Things to do in Helsinki: 50+ tips by category
Discover the best activities and attractions in Helsinki - culture, shopping, outdoor activities and much more in this city that combines urban and nature.
City articles
21.12.2024
Helsinki charms visitors with its combination of culture, history and natural beauty. This maritime city offers countless opportunities for relaxation, experiences and inspiration. Helsinki's diversity makes it an excellent destination all year round and for longer periods of time..
Whether you're a lover of culture, a history buff or a hiker seeking the peace and quiet of nature, Helsinki has something for everyone. The pulse of the city blends seamlessly with the greenery of nature, offering world-class art and culture as well as peaceful islands and forests.
Discover with us the city's stunning parks, inspiring libraries, fascinating museums and lively events - the best places to go, things to see and do in Helsinki!
Helsinki offers a wide range of museums to suit all tastes.
Art lovers will find contemporary art at Kiasma and more classical art at the Ateneum. For those interested in design and architecture, there are special museums.
For history buffs, there are several options, including the National Museum of Finland and the War Museum. For families with children, there are many museums with fun things to do.
Helsinki's museums offer interesting things to see all year round. They are an excellent destination on rainy days as well as in the summer.
Sauna bathing is an integral part of Finnish culture and Helsinki offers plenty of options for sauna experiences. The city offers both traditional wood-fired saunas and modern sauna complexes.
One of the most popular destinations is Löyly, which offers stunning sea views and stylish surroundings. In Löyly you can enjoy saunas and swimming all year round.
The Sea Pool is another popular destination that combines sauna and swimming pools in the heart of the city. It offers a unique experience with its seawater pool and sauna.
The Sompasauna represents a communal sauna culture. This self-built, free public sauna is open 24 hours a day and offers an authentic, rustic sauna experience.
Helsinki offers cinema lovers a diverse range of cinemas. Finnkino theatres are popular options around the city.
Kinopalatsi is centrally located in the heart of Helsinki. The theatre has 10 auditoriums and almost 1700 seats, which guarantees a wide range of films.
The city also has smaller, specialised cinemas that offer an alternative to mainstream cinema. These theatres often show indie films and classics
Helsinki's libraries offer a wide range of services to residents and visitors. Libraries are open to all as houses of information and stories, where people can spend time and enjoy culture.
You can borrow books, magazines, films and music from libraries. There are also e-books, audio books and digital magazines. Many libraries also offer sports equipment for borrowing.
Oodi Library is Helsinki's new central library, offering a wide range of facilities and services. You can meet friends, work or create something new in the studios and the City Forest.
The Rikhardinkatu Library, Finland's first public library, is a landmark of historic architecture.
Helsinki offers an impressive range of churches and cathedrals that will appeal to both architecture lovers and history buffs. Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral are among the city's most famous landmarks.
Standing white on the edge of the Senate Square, Tuomiokirkko is one of Helsinki's most popular attractions. The Uspensky Cathedral, on the other hand, is an impressive example of Russian architecture.
Temppeliaukio Church is a unique, rock-hewn church known for its excellent acoustics. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Helsinki offers a diverse range of art galleries. The city has a vibrant collection of galleries showcasing contemporary, design and experimental art.
Among the city's best-known art galleries are Galerie Forsblom, which showcases top international art, and Amos Rex, whose exhibitions combine traditional and modern art. The HAM - Helsinki Art Museum also offers a wonderful collection of domestic and international works in the Tennispalatsi premises.
For smaller galleries, head to the Design District Helsinki area, which stretches from Punavuori to Ullanlinna. Galleries in the area, such as Gallery Taik Persons and Galerie Anhava, offer a more intimate art experience and a chance to meet emerging artists. While enjoying gallery shows, you can also enjoy the area's design shops and cafés.
Art lovers should also visit the Kallio and Vallila areas, home to numerous indie galleries such as Myymälä2 and Gallery Huuto. The route from Kallio's cultural centres to Sörnäinen passes many galleries and allows you to visit several places on the same day.
The city centre offers a diverse range of styles.
The Empire style of the Tsarist period is clearly visible in the buildings of the city centre. Art Nouveau architecture is also strongly represented in Helsinki.
Modern architecture is represented by several award-winning buildings. The Church of the Temple Mount is one of the city's most unique attractions.
Helsinki's architecture offers an interesting mix of old and new. You can see neoclassical, Gothic and Renaissance styles in the city.
Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions in Finland. This historic fortress island is located off the coast of Helsinki and offers a wide range of things to do for visitors.
The island is accessible by ferry all year round. During the summer, it is also possible to take a water bus. The boat trip offers stunning scenery and the opportunity to photograph Helsinki from the sea.
In Suomenlinna you can get around on foot. The main route passes through the main attractions. There are also several museums, restaurants and other services on the island.
Helsinki's Old Town is a historic area where the city began in 1550. It is located at the mouth of the River Vantaa, about 5 kilometres north-east of the city centre.
In the area you can learn about the history of the founding of Helsinki and see old buildings. A charming park area by the Old Town Creek attracts visitors for picnics.
The Old Town is also home to the Museum of Technology, where you can learn about Finland's technological development. The area offers a fascinating mix of history and nature in the heart of the city.
Design District Helsinki is a hub for creatives in the heart of the city. The district stretches from Punavore to Kaartinkaupunk, Kamppi and Ullanlinna.
Design District Helsinki consists of around 160 members. These include design shops, galleries, workshops, museums, restaurants, hotels and design agencies.
The area offers an excellent opportunity to discover Finnish design and art. A stroll through the design district is the best way to experience its diverse offerings.
Helsinki offers numerous attractive parks for recreation and outdoor activities. Kaivopuisto or Kaivari is the oldest and most famous park in the city, dating back to the 1830s.
In Helsinki's parks you can enjoy nature, take part in events or volunteer. They offer a wide range of opportunities for relaxation and activities.
The Winter Garden is a popular destination all year round. Parks are an integral part of Helsinki's green and pleasant urban environment.
Helsinki offers a unique opportunity to explore the archipelago just outside the city. The diverse archipelago off the coast of Helsinki attracts both locals and tourists.
Suomenlinna is the most famous island, but there are other options. Isosaari offers a variety of things to do, including sandy beaches, a sauna and even a golf course.
Some islands can be reached by bridge, others by ferry. Smaller islands can be reached by boat or by canoe.
This popular attraction is just 20 minutes from the city centre.
Visitors can admire more than 150 species of animals from all over the world. The zoo is committed to the conservation of endangered species and environmental education.
Korkeasaari is easily accessible by bus, ferry or metro. It offers an interesting and educational day trip for visitors of all ages.
Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden in central Helsinki is a popular destination for plant lovers. The garden has been in operation since 1829 and offers visitors a diverse collection of plants.
An outdoor garden of around four hectares and ten greenhouses open to the public make up the garden. Here you can admire a variety of plants and enjoy the green surroundings.
The garden is located a short walk from Helsinki Central Station. It is also easily accessible by trams and buses that run along Unioninkatu.
The Central Park is the perfect place for jogging, cycling and skiing in winter, while the seaside trails in Töölönlahti and Kaivopuisto parks attract outdoor enthusiasts with their beautiful scenery.
In the summer season, try local water activities such as canoeing, finning or sauna boards, which can be found around the city. In winter, open-air swimming combined with a sauna offers an authentic Finnish experience - Allas Sea Pool or Löyly are great places to do this.
Helsinki has plenty of gyms and swimming pools where you can maintain your routine or try new group exercise, such as yoga or dance. Outdoor gyms are a free option and can be found in many parks. The Ice Park in the city centre is a winter season favourite if you're looking for outdoor exercise on ice skates.
Many sports clubs also offer opportunities to join for shorter periods - football, badminton or basketball, for example, are easy to join. Helsinki encourages physical activity in all seasons, and you're sure to find something to do during your stay!
Helsinki offers a diverse range of festivals all year round. The city's cultural offer is particularly lively during the summer months.
Helsinki has a diverse range of festivals covering different artistic and cultural genres. The Helsinki Festival brings multi-artistic performances, classical music and cutting-edge dance and theatre experiences to the city in August. The Night of the Arts, which is part of the Festival, attracts locals and visitors to the streets to enjoy free cultural experiences such as music, performances and art exhibitions across the city.
For music lovers, Helsinki offers special experiences. Flow Festival is the highlight of the summer, combining top artists, visual installations and modern urban culture. Heavier music lovers will gather in June for Tuska, one of the most important metal music events in Europe. The energetic atmosphere and carefully planned programme make these festivals unforgettable.
The visual and design side of the city comes to life during the Lux Helsinki light festival, when the city is filled with works of art illuminating winter nights. The Helsinki International Film Festival - Love and Anarchy will showcase international and domestic films that will appeal to fans of different genres. For design lovers, Helsinki Design Week in September will showcase Finnish and international design through exhibitions, workshops and discussions.
Helsinki offers music lovers a wide range of concert venues.
The House of Culture, one of the city's best-known music arenas, offers a wide range of performances - from classical music to pop and rock concerts. The Tavastia Club, a legendary rock concert venue, is particularly popular with national and international bands. For lovers of big events, the Olympic Stadium offers open-air concerts where top artists entertain thousands of listeners.
For classical music lovers, the Music House is a centre of experience. It is home to the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and the Radio Symphony Orchestra and also hosts chamber music, jazz and contemporary music. For a more intimate concert experience, try G Livelab, which has been praised for its acoustics and modern atmosphere.
Smaller live clubs, such as On the Rocks and Bar Loose, showcase local and alternative artists in a relaxed atmosphere. In summer, Helsinki takes the music outdoors - Hernesaaren Ranta and Allas Sea Pool offer great sea views alongside concerts. Helsinki offers music lovers plenty of options all year round and for all tastes!
Helsinki's nightlife offers a wide range of options, and the city's liveliest nightlife hubs are easily found in a few popular areas.
Kallio is known for its relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. The area is full of pubs, karaoke bars and alternative clubs that attract a wide range of visitors. This area is especially suitable for those who want to enjoy a relaxed night out and find an authentic Helsinki atmosphere.
Punavuori and the Design District are trendier options, where you can enjoy stylish cocktails, wine bars and lounge music. The area's bars and nightclubs are often style-conscious and attract an urban crowd.
Nightlife in the city centre is concentrated in the Esplanadi, Mannerheimintie and Kampi areas. In these areas you will find the most famous and longest-running nightclubs, playing pop, electronic and live music. The city centre also offers elegant cocktail bars and traditional pubs that attract locals and tourists alike.
In summer, Helsinki's seaside areas, such as Hernesaari and Katajanokka, offer outdoor terraces and summer clubs that are popular on warm evenings. Although Helsinki's nightlife is not as concentrated as in the larger metropolises, its areas offer something for everyone, whether you're looking for a night out, a relaxed night out or live music.
There are several diverse shopping centres in the centre of Helsinki. They offer a comprehensive range of shops and services in one place.
The shopping streets of the city centre, such as Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie, are full of shopping centres. You can shop there easily, whatever the weather.
Popular shopping centres include Kamppi, Forum and Citycenter. They are centrally located and easily accessible by public transport.
Itis in the east is one of the largest shopping centres in the Nordic countries, with a wide range of shops, restaurants and services.
To the west, Iso Omena in Espoo offers similar services and a modern shopping environment, easily accessible by metro.
Mall of Tripla in Pasila and Redi in Kalasatama are modern shopping centres with a comprehensive range of eateries. Both offer fast food, casual dining restaurants and fine dining experiences.
The city centre and the Esplanade area are full of quality restaurants and cafés. Along the Esplanade you will find places offering classic Finnish delicacies as well as international fine dining. Nearby shopping centres such as Kämp Galleria and Citycenter also offer good dining options.
The Punavuori Design District combines art and design with culinary experiences. The area is full of trendy cafés, small restaurants and cocktail bars, where you can enjoy delicacies made from locally produced ingredients.
Teurastamo is an oasis of culinary culture loved by the city's residents, right next to Kalasatama. This old industrial area offers street food options, innovative restaurants and events all year round.
Helsinki's shopping malls offer a unique shopping experience and the chance to discover local delicacies. The city has three historic market halls.
These halls are full of stalls offering fresh food, specialities and local delicacies. Visitors can also find cosy cafés and restaurants in the market halls.
The shopping malls are open all year round and are popular with locals and tourists alike. They offer a chance to experience the authentic Helsinki atmosphere and taste local flavours.
Helsinki offers a number of charming markets, popular with locals and tourists alike. Kauppatori and Hakaniementori are the busiest of the city's seven commercial markets.
The markets are at their busiest between 9am and 3pm. Weather conditions, public holidays and events affect the opening hours of the market. The markets are an opportunity to discover local flavours and products.
Helsinki's markets also host many events throughout the year, adding to their charm and enlivening the cityscape.
You can ice skate in the Ice Park at Rautatientori, enjoy a sauna and open-air swimming at Löyly or Allas Sea Pool, and see the works of the Lux Helsinki light festival. In winter, you can also walk or ski in Suomenlinna and Central Park in the snowy landscape.
Helsinki comes to life in spring! Explore Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden or spend a day at Seurasaari, where you can enjoy the first picnics of spring. The city's streets and parks are filled with a lively atmosphere, and the promenade along the Töölönlahti bay is a beautiful destination in spring.
In summer, Helsinki is full of life: the historic Suomenlinna Fortress and the Helsinki archipelago are great places for excursions. The Helsinki Historic Centre, the historic Helsinki Harbour and the Helsinki Historic Museum are popular destinations, as are the Korkeasaari Zoo and Kaivopuisto Park. Festivals such as Flow Festival and Helsinki Festival offer cultural experiences, and terraces invite you to enjoy summer evenings.
In autumn, Helsinki's nature glows with colour. Sipoonkorpi and Mustikkamaa provide a great setting for outdoor activities. The city's many museums, such as Kiasma and Ateneum, are perfect places to spend cool days. The autumn film festival Love & Anarchy is an absolute cultural experience.
Suomenlinna is one of Helsinki's most famous attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a short boat ride from the city centre.
The Cathedral and Uspensky Cathedral are impressive architectural sights. They reflect the rich history and culture of the city.
Helsinki's parks offer excellent opportunities for outdoor sports. The Central Park is a popular place for jogging and cycling.
The city's swimming pools and gyms are also good options for getting active. In winter, skating facilities can be found in several locations around the city.
Helsinki's libraries are open to everyone. The Oodi Central Library is a particularly popular place to read, work or attend events.
Many museums offer free days or free admission at certain times. For example, the National Museum is free on Friday evenings.
The Helsinki archipelago offers great opportunities for outdoor activities. Seurasaari is a popular destination for enjoying nature and discovering traditional Finnish architecture.
Kaivopuisto and Töölönlahti are excellent places for a picnic or a peaceful walk. In winter, you can also go skiing and ice skating in these parks.
The Korkeasaari Zoo attracts animal lovers with over 150 species, while the Seurasaari Outdoor Museum combines culture and outdoor activities in a charming archipelago setting. Linnanmäki amusement park offers fun for all ages, while for culture, families can head to Children's City.
For outdoor activities and nature, the Winter Garden and Kaisaniemi Botanical Garden are ideal, while the Allas Sea Pool offers water experiences. For a more active day, head to the Play Park Linja, where children can unwind.
