marimekko.

It’s not in Helsinki proper, it’s in Vantaa. Leave around an hour to get in and out of town.

Taxis and ubers cost in the region of 40 euro at the time of writing.

• Find the best prices for flying to Helsinki through Skyscanner.

What to Pack: Travel Essentials for Helsinki

• In winter, at the very least, bring shoes with a thick sole, a hat, gloves, scarf and sturdy warm, winter proof coat. Consider thermals.
• Pocket size guidebook to Helsinki from Lonely Planet
• International plug adapter or EU adapter for your electronics.
• Gloves with touchscreen function can be very helpful when finding your way around using Google Maps! 
• Download the Spotted by Locals App Helsinki for local information and cool tips for your one day in Helsinki.
• Check out our ultimate travel checklist to get completely ready for your trip. 

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Complete Helsinki Itinerary: How to Spend 1 Day in Helsinki, Finland

Wondering how to spend 1 day in Helsinki? You are in the right place because I have prepared a detailed Helsinki itinerary for 1 day with a lot of useful travel tips.

Helsinki , the capital of Finland , is a city that effortlessly marries modernity with nature, creating a unique destination for travelers. With its stunning architecture, rich history, delectable cuisine, and abundant green spaces, Helsinki is a must-visit destination in Northern Europe.

In this article, you will find a complete Helsinki Itinerary for one day with other practical travel tips that you should know before visiting Helsinki.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Useful information for 1 Day in Helsinki

Is helsinki worth visiting.

Helsinki is one of the most beautiful cities in the Scandinavia. It’s the capital of Finland and a perfect place to get in touch with the Finnish culture.

The perfect blend of classical buildings and modern architecture is undoubtedly one of the best reasons to visit Helsinki. A trip to Helsinki is perfect for architecture lovers.

For nature lovers, picturesque landscapes overlooking the water and the green spaces are another reason to plan 24 hours in Helsinki.

And finally, it is one of the most livable destinations in Europe. This way it is easy to plan for a short or long weekend in Helsinki by using public transport.

Helsinki is a tourist-friendly city, but considering limited time, you still need a comprehensive itinerary for 1 day in Helsinki. That is where I step in.

RELATED : 30 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Helsinki, Finland

How many days in Helsinki?

1 day in Helsinki is a good amount of time to enjoy all the essentials of Helsinki, taste delicious food, and try unforgettable experiences.

In this itinerary, we will cover how to spend one day in Helsinki and how to maximize your time in this modern city. I will add some optional stops, so this itinerary suits different travelers and interests.

In case you want to explore Helsinki and beyond, I recommend you spend at least 3 days in Helsinki.

When is the best time to visit Helsinki?

Summer in Helsinki is an enchanting time. The temperatures are warm and pleasant and visitors can revel in numerous outdoor festivals, open-air concerts, and cultural events that fill the streets. However, do keep in mind that summer is the peak tourist season, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.

Shoulder Season

During the shoulder seasons, you can explore Helsinki’s Museums, historic sites, and art galleries are yours to enjoy without the bustling summer crowds. It’s an ideal time for those seeking a deeper connection with the city’s history and heritage.

Winter in Helsinki offers a unique and enchanting experience. This is your season if you’re a fan of winter sports like ice skating, cross-country skiing, or even ice swimming. Helsinki’s Christmas markets, holiday festivities, and cozy cafes provide a warm contrast to the snowy streets.

If you are a Christmas enthusiast consider exploring the area of Rovaniemi, the town of Santa Claus. You could even stay at one of the best glass igloos in Finland or explore ice hotels in Scandinavia.

How to get to Helsinki from the airport?

The most popular and efficient mode of transportation from Helsinki Airport to the city center is undoubtedly the train. The Ring Rail Line easily connects the airport to the central railway station.

Upon arriving at the airport, travelers will find the train station conveniently situated in the corridor between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The frequency of trains is impressive, with departures occurring approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. This means that, regardless of your arrival time, there will be a train ready to take you into the city.

For those who prefer a different pace or wish to explore more of the city on their journey, buses 615 and 620 offer a viable alternative. These buses have stops conveniently located just outside both airport terminals.

While buses run at regular intervals, it’s important to note that the journey duration is slightly longer, typically taking between 40 to 50 minutes.

A ride from the airport typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis provide a comfortable and private mode of transportation, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family or a group. However, it’s important to remember that taxi fares are higher than public transport options.

How to get to Helsinki from the ferry terminals?

Helsinki West Harbour Terminal 2 is conveniently located approximately 25 minutes from the city center via tram. Once you get out of the port, you will find tram number 7 and number 9.

In case you are traveling by Viking Line, you will arrive at the Katajanokka Terminal. Take the tram number 4 and you will be in the heart of Helsinki in 15 minutes.

You can use the HSL mobile app or machine to purchase a single ticket, return trip, or daily fare.

RELATED : How to Plan a Day Trip to Helsinki from Tallinn via Ferry

How to move around Helsinki?

When visiting Helsinki for 1 day, choosing the right method to move around is essential to save time and money. I will add more tips within the itinerary so you know what is walkable and where you will need transport, but here are the best ways to move around Helsinki together with pros and cons.

Public transport

If you are planning to spend one day in Helsinki, you can safely rely on public transport. Helsinki boasts an extensive tram network and busses. Trams are a convenient way to get around, with routes connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Buses complement the tram system, serving areas not covered by trams. Helsinki’s buses are clean and efficient, making them a viable option for exploring the city. Like trams, you can buy tickets onboard or through the HSL app or machines.

Helsinki has a metro line that connects the eastern suburbs to the city center. It’s a fast and efficient way to travel.

Given Helsinki’s maritime location, ferries are a unique mode of transportation. A perfect 1 day in Helsinki itinerary for first-timers should include a ferry ride to admire the city from the water. They connect the city to nearby islands like Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you are looking for an original way to move around your 24 hours in Helsinki, the bike can be a fun way to discover the city. Helsinki is a bicycle-friendly city with dedicated bike lanes and rental services. You can easily rent a bike to explore the city at your own pace. Many bike paths are separated from car traffic.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Plenty of taxis are available in Helsinki, and additionally, you can also use ride-sharing services like Uber. Taxis can be a convenient option if you have only 1 day in Helsinki.

This is probably the easiest way to get the best out of your 1 day Helsinki itinerary. Helsinki’s compact city center is perfect for exploring on foot. Most of the key attractions, shops, restaurants, and cafes are within walking distance of each other. 

Where to stay in Helsinki for 1 day?

It is important to find the right accommodation for your trip, so I have prepared a list of the best hotels in Helsinki for every budget. Depending on your travel style, I am sure you will find something suitable, so take a look and decide where to stay in Helsinki.

Luxury: Hotel K ämp  

Established as the first Grand Hotel in Finland, there’s no better place in the capital to give a boost of luxury to your Helsinki vacation. It is located a few steps away from the Senate Square.

With 179 spacious rooms, 15 of which are luxurious suites, the hotel offers high-quality accommodation in each of these rooms.

Unique: GLO Hotel Art

Set in a 1900s Art Nouveau castle located in the Design District, this is a great solution if you are looking for one-of-a-kind accommodation for your trip to Helsinki.

While the exteriors appear to be ancient, as you step in you will find very modern rooms providing all comforts.

Mid-Range: Hotel Finn

If you are wondering how to spend 1 day in Helsinki in good quality accommodation without killing your finances, Hotel Finn should be your choice.

The hotel offers modern and stylish rooms for a comfortable and central stay while visiting Helsinki.

Affordable: Inn Tourist Hostel

Inn Tourist Hostel is the perfect place to spend one night or a long weekend in Helsinki if you are on a budget. Located a few minutes away by public transport, it offers a good base to explore the city.

The accommodations are essential but very functional and have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

What to do in Helsinki for 1 day?

• See the iconic Helsinki Cathedral 
• Explore hidden gems like The National Library of Finland and St. John’s Church
• Relax at the Engel cafe
• Take a walk to the Uspenski Cathedral
• Eat your way through Helsinki Market
• Visit local museums
• See the modern architecture at the Kamppi Chapel
• Jump on the Archipelago Cruise

1 day in Helsinki itinerary

Overview of your 1 day in helsinki.

• Morning: HelsinkiCathedral, The National Library of Finland, Engel cafe, Uspenski Cathedral
• Lunch : Helsinki Market
• Afternoon: Rikhardinkatu Library, St. John’s Church, Design Museum or Amos Rex optional, Kamppi Chapel
• Evening: Archipelago Cruise
• Dinner: Restaurant Savotta or Ravintola Palace

Helsinki Cathedral

Your 1 day Helsinki itinerary starts by visiting the Helsinki Cathedral, the symbol of the Finnish capital. Standing proud in Senate Square, this grand neoclassical cathedral, is topped with an iconic green dome designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.

Once you pass the statue of Alexander the Second, walk the long and impressive stairs to reach the cathedral.

Stepping inside, you’ll discover a place of profound simplicity and spirituality. The cathedral’s interior reflects the elegance of neoclassical design, with clean lines and a sense of harmony. The atmosphere invites quiet contemplation and reflection.

One striking feature of the Helsinki Cathedral is its architectural layout. The church’s plan takes the form of a Greek cross, perfectly symmetrical in each of the four cardinal directions. Each arm of the cross is adorned with a colonnade and pediment, enhancing the cathedral’s classical beauty.

The Cathedral is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 11.30 am to 6 pm. There is no entrance fee, but you will find a donation box near the entrance.

The National Library of Finland

The National Library of Finland is an absolute must-visit for any Helsinki itinerary for first-timers. The Library is part of the University of Helsinki and from 1919 to 2006, it was known as the Helsinki University Library. 

The Library is a cultural heritage organization that is open to all and provides nationwide services to citizens, scientific communities, and other societal operators. It is also responsible for storing the Finnish cultural heritage. 

The moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a stunning blend of architecture and design. The interiors are a sight to behold, with elegant wooden details and a painted ceiling that adds a touch of beauty. 

As a visitor, you can enter the library for free, but you will have to leave all your belongings in the cloakroom. Please, keep in mind that silence is appreciated.

The National Library of Finland is open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.

RELATED : 100+ Best Finland Quotes and Finland Instagram Captions

After your exploration of Helsinki’s iconic symbols, it’s time to indulge in a delightful coffee or breakfast experience at one of the city’s finest cafes. Engel Cafe, situated just opposite the cathedral, offers the perfect respite for both rainy and sunny days.

The cozy interiors invite you to enjoy a warm drink or some local specialties with a view of Helsinki Cathedral directly from your window.

One of the standout features of Engel Cafe is its delectable selection of freshly prepared cakes. Additionally, the cafe offers several breakfast deals, ensuring you start your day in Helsinki on the right note.

If you are just looking for a good cup of tea or coffee, Engel Cafe has you covered with its wide selection. From aromatic teas to rich and robust coffees.

Engel cafes welcomes visitors every day from 8 am to 9 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm.

Uspenski Cathedral

After a refreshing break walk to the Uspenski Cathedral to discover another religious sight of the Finnish capital.

Any Helsinki itinerary for 1 day couldn’t be complete without a visit to Uspenski Cathedral. This is the head of the Orthodox Church in Finland and it is considered to be the largest Orthodox temple in Western and Northern Europe.

The cathedral’s exterior is a visual marvel, characterized by its gleaming golden cupolas and striking redbrick facade. These architectural elements, match the cathedral’s stunning interiors, making it one of the most distinctive symbols of the Russian influence on Finnish history.

Beyond its religious significance, the Uspenski Cathedral also offers a panoramic view of the city from its elevated location. Ascending to the cathedral’s heights, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Helsinki’s skyline, the majestic Baltic Sea, and the surrounding islands.

There is no entrance fee, so it is one of the best free things to do in Helsinki.

RELATED : Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland

Lunch – Market Gamla Saluhallen

If you are wondering what to do in Helsinki for 1 day to get some authentic vibes, the Gamla Saluhallen is the place to be.

This market dates back to the 19th century, and it is not only the perfect place to find some unique products and delicatessen but also the ideal place to have a genuine Finnish lunch.

SOUP+MORE Vanha Kauppahalli was my choice, and I simply can’t recommend it enough. The creamy salmon soup with dill was hands down one of the best soups I had in my life.

If soups are not your thing, you can find several stalls where you can try Nordic specialties. If you are in the mood for a quick coffee or a sweet, Cafe Scandinavia is a good place to get one of the best cinnamon rolls in Helsinki.

The Market opens its doors every day from 8 am to 6 pm.

Want to elevate your food experience? Don’t miss this market tour for foodies visiting Helsinki .

Rikhardinkatu Library

As you continue your exploration of Helsinki, take a short stroll from the market to the Rikhardinkatu Library, an essential addition to your Helsinki itinerary for 1 day. Especially if you have a passion for books, design, or architecture.

This public library has been a beloved institution since its opening in 1896, and it was thoughtfully designed by architect Theodor Höijer. What makes Rikhardinkatu Library truly special is its seamless blend of modern and classic design elements.

But Rikhardinkatu Library isn’t just about books; it’s also a showcase of artistic talent. The library proudly displays works of art created by members of the Helsinki Artists’ Association, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to your visit.

You can find updated opening times here .

St. John’s Church

Less than a 10-minute walk away, find St. John’s Church, which is one of the most impressive churches in Helsinki. I consider this Imposing, late-19th-century neo-Gothic stone church,  a hidden gem in Helsinki as there is not much information online.

Located in a peaceful park, St. John’s Church was built between 1888 and 1891 and designed by a Swedish architect. It is the biggest Lutheran Church in Helsinki and the largest stone church in Finland by seating capacity.

Due to its excellent acoustics, the church is popular as a venue for classical concerts, which are held regularly.

The beauty of the exteriors matches perfectly with the spectacular interiors. Colored panels within the church create beautiful plays of light and shadow, adding to the overall enchantment of the space.

You can visit the church for free every day from midday to 5 pm and on Sunday from midday to 3 pm.

Optional: Design Museum or Amos Rex

Depending on your time and interest, I have selected 2 museums in Helsinki.

Amos Rex is a unique space where art and architecture come together to create a unique cultural experience. It is a large bubble-like structure emerging from the ground, with iconic domed skylights that have become a part of the city’s skyline.

Inside, the space is dedicated to contemporary and experimental art including including visual arts, photography, and new media. 

Design Museum is a pretty small museum, which has 3 very different exhibitions. There are stylish clothes, fancy furniture, and even cool gadgets. A journey through time, where you can see how people have designed things in the past and how they’re doing it today.

RELATED : Best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia to Book in Winter

Kamppi Chapel

During your one day in Helsinki, you shouldn’t miss Kamppi Chapel. This contemporary church chapel is easily recognizable by its unique wooden shape. The minimalist wooden interior is built for silent reflection.

Kamppi Chapel welcomes people of all backgrounds and religions, offering a profound and personal experience. Whether you’re looking to pray, meditate, or simply connect with your inner self and escape from the outside world, this chapel provides a sacred space for it all.

Keep in mind that while the chapel is a place of reflection, talking and photography are generally not allowed to maintain the tranquil atmosphere. However, you can inquire at the reception if you can take a photo when the chapel is empty.

The entrance ticket is 5 euros and you can visit the chapel from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

RELATED : 15 Unique Aurora Cabins & Glass Igloos in Finland to See The Northern Lights

Archipelago Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 4.3 | ⌛️ Tour Length:  2.5 hours | 📆 Check rates and availability

Taking an evening cruise is one of the best things to do in Helsinki in 1 day. Embarking on a cruise will give you the chance to discover Helsinki from the sea and appreciate the beauty of the city at its best.

The cruise will also give you the chance to discover the UNESCO fortress Suomenlinna and navigate through the picturesque Helsinki Archipelago while catching a sunset.

As you sail, you’ll witness an evident contrast between the urban landscape of Helsinki and the unspoiled wilderness of the archipelago. 

On the cruise, you also will have access to food and drinks that you can savor during the journey, but keep in mind that food and drinks are not included in the price.

Restaurant Savotta or Ravintola Palace

A remarkable dinner will be the highlight of your one perfect day in Helsinki and I am going to share two options.

The first option is Restaurant Savotta, located in the Senate Square. The ambiance is a blend of elegance and coziness, with a strong emphasis on tradition. In fact, as soon as you step inside, you’re transported to a world where Finnish culinary heritage takes center stage.

Guests can try traditional and classic menus for 59 euros or 76.50 euros. On the traditional menu, you can find a classic of Nordic cuisines like the Arctic Char, or on the classic menu, you will have the chance to taste the reindeer. Both options come with starters and sweets. A vegetarian option is available for 49 euros.

If you are into fine dining, you should head to Ravintola Palace instead as it is one of the best things to do in Helsinki in 1 day. What makes Ravintola Palace stand out is its distinction as the first restaurant in Finland to be honored with a prestigious Michelin Star. 

With a history dating back to 1953, Ravintola Palace has consistently been at the forefront of Finnish gastronomy. It’s a place where culinary innovation and tradition harmoniously coexist.

The restaurant offers a singular menu that evolves in harmony with the changing seasons, narrating a compelling culinary story with every dish. The price is 240 euros including water and coffee or tea serving. The wine pairing for the menu is 210 euros. Non-alcoholic pairing for menu 100 euros. 

Further reading for one day Helsinki itinerary

Best Time to See Northern Lights in Finland

15 Unique Aurora Cabins & Glass Igloos in Finland to See The Northern Lights

Best Ice Hotels in Scandinavia to Book in Winter

Going to Sweden next?

• 12 Best Hotels in Stockholm With a View That You Will Love
• 40 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Stockholm, Sweden
• Complete Itinerary: How to Spend 2 days in Stockholm
• 5 Best Cruises and Boat Tours in Stockholm, Sweden
• 17 Best Free Things to Do in Stockholm + Stockholm Budget Tips
• 130+ Best Sweden Quotes and Sweden Instagram Captions
• 13 Best Photo Spots in Stockholm For Stunning Stockholm Postcards

Or read more about: Helsinki | Finland | Scandinavia

Other useful tips for visiting Finland

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car? Use Rentalcars ✈️ Looking for the best flight deals? Check WayAway 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion…

If you were wondering what to do in Helsinki for 1 day, I am sure that now you are fully prepared for your trip and can’t wait to discover this unique Finnish city.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Finland » One Day in Helsinki, Finland: The Perfect Day Itinerary By a Local

One Day in Helsinki, Finland: The Perfect Day Itinerary By a Local

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Got One Day in Helsinki? Here is Your Perfect Itinerary!

Exploring Finland? Awesome – great choice! The country is a nature lover’s paradise, a northern lights “hot spot” , and the capital, Helsinki, is full of life! if you’ve got 2 days in Helsinki – then you’re going to need to find more to do! This guide is just for a one-day tripper!

There are lots of common questions about the Finnish capital like “is Helsinki walkable?” The answer is yes! Eric actually visited back in 2017 but only for a very quick day trip from Tallinn to Helsinki by ferry . 

Some of you might want to explore Tallinn, Estonia and travel beyond to Latvia and Lithuania. We cover these awesome countries in our general  Baltic travel itinerary  and we’ll cover each of these cities in their own posts very soon!

For this post, we asked our friend Nick to give us the details about what a local would do on one day in Helsinki. Nick is a Scandinavian-based visual producer who was kind enough to share his experiences after living in Helsinki for a year!

His knowledge, mixed with Eric’s experiences, brings you this useful post – regardless of the season you visit. Remember, one day in Helsinki in the winter is going to look very different than what do to in Helsinki in the summer.

If you’re interested, there are actually a few one-day Helsinki tours you can do. In fact, Finnair has a stopover program that includes a tour if you book a flight with them – but that’s for another day. If you’re ready to discover Helsinki – here’s the perfect day.

Staying Over? Read Our Guide on Helsinki Accommodations

Table of Contents

Tours in Helsinki

If you’re looking to add a bit of a a guided experience to your day in Helsinki, consider a tour with a local or hitting the waterways.

These kinds of experiences allow you to discover the city with a local guide – and see things or places that might be hard to do/find on your own!

>> 90-minute Helsinki Boat Canal Sightseeing – Explore the Beautiful Canal and See Helsinki! >> Helsinki: Private Tour with a Local Guide – Discover Helsinki Like a Local >> Helsinki Half-Day City Tour – Book a Private Tour of Helsinki for Hidden Gems

One Day in Helsinki

To bring you the best Helsinki knowledge we could, we’ll let our local guide walk you through from here. That said, if you are planning to stay in Helsinki for more than just one day, you’ll need a place to sleep.

You can check here for accommodation in Helsinki . Without further ado, here is Nick and his recommendations for one day in Helsinki!

Start Your Day in Market Square

So… there is no better place to kick off your day than the Market Square. You’re sure to find strong coffee there. The Finns are one of, if not the, biggest coffee consumers per capita.

As part of this rich coffee culture, they like their coffee strong. If you are looking for something hearty to get you started on your day of exploring, local delicacies like reindeer and potato (which is VERY good) and classics like Baltic herring are a good place to start!

Planning A Nordic Trip? – Find Out Which Nordic Capital is the Best to Visit!

Explore Suomenlinna

From the Market Square, you can take the ferry directly to Suomenlina. Suomenlinna is an 18th-century sea fortress that has since been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The island is perfect for a mini-adventure through history, but the island has even more to offer. You can explore the restored Submarine Vesikko – a Second World War submarine that is now a museum – and there are lots of restaurants and cafes on the island.

Overall, the island is a great place to take photos and to get away from the city centre. If you want to learn more about opening hours and the ferry schedule, you can visit the official website for Suomenlinna .

Go For a Finnish Sauna

Afterwards, you may be tempted to try the beautifully designed Loyly Sauna near the Market Square. You could – but don’t because it is not an authentic sauna experience. 

For something more authentic try any one of these amazing places:  Kothijarun Sauna , Sauna Hermanni , or Sompasauna .

If getting naked and being whacked on the back with frozen birch leaves isn’t your thing, there’s always the stunning Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall. You can check out their website here .

Enjoy a Finnish Lunch

There are so many great food places to enjoy a nice lunch in Helsinki. Whatever your style of cuisine, you’ll find it here. Of course, lunch can be had in any of these places. Nick suggests you go to either Fafa’s or Sandro.

Fafa’s is a Middle Eastern inspired fast food place that prides itself on high quality and fresh ingredients. Their portions are large and reasonably priced – making Fafa’s a great place for a quick Helsinki lunch stop. You can check out their website here .

Sandro is another place for a good, clean lunch. Specializing in fresh veggie salads and meat/fish portions for a fixed price (including coffee and tea), Sandro will leave you full and ready to explore more of the city. You can also do brunch there – but be sure to book a table! To learn more, visit the Sandro website .

Indulge in a Sweet Afternoon Treat

Next, I really really really recommend you make a pilgrimage to Cafe Regatta for a coffee and cinnamon bun. 

If you’re there in the fall or winter you can get a sausage to roast over the open fire. You can check out their website to see their location and to look at the delicious photos they have!

If Regatta is too far for you to get to, you can also check out the famous Fazer Cafe downtown. Known for its pristine cakes and beverages, Fazer is a classic stop that is sure to wow you when you enter. Just wait until you try the desserts!

Afternoon Activity – In Summer and Winter

Depending on the season (and your energy level after eating all those goodies), you’ll have a few things that you can do in the afternoon. Here they are below:

Go to Hietaranta Beach

If you’re there in the summer, make your way down to Hietaranta Beach. This popular summer location was created accidentally back in the late 1920s.

The sand that was dumped there for other reasons started to be used by the locals as an area for relaxing – and the trend was born! It’s a popular spot for beach volleyball and other beach activities.

Explore Downtown or the Cathedrals

Go shopping along Aleksanterinkatu for all the big stores and a few smaller shops that are sure to catch your eye. In the winter, the lights strung across make for a beautiful photo when the trams scoot by and the snow is falling.

To visit the classic centre of the city, head for Helsinki cathedral. It is located in Senate Square and you can go inside for free if there is no service going on.

The real gem of the experience is climbing the steps to the base of the Cathedral and taking in the city and the harbour from the Cathedral.

Fun pop culture fact: Helsinki Cathedral is the iconic structure used in the music video for the popular club song “Sandstorm” by Darude. He’s a Finnish DJ if you didn’t know! You can visit the website for more information.

Address:  Unioninkatu 29

There is also Uspenski Cathedral which isn’t too far away. It’s a Russian/Finnish Orthodox church that is beautifully decorated inside and out.

If you want to check it out, it’s worth the walk over. Here is the website for opening times and ceremony hours.

Address: Kanavakatu 1

Have an Authentic Dinner

After a low-key afternoon of walking and exploring or laying on the beach, you’ll need a nice dinner. For that, there are a few must-tries for you to check out. One of which is Olo.

Olo is known for its Scandinavian flare. Rated as one of the best restaurants in Finland and around the world, Olo rarely disappoints.

It is a little pricier, but the quality and the experience there is close to perfection.  Check out their website to read their menu and to book a table.

Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 5

The other place you might want to check out is Troikka. While it’s a little bit less expensive that Olo, their menu options are made to impress.

The style is more Russian food than Finnish so if that’s what you are looking for then Troikka might be for you! If you want to check it out, here is the website for Troikka .

Grab Evening Drinks

After dinner, you’ve got a few options for an evening drink. Whether you want to go somewhere relaxing or dance the night away is up to you!

For a casual drink and an amazing view, go to the top of the Torni Hotel . Nick says that this is the best little-known view of the city.

If hitting the dance floor is more your style, then head to the top of Kampii Mall for something more clubby. If you want something more “underground” but still in the Helsinki club scene, then hit up Kaiku. You can find the Kaiku website here .

And there you have it – our one day in Helsinki itinerary! What do you think? A huge thanks to Nick for providing us with his favourites – we couldn’t have done this post without him!

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!

As always, Happy Finnish Waddlin’, -L&E

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One day in Helsinki: a day trip from Tallinn

During my visit to Tallinn, I couldn’t resist to do a short day trip to Helsinki. It’s less than two hours by ferry and I was eager to ‘taste’ a bit of Finland. After a lot of research, I finally came up with the following itinerary for one day in Helsinki. It proved to be an excellent one and is easy to do on your own. I would highly recommend following it for your own Helsinki day trip from Tallinn!

Updated in 2019

The ‘One Day in Helsinki’ Itinerary

Itinerary for the morning in helsinki.

Get up early and take the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki!

There are several ferry companies, but we took the Linda Line since if offers ‘Happy Day Trip’ tickets. With this offer we only paid about 30 euro for a return ticket. Find tips for a smooth Helsinki-Tallinn ferry ride below!

Arrival in the half liquid-half land city of Helsinki! Welcome to Finland, the Nordic country of crisp air, wild nature and unpronounceable names ;)! From the harbour you can walk straight to the kauppatori  (the main market square)

It’s still a bit early, so at the kauppatori  it may be a good idea to wander around a bit and get used to being in Helsinki. There are loads of souvenir stalls. You may want to get some ‘fruit to go’, which you can later eat at the picknick heaven of Suomenlinna.

Take a ferry to the must see attraction ‘Suomenlinna Sea Fortress’. You can take a commercial ferry (stopping at a different place in Suomenlinna) or the public ferry. The public ferry should cost around 5 euro for a return and leaves at the end of the market. The ferry leaves around 3 times per hour, and will take about 15 minutes.

Suomenlinna was built between 1748-1808 when Finland was part of the Swedish Kingdom. During the years, it served as a maritime fortress and a base for the Archipelago Fleet. Since 1991, Suomenlinna is UNESCO world heritage site.

• Suomenlinna Ferry Tip 1: The right side of the boat provides the best view on the Helsinki islands
• Suomenlinna Ferry Tip 2: Bring some coins or your debit card to pay at the ticket machine.
• Suomenlinna General Tip 3: During the summer, it is possible to stay on Suomenlinna until late at night.

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Suomenlinna Fortress with great views over the sea, grassy picknick spots and lots of interesting history. Of all things to do in Helsinki, Suomenlinna was my favorite!

Itinerary for the afternoon in Helsinki

Head back to the city for more Helsinki sightseeing by ferry!

Arrival at the kauppatori again. And guess what…? It’s lunch time! Take a seat at one of the numerous market stands and enjoy a fresh fish meal or go for something more ‘exotic’ and have a reindeer kebab.

Hyvää ruokahalua (enjoy your meal)!

Time to head into the city because there are so many more things to do in Helsinki. Visit the picture perfect Helsinki Cathedral and the Uspenski cathedral. Both cathedrals are located within walking distance.

The Helsinki cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It was originally built between 1830 and 1852 as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. Today it’s mostly used a tourist attraction. It’s open daily between 9-18, in June-August daily between 9-24.

The Uspenski cathedral was built upon a hillside overlooking the city. It’s an Orthdox cathedral, built in 1862. Admission is free of charge. Please note that the Cathedral is closed in winter on Mondays.

One of the main Helsinki sightseeing spots is the famous Church in Rock (name says it all) or in Swedish the ‘ Temppeliaukio church’. The church was designed by Finnish architects Timo Suomalainen and Tuomo Suomalainen, and opened in 1969. The church was built in solid rock.

From the cathedral you can walk via the beautiful Central Train Station to the church. It’s takes about 15-20 minutes by foot.

Sine we only have one day in Helsinki, we might as well do a bit of shopping. You can head to the main street with big brands or visit the cool Helsinki Design District. The Helsinki Design District houses more than 200 shops and boutiques, restaurants and cafes. You can also find the two leading museums in the field of design, the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture. A recommended stop!

Itinerary for the evening in Helsinki

Dinner time! Being on a budget we had dinner at a student pizza place. However, there are many cool dining spots in Helsinki , so I’d definitely check out the website of the Helsinki Tourism Organization.

Take the last ferry back to Tallinn and chill-out & relax! I’m sure you must be tired by now of this busy ‘One day in Helsinki itinerary ;)!

Tip: If you stay overnight in Helsinki, you could also go to a public sauna. It’s a fun way to meet the Finns.

Tip: If you can spare one extra day in Helsinki: consider to visit the gorgeous Nuuksio National Park , which is in easy reach of the capital and makes a great day trip!

Arrival back in Tallinn and still much left of the evening :)!

Is Helsinki walkable? 

Yes, definitely! Helsinki is compact and walkable. With exception of the ferry to Suomenlinna, we did not have to use public transportation or taxi’s during our Helsinki day trip! We explored everything on foot!

The Helsinki-Tallinn ferry ride 

There are several options to get from Helsinki to Tallinn (and vice versa) by fast ferry such as Silja Line, Tallink, Eckero and Linda Line.

• Helsinki Tallinn Ferry #tip 1: Be there in time. The boarding ends 15 minutes before departure. After that the boat WILL leave. In our case the boat even left before the official departure time
• Helsinki Tallinn Ferry #tip 2: Check which terminal you have to be. They are all quite far apart.
• Helsinki Tallinn Ferry #tip 3: I’m not sure if there’s a ‘best ferry’ company, however on other website Linda Line is supposedly the fastest and also one of the cheapest companies. Also, there is wifi on board and a small cafe to get yourself a wake-up coffee. Still, it’s always good to shop around.

Save Money in Helsinki

Helsinki can be quite expensive (especially a backpacker). If you stay for multiple days, a city pass like The Helsinki Card can be a good value. However, for the above itinerary it is not necessary.

Save on Pinterest :)

  What should not be missed if you only have one day in Helsinki? Post your tips below!

Go on a day trip to Tallinn from Helsinki:  Highlights of Tallin’s Old Town Exploring the hipster neighborhood ‘Kalamaja’ in Tallinn

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Get wonderfully lost in Tallinn’s Old Town

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26 comments.

Loved reading about my hometown from a tourist point of view, such an interesting post and you mentioned some of my favorite places :)

Thanks for stopping by :) Glad you liked the article. Do you happen to have any dinner recommendations for the BoB readers?

That sounds like an intense day but completely worth it if you ask me. I’d love to see the “Church in Rock” from an architecture point of view it must be so interesting.

Hi Franca! Yes, think you will love it! And you will probably enjoy the Helsinki Design district as well. The day looks full, but in reality it’s quite easy-going ;)!

Ik ben naar deze specifieke blog al een paar keer teruggekeerd door de suomenlinna foto’s. Vond dat een heel relaxed eiland en heerlijk om doelloos rond te wandelen en even te zwemmen in de finse golf

Will try this itinerary tomorrow with my family, looks great! We’re sailing from Tallinn at 8:00 and returning from Helsinki at 21:30 with Viking Line. Maybe I can squeeze another stop somewhere! :) Thanks for the tips!

You’re welcome Pedro! Hope you have a fun day with your family :)

Helsinki is extremely nice, and also extremely expensive, summer is definitely much better as you could go back to Tallinn and still enjoy a lot of daylight

True :) Although I’m sure Helsinki in winter must also be a beautiful sight!

Grand, copy-pasted 08:00 till 15:30. Cheers for posting!

Glad I could help :)

Manouk, Thanks for sharing! I only had one day in Helsinki and your blog was invaluable. Glad I saw this part of Finland. Keep up the good work ya!

Hi Minhan, very happy to hear you had a good day :)

Thank you for your blog. Brilliant and very useful as my family and I are looking to do a day trip to Helsinki in late August. We will follow your suggested itinerary! I have a question please : is it best to pre book tickets on line now or buy them in Tallin on our desired day of travel? Prices quoted now for a basic seat are between €35 to €50 a head. Advise please? Many thanks. Tracey

I’m not sure Tracey… What did you decide in the end?

I am glad to have come across your blog. Thank you! Very informative it is. Planning a one day trip to helsinki from Tallinn first of July.

I hope you had a fun day! Manouk

The Linda Line does not sail at all times of the year, as it was not running when I did this trip I used http://www.directferries.com which was the same price as the Linda Line and equally good departure and arrival times.

The Linda Line does not run at all times of the year. So I booked online: http://www.directferries.co.uk which has equally good prices and departure times.

Thanks for letting us know Alison! Useful information :)

Great pictures, Bob! This seems like a worthwhile experience!

Really helpful information as I have a day in Helsinki tomorrow (26/5/17) Thank you :-)

You’re welcome Hope!

Thanks so much for pulling all this together and sharing. Am looking forward to almost a week in Helsinki this fall in a combo of both business and pleasure. Please let me know if there’s anything you wished you could have done, but for which one day wasn’t enough … maybe we can try on your behalf.

Planning to do exactly this in May. is this trip wheelchair friendly?

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How to Spend Three Days in Helsinki

When it comes to visiting Northern Europe, most travelers aim for Copenhagen , Stockholm , and occasionally Oslo (if they can afford it). Maybe they visit the cities in between, like Malmö and Gothenburg too.

But they often stop there.

Admittedly, Helsinki is off the standard “Scandinavian tourist trail.” The city never seems to be on the travel radar of most travelers I know. It’s a bit out of the way, and the city just doesn’t get the raving press that other places do.

Which is a shame, because Helsinki was a pleasant surprise for me.

Founded in 1550 by the King of Sweden, Helsinki was established to rival the bustling trading port of Tallinn (which was part of the Hanseatic League, an alliance of merchant guilds and trading ports). The city didn’t take off as expected, a problem compounded by the devastating plague of 1710, which killed much of the city’s residents. It wasn’t until the Russians annexed the region in the 19th century that it started to develop and grow into the city it is today.

Like most people, I was only planning on passing through Helsinki on my way to somewhere cheaper ( Tallin, Estonia ).

But Helsinki was surprisingly beautiful, had good food, and the locals were lively and very friendly. Considered one of the world’s most livable cities, Helsinki boasts mesmerizing islands (the Helsinki Archipelago consists of over 300 islands!) and some awesome green urban spaces. It’s super easy to walk and bike here and the laid-back vibe just makes it all the more enjoyable. Helsinki has nothing to prove.

While I think Helsinki deserves more visitors, since the city isn’t cheap, budget travelers can only really spend a few days here before they break the bank.

With that in mind, here is my suggested itinerary for how to spend three days in Helsinki:

Table of Contents

Day 1 : Post Museum, National Museum of Finland, Sinebrychoff Park, & more!

Day 2 : Bank of Finland Museum, Helsinki Cathedral, Central Market, & more!

Day 3 : Island of Suomenlinna and the Harbor Islands

Helsinki Itinerary: Day 1

Guru Walk and Green Cap Tours both offer a free 1.5-2 hour tour that acts as a solid introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

Alaverstaanraitti 5, +358 03 5656 6966, postimuseo.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-6pm. Admission is 15 EUR.

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art I can’t say I like contemporary art. I have never understood how sticking a shovel in cement or slashing paint on canvas is “art.” Give me the classic impressionists or Dutch masters and I’m a happy guy. But contemporary art? No thanks. That said, this museum is right up the street from the Post Museum, and from what I’ve been told, it has a great collection if you’re into that kind of thing. It opened in 1990 and is housed in a really unique modern building. There are more than 8,000 works in its collection, which is part of the Finnish National Gallery.

Fun fact: Kiasma is Finnish for “chiasma” a word that describes the crossing of nerves or tendons.

Mannerheiminaukio 2, +358 29 450 0501, kiasma.fi/en. Admission is 20 EUR. Admission is free on the first Friday of the month.

Mannerheimintie 34, +358 29 5336000, kansallismuseo.fi/en/kansallismuseo. Open daily from 11am-6pm (closed Mondays in winter). Admission is 16 EUR but it’s free on Fridays between 4:15pm-6pm.

Finnish Museum of Photography The photography museum is located on the far western edge of town, a bit removed from the center. It’s worth the walk though, as it houses a strong collection that focuses mostly on Finnish artists. The museum also has rotating displays plus exhibits by new and emerging photographers so there’s always something interesting to see. The website can tell you what’s on while you’re in town.

Tallberginkatu 1, +358 9 68663610, valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi/en. Open Monday-Friday 11am-8pm and weekends from 11am-6pm. Admission is 12 EUR.

Sinebrychoff Art Museum This museum, located in a historic 19th-century building, is the only museum in the city that focuses on older European paintings and portraits. The bottom floor has a lot of photos and more modern works while the top floor has older paintings from the 14th-19th centuries. There are around 4,000 items in this collection. In addition to the incredible and historic works here, part of the museum is composed of the Sinebrychoff residence itself. Walk through the old Sinebrychoff estate and see what life was like for Helsinki’s wealthiest people during the 19th century.

Bulevardi 40, +358 29 4500460, sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm (8pm on Wednesdays) and 10am-5pm on weekends. Admission is 18 EUR.

Hit the Sauna The word sauna is actually a Finnish word. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland (which is a lot considering there are only 5.5 million people in the entire country) so to come here and not visit one would be a waste! There are lots of public saunas in Helsinki, most of which cost around 10 EUR and you can usually rent towels as well. Almost all have separate sections for men and women. While going nude is the traditional method there’s no shame in wearing a towel either. Kotiharjun, Hermanni, Allas Sea Pool, and Löyly Helsinki are all popular saunas.  

Helsinki Itinerary: Day 2

Snellmaninkatu 2, +358 9 183 2626, rahamuseo.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday from 11am-5pm and 11am-6pm on the weekend. Admission is free.

Unioninkatu 29, +358 9 23406120, helsinginseurakunnat.fi. Open most days from 9am-11:45am and 12:30pm-6pm (11am-6pm on Sundays) but times can vary so check the website. Admission is free and there is a (free) short organ recital every Wednesday at 5pm.

Kanavakatu 1, +358 9 85646100. Open Tuesday-Friday from 9:30am-7pm, Saturday from 10am-3pm, and Sunday from 12pm-3pm. Closed during ceremonies. Admission is free.

Helsinki City Museum Like the Finland history museum, the Helsinki version is excellent. Opened in 1911, it has plenty of descriptions and great exhibits and photos that explain how the city has changed and evolved over the centuries. It’s the third-best city museum I’ve come across in Europe (after the Amsterdam and Barcelona museums). You shouldn’t miss it.

Aleksanterinkatu 16, +358 9 31036630, helsinginkaupunginmuseo.fi/en. Open weekdays from 11am-7pm and weekends from 11am-5pm. Admission is free.

Central Market Right down by the harbor is a market where you can do lots of souvenir shopping, eat some local food, and buy fresh produce (and lots of fresh berries in the summer). This place is usually swarming with tourists, but I heard enough Finnish there to know it isn’t a complete tourist trap. In fact, the herring market, a huge local event, is held here (it starts in October). There’s also a covered portion of the market where you can find pastries, fish, meat, and cheese. Eat at the Soup Kitchen if you’re hungry (have the seafood soup). It’s a fun place to visit even in winter as it has heated tents for when it gets cold.

Open 6:30am-6pm Monday-Friday, 6:30am-4pm on Saturdays, 10am-5pm on Sundays. Admission is free.

Helsinki Itinerary: Day 3

There are a lot of interesting buildings here (including six different museums), a lovely walking tour, and some out-of-the-way beaches and parks. Lots of Finns come here to hang out during the summer and relax. I think it’s a perfect place to walk around or have a picnic.

Suomenlinna Fort: +358 29 5338410, suomenlinna.fi/en. Open daily from 10am-6pm (limited hours in the winter, see website for details). Admission to the fort is free, though each of the six museums has its own charge.

Kaivopuisto Park This huge park located at the southeast end of Helsinki is a good place to relax after a day of exploring. During the summer, residents and tourists alike flock to this park to hang out, play sports, have a picnic, and take in the amazing view of the harbor. During the winter, the largest hill in the park is a favored slope for tobogganing.

On Vappu Day (May 1st), Kaivopuisto is packed with tens of thousands of Helsinkians who come to picnic with friends and family, listen to loud music, and consume lots of alcoholic beverages. It’s so out of the way which is great; you hardly ever see tourists here!

Take a Food Tour I’m a foodie so I love a good food tour. It’s a great way to see the sights and get some local intel while sampling some of the city’s best dishes. In Helsinki, food tours have you tasting everything from fresh fish to craft beer to Finnish porridge, as well as many other traditional foods.

Heather’s Helsinki offers a 4-5 hour tour including 9 different stops for just 85 EUR per person and includes a beer tasting.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t feel that three days was enough time to truly see Helsinki. For a small capital, it packs a punch and can easily keep you busy for twice as long.

That said, three days is enough to see the main highlights and get a feel for this unique — and often ignored — capital.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Helsinki: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay in Helsinki are:

• The Yard Hostel
• Hostel Diana Park
• CheapSleep Helsinki

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Helsinki? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Helsinki for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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2 Days in Helsinki Itinerary for First Time Visitors From a Local! (2023 Guide)

Planning a weekend trip to Helsinki, Finland ? Read on for a complete 2 days in Helsinki itinerary including the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay and other essential tips written by a local.

– Written by Pia from  Next Stop TBC – Featured on Sambla Lainalaskuri –

2 Days in Helsinki Itinerary (2023)

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a booking after clicking on these links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Helsinki is a perfect destination for a city break as it has to offer a combination nature, history and art in a compact and safe setting for a metropolitan city. Helsinki’s location at the seaside and the distinctive four seasons shape the experience of visitors to the capital of Finland. This 2-day itinerary shares some of the key sights and experiences not to miss on your first visit to the city. On the first day, get to know the most iconic sites of the city center, admire the amazing archipelago and explore some insights to the history of the country. On the next day, make a deep dive to art and culture. Also, make sure to enjoy some breaks with coffee and traditional Finnish food to keep you energized throughout your stay in Helsinki!

Day 1 in Helsinki Itinerary: Cityscape and History

Kick-o ff the day from the  Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral

Start your visit to Helsinki from the iconic Senate Square plaza and views to the Helsinki Cathedral . You’re now at the heart of Helsinki’s historic center and some of the city’s oldest streets and buildings are located in this area, for example Helsinki University main building is on the left of the plaza. The Senate Square hosts a variety of events, such as concerts, the Christmas market and New Year’s celebrations. It’s also the place where Finns get together to celebrate after victory in Ice Hockey World Championships, Eurovision Song Contest or success in other major international events.

Have your morning coffee at  Cafe Engel  that is located facing the Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral and serves all-day breakfast with different sets to choose from. In the summer time the café hosts an outdoor cinema making it a perfect place to round up the day as well.

Pass by Havis Amanda Statue and fountain

Walk down Sofiankatu and you’ll arrive at the Havis Amanda Statue and fountain. It’s the place where people come together to celebrate the eve of Labour Day on the 30 th  April. The tradition is that students wash the statue and place a high school graduate cap on her head to mark the start of the Labour Day celebrations. From mid-November to early January the fountain plaza hosts Christmas market huts and stalls with local delicacies and handcrafts.

Take a stroll through Esplanadi Park

Take a turn right and make your way across Unioninkatu street towards the  Esplanadi Park . In the summer, when the weather is at its best, the park’s lawns become the most popular picnic places in the city center. Often also outdoor concerts are held on the stage. In the winter you can marvel the Christmas lights and the season’s peaceful atmosphere.

If you feel like another cup of coffee or getting hungry for a snack,  Café Esplanad  is a traditional café known for its huge cinnamon buns (“Korvapuusti” in Finnish, you really should try one with coffee!) and fresh salads. In the summer the tables on the street make a perfect spot to watch the people passing by.

Stock-up at  Kauppatori  marketplace

The  Kauppatori marketplace  has a variety of stalls ranging from a traditional farmer’s market selling fresh berries in the summer, fish and other local food products, handcrafts and souvenirs. The presidential palace is across the street and the ferry terminal to Suomenlinna fortress is in the south-west corner of the marketplace.

Submerge in history in the  Suomenlinna sea fortress

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress  is an UNESCO world heritage site and a very popular place to visit especially in the summer but beautiful in the winter as well (just remember to dress warm!). There is a small population of residents so it’s advisable to be mindful to not disturb private areas of the island. The white Suomenlinna church that’s a short walk from the harbor is one of the rare churches that’s also a lighthouse. A good place for lunch is for example  Bastion Bistro  located in a building that has a fascinating history since it was built in 1892 and has even served as a prison in the past.

The ferry to Suomenlinna runs around the year and it takes about 15 minutes to reach the island. It’s a good idea to pack along a weather proof jacket and good walking shoes as the island is best explored on foot. If you’re visiting in the summer and have more time you could also opt for the island-hopping ticket and visit also two other islands  Vallisaari and Lonna  in addition to Suomenlinna. There’s still a lot of signs of historical military presence on the islands like barracks and canons as all three have had an important role in Finland’s history in protecting the city.

You can also visit Suomenlinna on this sightseeing boat tour .

Marvel the cityscape views from SkyWheel Helsinki

Take the ferry back to Kauppatori from Suomenlinna and find one of the newer landmarks of the city, the  SkyWheel Helsinki just a short stroll away. Enjoy the panoramic views to the sea and over the city from the ferris wheel cabins. There’s even a sauna cabin if you want to try a really unique experience!

Relax at the sauna and outdoor swim at Allas Sea Pool

Your visit to Finland would not be complete without going to sauna! One of the most convenient locations to enjoy sauna and a swim in the middle of Helsinki is  Allas Sea Pool  that’s located next door from the Skywheel. Its open around the year with a heated 25-meter pool and a (cold) sea water pool. The kids pool is open in the summer. The day ticket includes unlimited swimming time and use of sauna. Check the website in advance about events – Skinny dip Saturdays are held once a month so depending on your preferences you might want to avoid or join this unique experience (swimsuits are allowed though, even in the sauna – although the local tradition is to go to sauna nude even if it’s not skinny dipping night)! There’s also a café and a bistro in the building and in the summer, the top floor hosts one of the city’s most popular terraces.

For a nice modern Finnish dinner head to  Juuri  (meaning ”root” in Finnish) restaurant that bases its menu on fresh local ingredients and has been mentioned in the Michelin guide annually for the last decade. The restaurant launched “sapas” as Finnish version of tapas, small delicious starters that can be shared.

Or if you prefer to stay in the close neighborhood and opt for a more traditional Finnish dinner, try  Savotta  restaurant instead.

Day 2 in Helsinki Itinerary: Culture and Arts

In the past decade, Helsinki has really become a hub for art, culture and design. The city is home to several inspirational museums from more classical to contemporary art. If you plan to stay longer and explore a high number of museums, the Museum Card could be the optimal solution for you – at the price of 69 euros it includes admission to over 200 museums in Finland!

Enjoy morning coffee and modern art  at Kiasma 

Kiasma – Museum of Contemporary Art is architectural sight both from the outside as well as inside. The museum coffee shop is worth a visit for taking a break. There’s free admission on the first Friday of the month.

Admire the classical works of art at Ateneum

Switch from modern to classical and make your way to  Ateneum Art Museum that hosts the largest classical art exhibition in Finland. It’s home to many of the most iconic masterpieces of Finnish art as well as some well-known international artists work.

Take a lunch break

Have lunch at  Cafe Roasberg  across the street from Ateneum museum. It’s the place to go for some fresh ground cappuccino or latte and salads. It’s also a nice place to work on your computer to catch up on those important emails or get up-to-speed on social media.

Wake up your senses at Amos Rex

Amos Rex museum with contemporary audio-visual exhibitions was recently opened and it became a huge hit instantly – probably for the first time in Finland, people have been queuing to a museum! It’s very popular in the weekends and evenings, so if possible plan your visit for a weekday.

Chill at Central Library Oodi

Central Library Oodi  is the newest addition to Helsinki’s cultural offering was opened on the eve of Finland’s 101st Independence Day on the 5 th  of December 2018. The modern sleek wood-clad building is centrally located next to Kiasma and Helsinki Music Center and has been hailed as an architectural masterpiece making it worth visiting not only if you are a book lover.

Dinner your style

For a gourmet dinner experience head to  Muru  on Fredrikinkatu. Muru is a boutique fine dining restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s worthwhile to go for the tasting menu. The restaurant is small, and the number of tables limited so advance booking even weeks ahead is recommended (and in case you have special diets it’s useful to inform the restaurant in advance so that they can design the best culinary experience to your diet). Bon appétit!

In case you prefer a more down-to-earth dining experience  Restaurant Zetor  is located very centrally and is decorated in unique Finnish countryside style, you could almost call it having some “hillbilly” charm. Here you can find the most traditional Finnish dishes on the menu such as meatballs, karelian stew, sautéed reindeer, salmon soup, pyttipanna (fried potato, onion, and sausage) – you won’t go home hungry!

Cultural night out: symphony orchestra, opera, jazz or rock concert?

Are you a fan of classical music, opera or ballet? Check out the offering at  Helsinki Music Center  or  Finnish National Opera  when planning your visit to Helsinki. Book your tickets in advance to secure your seat in most popular shows or try your luck to get tickets for performances on the same day. After the performance, head for a glass of champagne on a rooftop bar.  Torni Ateljé bar  is the classic roof top bar in the top floor of Torni Hotel centrally located next to Forum shopping center with amazing views across Helsinki. In the winter there are only a few tables in the small bar but in the summer time there also the balcony seating is in use. The ladies bathroom has a famous toilet with views. Or check out  Clarion Hotel’s  Sky Room that’s one of the latest additions to the Helsinki bar scene.

If you’re more into pop, rock or jazz music, Helsinki has an active scene for concerts and clubs.  Start the evening at  Teerenpeli  pub and brewery that’s a great place for after work drinks or catching up with friends and tasting the locally brewed beer and cider. There’s usually seats available and it’s not too noisy to enjoy a conversation. Then take your pick on the music genre to continue the evening for example at Tavastia club, established in 1970, that’s one of Europe’s oldest rock clubs or Storyville that’s a well-known jazz club.

Getting Around Helsinki

Helsinki is an easy city to explore thanks to its compact size and many options for getting around including public trams, buses and trains.

You can also use Uber and Lyft or call a taxi through the Taksi Helsinki App .

In addition to various guided tours, an easy way visit Helsinki’s tourist attractions is to use a hop-on hop-off bus .

Where to Stay in Helsinki

There are plenty of accommodation options for different budgets in Helsinki. There isn’t a bad area to stay in but do check out the map and evaluate how much walking you like to do from the places you plan to visit. A few hotel recommendations would be the boutique  Hotel Haven , centrally located  Scandic Simonkenttä  and  Clarion Hotel Helsinki  for seaside glamour with rooftop pool.

Things to do in Finland beyond Helsinki

There’s naturally much more than the capital to see in Finland. For an ideal Finland holiday, include a visit to northern Finland in your journey – from late autumn till late spring you are likely to find a winter wonderland there while in the summer months the midnight sun lights up the scenery even at night. You can visit Nuuksio National Park on a half day. Ruka  is just a short flight from Helsinki and is easily explored in just 3 days. For an authentic Lapland nature experience  Pallas-Yllästunturi national park  would be an ideal destination.

Hope you find these insights useful and enjoy your visit the Finland and Helsinki!

Bio:  Pia Oravainen is a Finland based part-time blogger passionate about traveling, learning, nature and well-being. Hoping to inspire people and families to seize opportunities to explore the wonders of the world and be energized to stay active and healthy.  Follow her on her website ,  Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .

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Helsinki isn’t the most remembered place to travel but certainly is a good alternative, specially for who don’t want to be ran over by a crowd of tourist.

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One Day in Helsinki Itinerary – The Perfect Day in Helsinki

Are you thinking about visiting Helsinki?

That’s a great idea! The Finnish capital has lots of places to see and interesting things to do. It doesn’t even matter what time of the year you visit, we guarantee that you won’t get bored.

If you only have one day and are wondering what to see in Helsinki, don’t worry. We have put together this guide for you, so you can easily follow our itinerary or modify it depending on your interests.

This post is also perfect for you if you are visiting on a day trip to Helsinki from Tallinn or if you are planning on catching the Santa Claus Express in the evening to head to Lapland. Keep reading, and you’ll find more information about those options below.

Are you short on time and still need to book your trip? Then check out these handy resources.

Here are some hotels in Helsinki with good ratings:

• Hotel Mestari (mid-range, stylish rooms & great location)
• Hotel Kämp (a bit more comfort, historic hotel, traditional Finnish sauna, spa & gym)
• The Yard Hostel (budget, dorms & private rooms available, common area to meet other travellers)

Coming from Tallinn? Then you can book your ferry ticket onlin e. Or you can book a return trip if you’re visiting Helsinki on a day trip.

If you want to explore with a guide, check out these awesome tours in Helsinki :

• Guided City Highlights Walking Tour
• Helsinki Archipelago: Sightseeing Boat Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

Table of Contents

One day in Helsinki

#1 market square.

The best place to start sightseeing in Helsinki is by the harbour. Here, you can find a market where you can buy Finnish food and handicrafts.

The market is open year-round and the perfect place to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends or family. It’s also a great place to try fresh fish, and if you’re lucky, you might see a stall selling reindeer meat.

In summer, try to buy cloudberries. These yellow berries look similar to raspberries and grow best close to the Arctic Circle. The harvesting season is from around mid-July to mid-August, and as the berries aren’t commercially grown, this is the best time of the year to get your hands on fresh fruit.

During the rest of the year, opt for cloudberry jam if you want to get a flavour of this fruit.

#2 Vanha Kauppahalli

If you’re visiting Helsinki on a rainy day, don’t worry. Just next to Market Square, you can find Vanha Kauppahalli. This historic market hall houses stalls and little shops.

You can find treats for breakfast here if you haven’t had anything to eat yet or stock up on snacks. Or you can just wander around aimlessly and look at everything this market has to offer.

#3 Uspenski Cathedral

Your next stop is Uspenski Cathedral. This church dates back to the 19th century, and, as is typical for Orthodox Churches, its decorations are beautiful.

It towers on a hill just north, close to Market Square, and from up here, you also have a fantastic view of the harbour.

#4 Senate Square

Senate Square, your next stop, is a must-see in Helsinki.

The first thing you notice is the large cathedral on one side of the square. But before you head there, take a moment to look around and admire the architecture.

Around Senate Square, you can find the Government Palace, the University and Sederholm House. The latter is the oldest stone house in Helsinki and dates back to 1757. While that’s not terribly old for a European house, it’s a cool building, and it houses the Helsinki City Museum.

#5 Helsinki Cathedral

After exploring Senate Square, it’s time to climb the steps to the cathedral. This iconic building is one of the most famous things to see in Helsinki. Its exterior is so white that it almost blinds you on a sunny day, and the green domes are a beautiful sight.

Make sure to head inside to explore the simple yet elegant interior. If you have time and the weather is nice, you can also sit down on the steps and enjoy watching the crowds on Senate Square.

#6 Esplanadi

It’s time to head back towards the harbour and explore the nearby Esplanadi. This esplanade is a beautiful green space in the city. In summer, you might come across street performances or maybe even a festival if you’re lucky.

At one end of the Esplanadi, you can find Havis Amanda. This statue of a mermaid surrounded by fish, standing in a fountain, is considered an icon of Helsinki.

#7 Aleksanterinkatu

Aleksanterinkatu runs parallel to the Esplanadi and is Helsinki’s main shopping street. It’s always busy, and you can find lots of shops here. Plus, this is a great street if you’re getting hungry and are looking for restaurants.

You can also go hunting for souvenirs here. Once you’re done, it’s time to head back to the harbour to catch a ferry.

#8 Suomenlinna

It’s difficult to see all of Helsinki in a day, but if you’ve followed the above itinerary, you should just have enough time left to head to Suomenlinna.

Suomenlinna Fortress, located on one of the islands off the coast of Helsinki, is a UNESCO world heritage site. The extensive fortifications date back to the 18th century, when Sweden decided to reinforce its defences.

Suomenlinna is huge and spreads out across multiple islands. Besides the fortifications, you can visit different museums. The main museum, the Suomenlinna Museum, is excellent for learning more about the fortress.

The easiest way to see everything is to follow the blue signs and take the “Blue Route”, which takes you past the most important sights.

Also, don’t miss the submarine Vesikko, a restored submarine where you can visit the cramped living quarters.

To get to Suomenlinna, you need to catch a ferry from Market Square. The ride only takes 15-20 minutes, and you get a fantastic view of Helsinki from the water along the way.

If you have more time…

As we already mentioned, if you only have a day in Helsinki, you’re going to struggle to see everything. Visiting Suomenlinna takes around half a day already, so you don’t have much time for everything else.

If you have more than just 24 in Helsinki, there are a few other sights that you might find interesting.

The most famous one is Temppeliaukio Church , a church built directly into solid rock. It’s also known as the Rock Church and a unique and interesting sight you cannot find elsewhere.

Another famous sight is the Sibelius Monument, which, with its 600 steel pipes, resembles organ pipes. It’s a bit out of the way, so it’s hard to integrate it into a one-day itinerary. However, it’s worth seeing if you have more time in Helsinki.

Practical information

Best time to visit helsinki.

Having visited Helsinki both in summer and winter, we can tell you there is no wrong time to see the Finnish capital.

June to September, when the days are long and warm, is a perfect time if you want to spend time outside. You can sit in outdoor cafes, rest in the Esplanadi Park and enjoy the sunshine while you stroll across the market.

Unfortunately, you have to share that summer weather with lots of other tourists, especially when you visit in July or August.

A solution is to come during the shoulder months, in May/June or September/October. You still have plenty of daylight, a chance of good weather, and you avoid the summer holidays, but it won’t be quite as warm.

As an alternative, you could try visiting Helsinki in winter. We came at the end of February and used the chance to catch the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki and head to Lapland. Plus, Helsinki, covered by snow, can be very beautiful.

How to get to Helsinki

Helsinki is well-connected, so getting here is easy.

Most travellers arrive by plane. The Helsinki airport is the hub of Finnair, but many other big airlines also fly here.

If you’re coming from Tallinn and maybe even doing a day trip from Tallinn to Helsinki, you need to catch the ferry. There are multiple ferry operators ( click here to learn more about them ) with different schedules, and all of them take around two hours for the crossing.

In addition to Tallinn, Helsinki also has ferry connections to Sweden (some go via the Aland islands), Riga and Germany.

Getting around Helsinki

The city centre of Helsinki is compact, so it’s easy to walk between the main attractions.

If you need to cover longer distances, Helsinki has an excellent public transport network. You can check out the route maps online or use the travel planner to find out how to get from one destination to another.

Our itinerary covers what to do in Helsinki for a day, but there are lots of other things to discover if you have more time. Plus, Finland is the perfect jump-off point for a trip to Lapland or to the Baltics!

Let us know in the comments what’s your favourite part of Helsinki.

Also, while you’re here, make sure to check out other blog posts that will help you plan your trip:

• How to take the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Lapland
• The best things to do in Tallinn
• Make sure to download these apps before your trip

Until your next adventure!

Like it? Pin it!

Ilona is a world traveller passionate about sharing her experiences and giving advice to fellow travellers. Having visited over 70 countries, she is always excited about her next trip.

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

Helsinki Travel Guide: Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

22 November 2023 · In: City Guide , Finland , Helsinki

Are you looking for an epic  Helsinki 3-day itinerary ? You have come to the right place! From exploring the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress to admiring the stunning Helsinki Cathedral or relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna, this travel guide is perfect for  first-time visitors  or a  long weekend getaway . It will show you all the  unique things to do and see  to make the most of your time in the Finnish capital.

I travelled to  Helsinki in June  with two friends to visit my brother, who has been living there. I could not wait to discover this new country, and it was a  great experience : the landscapes were vast and beautiful, and  everything was peaceful . I liked it so much that I returned, but this time in  Lapland .

Even though Helsinki is a compact city, you will find  plenty of places to visit and hidden gems . A short stay in the Finnish capital offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy unforgettable experiences, such as  kayaking expeditions , delicious  Finnish cuisine  or  Northern Lights  in winter. 

So, are you excited? Keep reading this  city guide  to discover the perfect  Helsinki 3-day itinerary  covering the top things to do and enjoy your vacation stress-free, without rushing. You will also find  practical eco-friendly tips  for  responsible travel  at the end. Enjoy!

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information,  read our full affiliate disclosure .

7- Take a dip in the Allas Sea Pool

7- warm up inside café regatta, 6- enjoy a finnish sauna at löyly, overview: how to see helsinki in 3 days.

DAY 1 – CITY CENTRE

1- Helsinki Cathedral 2- Ateneum Art Museum 3- Esplanadi 4- Market Square 5- Uspenski Cathedral 6- Suomenlinna Sea Fortress 7- Allas Sea Pool

DAY 2 – CULTURAL WANDER

1- Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden 2- Kamppi Chapel 3- Oodi Central Library 4- National Museum of Finland 5- Temppeliaukio Church 6- Sibelius Monument 7- Café Regatta

DAY 3 – RELAXATION

1- Nuuksio National Park 2- Design Museum  3- St. John’s Church 4- Kaivopuisto Park 5- Huvilakatu street 6- Löyly Sauna

3 days in Helsinki – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

Detailed Helsinki 3-day itinerary

This Helsinki guide covers all the  best things to do and see in 3 days  and is perfect for travelling with family, friends or as a couple, whether it is your first time in the city or you have been there before.

On the other hand, remember that this itinerary is  only a guide with recommendations . You can spend more days in the Finnish capital or add other stops to your city break.

Day 1 – Explore the city centre

1- visit the helsinki cathedral.

Your first day in Helsinki begins at  Senate Square  and the impressive  Helsinki Cathedral , one of the  most recognisable symbols  of the Finnish capital and a key landmark for its  grand and symmetrical architecture .

Designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel in the neoclassical style, the cathedral features a  white facade with a green dome  and a series of  Corinthian columns . Take a few photos of its exterior from the square before entering its doors.

Even though its interior is  relatively simple  compared to its elaborate exterior, it is still worth the visit! The entrance fee is  5€  but is  voluntary  and valid only  during visiting hours . You will discover an altar decorated with a large painting representing the Ascension of Jesus.

2- Explore the Ateneum Art Museum

A short walk from Senate Square, you will come across the  Ateneum , a  significant art museum  and one of the three museums forming the Finnish National Gallery. It is a  must-visit destination for art lovers  and anyone who wants to explore the rich cultural heritage of Finland through its visual arts.

Officially opened to the public in 1888, the building that houses the Ateneum is an  architectural monument in itself , designed by Theodor Höijer in a combination of  Neoclassical and Romantic styles . 

Today, the museum is renowned for its  extensive collection of Finnish art  from the 18th century to the modern era, including the  largest collection of classical art  in Finland. Book your visit and explore a  diverse range of artworks , such as paintings, sculptures and drawings. 

3- Stroll through Esplanadi

You will continue your journey through Helsinki with a stroll down  Esplanadi , a  picturesque boulevard  divided into two parts:  Esplanadi Park  (Esplanadin puisto), a beautifully landscaped green space, and the  wider pedestrian street  between two parallel roads. 

Not only a place for  leisure and relaxation , it is also a  cultural and social hub  in the Finnish capital. Whether you are interested in shopping, eating, enjoying green spaces or attending events, Esplanadi offers a  vibrant and welcoming atmosphere  in the heart of the city.

Wander down the street, admire the different  statues and monuments , treat yourself to a  shopping spree  or stop at one of the  cafés or restaurants . It is also a popular area for locals and tourists to relax,  listen to music , watch  performances  or even  have a picnic  during the summer months.

4- Wander around Market Square

At the eastern end of Esplanadi, you will find the  Market Square  (Kauppatori), a  lively harborside market  open year-round, offering a  variety of products , including fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and  Finnish specialities  like salmon and reindeer.

Not only a bustling marketplace, it is also a  vibrant and social gathering spot  reflecting the  maritime history  of Helsinki and serving as a hub for travellers to experience the  culture, cuisine and community spirit  of the Finnish capital.

Experience  traditional Finnish and local cuisine  at the market, take part in various  cultural events and festivals  throughout the year or relax, enjoy the maritime atmosphere, and  watch the ferries and boats  come and go. You will not get bored!

5- See the Uspenski Cathedral

Before hopping on the ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, take a detour to the Uspenski Cathedral , a  significant religious site  and  architectural gem  adding to the diverse cultural landscape of Helsinki. Its  unique design and historical importance  make it a must-see attraction on your 3 days in the Finnish capital.

Located on a hill in the Katajanokka district, you can enjoy  panoramic views  of Helsinki and the surrounding areas from there, a popular spot to  enjoy the cityscape  and  take photos .

The Eastern Orthodox Cathedral is also known for its  red brick exterior, golden domes and ornate details . Amire its stunning architecture from the outside and step through its doors (for  free ) to uncover a  richly decorated interior  and explore the  ornate   central nave  and different  chapels .

6- Discover Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

It is time to set sail and discover the stunning  Suomenlinna , a  historic 18th-century sea fortress  and  UNESCO World Heritage site  spread across six interconnected islands in the Helsinki archipelago. It is easily accessible by a  short ferry ride from Market Square , with the journey providing  scenic views  of the capital.

Suomenlinna is a fascinating blend of  history, architecture and natural beauty , making it a must-visit destination on your 3-day vacation in Helsinki. It is also a  unique example of military architecture , and its  well-preserved structures  include bastions, defensive walls and tunnels.

Additionally, the sea fortress is home to  several museums , such as the  Suomenlinna Museum . And for all nature lovers, Suomenlinna offers  plenty of outdoor activities , including  walking  along the fortress walls,  picnicking  in parks and admiring the  coastal scenery .

Take the ferry back to Helsinki and end your day at the  Allas Sea Pool  for a  relaxing evening  and a well-deserved break after your first day of sightseeing. This  urban spa open year-round  also offers a romantic experience for couples. 

Located along the waterfront, Allas Sea Pool combines elements of  a traditional swimming pool, saunas and a seawater pool . The complex is designed to offer you a  unique urban swimming experience  with a connection to its surrounding sea.

Thanks to its location, you can  indulge in the facilities , take care of yourself and unwind whilst enjoying the  picturesque panorama  and  beautiful views  of the Helsinki waterfront and cityscape. It is an  unforgettable activity  to end your day, especially in winter.

Day 2 – Cultural & architectural highlights

1- visit the kaisaniemi botanic garden.

You will begin your second day in Helsinki at the  Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden , a  fascinating botanical garden  located in the Kaisaniemi Park, where you can enjoy a  peaceful and educational experience  surrounded by the beauty of  diverse plant life . 

Established in 1678, it was originally founded for the  cultivation of medicinal plants . Today, the garden features a  vast collection of plants  from different parts of the world with both  outdoor and greenhouse sections , showcasing a  wide range of species , including trees, shrubs, flowers and other botanical specimens.

The Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden is also a  great year-round activity  for  families with children , as it offers  educational programs and guided tours , perfect for those who want to learn more about plants and botany in an  entertaining way .

2- Stop at the Kamppi Chapel

Not far from the botanical garden, you will come across the  Kamppi Chapel , also known as the Chapel of Silence, a  unique and modern chapel  located in the Kamppi district, intended to be a place to  calm down  and spend a  moment of silence  in one of the busiest areas of the city.

The chapel is famous for its  distinctive architectural design  in a  minimalist wooden structure  with a  curved shape , standing out amidst its urban environment. Its interior is also  simple and serene , with  wooden benches  arranged in a circular pattern and architecture allowing  natural light  to filter through the curved wooden walls.

Designed for  quiet reflection and contemplation  in the middle of the bustling capital, the Kamppi Chapel serves as a sanctuary for people seeking  peace and solitude , regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. It is a  must-see  (and experience) during your 3 days in Helsinki.

3- Discover the Oodi Central Library

You will continue your discovery of Helsinki with the  Oodi Central Library , a  modern and architecturally striking library  known for its commitment to knowledge, culture and community engagement. Its  welcoming atmosphere, modern amenities and emphasis on inclusivity  make it a popular destination for residents and travellers.

Oodi houses an  extensive collection of books, magazines and multimedia resources  but is more than just a traditional library; it is a  cultural and community hub . The building features  various functional spaces , including traditional reading rooms, studios, meeting rooms, a cinema and a restaurant.

Additionally, one of its most notable features is its  open spaces , including a  large central hall  with high ceilings and  panoramic city views . You will also find a  public rooftop garden , providing a  green oasis  in the heart of the Finnish capital.

4- Tour the National Museum of Finland

Just a few steps away from the library, you will find the  National Museum of Finland , a museum dedicated to showcasing the  cultural heritage of the country  and highlighting aspects of  daily life, artistic practices and significant historical events  in Finland.

Take time to admire its exterior, as the building is a perfect example of  Finnish National Romantic architecture , with influences from medieval churches and castles. Once inside, you will discover a  wide range of artefacts and exhibits  related to Finnish cultural history, including items  from prehistoric times to the modern era .

And do not miss one of the highlights of the museum,  the Treasure Trove , which houses some of the  most valuable and historically significant relics  in the possession of the museum, such as the Crown of the King of Finland and the Peasant Woman’s Wedding Gown.

5- Explore the Temppeliaukio Church

You will continue your 3-day itinerary with the  Temppeliaukio Church , also known as the Rock Church, a  unique and popular architectural gem  in Helsinki  built directly into solid rock , giving it a striking and organic appearance.

Mined and constructed from  massive natural granite rock , its  innovative design  and  integration with nature  have made it one of the most iconic and visited landmarks in the Finnish capital. As a result, the interior and exterior walls are mostly made of  exposed rock surfaces , and the roof is a  copper dome  with a  skylight .

Admire the Temppeliaukio Church from the outside and explore its interior to appreciate its impressive  architectural and geological features . You will be amazed by the  peaceful atmosphere  inside the rock walls, which creates a  serene and memorable experience  for everyone. 

🎟️ Book your entrance:  Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket .

6- Admire the Sibelius Monument

You will now head to  Sibelius Park  to discover the  Sibelius Monument , an  abstract and modernist sculpture  composed of over 600 hollow steel tubes arranged in a  wavy pattern , resembling organ pipes or waves in water. The design aims to capture the  essence of the music  of the renowned  Finnish composer Jean Sibelius .

Wander around the monument, and do not hesitate to  interact with it . The  abstract nature  of the sculpture allows for various interpretations, and you will be able to explore the  different angles and perspectives  of the artwork.

In addition, feel free to stroll  through Sibelius Park , a popular spot for locals and travellers. It features walking paths, benches and green spaces, providing a  peaceful environment  for a well-deserved break on your busy sightseeing day or a  picnic in the summer months .

Your last stop of the day will be  Café Regatta , a  small red log cabin  and  charming café  located in the Töölö district by the edge of the water, offering  panoramic sea views . Its location on the shores of the Gulf of Finland makes it a  cosy and inviting spot , perfect for ending your day.

Known for its  rustic atmosphere , you will find inside wooden tables, benches and  traditional Finnish decorations . There is also  outdoor seating  where you can enjoy the fresh air and waterfront views as well as a  fireplace  adding  warmth and comforting ambience , especially during the colder season. 

Enjoy a  hot or cold drink  with snacks, pastries and  traditional Finnish delicacies . Or, if you still have some energy, the café also provides a  bike rental service , allowing you to explore the nearby area and many scenic routes by bike. 

Day 3 – Nature exploration & relaxation

1- visit the nuuksio national park.

For your third and final day in Helsinki, you have the option to spend the morning in the capital and explore more, or  take a half-day trip to the  Nuuksio National Park , a  beautiful natural area  located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Helsinki. 

Known for its  scenic beauty  and characterized by  diverse landscapes , including lush green forests, crystal-clear lakes and rugged rocks, the park is the perfect place to  get closer to nature  and discover a  variety of plant species and animals . 

You will find a network of  well-marked hiking trails  suitable for  different skill levels , including beginners. The tracks will take you through the captivating landscapes of the park, providing opportunities to  explore its natural beauty  and  spot local wildlife  – the  perfect activity for nature lovers  and  photo enthusiasts !

You can organise the visit to the park yourself by taking the bus, or join this guided tour:  Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki . 

2- Explore the Design Museum 

Whether or not you decide to explore the Nuuksio National Park in the morning, you can spend the afternoon relaxing, shopping or continuing to explore Helsinki. 

You will continue your 3-day trip by stopping at the  Design Museum  (Designmuseo), a museum dedicated to the  exhibition and documentation of Finnish and foreign design  in various forms. It was established in 1873, making it one of the  oldest design museums  in the world. 

Its collections cover a  wide range of design disciplines , including industrial design, fashion, graphic design and applied arts. The museum also places a  significant emphasis on Finnish design , celebrating the design heritage of the country and the work of  influential Finnish designers . 

In addition, you will find  different educational programs, workshops and guided tours  for visitors of all ages aimed at engaging and providing further insights into the world of design. It is a  perfect activity  to do  on a rainy day.  

3- Stop at St. John’s Church

Not far from the Design Museum, you will come across  John’s Church , an imposing  Lutheran church from the late 19th century , popular as a venue for  classical concerts , located in the Punavuori district.

Known for its  neo-Gothic architectural style , it is the  largest stone church  in Finland in terms of seating capacity, decorated with  beautiful frescoes  and  stained glass windows . The church exudes a  tranquil and respectful atmosphere , as a place for worship and reflection.

4- Venture around Kaivopuisto Park

You will continue your exploration of Helsinki with a stroll through  Kaivopuisto Park , a  beautiful and popular urban park  located  along the coastline , known for its  picturesque seaside location , offering  panoramic views  of the Gulf of Finland and the archipelago.

A beloved spot for locals and travellers to  enjoy nature  and the  maritime atmosphere , you will also find well-maintained  green spaces ,  walking paths  and  landscaped gardens , creating a pleasant environment for  relaxation and outdoor activities .

The park also features a  seaside promenade  along the shoreline, allowing you to stroll along the water, enjoy the views and  breathe in the fresh sea air  – the  ultimate green oasis  at the heart of the capital.

5- Walk down Huvilakatu Street

Whilst making your way to the Löyly Sauna, take a detour down Huvilakatu Street, a  charming residential street  renowned for its distinctive and  picturesque colourful wooden houses.  

Step back in time as you discover  unique architecture  along the street reflecting the  late 19th and early 20th centuries , with well-maintained and colourful wooden buildings, contributing to the  character and charm  of the street – so do not forget your camera!

You will end your final day and 3-day Helsinki itinerary at Löyly , a  modern and distinctive urban sauna complex  located  along the waterfront , known for its striking architecture. The resort features a  contemporary and sustainable design , with a wooden structure that resembles a log pile.

The complex offers a  unique sauna experience , combining traditional Finnish sauna culture with modern amenities, including both  traditional   wood-fired saunas  and a  smoke sauna . It is the ideal spot to relax and pamper yourself whilst  admiring the Baltic Sea .

Additionally, you will find an  on-site restaurant  which serves a  variety of dishes , including both traditional Finnish cuisine and international flavours. There is no better way to end the day than  taking in the views  whilst  savouring a delicious meal . 

Shop the printable travel itinerary

Plan your perfect Helsinki city break & live a unique green experience.

If you have more time

• Take a day trip to Porvoo
• Hop on the ferry to Tallinn
• Explore Seurasaari Island
• Take a food tour with a local
• Venture on a kayaking trip
• Steam up in the Lonna Sauna 
• Relax in Sinebrychoff Park
• Visit a Moomin Café
• Enjoy the views from SkyWheel

How to get to Helsinki

The best way to get to Helsinki will depend on where you come from and your budget, but there are many options to reach the Finnish capital.

One of the quickest ways to get to Helsinki is by plane . If you are travelling from another country or a distant city, you will likely arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), the main international airport well-connected to major cities around the world. But please, try to prioritise direct flights to reduce your carbon footprint – if flying is the only option.

One of the most eco-friendly ways to get to Helsinki is by train . Helsinki is well-connected to neighbouring countries by train thanks to its station, Helsinki Central Railway Station, where you will also find international train services, such as Allegro, connecting Helsinki with Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Finally,  the most affordable option for getting to Helsinki is by coach . It is a great way to reach the Finnish capital if you are exploring Europe on a budget, but it may take longer. International and domestic bus services operate to and from Helsinki via its central bus station, the Kamppi Center. For example, check out the  Eurolines  long-distance bus service.

How to get around Helsinki

Once in Helsinki, you will find many options for getting around the capital. 

The best way (eco-friendly too) to travel around Helsinki is on foot . The Finnish capital is not too big and easily accessible on foot, even on a short day trip or weekend getaway, as the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Plus, it is the perfect way to experience the best of the capital whilst getting some exercise!

The best option to get around Helsinki faster is by public transport . The capital has an extensive tram network covering different neighbourhoods, making it a convenient, affordable and scenic way to travel around. In addition, the city has an extensive bus network, including local and regional services, which can be better for reaching remote areas not covered by trams.

The last and fun option is to travel around Helsinki by bike . It is a fantastic way to get around the capital whilst reducing your carbon footprint! Helsinki is a bike-friendly city, and you can easily rent a bike at various locations to explore on two wheels, with dedicated lanes in many parts of the capital.

Where to stay in Helsinki for 3 days

The best neighbourhoods in helsinki.

Are you looking for the  best place to stay in Helsinki  for 3 days? Here is an overview of the  top neighbourhoods  in the Finnish capital:

• Kluuvi : the best area for first-time visitors
• Kamppi : the best area for nightlife 
• Punavuori : the best area for art lovers
• Kallio : the best budget-friendly area
• Kaartinkaupunki : the best area for families
• Katajanokka : the best quiet & hidden area
• Etu-Töölö : the best area for nature lovers 
• Ruoholahti : the best area for marine experience

🏡 READ MORE:  Where to Stay in Helsinki: 8 Best Areas (& Hotels)

MY EXPERIENCE

My friends and I booked an Airbnb in the Kallio district, which was lovely. It was quiet and affordable, and we could easily access the city centre by tram. Wherever you stay in Helsinki, the city is not vast, so you will have no problem making the most of your short holiday.

Best time to visit Helsinki

The best time to visit Helsinki is generally in  summer (June-August) , when the weather is mild and pleasant, with longer daylight hours, which can extend late into the evening. Summer is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, like exploring parks, island hopping and picnicking. Plus, you will find many festivals and cultural events during this time.

Spring (April-May)  and  autumn (September-October)  can also be lovely seasons, with fewer tourists and lower prices, allowing for a more relaxed visit. However, the weather might be slightly unpredictable with colder temperatures. But if you come prepared, you will have no problem exploring the capital during those months. 

Finally, if you want to experience another side of Helsinki, plan your visit in  winter (December-February) , when the capital becomes a winter wonderland with snowy landscapes with potential for winter sports activities. The city will be beautifully decorated during the holiday season, with Christmas markets as a popular attraction. Plus, you might have the chance to see the Northern Lights! But be prepared for the cold and shorter daylight hours. 

I went to Helsinki in June, and I loved it. This season was unique as the sun never set, and the daylight lasted an average of 19 hours. We sometimes left a bar or restaurant at midnight, and it was still daylight – a little disturbing, especially when trying to sleep!

How to reduce your impact in Helsinki

Sustainable travel  means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.

Being a responsible traveller in Helsinki is possible! Here are some  eco-friendly travel tips  for reducing your carbon footprint:

• Use the train to reach the capital . Helsinki is incredibly well-connected by train to the rest of the world, so prioritise travelling this way to lower your carbon impact.
• If you need to take the plane, book direct flights  (which require less fuel than indirect flights)  and  offset your carbon footprint . But, do not use carbon offsetting as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase for your green city break. 
• Select an eco-friendly accommodation . It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials, such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel or other recognised environmental certifications, and ask questions. You can also use  Bookdifferent  or  Ecobnb  to help you decide.
• Be mindful of your energy and water consumption . Turn off lights, electronics and heating/cooling when you do not need it. Reuse towels and linens at your hotel or guesthouse to reduce your usage and impact.
• Once there, use public transport . Helsinki has an efficient public transportation network with buses and trams that can take you anywhere easily and quickly. Another way to get around sustainably is on foot. But if walking is too tiring, use the bike! It is a great green way to enjoy the sights whilst reducing your environmental impact.
• Eat at local restaurants or markets  that use produce from the area and emphasise organic and sustainability. It will contribute to the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint by supporting restaurants where food does not come from long distances.
• Respect flora and fauna . If you are exploring the natural areas of Helsinki, such as parks or islands, follow designated trails and respect the local flora and fauna. Avoid disturbing, touching and feeding wildlife.
• Always respect the local heritage . Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful, smile and learn a few Finnish words.

More inspiration for your green vacation:

• Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
• 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
• Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

• 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
• 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
• 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out  this page  for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Helsinki travel planning guide

Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your 3 days in Helsinki stress-free with one of my favourite providers,  Nomad Insurance .

Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over Helsinki (which ranks among the highest quality in the world). However, I also recommend travelling with the  UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

Yes, renting a car in Helsinki is easy and is a great way to explore the countryside freely. I recommend booking yours with  Rentalcars.com  – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

The best way to book your accommodation in Helsinki is with  Booking.com  – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

I recommend booking your plane with  Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

3 days in Helsinki – FAQ

Yes, 3 days are enough to explore Helsinki and enjoy its top highlights and attractions. It will allow you to discover its many museums, visit its parks and relax in a traditional sauna. However, if possible, I also recommend spending more time in the Finnish capital, as there is so much to do and see.

Yes, Helsinki is a walkable city, especially in the central areas. The city centre is compact and features pedestrian-friendly streets with the main attractions within walking distance of each other, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring many of its key highlights on foot.

Yes, Helsinki is considered to be expensive compared to many other European cities, but it is not impossible to explore it on a budget. Save in advance and be mindful of your expenses once there. Walk as much as possible, eat at local markets, stay in an Airbnb and look for city passes.

Yes, English is widely spoken and understood in Helsinki. Finland has a high level of English proficiency, which is commonly used as a second language in different aspects of daily life, even in remote areas. However, extra effort is always appreciated, so try learning a few basic Finnish phrases.

And you, have you ever visited Helsinki or would you like to go one day?  Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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4-Day Helsinki Itinerary

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• Helsinki in 4 days
• 1-Day Helsinki Itinerary
• 2-Day Helsinki Itinerary
• 3-Day Helsinki Itinerary
• 5-Day Helsinki Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: south side of town, day 3: keep it simple, day 4: proximity is everything.

SEA LIFE Helsinki

Helsinki Olympic Stadium

Hakaniemi markethall, where to eat, restaurant blinit, restaurant kuu.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Market Square

Skywheel helsinki, uspenski cathedral, stockmann helsingin keskusta, art museum ateneum, helsinki cathedral, senate square, morrison's, restaurant shelter, allas sea pool.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Suomenlinna

Kaivopuisto, design museum, helsinki city museum, viking line, restaurant ventuno, restaurant savotta, kaupungintalon ravintola, restaurant locanda scappi.

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3 Days in Helsinki — Itinerary, Tips and Map

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2024

If you’re planning a visit to the capital of Finland, you are in for a treat. Helsinki has the conveniences of a bigger city with the ease of a smaller one. It weaves together urbanism and nature almost seamlessly. Helsinki is a vibrant city with lots to do, and yet it’s not overwhelming.

Three days is a perfect amount of time to spend in Helsinki — though you could certainly fill more time if you had it. Three days is enough time to get a feel for the city and see many of its top attractions. With that amount of time, you can squeeze it into a long weekend or pair it with another Nordic city to fill out a longer holiday.

In this post, we will guide you through the best of Helsinki in three days. This itinerary goes beyond the basics, packing in a ton of tips, notes and extra things to do if you have more time. We’ve also included a detailed map, which includes everything that’s mentioned. Best of all, this itinerary will work well any time of year. (But don’t worry, we’ve added notes about seasonal activities, too.)

Keep reading to learn exactly how to fill three great days in Helsinki, Finland.

Tips for Using This Itinerary

This itinerary is best used as a template. It is a great example of how much you can fit into your trip, what attractions work well together, and how to structure your days. However, it may require some small adjustments to accommodate your specific needs and travel schedule. For example, you might need to switch the order of the days or tailor the activities to your individual preferences or pace.

Here are some things to consider when applying this itinerary to your personal trip.

• Season. This itinerary works well anytime of year, but the season will impact things like opening hours, transit schedules and crowds. That may effect how long things take, and how to fit them into your day.
• Weather . All three days call for time outdoors, but some have more indoor activities than others. The city sites are great on a clear day for the best photos. Likewise, Suomenlinna is best on a dry day, since you’ll be outside the most. Plan to do museums and shopping during any rainy or snowy blocks.
• Day of the week . Many of the attractions listed here are closed or have limited hours on certain days of the week. For example, the market is closed on Sunday and many of the museums are closed on Mondays.
• Travel history. This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors. It covers all of the basics and top attractions that you won’t want to miss. If you’ve been to Helsinki before, you might have already seen a few of these things and might need to swap some attractions out.
• Kids. Helsinki in general is very family friendly. Kids will enjoy nearly everything we’ve listed in this itinerary. However, if you’re traveling with kids, you might also want to seek out some kid-specific activities. We mention a few ideas throughout this post.
• Time estimates. The suggested times in this itinerary tend to err on the quicker side, and include transit time. If you prefer a slower travel pace, you might not be able to fit in everything we’ve listed. Likewise, if you’re a quicker traveler, we’ve also peppered in even more ideas to squeeze in.
• Arrival & departure days. This itinerary fills 3 full days. If you’re staying for 4 nights, you might have extra time on your arrival and departure day. In this case, you can either add even more to your schedule, or shift things around so your days aren’t quite as packed.

Note: The hours and costs referenced in this post are accurate as of publication, but are meant as a guideline. Be sure to verify open hours and schedules directly with the source before your visit.

Itinerary at a Glance

Here’s a high-level look at this 3-day itinerary. Keep reading for more information, details and tips about each attraction listed here, plus recommendations for even more to do.

Day 1 — City Sites

• 9 – 10 AM: Coffee and breakfast
• 10 – 11 AM: Esplanade and Senate Square
• 11 AM – 12 PM: Bank of Finland Museum*
• 12 – 12:30 PM: Helsinki Cathedral*
• 12:30 – 2 PM: Markets and Lunch*
• 2 – 2:30 PM: Uspenski Cathedral*
• 2:30 – 4:30 PM: City Museum
• 4:30 – 6 PM: Kluuvi shops and walking streets
• 6 PM & beyond: Dinner and nightlife

*These locations have specific opening hours that vary by day. Be sure to review the opening hours during your specific visit.

Day 2 — Suomenlinna & Allas Sea Pool

• 10 AM – 11 AM: Ferry to Suomenlinna*
• 11 AM – 3 PM: Explore Suomenlinna (lunch on the island)
• 3 – 4 PM: Ferry back to mainland Helsinki*
• 4 – 6 PM: Allas Sea Pool

*The trip itself is short, but departures are not always immediate. Be sure sure to check ferry schedule during your visit.

Day 3 — Neighborhoods & Museums

• 9 – 10 AM: Coffee & Breakfast
• 10 AM – 12:30 PM: Explore Punavuori & beyond
• 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 – 6 PM: Museum + Nearby Activity (3 options)

Kick off your visit to Helsinki with a tour of the city’s most iconic sites. Everything on today’s plan’s is relatively close together, so you shouldn’t need to rely too heavily on alternative transportation. The area is also dense with shops and restaurants, so you can easily take a break and fill in any downtime as you see fit.

Tip! This schedule does require a bit of time outdoors, so be sure to dress for the elements. If you’re visiting in the winter months, all of these locations have (free!) coat racks where you can leave your bulky outer layers.

Coffee & Breakfast (9 – 10 AM)

Fuel up for the day with a good breakfast. Many hotels in Helsinki offer a complimentary breakfast, so take advantage of that if you can. If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, though, don’t worry. Most of the city’s best cafes and coffee shops have great breakfast options.

Speaking of coffee, Helsinki has a great coffee scene. I had a long list of coffee shops to try, and only got to a handful. One great pick for coffee and breakfast in Helsinki is Robert’s Coffee. Robert’s Coffee is a chain, but a Finland-based one.

There are several Robert’s Coffee locations around Helsinki. For this schedule, check out their location on the northeast corner of the Esplanade ( here ). It also happens to be one of their most beautiful locations, with gorgeous vaulted ceilings and plenty of seating. The cinnamon latte was wonderful and not too sweet. The cinnamon bun (I went hard on cinnamon) was also amazing, but they also had a variety of regional specialities if you wanted something more local.

Tip! When you find lists of restaurants or coffee shops ( like this one !), save them as favorites in Google Maps. While you’re out and about during your trip, you can check your map at any time to see what spots are nearby.

Esplanade & Senate Square (10 – 11 AM)

Many of the indoor, tourist attractions in Helsinki don’t open until later in the day. That leaves you with a pretty chill morning to fill strolling the town. There are two great spots to fill the next hour or so of your day.

First is the Esplanade. This picturesque, tree-lined park spans four city blocks through the heart of Helsinki. It’s a beautiful park any time of the year, but it really shines in the summer and Christmas season. There are several shops and restaurants in the buildings around the park, too. If you have time, be sure to walk both street-side, and through the center of the park.

Check it out! If you’re crafty (or want to try be), be sure to check out Taito Shop , just south of the Esplanade. It’s the cutest little yarn shop. They have a wide selection of yarn, but also patterns, other craft supplies, and even some souvenir things.

Next, head over to Senate Square.

Tip! From the northeast corner of the Esplanade, walk east until you get to Sofiankatu . Turn left and take this street north to Senate Square for the best view of the cathedral on your way to Senate Square.

Senate Square is a large, open square in front of Helsinki Cathedral. There’s a monument in the center and it’s surrounded by some lovely, neoclassical buildings.

The square itself is not particularly interesting or happening. There’s no seating, so it’s not a place where people are hanging out for very long. It’s mostly just a space — with nice views! — that you’ll cut through on your way to get somewhere else. It’s worth seeing, it just won’t likely take a whole lot of time.

Visiting at Christmastime? If you’re visiting during the holidays, I take back everything I said about Senate Square. During the month of December, Senate Square is the site of the Christmas Market and is not to be missed!

Got more time? If you finish the Esplanade and Senate Square before the Bank of Finland Museum opens, pop into the The National Library of Finland. It’s free to enter and has a beautiful interior. It opens at 9 AM Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends.

Bank of Finland Museum (11 AM – 12 PM)

• Hours: Monday: Closed / Tuesday through Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM / Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
• Cost: Free!
• Website: Here

The Bank of Finland Museum is located right around the corner from Senate Square. It’s a pretty small museum, with three main rooms. It walks through the history of money in general, as well as the currency, banking systems and governing bodies that influenced (the land that is now) Finland throughout the course of history.

All of the posted material is in both Finnish and English. The interactive exhibits are also dual-language, but if the activity started in Finnish, it was hard to figure out how to navigate to the home page to change it English.

The material is a bit dense, but it’s broken up with a handful of interactive exhibits. The third and final room is the most hands-on. Here you can explore the physical composition of Euro bills, including different ways to tell if they’re counterfeit.

Helsinki Cathedral (12 – 12:30 PM)

• Hours: It’s complicated. Hours vary by day and by season, but it usually opens at 9 AM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM on Sundays. Visit the website to confirm the exact schedule.
• Cost: €5 – €8, but sometimes the fee is voluntary and sometimes it’s free. Again, verify the pricing for your specific visit time on the website.

Helsinki Cathedral is an icon of the city. It was built in the early 1800s, shortly after Helsinki was named capital of Finland. It changed its name from St. Nicholas’s Church to Helsinki Cathedral after Finland officially declared independence from the Russian Empire in 1917.

The church sits atop a hill, visible from many points around the city. From the outside, it’s most notable features are its imposing domes and columns. From the inside, it’s known for its cross shape and intricate pipe organ.

It’s a lovely church, but if I’m honest, it’s not spectacular. If you’ve been to a a church in Europe before, you might not be impressed. Definitely stop by to see the outside, and go inside if you catch it during a fee period. Otherwise, I wouldn’t say it’s a must do.

Tip! Even if you don’t go inside, be sure to climb to the top of the stairs in front of the cathedral for great views!

Visiting in the summer? From June to August, you can also visit the crypt below the cathedral. It’s free to enter and there’s even a cafe inside. You can get to the crypt via an elevator from inside the church or from the entrance on the north side of the church.

Market Square, Old Market Hall & Lunch (12:30 – 2 PM)

• Market Square Hours: Hours vary based on season, weather, and booth. It’s usually open in some form daily from 6:30 AM – 4 PM, but it’s most bustling between 9 AM – 3 PM.
• Old Market Hall Hours: Monday through Saturday: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)

A few blocks south of Helsinki Cathedral is the waterfront and Port of Helsinki. This is a vibrant and beautiful part of Helsinki that you won’t want to miss. You’ll probably pass through this area throughout your visit in Helsinki, but it’s also worth spending some deliberate time here.

Start at Market Square. This is the the public square across from the Presidential Palace, that spans the waterfront between the Esplanade and the Ferris wheel.

Note : Market Square is confusingly listed on Google Maps in English as “ Free Walking Tours Helsinki .” For locational purposes, don’t worry, this is the right spot.

Market Square has a daily, open-air market. The market runs all year, but the number of booths varies by season. You will always find local specialties, like salmon soup and reindeer sausages, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. In the winter months some of the food stalls are heated, and in the summer you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce.

Visiting in October? Be sure to visit Market Square for the annual Helsinki Baltic Herring Market. The market has been held since 1743! You can of course buy Herring, but it’s grown to be a broader celebration of the region’s food and culture.

The outdoor market can be a good place to grab lunch or a snack, but don’t worry if nothing hits you. Just around the corner from Market Square is the Old Market Hall, or Vanha Kauppahalli. You’ll be able to spot this building’s iconic stripes from Market Square.

The Old Market Hall is an indoor food hall. Inside, you’ll find a variety of vendors and restaurants serving up everything from prepared meals to packaged goods to souvenirs. Most of the food vendors have a small amount of seating, ranging from a few stools to full table service. You can find a list of the current vendors here .

Tip ! The Old Market Hall can get really crowded on Saturdays and during lunch time. If you want to eat here, avoid busy meal times or just be prepared to possibly wait to be seated.

Note: Don’t forget, the Old Market Hall is closed on Sundays.

Uspenski Cathedral (2 – 2:30 PM)

• Hours : Tuesday through Friday: 9:30 AM – 4 PM / Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM / Sunday: 12 – 3 PM (Closed to visitors on Sundays)

If you’ve been to Market Square, you’ve seen the green-topped Uspenski Cathedral looming above the port. The church was built in mid-1800s with bricks from a Baltic Sea fort that was demolished during the Crimean War. The church was always and is still today the main cathedral of the Finnish Orthodox Church.

The inside of this church is much more intricate than Helsinki Cathedral, and it’s free to enter. For that reason, it’s worth making the hike up the stairs to visit the inside of the church. If it’s open, that is. The downside to this church is that the visiting hours are much more limited, so it can be hard to time.

Need a coffee? Behind the cathedral at ground level, there’s a cafe called Johan & Nyström. It’s a beautiful cafe with lots of seating, great views, and better coffee. It’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Have more time? If you are ahead of schedule, take a spin on the SkyWheel. It’s not the tallest city Ferris wheel, but it does give you some great views. (However, the windows in the cars are tinted blue, so you won’t get the best photos.) Tickets are pricy for what it is, but you do get to go around 4ish times.

City Museum (2:30 – 4:30 PM)

• Hours: Monday through Friday: 11 AM – 7 PM / Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM

Back in the direction of Senate Square is the Helsinki City Museum. The museum is pretty small, but very well done. It tells the story of Helsinki, and how the city has grown and changed throughout its history. There’s a shop, cafe and seating area on the main level, as well as a small lounge space on the top floor.

The museum comprises 4ish floors (I say ish, because there is literally a floor 3.5 on the map), but really has two main floors of exhibits. There is some cool objects, photographs and models throughout the exhibit, plus some interactive elements.

For the kids! The City Museum has a separate area targeted towards kids, called Children’s Town. This two-floor space has tons of great rooms for children to learn through play. It’s really engaging, super fun, and totally free. Enter from the main City Museum entrance and turn right to get to the Children’s Town area.

This itinerary gives the City Museum two full hours, which is generous. I think most people will make their way through this museum in about an hour. You can use the second hour to visit Children’s Town if you’re with kids, relax in the lounge, or maybe grab Finnish beer at Helsinki Bryggeri Brewhouse.

Explore & Shop in Kluuvi (4:30 – 6 PM)

Some of the best shopping and walking streets in Helsinki are in the Kluuvi neighborhood. Specifically, the area between the Esplanade, Senate Square, Helsinki Central Station and route E12.

This area has it all: shopping malls (Kämp Galleria, Citycenter Mall), department stores (Stockmann, Tokmanni), designer labels (Louis Vuitton), souvenir shops (Sauna Boutique, Kankurin Tupa), plenty of Finnish brands (marimekko, Balmuir, Nanso, Moomin) and so much more.

Even if you aren’t looking to do any serious shopping, this area is still worth walking through. It’s beautiful and vibrant, plus it’s chock-full of restaurants and cafes if you’re scoping out dinner options. Be sure to walk down Kluuvikatu and Keskuskatu streets, as well as Aleksanterinkatu, which also has great tram views.

Note: Most of the shops in this area are open 7 days a week until 6-8ish PM. However, they do tend to close earlier on Sundays (around 4-5 PM.)

Dinner & Nightlife (6 PM & beyond)

There are tons of great restaurant options in central Helsinki near Kluuvi and beyond. Roasberg is a cool vibe and a great pick for a drink and easy meal. Restaurant Pompier is a great fancier option across the Esplanade. We went with Pizzeria Via Tribunali, which is perfect for an easy family meal.

We personally are vegetarian and not foodies, plus we have a kid so we’re not so into nightlife. For dining recommendations, check out this Helsinki Restaurant Guide or this restaurant list . For nightlife, check out this guide or honestly, Instagram or TikTok for the most current info from the people actually going to clubs.

Day 2 — Day Trip to Suomenlinna

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is one of seven UNSECO World Heritage Sites in Finland. The sea fort was built gradually, starting in the mid-1700s. It was built by the Swedish — who at the time controlled present-day Helsinki — to protect their land from the Russian Empire.

Today, Suomenlinna is one of the most popular tourist sites in Helsinki. Visitors can explore the two main islands of the fortress, visiting different museums, historical buildings and remnants. There are several restaurants and shops on the island, as well as walking paths with beautiful views.

Depending on the season, you might spend anywhere from 2-4 hours on the actual island. When you factor in transit schedules, meals and the variable timing of it all, it’s best not to try to cram into a day with too many other plans. In this itinerary, we’ve paired it Allas Sea Pool, for a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Note: You can visit Suomenlinna all year. However, some of the restaurants, museums and buildings are closed during the winter months. Also, the waterbus from the southern end of the island only runs in the summer.

It’s a good idea to eat breakfast before you venture out to Suomenlinna. There are restaurants and cafes on the island, but depending on the season, they might not open until later in the day.

If you don’t want to eat at your hotel, but there are a few good options near the ferry terminal. One easy pick (on any day other than Sunday) is the Old Market Hall. There are a couple coffee shops inside that have pastries and breakfast items. Plus, the market tends to be pretty empty in the mornings.

Another popular option is Cafe Engle, over by Senate Square.

Visiting in the summer? Suomenlinna is a popular picnic destination during the summer months. If you’re in Helsinki during the warmer months, stop by the market to put together a nice picnic lunch before you head to the ferry.

Ferry to Suomenlinna (10 – 11 AM)

Most of the attractions on Suomenlinna open between 10 – 11 AM (depending on the season). There isn’t really a rush of crowds you need to beat, so you don’t need to stress about the exact timing or getting there early for anything.

The ferry to Suomenlinna is operated by HSL, which is the same public transit organization that runs the city buses, trams and trains. The ferry departs from Kauppatori, which is the ferry terminal adjacent to Market Square, across from the Presidential Palace. There is only one ferry line (19) that departs from this dock and it only goes to Suomenlinna, so you don’t have to worry about getting on the wrong boat.

Depending on the season, the ferry from Kauppaatori to Suomenlinna runs every 20 minutes to every hour. There is a digital sign at the terminal with upcoming ferry times, or you can check the ferry schedule in the HSL Journey Planner (online or in the app).

You can buy tickets for the ferry from kiosks at the terminal or on the HSL app. The route from Kauppaatori to Suomenlinna requires a ticket for Zones A and B. If you buy a ticket from the kiosk, it will be activated immediately and valid for 2 hours. If you buy a ticket in the app, make sure it is activated before you board the ferry. An active ticket will show up in the app with a colored, moving image.

As long as you have an active ticket, you do not need to do anything with the card reader or show your ticket to anyone when you board. (The card readers activate paper tickets, which is important for riders using transit cards or ticket packs.) You will only need to display your ticket if a conductor or inspector ask you to. If you do not have an active ticket, you will receive a fine (€100 plus the ticket cost.)

The ferry ride to Suomenlinna takes about 15 minutes. There is outdoor seating with great views or climate-controlled seating indoors.

Tip! You will need cellular data or wifi to purchase a ticket in the HSL app. If you don’t have international cell data, buy your ticket in advance while you’re on wifi at your hotel. Just be sure to set the validity start time to be 15-30 minutes prior to your planned ferry departure.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (11 AM – 3 PM)

• Hours: The island is open 24/7, but the hours of each facility vary by date and season. Check here for the exact hours for each location by date.
• Cost: Entrance to the island is free. There is a separate charge to enter each museum, and for anything else you choose to purchase.

Suomenlinna is a former island sea fort that once protected Sweden (prior to Finland’s independence) from the Russian Empire. You can see some of the old fort structures, such as the Bastion, dry dock and barracks. There are some newer facilities on the island as well, including a few museums, restaurants and shops.

The amount of things to see and do at Suomenlinna sounds overwhelming at first. To make things easier, there is a well-established route called the Blue Route. There are directional signs at most intersections, and there will always be one sign in blue that will guide you along this route. You can view an interactive map here , which includes the Blue Route and all the other sites on the island.

In full, the Suomenlinna Blue Route is about 1 mile, point to point, and takes about 20 minutes to walk. There are stops along the way though, including two museums which are open all year. Realistically, the full experience takes 2-3 hours, depending how much you stop for.

Note: Both museums on the island are pretty small and have paid admission. Suomenlinna Museum goes into the fort’s history and takes about 30 minutes. The Military Museum explores the history, role and weaponry of the Finnish Military. The later is spread out over two buildings, and takes closer to 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Visiting with kids? The second building of the military museum is the most fun for kids. They can get behind the controls of a real fighter jet, try on uniforms and helmets, and crawl into forts and bunks.

Tip! Just past Pipers Park on the southern half of the island, the path splits. The Blue Route continues down the center of the island, and another path (marked by artillery cannons) follows the water. The waterfront path is much more interesting and far more beautiful. It’s a bit more rugged, but it felt safe enough with our 3-year-old. Just be careful in the snow/ice, which can be slick.

During the summer months, more facilities are open so you might want to stay later. For example, the toy museum, brewery and several restaurants are only open in the summer. Some of these spots are further off the Blue Line, so it can take much longer to see it all.

There is a good chance you will need to eat a meal at Suomenlinna. There are several cafes and restaurants, which operate on different hours and capacities over the year. If you’re following the timeline in this itinerary, Suomenlinna Centre Cafe is a well-timed option that’s open all year.

Note: The Blue Route is point-to-point, not a loop. If you’re visiting in the winter, there is only one ferry stop at the north end of the island. If you walk the full Blue Route, you will need to walk it all the way back to get to the ferry. During the summer months, the waterbus stops by King’s Gate, so you don’t need to back track.

Return Ferry to Mainland Helsinki (3 – 4 PM)

Once you’re done exploring Suomenlinna, you can take the ferry back to the mainland. The return journey is basically the same as the trip there, just in reverse.

Tip! Buy your return ferry ticket using the free wifi at Suomenlinna Centre Cafe on your way to the ferry terminal. A single ride ticket is valid for 2 hours and you set the start of the validity period. You can also check the ferry schedule in the app while you’re there.

The ferry departs from the same place it arrived. There is only one ferry stop and one ferry line, so again, you won’t need to worry about getting on the right one. There are ticket kiosks at the ferry terminal at Suomenlinna, if you didn’t already buy your ticket in advance.

The return ferry ride also takes about 15 minutes, and arrives back at Kauppatori near Market Square.

Visiting in the summer? From May through September, there is a waterbus that runs from King’s Gate on the southern end of the island. This is a great option if you don’t walk to walk the mile back to the ferry terminal. Do note that the waterbus is not operated by HSL! The waterbus is run by FRS Finland, and requires a separate ticket which you can buy online or onboard.

Relax at Allas Sea Pool

• Hours: Monday through Friday: 6:30 AM – 9 PM / Saturday & Sunday: 8 AM – 9 PM
• Cost: €18-22

Saunas are at the heart of Finnish culture, and have been for thousands of years. So much so that there is 1 sauna for every 2.5 people in Finland. In fact, there’s a pretty good chance that there’s a sauna at your hotel, and maybe even in your actual hotel room. If you go to Finland, it’s basically required that you use a sauna at least once.

The other half of the sauna experience is the arctic swimming. It’s common to go back and forth between the hot sauna and ice cold water. This hot-to-cold routine has all sorts of health benefit claims, ranging from improved circulation and muscle repair to weight loss and increased energy.

Read more! If you’re interested in trying out this Nordic tradition, be sure to check out my first experience with an Ice Bath & Sauna in Tromsø, Norway .

A popular pick for a sauna and spa experience in Helsinki is Allas Sea Pool. It is located right off the main port, between Market Square the SkyWheel. Its central location and beautiful views make it tough to beat.

Allas Sea Pool has three outdoor pools. As the name suggests, there is in fact a sea pool, which is filled with seawater from nearby streams. The water in this pool is at the naturally occurring outdoor temperature (read: cold.) There is also a tap water pool, which is heated to 27°C (81°F) year round. During the summer months, there is a children’s pool, which is also tap water and heated.

Allas Sea Pool has three saunas on premise: one for men, one for women, and one mixed. Be sure to rinse off in the shower before you enter the sauna.

Note: You do not need a timed reservation or advance booking to visit Allas Sea Pool. All single tickets are sold on arrival at the entrance.

Visiting with kids? Kids are allowed in the saunas, large pool all year, and children’s pool during the summer. There is a discounted rate for children 3-12, and children 2 and under are free.

There are restaurants at Allas Sea Pool, which is definitely an option of you want to close out your day relaxing in the sauna and pool. Alternatively, you can freshen up at your hotel (or at the pool locker room) and head out for a meal elsewhere.

If you haven’t already enjoyed some traditional Finnish food, consider Restaurant Savotta, Restaurant Olo or Savoy. I will say, most of the well-rated, Finnish restaurants did skew toward fancy and expensive.

Again … We personally are vegetarian and not foodies, plus we have a kid so we’re not so into nightlife. For dining recommendations, check out this Helsinki Restaurant Guide or this restaurant list . For nightlife, check out this guide or honestly, Instagram or TikTok for the most current info from the people actually going to clubs.

The final day of this Helsinki itinerary can take you in a few different directions. While the first two day’s worth of activities were all pretty centrally located and fit together really nicely, the final day has a splattering of possibilities. Think of it as a choose your own adventure day.

The core of the plan is simple though: a neighborhood and a museum. Start your day off in Punavuori, and wander through the districts of Ullanlinna and Kaivopuisto if you’re up for it. Then head off to a museum of your choice (we have three options we recommend), followed by a nearby activity that will pair perfectly with it to cap off your afternoon.

Note: This itinerary includes museums, some of which are closed on certain days of the week. Be sure to check the opening hours for your specific travel day before you plan to visit a specific museum.

Tip! There’s a good chance that this day involves more public transportation than the other two. If you are going to take at least 4 trips on public transit, it is cheaper to buy a day pass. Buy a day pass in the app and it’s valid for 24 hours on all Helsinki HSL public transit.

If you have breakfast included at your hotel, feel free to stick with that. However, it might also be a good day to try something new. This itinerary starts off by exploring a few different neighborhoods, and grabbing a coffee or a meal is a great way to start.

There are a few great options, and one of them is Kaffa Roastery. It’s a cozy little coffee shop with ample seating, a variety of pastries and a darn good selection of coffees, all roasted right here in Helsinki. For more of a meal, right next door to Kaffa is a place called Moko Market. It’s a home goods store and cafe in one.

Visiting in the summer? Pick up some goodies from Moko Market and then head to nearby Sinebrychoff Park for a breakfast picnic.

Explore Punavuori & Beyond (10 AM – 12:30 PM)

Punavuori is a vibrant, trendy-but-not-intimidating district southwest of downtown Helsinki. It’s known for its shops, cafes and design studios and showrooms. You could easily spend your morning leisurely exploring within the official bounds of the Punavuori district. However, the walking route makes a bit more sense of you blur the neighborhood lines a bit. This itinerary dips into the districts of Ullanlinna and Kaivopuisto, too.

I’m not one who can “explore” a neighborhood without some sort of plan. Here are a few anchors to help guide your walk. (Everything noted here is also listed in the map below.)

Start on the southwest side of Punavuori, near Kaffa Roastery. Walk east, past Mikael Agricola Church. It’s not a must-see church, but it’s worth walking by. You can go inside on weekdays from 9 AM – 2 PM. There’s also a really cute flower shop at the end of the park, just past the church.

A few blocks later, turn right (south) onto Huvilakatu. This is one of the most beautiful and colorful streets in Helsinki. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream, but anyone can appreciate the darling pastel homes all in a row. It’s a residential street, so always be respectful.

Read More! If you like these colorful houses, you will love Notting Hill in London !

To get right to the shopping portion, you can turn back around and head back north, past the church, and on to Fredrikinkatu. That’s where this itinerary will pick back up again here . But if you aren’t planning to shop for too long, the weather is nice, and you want to have a little outdoor adventure, continue on to Kaivopuisto.

Tip! There’s another great cafe in this area called, Rams Roasters . If you need another coffee or want to try the best quiche of your life, this is a great option!

Optional Detour: Kaivopuisto

As you walk down the colorful Huvilakatu, you can see the waterfront in the distance. Follow the street and you’ll run right into a waterfront park. Follow the park left (east), and it opens open to Kaivopuisto, which is a bigger park with a big hill in the middle.

This large city park offers stunning views over the waterfront and nearby islands. It has several different walking paths, including up the small hill and around the waterfront. There’s a playground, a few art installations and landmarks, and even a few cafes. It’s just a lovely park with great views.

If you catch a sunny day with mild (or at least tolerable) weather, it’s worth visiting during any season. The detour through the park and back will add about 90 minutes to your morning.

Note: During the winter months, getting to the top of the hill can be tricky. The walkways aren’t fully cleared, and it can be slippery, icy, snowy and/or wet. Do be careful. But if it’s safe to do so and you’re up for it, venturing to the top is worth it. It was a highlight of our trip.

Back to Punavuori

Whether you’re coming straight from Huvilakatu or the walk around Kaivopuisto, this itinerary continues at Fredrikinkatu. This is the main shopping street at the heart of Punavuori. For the sake of directions, consider Roobertin Herkku candy shop as the start of this street. And while you’re at it, go ahead and pop inside and fill up a bag of Finnish candies.

Tip! I would pretty confidently argue that Tutti Frutti Sour, from the Finnish brand Fazer, are the best sour fruity candy ever. (I said what I said.) Not too chewy, good pucker, strong fruit flavor. That said, the 3-year-old seen here confirms the candy necklaces are also on point.

This shopping street is known for its vintage and thrift shops (like Relove Freda ). There’s also a great stationary/gift shop ( Papershop ), a really cute toy shop ( Zicco ), tons of great cafes and coffee shops, and the list goes on. The street goes on for about a half mile, roughly ending at Kampintori square at Kansakoulukatu.

Note: Several of the shops along Fredrikinkatu are closed or have limited hours on Sundays. If you want to be sure you don’t miss anything, come on a different day, specifically a Saturday.

If you have time, walk to the end on one side of the street (ideally the west side), and then come back down the other side, ending at Iso Roobertinkatu. Iso Roobertinkatu is one of the most popular pedestrian shopping streets in Helsinki. Here you’ll find more shops and restaurants to explore.

Lunch Break (12:30 – 1:30 PM)

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes along Fredrikinkatu and Iso Roobertinkatu. Whenever you get hungry for lunch, there is sure to be a great option nearby. For great vegetarian options, consider Green Hippo or Fafa’s.

Have more time? If you finish shopping early or didn’t take the detour to Kaivopuisto, there’s a chance you wrap up quicker than this itinerary suggests. This is a great time to head to Sinebrychoff Park (accessible via stairs from the west end of Iso Roobertinkatu) and/or the Sinebrychoff Art Museum (closed on Mondays.)

Museum + Activity (1:30 – 6 PM)

Helsinki has several great museums, some of which we’ve already mentioned in this itinerary. After a long morning outside, it’s a great time to step inside for an afternoon at the museum.

There are a few different museums to consider, and they’re all scattered around town. Based on the museum you chose, you can pair that with another activity nearby to round out your day. Here are three great options for museums in Helsinki, plus a secondary activity nearby.

• Finnish Museum of Natural History + Temppeliaukio Church
• Helsinki Tram Museum + Sibelius Monument + Cafe Regatta
• Art Museum Ateneum + Helsinki Central Library

Visiting with kids? Heureka is an amazing science museum that is a perfect option for kids. The only downside is that it’s a bit of a hike from Punavuori (45 minutes via public transit) and it closes as early as 5 PM. It’s still worth doing, but you might want to cut your shopping short and leave Punavuori by 12 or 12:30 to make sure you have enough time at the museum.

Option 1: Finnish Museum of Natural History + Temppeliaukio Church

The Finnish Museum of Natural History offers an informative and engaging look at history through a nature lens. The museum has five permanent exhibits, which include: Finnish Nature, World Nature, The History of Life, The Story of the Bones and Change in the Air. It’s popular with adults and children alike, particularly the dinosaur section.

It’s a good size museum, but most people get through it in about 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Tickets are €19 for adults, €7 for children 7-17 and free for children 6 and under.

Temppeliaukio Church is a five minute walk from the museum. This unique church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki. The circular church is essentially underground, with walls made of rock, and an impressive copper domed roof.

The church only takes about 15 minutes to see. There is an €8 admission fee.

NOTE: The church closes at 4:50 PM and the museum closes at 5 PM. Fitting them both in is possible, but you will need to keep an eye on the time. The museum is also closed on Mondays.

Option 2: Helsinki Tram Museum + Sibelius Monument + Cafe Regatta

The Helsinki Tram Museum is a small exhibition that explores Helsinki’s transit history. There are two main rooms, with real life-size trams from eras past. You can climb onboard several of the trams, including one where you can pretend to drive the tram through a Helsinki of yesteryear. There’s also a small place space for kids and a gift shop.

The Helsinki Tram Museum is free to enter and takes about 30 minutes. (Budget one hour if you’re with a toddler who loves trains.) On its own, the tram museum is probably not worth going too far out of your way for. But when you combine it with the Sibelius Monument and Cafe Regatta, it makes for a perfect afternoon.

From the tram museum, it’s a 10 – 15 minute walk to the Sibelius Monument. The monument was built to honor Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, and is now an icon of the city itself.

Note: Sibelius Park — the park that the monument is in — was temporarily closed during our visit in February 2024. There was no way to cut through the park. If the park is fenced off, follow Rajasaarentie along the north end of the park, and then walk down the waterfront path to the monument and cafe.

Further south down the waterfront from Sibelius Monument is Cafe Regatta. Despite being pretty far off the beaten path, this adorable cafe has become immensely popular. The tiny cafe has a few seats inside, but with lines stretching far out the door, don’t plan on getting one. There is a good amount of seating outside though, complete with a fire pit and even a kids play area.

Cafe Regatta is a great place to end your day, anytime of year. The line can get pretty long though, so plan to spend at least an hour here.

Visiting in the winter? Don’t let the lack of outdoor seating deter you from visiting this cafe in the winter! Cozy up with a warm drink, sit by the far, and catch an early sunset. They also have this amazing sled/carousel that is free, open to the public, and a great time for kids!

Option 3: Art Museum Ateneum + Helsinki Central Library

One of the best art museums is Helsinki is Ateneum. It’s centrally located near Helsinki Central Station, and houses primarily Finnish works from the 19th century to today. Some of the museum’s most popular pieces are by Van Gogh, Rodin and Munch, plus ever changing special exhibits.

Standard admission for Ateneum is €20 and children under 18 are free. The museum is good, but small, and usually takes around 1 – 2 hours to see. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Note: Timed tickets are required, but usually don’t sell out. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the door as long as they’re available.

A few blocks away, around the west side of the train station, is the Helsinki Central Library Oodi. This is so much more than a library! In addition to endless books (which you can’t actually check out without a library card), the library has a 3D printer, fitness rooms, full kitchens, film screenings, sewing machines, recording studios and more.

Tip! Many of the special services (like the 3D printer and some of the game rooms) at the library require a reservation. You can make reservations online, and in most cases they are free! Be sure to plan in advance if you’re interested in these activities or spaces.

Some of the services require a library card, but there’s still plenty to see and do even without one. There is a cafe, kids play area, video games and an outdoor balcony in the warmer months, which is all open to the public.

Depending on where the afternoon took you, your dinner and evening plans might look different. Grab a meal wherever you end up, or head back to your hotel and find something near there.

3 Days in Helsinki — Map

The map below includes all of the locations referenced in this itinerary. Be sure to save this map so you can reference it later.

Helsinki Map

A few tips for using this map

• To view the map in Google Maps, click the expand icon on the top right corner.
• Use the check boxes to adjust your view by day.
• Click the star icon to save the map to your Google account for later.
• To access the map next time, open Google Maps > click the Saved tab > click Maps.

Getting Around Helsinki

Helsinki as a whole is quite large, comprising 300+ islands and 60 district areas. However, Downtown Helsinki, including the main tourist areas, is pretty compact and easy to navigate.

Much of the tourist center of Helsinki is walkable. The furthest distance between two attractions is rarely over a mile, and in most cases is just a few blocks. There are maintained sidewalks, streetlights with walking signals and several walking streets, which makes the downtown area very pedestrian friendly.

That said, the city also has a great public transportation system. The city has a broad network of buses, trains, trams, and even ferries. All of the public transportation is operated by HSL, which makes ticketing simple and streamlined.

Read more! To learn more about how to buy tickets and use public transportation in Helsinki, check out our detailed guide about How to Take Public Transit in Helsinki .

The main mode of transportation in Helsinki is the tram system. The trams run on street level and coexist with vehicle traffic. Trams hold more people and run a bit more frequently than buses, but are a bit slower than trains.

Speaking of trains, Helsinki has one underground Metro line. Its route is not particularly useful for most tourist transportation, though. More relevant to tourists is the Commuter Trains, including the train that runs from the Helsinki airport to the city center.

As a tourist, you can usually rely on public transportation to get around just about anywhere. You will not need a car to visit Helsinki.

3 Days in Helsinki: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

There’s something about Helsinki that makes you feel lost in time. From the historic buildings, with architecture created throughout Swedish rule, Russian rule, and Finland ’s own autonomous rule to traditions that date back generations permeating the culture here, Helsinki is a one-of-a-kind city that asks you to step back and simply enjoy where you are. 

Unlike the hustle and bustle of many other cities, Helsinki is filled with people spending their mornings enjoying a cup of coffee while taking in where they are. Despite the city’s relaxed vibe, there’s always something to do, whether it be screaming at an amusement park or taking an ice-cold plunge in the sea. And, of course, you can’t leave Helsinki without spending at least some time in a sauna. 

Although there’s some argument over whether or not Finland is truly the happiest country in the world, despite constantly ranking as such, a visit to Helsinki will convince you that there is indeed much to be happy about here!

It’s best to visit Helsinki in late spring to early fall. From October to February, much of the day is without sun, which can make enjoying some of the outdoor activities difficult in Helsinki. In fact, some attractions may not operate at all, like Linnanmäki, Helsinki’s amusement park, which closes down at the end of October following their Carnival of Light festival. 

Especially in the summer, Helsinki is packed with events. The Helsinki Festival is held in late summer, and it’s the biggest arts festival in the Nordics. From classical and traditional music to costumed dances to circus performers, there’s a little of everything at this colorful festival. 

The end of summer and the beginning of fall also introduce a handful of events, like the Helsinki International Film Festival and the Kekri Festival in Suomenlinna. Kekri celebrates the spirits of the dead returning to the world of the living, where they’re greeted by residents and guests alike indulging in food, music, and games.

When you visit Helsinki in the summer months, you’ll be delighted by the temperate, though sometimes windy and rainy, weather and so much sun. There’s nothing quite like sitting at a cafe at 10 pm and the sun still barely setting. In June, you can get up to 19 hours of sunlight. Conversely, December only gets six hours of sunlight and typically hovers around freezing temperatures.

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the  cool boutique hotels in Helsinki !

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

How to Spend a Weekend in Helsinki, Finland

Getting around helsinki.

To get to Helsinki, you’ll want to go through the Helsinki Airport, which is one of the best airports I’ve ever spent time in. Everything is so clean, and the service is so friendly. Even the bathrooms are nice (and play bird songs)!

Although there are plenty of rental car options at Helsinki Airport, you don’t really need a car to get around this walkable city. Helsinki is very pedestrian and bike-friendly. Still, to get to your hotel from the airport, you may want to take a taxi to make traveling with your luggage easier. You can also take a bus or train. Outside of going to and from the airport, you can rely on public transportation during your 3 days in Helsinki. 

Helsinki has great public transit options, including buses and trams, which will be the primary ways you’ll get around the city. You can go to several stations to pick up a ticket or pass, and some hotels offer the option of picking passes up at the front desk as well. But the easiest way is to simply download the HSL app, which allows you to buy tickets and passes right on the app, which you can then scan when you get on the bus, tram, metro, commuter train, or ferry.

The other great thing about the app is that it also comes with a route planner. Simply tell the app where you’re coming from and where you want to go, and the app will tell you which transit you want to take and which ticket you’ll need. 

Helsinki transit covers four zones: A, B, C, and D. You’ll need to buy a ticket or pass that covers the zones you’re traveling in. Attempting to travel outside the zones of your ticket type can result in hefty fines. 

I recommend getting a pass that covers you for your entire 3-day weekend in Helsinki. You can buy a pass for between one and 13 days, so just pick up one that covers you for three days. You’ll definitely appreciate not having to worry about buying individual tickets, especially if you intend to use public transit a lot, which you likely will if your hotel is outside of the city center.

Biking is also very popular in Helsinki and one of the best ways to get around. If you don’t have a bike or want to rent one, you can instead use one of the many rental scooters you’ll find throughout the city.

3 Days in Helsinki – Day 1

Market square.

For the first day of your 3 days in Helsinki, start out by heading to South Harbour, where you’ll find the Market Square. Here you’ll discover a selection of Finnish and international cuisine, as well as handmade wares and local goods. 

From buckthorn berry jam to reindeer sausages to karjalanpiirakka (Finnish pies), you’ll find plenty of distinctly Finnish treats alongside tons of coffee to keep you going throughout the day. Grab yourself a piping hot cup with some Finnish pastries and spend some time perusing the stalls.

Suomenlinna

The great thing about Market Square, aside from its wide selection of goods, is that it’s right by the ferry terminals, including the ferry that will take you to your second activity of the day, visiting Suomenlinna . You can hop on the HSL ferry, which is a part of the city’s public transportation. If you’ve purchased a day or multiple-day pass on the HSL, you already have your ticket to ride.

Suomenlinna is a fortress built on a series of islands dating back to 1748, back when Finland was a part of the Swedish empire. This maritime fortress, which is only accessible by ferry, is now a major attraction for Finland’s visitors. 

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring the island’s six museums. You can even take a guided tour in Finnish, English, Swedish, or Russian if you want to dive deeper into its history.

But if you’re not a big history fan, you’ll still find that Suomenlinna is worth a visit. Go on your own walking tour of the designated blue route to see beautiful vistas, massive monuments, and stunning architecture. And if you need to take some time to relax in the summer months, you can always spend a few hours at the beach.

You’re bound to get your steps in at Suomenlinna, which means you’re also bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, you don’t have to leave the islands to grab lunch. There are tons of restaurants and cafes in Suomenlinna, but one of the best is Café Silo . 

This charming cafe is located in the old Russian merchants’ quarters. Today, it’s where you’ll be able to get a light lunch while taking in scenic views, as well as indulge in plenty of sweet treats. You can also get some of Suomenlinna’s very own coffee and chocolates, both of which you’re going to want to take home with you. 

When you’re ready to head back to the mainland, just hop back on the ferry. From there, it’s time to do a little exploring. South Harbour is by many of Helsinki’s best attractions, all within walking distance. 

Presidential Palace

Stroll over to the Presidential Palace , which is just across the street from Market Square. This stunning building holds the Office of the President of the Republic and is used by the President for official functions. While it’s not open to the public, it’s worth strolling by on your way to your next stop.

Uspenski Cathedral

By now, you’ve likely already spotted the next attraction on your Helsinki itinerary. It’s hard to miss the red-bricked Uspenski Cathedral as it towers over the city. This cathedral is the main one for the Orthodox Church of Finland. Constructed during Russia’s rule over Finland, it was completed in 1868 and remains one of Helsinki’s biggest attractions.

On the outside, you’ll spot 13 towers with gilded domes and a 5-story bell tower. The inside is even more colorful, filled with mosaics and iconostases. 

The Uspenski Cathedral is open every day of the week for visitors except Mondays. However, it does close a bit early on weekends. If the first day of your 3 days in Helsinki is a Saturday, keep in mind that you’ll need to arrive here before its closing at 3 pm.

Helsinki Cathedral

Next up, you’ll head to another of Helsinki’s famous landmarks, the Helsinki Cathedral . Though it was also constructed during Russian rule, this cathedral is actually Finnish Evangelical Lutheran and was built in a very different style from the Uspenski Cathedral. 

Walk up the steps to take in the stunning view outside the cathedral, then head inside to explore its beauty. Visit the art exhibitions, marvel at the massive organ above you, and admire the many gilded statues and altars around the cathedral.

To finish up the first day of your 3-day weekend in Helsinki, grab dinner at Ravintola Savotta . If you want to immerse yourself in true Finnish cuisine, this restaurant is a great place to do it. 

It even offers you an amazing view of the Helsinki Cathedral. Start off with some traditional fish soup and then indulge in some reindeer roast or braised bear. Finish it all off with some sweet Finnish trifle and a glass of Lakkalikööri, aka cloudberry liqueur. 

3 Days in Helsinki – Day 2

Café ekberg.

To start the second day of your weekend in Helsinki, head to a true Finnish institution. Located in the city center, Café Ekberg is the oldest bakery, patisserie, and cafe in Finland. Though it’s been more recently renovated, it still holds the same historic charm as it always did. 

It’s a lovely place to get a cup of coffee and a pastry to start your day. And opt to forgo asking for a to-go order. You’ll want to spend some time enjoying the scenery. 

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum 

After breakfast, you’re going to want to catch Bus 24, which is the easiest way to get to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum . Seurasaari Island has long been a place for Finnish people to experience nature and spend a leisurely day of exploration. Over time, the island became more developed, with restaurants and other buildings popping up, making it an even more popular summer destination.

Although you can still explore its beaches and nature trails, the main draw to Seurasaari today is its open-air museum. Buildings from all over Finland have been moved to Seurasaari. There are currently 87 buildings in the museum, all representing Finnish life from between the 17th and 20th centuries. 

You’ll likely need several hours to explore the island, so rather than rushing off to go get lunch, stop by the museum’s cafe, Antin Kaffeliiteri, where you’ll find coffee alongside sweet and savory treats. It’s located inside the shed of the Antin talo building.

From there, you’ll take the 500 or 502 to get back into the city. You’ve spent the morning studying the history of Finland, so now it’s time to do something a little different, though it’s historic nonetheless!

Linnanmäki is Helsinki’s amusement park, dating back to 1950. Only open during the summer, with a special light festival extending into October, Linnanmäki is filled with roller coasters, from the launching Taiga to the whirling Kirnu. 

This park, which is free to enter and requires the purchase of either an all-day wristband or individual ride tickets, has something for everyone. There are rides for all ages, from drop towers of all different sizes to a haunted house to a VR coaster. 

But one of the biggest attractions is the historic Vuoristorata, a wooden coaster that dates back to 1951. It’s one of the few roller coasters that employs the use of manual brakes and onboard brake operators, who stand at the back of the coaster throughout the ride. And they do a pretty great job creating a smooth ride!

Linnanmäki may be known for its amazing rides and truly adorable theming, but you’ll also find that it has some of the best amusement park food around. So if you want to stay in the park until closing, you won’t have to leave to grab a bite to eat for dinner. There are more than 20 places to eat in the park, with options ranging from Italian or Indian cuisine to cloudberry jam-covered waffles and bubble tea topped with gourmet doughnuts.

Then, end the night with one last ride on Vuoristorata before you head back to the hotel to rest up for the final day of your 3 days in Helsinki.

3 Days in Helsinki – Day 3

For the last day of your 3-day trip to Helsinki, you’ll start out with breakfast at one of the best cafes in Helsinki, Cafe Regatta . Set inside a 115-year-old red cottage, this cafe looks like a piece of the countryside that’s a bit out of place in Helsinki. 

Open year-round, you get two very different experiences during the summer and winter. In the summer, you’ll revel in the nearly all-day sunlight as you sit outside by the water. In the winter, you’ll warm yourself by the fire as fresh snow surrounds you.

But no matter when you visit, you’re going to want to get one of their hot chocolates, covered in whipped cream, of course. And their top pastries include their amazing cinnamon rolls, blueberry pie, and karjalanpiirakka .

Also in the summer, you can rent a paddleboard, canoe, kayak, or rowboat from the on-site SUP Regatta . Helsinki is a beautiful place to boat around, and it allows you to see another side of the city that many others don’t get to see. Enjoy spending a morning on a leisurely kayak or canoe ride, as long as the wind isn’t too strong to cause too many waves. 

Sibelius Monument 

Whether you’ve chosen to skip kayaking or are just wrapping up your session, your next stop isn’t too far away. Consisting of over 600 steel pipes unevenly grouped together to represent a sound wave, the Sibelius Monument was erected in 1967 in honor of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. A large bust of Sibelius himself was later added next to the landmark.

The monument itself is more than a beautiful work of art. Under the right conditions, the statue even echoes the music of the world around it. You can sometimes hear a bird’s song or a whistle from a strong wind. 

Temppeliaukio Church

Next up, you’re going to stroll on over to the Temppeliaukio Church , known better as the Rock Church. Active still today as a Lutheran church, the Rock Church was the brainchild of architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, who won a contest to be able to see their design come to fruition. The church would be built directly into rock, with a copper-lined dome holding the ceiling up.

As a great architectural marvel, the church is more than worth a spot on your Helsinki itinerary. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting on a Sunday, Sunday Service will occur at 10 am. You’re welcome to sit through the service, though it will be in Finnish. However, English leaflets are provided. 

However, if you arrive in time for the service, you may not take any photos and must sit for the service. Ideally, if you want to skip the service, arrive after noon when the church reopens for visitors. It does close again at 1:15 pm, reopening for half an hour at 2:15 pm before opening once more at 3:45 pm, when it stays open until closing at 6 pm. 

If you’re choosing to have started this 3-day Helsinki itinerary on a Saturday, making your last day a Monday, your schedule is a little easier, as the church simply remains open to the public from 10 am to 7 pm.

Restaurant Big Bowl Noodle

When you’re ready to stop and grab a bite to eat, head over to the nearby Restaurant Big Bowl Noodle . This easy-to-miss restaurant is hiding one of the best meals in Helsinki, especially if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine. As the name promises, you get one seriously big bowl of noodles, which are all hand-pulled. It’s pure comfort food, and you’re guaranteed not to leave hungry.

Korkeasaari Zoo

From there, you’re going to hop on the 2 tram to get back to South Harbour, where you’ll leave for your last attraction for your 3 days in Helsinki. Though Korkeasaari Zoo is open year-round, only in the summer can you take a scenic ferry ride from Market Square to the zoo, located on its own island. 

Keep in mind that, unlike when you traveled to Suomenlinna, this ferry operates outside the HSL and requires a separate ticket. If you’d like to save some money on the ticket costs, you can instead take Bus 16, which will take you right to the Korkeasaari ticket booth on the island. 

This zoo is one of the oldest in the world and is dedicated to its conservation efforts. It’s home to more than 150 animal species, but don’t expect the hippos and giraffes you’d see in many American zoos. 

Korkeasaari strives to put its animals in comfortable habitats where they can enjoy the outside throughout the year. Keeping that in mind, you’ll see more forest reindeer or wolverines here than you would in many other zoos.

There are two tropical houses on-site, which allow for more animals that would prefer the warmth. From pygmy marmosets to dwarf mongooses, you’ll see many unique creatures throughout the island from all over the world.

After you finish exploring the zoo, venture back to the mainland by either bus or ferry for the last dinner of your 3-day trip to Helsinki. For this dinner, indulge in a restaurant with Finnish cuisine at its heart! 

Ravintola Kolme Kruunua , with the sun seeping in through its stained glass windows, is an upscale restaurant serving up Finnish favorites. From sautéed reindeer to some of the best meatballs in town, everything is tender and perfectly cooked. We recommend getting the snails for an appetizer and splitting the French toast and squeaky Finnish cheese for dessert!

More places to eat & drink in Helsinki

Sip coffee and take in the view at Café Engel : Located by Senate Square, this charming cafe offers a perfect view of the Helsinki Cathedral. Although it’s a great place for breakfast, you’re also going to want to head back later in the day if you’re visiting in the summer. Come summer, the cafe’s courtyard becomes home to Kesäkino Engel , an outdoor movie theater.

Sample your way through Hietalahti Market Hall: Built over 100 years ago, this market hall near South Harbour offers cuisine from all around the world, in addition to handmade goods and artwork. 

Experience the French and Italian fusion of Baskeri & Basso Bistro : Inspired by French bistros and Italian osterias, with a little hint of San Francisco’s food scene thrown in, Baskeri & Basso is a laidback, romantic restaurant that keeps its menu simple for the sake of incredible flavor.

What to do if you have more than 3 days in Helsinki

Take a day trip to Porvoo. Porvoo is an absolutely adorable and historic town that’s only about an hour away from Helsinki. As the second-oldest town in all of Finland, there’s plenty of history in its cobblestone streets. Over in the colorful Old Town, you’ll find handmade artisan goods, quaint and delicious cafes, and museums that will teach you all about the local culture. Don’t forget to head down to the waterfront to snap a pic in front of the famous red houses!

Travel to Tallinn. As Estonia’s capital, Tallinn is a one-of-a-kind city with architecture dating from many different eras. The main attraction is the city’s Old Town, with its medieval buildings now playing host to fine dining establishments, boutiques, museums, art galleries, and much more.

Botanical Gardens

Visit the many botanical gardens. Helsinki has a number of gardens you can explore. There’s the Winter Garden , which is nearby Linnamäki. Opened in 1893, this quaint and beautiful garden is open year-round, despite its name, with new flowers blooming each season. The University of Helsinki Botanical Garden actually has two sites, one in Kaisaniemi and one in Kumpula , each with its own unique collection. Strolling through either one is a lovely way to enjoy a summer day in Helsinki.

Spend an afternoon at Löyly . Löyly is more than a glass-walled restaurant offering one of the best views of Helsinki. It’s also known for its saunas. Public saunas, which are either a traditional smoke sauna or a wood-burning sauna, are available for bookings of two hours at a time. Or you can book a private sauna, which includes a private terrace and access to the sea.

Allas Sea Pool

Take a dip in the Allas Sea Pool . The Allas Sea Pool, which offers an incredible view of the waterfront, features several pools to choose from, including a saltwater pool with water from the sea. Outside of the pools, you can also relax in the saunas.  

We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Helsinki! Should we add something else to our 3-day Helsinki itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

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About the Author:

Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since. From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places. The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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Child Fair 2024 | Messukeskus (Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre)

Child Fair Helsinki is the ultimate destination for families seeking the best clothing brands, toys, games, and other family necessities. This renowned event, taking place from April 19 to April 21, 2024, at the prestigious Messukeskus (Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre) in the heart of Helsinki, Finland, brings together everything you need under one roof. Immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities as you explore the various activity areas and engage with your favorite fairy tale characters. The Child Fair Helsinki is not only the biggest, but also the most energetic event of its kind. Experience the thrill of adventure parks, captivating performances, and much more. This is your opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Mark your calendars and make sure to be a part of the Child Fair Helsinki 2024, where excitement and joy await you.

Provided by Milli | Published Apr 10, 2024

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3-Day Whistler Trip for Nature Lovers

From mountain top to valley bottom, Whistler’s natural beauty shines. In just three days you can explore lakes, rainforests, creeks, glaciers, wildlife, mountain tops and tons of trails on foot, on bikes and in a canoe. Here’s an example of a three-day itinerary dedicated to nature lovers looking to make the most out of their summer stay in Whistler .

Where to Stay

Immerse yourself in nature at one of Whistler’s tranquil hotels. Located in Creekside, Nita Lake Lodge has lakefront views and great stargazing from their roof-top hot tub. Or book a suite at Lost Lake Lodge in the Upper Village, just steps from Lost Lake Park . You can head to the lake for a swim, or lounge by the tree-lined pool.

To really get close to nature, stay at Riverside Resort on the banks of rushing Fitzsimmons Creek. They have RV and tent sites, but you can also glamp in one of their log cabins or yurts. 

Day 1: Enchanted Forests

After you arrive in Whistler, visit Picnic Whistler’s Deli to grab a to-go charcuterie box for lunch. Stroll over to Rebagliati Park to listen to the babbling of the creek while you eat alfresco. If you have time, continue following the Valley Trail to Lost Lake Park to walk the trails.

On summer weekdays, the Whistler Museum hosts a pop-up natural history display that’s a great way to learn about the local ecosystem. 

Next, start your TreeTrek Tour . You’ll walk high in the tree canopy on a network of suspended walkways and bridges as your guide introduces you to the spectacular flora and fauna of the old-growth rainforest. 

Go for dinner at Alta Bistro to enjoy a seasonal menu with locally sourced ingredients including vegetables from North Arm Farm in nearby Pemberton.

Continue your forest adventures after dinner with an immersive multimedia experience at Vallea Lumina . You’ll go on a night walk through the woods while lighting and special effects create a unique story (read more in Magic in the Mountains ).

Day 2: A Day in the Mountains

Start your day with breakfast at a local cafe. You can also pick up a take-out lunch to enjoy later on the mountain. Naked Sprout Cafe has great smoothies and lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Or head to Mount Currie Coffee for pastries and coffee. Both spots offer sandwiches and wraps to-go. 

Nature lovers can’t come to Whistler without a trip up Whistler Blackcomb. After you’ve fueled up, ride the Blackcomb Gondola up into the mountains (always check gondola times and trail status before you go). At the top, go for a stroll to take in the mountain setting. You can stick close to the Rendezvous Lodge or go for a short, 30-minute walk on the Alpine Loop Trail (for more hiking suggestions read our alpine guide ) . This is a great place to see marmots, adorably chubby members of the rodent family. Their whistling alarm call gave Whistler Mountain its name.

Next, ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola over to Whistler Mountain. Enjoy the views as you cruise across one of the longest free-span ropeways in the world .  Once you arrive, take the Peak Chair to Whistler Peak where you can walk across the Cloudraker Skybridge , take photos with the iconic inukshuk and enjoy the incredible views from the Raven’s Eye Lookout. 

Now it’s time to experience some of the best hiking in Whistler and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view. The signature hike is the 4-hour-long High Note Trail which starts near the Raven’s Eye. It has incredible views of mountains, glaciers and Cheakamus Lake in the valley below. Or enjoy more mellow terrain on the Harmony Lake Loop as you walk through alpine meadows to a tiny lake. It starts at the Roundhouse and takes about 90 minutes. 

Cap off your trip to the mountains with drinks at the Umbrella Bar at the Roundhouse Lodge . Enjoy the panoramic views while you sip. When you’re ready to tear yourself away from the incredible scenery, take the Whistler Gondola back to the village. 

If you have time before dinner, spend a little time with Whistler’s oldest locals – the trees! Follow the short, self-guided Weird and Wonderful Trees tour through the village using the free Go Whistler Tours app . Local naturalist Ross Reid will introduce you to five different trees. 

For dinner, head to Mekong in Creekside to enjoy a modern take on classic Thai dishes. Nature lovers will appreciate the serenity of the airy dining room which features trailing plants on seemingly every surface. 

Day 3: Bears or Boats, and Bikes

Begin with breakfast on the patio at The Den at Nita Lake Lodge . It has great lake views and a farm-to-table menu. If you’re really hungry, order one of their bottomless Bennies. 

Next, nature lovers have a choice between bears and boats. Sign up for a bear-watching tour for a chance to see some of Whistler’s famous black bears, and if you’re really lucky, their cubs too. Your guide will take you off-road in a 4×4 vehicle to bear viewing areas, feeding sites, and day beds (read more in Connecting With Black Bears in Whistler ). 

Or book a laid-back, guided paddling trip in the heart of the Whistler Valley. Jump into canoes, then follow your guide across Alta Lake into the slow and winding waters of the River of Golden Dreams . Your guide will tell you all about Whistler’s flora and fauna while you look out for waterfowl, songbirds, beavers and bears as you float with the current. 

Break for lunch at Pizzeria Antico . With towering conifers around their patio, you’ll forget you are in the heart of Whistler Village, not in the middle of the forest. 

After pizza, rent a cruiser bike or e-bike , then head out on the Valley Trail. This car-free trail network spreads 46 km around the Whistler Valley. Use the Go Whistler Tours app to follow the 11-km-long Natural Wonders Bike Tour to learn about biodiversity and geology at Lost Lake and Green Lake.

If you need a break, stop at Table Nineteen for their afternoon happy hour. The patio has an incredible view of the glacial waters of Green Lake and you can watch float planes landing while you eat. 

While you can see a lot in three days, staying longer lets you slow down and deepen your connection to Whistler’s landscapes. Check out Whistler.com for more summer activity options for nature lovers.

This spring , for every third night you book between March 1 - April 30, 2024, receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher. Book your summer stay by April 30, 2024, and save up to 30% on lodging and 20% on activities. Plus, you’ll receive a free $150 Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team . 

Taryn Eyton is a Squamish-based adventure travel writer and the founder of HappiestOutdoors.ca. She is also the author of two hiking guidebooks: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia: The Essential Guide to Overnight Hiking Trails (Greystone Books, 2021) and Backpacking on Vancouver Island: The Essential Guide to the Best Multi-Day Trips and Day Hikes (Greystone Books, 2024). Taryn is a Leave No Trace Master Educator, the President of the Friends of Garibaldi Park Society, a member of the Board of Directors of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, and a Fellow of the Canadian Geographic Society.

Family Fun at the Whistler Children’s Festival

Related posts, meet bearfoot bistro’s new culinary director, dominic fortin, 3-day sustainable summer stay in whistler, golf in whistler: 10 reasons to tee off in whistler this summer.

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ChemBio Finland 2024 | Messukeskus (Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre)

ChemBio Finland 2024 is a premier two-day event that will take place at the prestigious Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre, located in the vibrant city of Helsinki, Finland. This highly anticipated event is specifically designed to bring together professionals in the chemical and bio industries, providing a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and business growth opportunities. ChemBio Finland 2024 will feature a comprehensive range of exhibits, showcasing the latest advancements, technologies, and products in the chemical and bio sectors. From innovative research to cutting-edge solutions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of offerings from leading industry experts. The event will take place from April 10th to April 11th, 2024, offering attendees two full days of engagement, learning, and collaboration. With a focus on fostering connections and facilitating partnerships, ChemBio Finland 2024 promises to be an essential gathering for professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends and drive their organizations towards success. Join us at ChemBio Finland 2024 as we bring together chemical and bio professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, explore industry innovations, and propel the future of these dynamic sectors. Mark your calendars for this exceptional event and be part of a transformative experience in Helsinki, Finland.

Provided by Ghost1013 | Published Apr 10, 2024

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Child Fair 2024 | Messukeskus (Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre)

Child Fair Helsinki is the ultimate destination for families seeking the best clothing brands, toys, games, and other family necessities. This renowned event, taking place from April 19 to April 21, 2024, at the prestigious Messukeskus (Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre) in the heart of Helsinki, Finland, brings together everything you need under one roof. Immerse yourself in a world of endless possibilities as you explore the various activity areas and engage with your favorite fairy tale characters. The Child Fair Helsinki is not only the biggest, but also the most energetic event of its kind. Experience the thrill of adventure parks, captivating performances, and much more. This is your opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Mark your calendars and make sure to be a part of the Child Fair Helsinki 2024, where excitement and joy await you.

Provided by Milli | Published Apr 10, 2024

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Helsinki Coffee Festival And Exhibition 2024 | Kaapelitehdas

The Helsinki Coffee Festival And Exhibition 2024 is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable coffee festivals in the world. Taking place in the vibrant city of Helsinki at the renowned Kaapelitehdas venue, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity for coffee enthusiasts to indulge in a truly immersive experience. From the moment you step foot into the festival, you will have the chance to explore a plethora of coffeemakers and cutting-edge equipment, allowing you to witness firsthand the latest advancements in the world of coffee brewing. In addition, attendees can partake in captivating manual brew workshops, where they will discover innovative techniques for creating exceptional coffee in the comfort of their own homes. As you navigate through the festival, you will encounter a diverse array of coffee brands and experts, providing a platform for meaningful conversations and the discovery of new coffee favorites. Join us at the Helsinki Coffee Festival And Exhibition 2024 and embark on a journey that will elevate your coffee experience to new heights. Mark your calendars from April 19th to April 21st, 2024, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of coffee excellence.

Provided by Gaetan | Published Apr 10, 2024

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