Top attractions in Helsinki – what to do in Helsinki?

For culture and art lovers

Visitors who are hungry for culture will find plenty to do in Helsinki. There are many cultural attractions in the city centre, but it’s worth it to also explore what other neighbourhoods have to offer, if time allows.

Oodi

Central Library Oodi is one of Helsinki’s most beloved meeting places and has established itself as one of the best attractions in Helsinki. In addition to its stunning architecture, the modern building offers peaceful reading nooks, working spaces, a café and some of the city’s best views of Kansalaistori Square. Even if you’re not really a library person, you should visit Oodi just for the atmosphere.

Art from modern to classical near the station

Kiasma brings contemporary art that provokes thoughts and emotions to the heart of Helsinki. The exhibitions change regularly, so you can see something new every time you visit. The building itself is already an attraction, and it is easy to combine a museum visit with a day in the city centre or a coffee break in the nearby area.

Located near Kiasma, next to Lasipalatsi, Amos Rex combines modern art and personal architecture in an interesting way. The hill-like roof windows of Lasipalatsi Square alone are worth seeing. The museum’s exhibitions are often experiential and thought-provoking, offering plenty to talk about even after your return home.

Located right next to Railway Square, Ateneum exhibits the classics of Finnish art. The museum contains many familiar works that you may have seen before in textbooks at school and in the history of Finnish culture. Ateneum's location right next to the railway station makes it the perfect first stop after your train trip.

Helsinki Central Railway Station’s Clock Tower

Did you know that you can also take a peek inside the Helsinki Central Railway Station’s clock tower? Designed by architect Eliel Saarinen, the railway station's iconic clock tower has been part of the silhouette of Helsinki for over a century. The guided tours of the clock tower allow you to visit the tower, hear stories of the tower and admire the landscape above the roofs of Helsinki. The clock tower also has a brewery restaurant where various events are organised. Visit the tower in connection with your train trip, while in the city or before returning home.

The Aalto House and Studio Aalto

Munkkiniemi offers interesting destinations for lovers of Finnish design, namely the home of Alvar and Aino Aalto and Studio Aalto. These two destinations are located near each other and offer a glimpse into the history and architecture of the creative power couple’s personal home, as well as the architect and designer’s design philosophy. You can explore the sites on guided tours, which you should book in advance.

Temppeliaukio Church

Excavated into solid rock, Temppeliaukio Church is one of the most impressive buildings in Helsinki. The natural stone walls and natural light reflecting through the dome ceiling create a peaceful atmosphere that seems to make time stand still for a moment even on a busy day. The church is also known for its excellent acoustics.

For those looking for local favourites

Puu-Käpylä

In Puu-Käpylä, Helsinki looks completely different compared to the city centre. Colourful wooden houses, lush yards and small streets create an atmosphere that feels more like a small town than a capital city. The area is perfect for a peaceful walk and exploring Helsinki in an unhurried manner. You can get to Käpylä with HSL by train or tram.

Lonna

The small Island of Lonna is an easy way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a moment. The ferry ride only takes a moment, but the atmosphere changes completely: the sea breeze and the peaceful island environment make the island the perfect destination for a summer day. On the island, you can eat well, spend time at the terrace, relax in a sauna or just watch the boats passing by.

Kaivopuisto

Kaivopuisto is one of the most classic places to spend a sunny day in Helsinki. The park is perfect for picnics, enjoying the marine scenery and observing life in the city during summer. The area’s beach trails and old art nouveau buildings make walking here particularly atmospheric.

Attractions in Helsinki for lovers of sauna culture

Löyly

Löyly combines modern architecture, Finnish sauna culture and the marine scenery in a way that has made it one of Helsinki’s top attractions. You can take a break from the sauna by taking a dip in the sea or staying on the terrace to watch the sunset. If you'd rather not go to a sauna, the place is also a great restaurant and scenic destination.

Allas Pool

Located next to the city centre, the Allas Pool offers a rare opportunity to swim and go to a sauna in the heart of the city. Dip into the sea water pool or swim laps in the longer pool. Allas Pool offers a view of the Market Square and the harbour, and you can watch the ferries to and from Suomenlinna. It is also easy to come here to try the city sauna for the first time. In the summer, concerts are also organised at Allas Pool.

Kotiharju Sauna

Kotiharju Sauna is a piece of old Helsinki in the Kallio district. The traditional wood-heated sauna exudes history and the local atmosphere, and many people come here for the genuine experience. If you want to see what a traditional Finnish public sauna looks like in its most authentic form, this is the right place.

Sompasauna

Sompasauna is a relaxed and unique place where the city culture of Helsinki can be seen at its best. The self-built community sauna is always open and attracts both locals and tourists. The sauna works on the principle of voluntary community work: anyone can heat the sauna at any time. The atmosphere is uncomplicated and a bit rough – which is why so many people love it.

What to do with children in Helsinki?

Linnanmäki and SEA LIFE

Linnanmäki is the best-known summer destination in Helsinki for many families with children. The amusement park offers rides for people of all ages, but you can also enjoy the area without going on the wildest rides. The atmospheric environment, game areas and affordable entrance make the visit an easy day trip for the whole family.

You can also visit an aquarium during your visit to Linnanmäki, especially if the weather suddenly changes! Located in Linnanmäki, the SEA LIFE aquarium takes you to an underwater world. The atmospheric aquariums, sharks and colourful tropical fish often interest adults as much as children. The aquarium is a particularly good destination for rainy days.

Helsinki City Museum and Children’s Town

The Helsinki City Museum is a good place to visit, especially on a rainy day. Entrance to the museum is free of charge, and the museum offers changing exhibitions that showcase life in Helsinki in different eras, as well as Children's Town, which allows the whole family to time travel through the history of Helsinki. In the oldest house in the city, children can learn about the past in the most fun way possible: by playing, exploring and experimenting.

Korkeasaari Zoo

Korkeasaari combines a zoo and a trip to the island in a fun way. You can see the animals in a natural environment and spend a day outdoors by the sea. The area is large enough that you can spend the whole day there, but you can also stop by for a few hours.

Natural History Museum

In the Natural History Museum, you will find dinosaurs, wild animals and natural wonders from all over the world. The exhibitions offer plenty of things to explore, and the museum is suitable for children of all ages. The large giraffe waiting at the museum entrance is already impressive.

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is not just a historic attraction – it can also seem like a big adventure island to children. Exploring the old walls, tunnels and cliffs easily makes the day an experience for the whole family. Bring a picnic lunch from the Market Square and enjoy a lovely day playing on the beach or lounging on the cliffs. The ferry trip also adds to the experience.

Attractions in Helsinki by the sea

Vallisaari

Vallisaari feels surprisingly wild and close to nature, even though it is located just outside Helsinki. The island’s nature trails, old fortresses and marine scenery offer the perfect counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of the city. In the summer, a day trip to Vallisaari is an easy way to see a completely new side of Helsinki.

Market Square

The Market Square is one of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks and a great place to start a day by the sea in the city. At the Market Square, you can stop by for a cup of coffee, taste local delicacies or follow the hustle and bustle of the harbour. Ferries depart from the same area to the archipelago and sea excursions.

Archipelago cruises

It may come as a surprise to tourists that there are approximately 300 islands in the Helsinki area. The best way for holiday visitors to admire the Helsinki archipelago is to go on a scenic cruise. Most cruises start from the Market Square, but you can also hop on board the Eastern Archipelago Route ships along the way. Some operators organise cruises at lunch and dinner times, when you can enjoy delicious food during your sea trip.

A tip for those travelling on a budget: Hop on a ferry to Suomenlinna and enjoy Helsinki by the sea for the price of an HSL ticket.

Uspenski Cathedral and Art Nouveau districts by the sea

The redbrick Uspenski Cathedral is an impressive sight on the edge of Katajanokka, and can be seen far out at sea. The decorative interior design and peaceful atmosphere of the church make the visit impressive. Combine your visit to the church with a walk along the tranquil streets of Katajanokka, admire the majestic art nouveau buildings, and take a break in one of the area’s atmospheric brick-and-mortar cafés.

Eira’s promenades and old art nouveau buildings are among the most beautiful in Helsinki. If you’re an unhurried holiday visitor, you can walk from the Market Square along the coast and through Kaivopuisto to Eira. Along the way, you can stop to enjoy refreshments at Café Ursula or Mattolaituri, or sit down on the coastal stones to watch the passing boats.

For lovers of food and coffee culture

Helsinki’s attractions also include culinary experiences! Explore charming cafés and atmospheric picnic spots or spend the evening in neighbourhood cafés.

Cafe Regatta

There is a small red cottage on the shore of Sibelius Park in Töölö that is busy every day of the year. Cafe Regatta is one of the most atmospheric and unique coffee spots in Helsinki. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with a freshly baked cinnamon bun while admiring the marine scenery. The indoor space is limited, but on a cooler day you can warm up by the campfire and cook sausages, for example.

If you want to be more active in Helsinki and are interested in adventures at sea, you should check out the equipment rental service next to Regatta, where you can get a SUP board or a kayak for exploring the nearby archipelago and beaches in the summer. From Regatta, you can head towards Hietaranta beach or Seurasaari either by water or on foot.

Traditional market halls

The Old Market Hall is the perfect place to stop and taste the culinary culture of Helsinki under the same roof, right next to the Market Square. The historic environment brings its own atmosphere to the Hall, and you can find everything from traditional salmon soups to modern flavours. It’s easy to stay in the Hall for longer. Eat there or bring food with you to the city or on an island trip.

The atmosphere in the Hakaniemi Market Hall is slightly more rough and very local. Here you will find small cafés, lunch-time restaurants, bakeries and delicacies that many people in Helsinki come back for again and again. The visit offers a good glimpse into everyday life in the city.

Brunch spots in Kallio and Teurastamo area

Helsinki’s coffee culture has flourished in recent years, especially in Kallio. There are unique cafés in the area, where a relaxed atmosphere is part of the experience. You can enjoy brunch or a cup of coffee and explore one of the city’s most unique neighbourhoods. As you walk through the streets of Kallio, you will also encounter small bakeries, vintage shops and parks favoured by locals. Check out the summer flea markets in Dallapé park and the summer street near the Karhupuisto park.

When you head from Kallio towards the east and the shore, you arrive at Teurastamo. The former industrial area is now a relaxed concentration of restaurants and cafés. The atmosphere is uncomplicated and local, and food-related events and pop-ups are often organised in the area. Here, you can also grill picnic snacks in the freely accessible shared barbecue area.

Neighbourhood atmosphere in Punavuori

Punavuori is an excellent area for wandering without a precise plan. The blocks have small bistros, wine bars, bakeries and restaurants around almost every corner. The best thing about the area is that you don't have to look for any specific place – often the most interesting discovery is the restaurant that seems lively through the window.

A tip for summer visitors! When you buy your train ticket in the VR Matkalla app, you can use HSL's city bikes more affordably for a day or a whole week. Read more about city bikes. You can also buy an HSL ticket directly in our app to continue your train trip.

Article's images: Amos Rex: Aleksi Poutanen; Oodi & The Aalto House: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio Oy; Lonna and Puu-Käpylä: Julia Kivelä; Kotiharju Sauna and Helsinki Central Railway Station: Maija Astikainen; Linnanmäki, Suomenlinna and Helsinki City Museum: Jussi Hellsten; Huvilakatu and Regatta: Jenna Pietikäinen; Teurastamo: Ninni West