12 Best Things To Do in Helsinki, Finland

The best things to do in Helsinki range from exploring centuries-old fortresses to unwinding in traditional Finnish saunas. As Finland’s capital and cultural hub, Helsinki attracts over 4 million visitors annually for a city break.

Helsinki is praised for its rich culture, breathtaking architecture, and coastal charm. From strolling through Senate Square and admiring the iconic Helsinki Cathedral to experiencing the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the city offers something for every traveler.

Outdoor lovers can enjoy the trails of Seurasaari Island, while food enthusiasts can try Finnish delicacies at Market Square.

Adults can relax in Finnish saunas, and children can have fun at the Helsinki Zoo. Meanwhile, history buffs can take a walking tour, and sports enthusiasts can watch the Jokerit ice hockey team.

We analyzed traveler reviews from platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com, considered local expert recommendations, and factored in historical and cultural significance. We also included a mix of popular tourist attractions and hidden gems for a well-rounded experience. Here are 12 must-do activities in Helsinki.

Table of Contents

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Best Things To Do in Helsinki, Finland Visit Helsinki Cathedral

Visit Helsinki Cathedral 1/5

Destinations in Europe Helsinki, Finland

Walk till your feet quit 2/5

Best Things To Do in Helsinki, Finland Explore Suomenlinna

Storm Suomenlinna 3/5

Best Things To Do in Helsinki, Finland Watch the Helsingin Jokerit Ice Hockey Team Helsinki Arena

Cheer at an ice hockey game 4/5

Best Things To Do in Helsinki, Finland Relax In a Finnish Sauna

Sweat it out in a sauna 5/5

Results

Visit Helsinki Cathedral

12 2

Walk till your feet quit

11 3

Storm Suomenlinna

10 4

Cheer at an ice hockey game

8 6

Sweat it out in a sauna

10 4

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Helsinki: Marski by Scandic offers a range of rooms, including suites and sauna options, in a central Helsinki location near the Market Square and Esplanadi shopping district.
Mid-Range Hotel in Helsinki: Hotel Klaus K offers stylish accommodations in central Helsinki, with luxury beds, city views, and easy tram access near the Esplanadi shopping district.
Budget Hotel in Helsinki: Hotel Finn offers simple, functional rooms featuring local artwork in a central Helsinki location, just steps from Stockmann and a short walk from the harbor and Market Square.

Here are three of Helsinki’s most popular things to do:

Visit Helsinki Cathedral – Helsinki Cathedral is one of the city’s most famous attractions.
Go on a walking tour – This is a fabulous way to learn more about the Finnish capital.
Explore Suomenlinna – Suomenlinna is one of Helsinki’s most fascinating attractions.

Visit Helsinki Cathedral

Visiting Helsinki Cathedral is one of the most popular things to do in Helsinki. Located on Senate Square in the center of the capital, this beautiful Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral was built between 1830 and 1852 in tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia.

Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, the cathedral has a neoclassical style and is built in the shape of a Greek cross. It has a tall green dome and four smaller domes, and its pediment rests on six Corinthian pillars. Inside, Helsinki Cathedral is decorated with ornate frescoes and intricate carvings.

Admission to the cathedral costs between €8 and €10 ($8.40 and $10.50). Opening times vary depending on church events.

Admission and Opening Hours: Entrance to Helsinki Cathedral is free. The cathedral is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during the summer months (June to August) until midnight. Sightseeing may be restricted during church ceremonies.
Accessibility: For visitors requiring wheelchair access, entry to the cathedral is possible via the Cathedral Crypt, located at Kirkkokatu 18.

Go on a Walking Tour

One of the best ways to explore Helsinki is on a walking tour because you visit many famous sites and learn more about their history from an expert guide. Helsinki offers travelers free walking tours.

Free Walking Tours Helsinki runs multiple tours daily. Tours start in Senate Square, near Helsinki Cathedral, and end at Oodi Library. During each tour, you’ll visit 10+ famous locations across the city, including the National Library of Finland, Market Square, and Esplanadi Park.

Tours are led by English-speaking guides who know all the ins and outs of Helsinki. While tours are free, we strongly recommend leaving a tip for your guide.

Dress Comfortably – Tours last 2–2.5 hours over cobblestone streets, so wear good walking shoes and bring water. Tipping your guide is appreciated!

Explore Suomenlinna

Exploring Suomenlinna is one of the most exciting things to do in Helsinki. This large island off the coast of mainland Finland is home to an 18th-century sea fortress with centuries-old artillery and tall defensive walls. It’s also a picturesque nature area with scenic walking trails that offer impressive sea views.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular place to enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about Finnish history. You can experience both by following the Blue walking path. This 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) trail explores the fortress from north to south, visiting the main sights, such as the King’s Gate.

Information signs along the route will tell you more about what you’re looking at. You can also learn more about the island’s 260+ year history at the Suomenlinna Museum.

Take the Ferry – The HSL ferry from Market Square runs year-round and is the most affordable way to reach Suomenlinna. A standard public transport ticket covers the ride.
Wear Comfortable Shoes – The island’s cobblestone paths and rugged trails can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended for exploring the fortress and scenic trails.

Have a Drink on the Relandersgrund Boat

One of the most unique experiences in Helsinki is having a drink on the Relandersgrund Boat. Built in 1888, the Relandersgrund Boat is a former lighthouse vessel. Once located at the Relanderinmatala shallow in Rauma, the bright red boat is now moored in the capital.

Not only that, but the boat has also been converted into an entertainment venue. In the summer, the top deck transforms into a terrace for weary travelers to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. While you sip your refreshing glass of wine, enjoy the beautiful city views, including an excellent view of Uspenski Cathedral.

We can’t imagine a better way to combine history, good views, and a relaxing drink.

Best Time to Visit – The Relandersgrund Boat operates as a bar and café during the summer months, usually from May to September. If you’re visiting outside this period, it may be closed. Go in the late afternoon or early evening to enjoy the best views of the sunset over the harbor.
Payment and Seating – Most places in Helsinki accept card payments, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash just in case. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating. If the weather is nice, get a spot on the deck.

Have Fun at Helsinki Zoo

Top Things to Do in Prague, Czech Republic Meet the Animals at Prague Zoo Javan leopard — © Jindrich_pavelka / Shutterstock

Having fun at Helsinki Zoo is one of the most kid-friendly things to do in Helsinki. Often called the island of animals because it’s located on one of Helsinki’s islands, this zoo is home to over 150 animal species. You can expect to find many of the world’s most exciting animal species, including Amur tigers, Asiatic lions, jaguars, and European brown bears.

Visitors can explore the park at their own will, but guided tours are available if you want to learn more about the animals. Despite being on an island, getting to the zoo isn’t hard.

You can take a tram, bus, or ferry. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets cost €23 ($24) for adults and €16 ($16.80) for children.

Seasonal Events: Throughout the year, Helsinki Zoo hosts special events and exhibitions. Check the zoo’s official website or contact the information desk for details.
Amenities: The zoo has cafes, picnic areas, and souvenir shops. Wear comfortable footwear.

Visit the Finnish Museum of Natural History

Another popular activity for children in Helsinki is visiting the Finnish Museum of Natural History. This exciting museum is a fantastic place to learn about the world’s wonders. Its exhibits center on Finnish nature, the history of life, and the world’s wildlife.

The History of Life exhibit is a highlight because it contains life-size dinosaur fossils. Meanwhile, the Wildlife of the World exhibit features thousands of fascinating specimens, including a polar bear and a great white shark. Honestly, your children will spend the entire time in awe.

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This museum is open daily from 10:00 until 17:00 and 10:00 until 18:00. Tickets cost €20 ($21) for adults and €7 ($7.30) for children.

Buy Tickets in Advance – The museum can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
Explore Nearby Attractions – The museum is centrally located, so after your visit, take a short walk to Helsinki’s Esplanadi Park or the Kamppi district for shopping and dining.

Watch the Helsingin Jokerit Ice Hockey Team

Sports enthusiasts visiting Helsinki should try to attend an ice hockey match. Ice Hockey and soccer are the most popular sports in Helsinki. In fact, the Finnish National Ice Hockey team has won the World Championships four times. The team usually plays its games at the Hartwall Arena.

However, you’ll have to time your visit well to watch the national team in action. Luckily, though, Helsingin Jokerit also plays in Helsinki. They’re a professional ice hockey team currently playing in Mestis, Finland’s second-highest men’s ice hockey league.

The team plays its matches at the 8,200-capacity Helsinki Ice Hall. You can purchase tickets to watch Helsingin Jokerit through the team’s website. Expect an explosive atmosphere and high-quality ice hockey.

Buy Tickets in Advance – Helsingin Jokerit games can attract passionate crowds, especially for key matchups. Book your tickets well ahead of time through the official website.
Learn the Team’s Chants – Finnish hockey fans are known for their energy and loud chants. Check out Jokerit’s official social media pages to familiarize yourself with popular team chants.

Relax in a Finnish Sauna

Relaxing in a Finnish sauna is an absolute must during your time in Helsinki, although we don’t think you’ll take much convincing. Let’s face it: who doesn’t want to spend an hour or two relaxing in a sauna? For those who don’t know, a Finnish sauna is a traditional wooden cabin or room heated with wood or electricity.

Their purpose is to encourage relaxation and well-being. You’ll find many Finnish saunas across Helsinki, but Allas Pool is one of the best. For starters, this facility is located next to Market Square in central Helsinki.

As such, it’s easy to reach. Second, it has five Finnish saunas for you to use, including one unisex sauna perfect for couples. The landscape sauna is especially popular because it offers sea views.

Try the Sauna and Ice Dip Combo – Many saunas, including Allas Sea Pool, offer the chance to alternate between the hot sauna and a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea or a cold plunge pool. This contrast therapy is a core part of Finnish sauna culture and is said to boost circulation and energy levels.
Respect Sauna Etiquette – In Finland, saunas are a place of relaxation and social bonding. Most public saunas require you to shower before entering, and nudity is common in gender-separated areas. If you’re unsure about etiquette, observe locals or ask the staff for guidance.

Buy Souvenirs at Helsinki Central Market

Helsinki Central Market, also known as Kauppatori, is one of the best markets in the Finnish capital. Situated at Market Square, near Allas Pool, this market sells everything from fruit and vegetables and international street food to handicrafts and traditional souvenirs.

The market also features two noteworthy attractions: the Havis Amanda Fountain and the Empress Stone.

It’s also worth noting that ferries to many of Helsinki’s islands depart from near the market. This market is open every day of the week. Opening times vary, but it’s usually open between 6:30 and 18:00. We recommend visiting the market at lunchtime so you can grab a bite to eat.

However, you might prefer to visit earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

Look for Authentic Finnish Handicrafts – The market is a great place to find handmade Finnish souvenirs, such as reindeer leather goods, Moomin merchandise, and woolen mittens. Be sure to check for items marked “Made in Finland” to ensure authenticity.
Try Local Street Food – Don’t miss the chance to sample Finnish street food like loimulohi (flame-grilled salmon) or lihapiirakka (a savory meat pastry). Some stalls also sell cloudberry jam, a local delicacy perfect to take home.

Walk Along One of Helsinki’s Beaches

It may come as a surprise, but Helsinki is home to several picturesque beaches. While the beaches might not be the biggest draw to Helsinki, it would be a shame to miss out on the city’s best.

One of the most popular beaches in Helsinki is Aurinkolahti Beach. This postcard-perfect beach in eastern Helsinki offers a sandy shoreline, a quiet boulevard, and delightful sea and forest views. It’s an excellent spot for a romantic stroll or a few hours of relaxation.

Another popular beach in Helsinki is Hietaranta Beach. This beach also offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand and epic sea views. However, it’s much closer to the city center. You can walk to the beach in less than 30 minutes.

Pack for the Nordic Weather – Even in summer, Helsinki’s sea breeze can be chilly. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
Explore Nearby Cafés – Many of Helsinki’s beaches, like Hietaranta Beach, have cozy beachfront cafés where you can enjoy coffee, pastries, or light snacks.

Go on the Rides at Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Best Things To Do in Helsinki, Finland Go On the Rides at Linnanmäki Amusement Park — © Kallerna / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

Located in the Alppila Quarter of Helsinki, Linnanmäki Amusement Park is Finland’s oldest and most popular amusement park. It first opened its doors to the public in 1950. Today, the park is owned by a non-profit organization called Children’s Day Foundation.

Therefore, the money you spend will go towards Finnish child welfare schemes. You’ll find various exciting theme park rides and attractions at the park. One of the most popular rides is the Vuoristorata, a traditional wooden roller coaster built in 1951.

Other traditional rides at Linnanmäki include a Ferris wheel and a carousel. Alternatively, you can ride the newer, more adrenaline-pumping rides like Kirnu and Salama. Linnanmäki also has child-friendly rides for smaller thrill-seekers.

Take Advantage of Free Entry – Unlike many amusement parks, Linnanmäki has free admission. However, individual ride passes or wristbands are required if you want to go on the attractions.
Visit the Panorama Tower – Even if you’re not a fan of roller coasters, don’t miss the free Panorama Tower ride. It offers stunning 360-degree views of Helsinki from above.

Spend a Day in Tallinn

These European Countries Have Reintroduced Border Checks Estonia Tallinn — © SeanPavonePhoto / Adobe Stock

One of the best things about visiting Helsinki is that you can easily see another capital city during your trip: Tallinn, Estonia. Tallinn is only a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki. You can get to the Estonian capital from Helsinki by taking a Tallink Silja ferry.

This ferry company offers multiple ferries to and from Tallinn daily. Conveniently, the earliest ferry departs Helsinki at 7:30, which means you’ll arrive in Tallinn at 9:30. The latest ferry back to Helsinki departs Tallinn at 22:30, giving you 10+ hours to explore the Estonian capital.

A return ticket costs approximately €41 ($43). Popular attractions in Tallinn include Toompea Castle, Tallinn Town Hall, and the TV Tower.

Book Ferry Tickets in Advance – Tallinn is a popular day-trip destination, and ferry tickets sell out quickly, especially in summer.
Wear Comfortable Shoes – Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO-listed medieval district with cobblestone streets and steep hills. Walking shoes will make exploring historic sites like Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral much easier.