Helsinki in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Helsinki is not only famous for being the capital of Finland and one of the most prominent cities on the Scandinavian peninsula, but also, with its ancient history, it is known for being one of the most popular destinations in the region. That's why visiting it in a couple of days can be impossible, but with the right travel plan you can at least discover some of its most popular sites.

Some of the best things to do in Helsinki in a 2-day trip include visiting the Cathedral, visiting the Senate Square, having lunch at the Hakaniemi flea market, visiting Sibelius Park, discovering the island of Seurasaari, taking a full tour of Suomenlinna, taking a trip along the city's canals and bidding farewell to the Finnish capital by sampling the local cuisine in the harbour's restaurants.

Helsinki has many of its main attractions spread around the old town, so for the first day I suggest a morning tour of the old town to see some of the most popular buildings and then a visit to Seurasaari Island, which will give you a glimpse of the natural beauty of the Finnish capital's surrounding area.

Visit Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is not only one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, but also one of the most distinctive and characteristic. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it was designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel and built between 1830 and 1852, and is an example of the neoclassical style, which is why it often tops architectural tours of the Finnish capital.

Its imposing white structure, crowned by a green dome and surrounded by steps, stands as a symbol of national identity. Inside, you can discover its elegant columns, ornamental details and the vault, which is often featured on the best tours of Helsinki. The altar, decorated with religious motifs and works of art, adds a tinge of spirituality to the building and gives it a deep cultural and social significance.

Furthermore, from the top of the cathedral steps, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city of Helsinki and the harbour, so it also offers a visual spectacle that highlights the beauty of the Finnish capital from its outer steps.

Helsinki Cathedral can be reached by trains on the K, P and T lines and buses on the 600 and 611 lines.

Get to know the Senate Square

Located right in front of the Helsinki Cathedral, Senator Square is the epicentre of all the city's activities and also ground zero for some of the best sightseeing in the city. Surrounded by government buildings such as the Presidential Palace and the University of Helsinki, the square is notable for its neoclassical design, which is typical of the local historical architecture.

Senate Square, then, is considered the most important square in the country and takes on special significance during celebrations and festivities. If you plan to visit Helsinki during Christmas, you will find one of the city's most famous themed markets and a festive atmosphere that includes decorations, Christmas trees and even an ice-skating rink.

Senate Square is also one of Helsinki's hop-on-hop-off bus stops, so you're likely to discover the beauty of this square at some point on your tour, either by visiting it directly or indirectly.

Have lunch at Hakaniemi Market

Hakaniemi Market is the culinary epicentre of Helsinki and its stalls offer a sample of the varied local cuisine. Located in the north of the city, the market is a great place to discover the local idiosyncrasies and take part in a typical Finnish activity, where the locals come to stock up on fresh food and handmade products.

What sets Hakaniemi Market apart and makes it one of the city's most popular destinations is its diversity. From fresh seafood to seasonal fruits and vegetables, the stalls typically display a wide variety of produce. There you can explore the street food options and sample traditional dishes such as smoked salmon or local soups.

In addition, the bustling and welcoming atmosphere of the market mixes with the enticing aromas of fresh produce, creating a unique sensory experience. It is also one of the best places to take shelter from the cold during the winter in Helsinki, so you can not only have lunch, but also take a break between excursions and recharge your batteries to continue your tour.

From Senate Square you can reach Hakaniemi by bus lines 61, 65, 71, 73N, 74N, 75, 77 and 78.

Walk through the Sibelius Park and see the central monument.

Sibelius Park offers an oasis of serenity in the city and a glimpse of Finnish nature and culture. This picturesque park is named after the composer Jean Sibelius and stands as a tribute to his artistic legacy. With its extensive green areas, quiet paths and panoramic views of the sea, Sibelius Park is an ideal place for a relaxing walk.

At the heart of the park is the Sibelius Monument, a structure that pays tribute to the illustrious Finnish composer. Designed by Eila Hiltunen, this monument consists of more than 600 steel tubes welded together to form an abstract sculpture that represents the essence of Sibelius' music. If you plan to visit Helsinki in December or during Christmas, you can find Christmas-themed paths in the park.

The combination of the park's nature and the sculpture of the monument evokes a sense of harmony that reflects the musical philosophy of Sibelius and also the culture of the city, which you can also discover in Helsinki's best museums.

Sibelius Park can be reached from Hakaniemi Market by trams on lines 1, 7 and 8 and buses on lines 71, 200, 300, 400, 415 and 721.

Discover Seurasaari Island

Seurasaari Island, located off the coast of Helsinki, offers visitors a unique experience that combines natural beauty with a fascinating journey through Finnish history. This picturesque island is home to the Seurasaari Open Air Museum which features an extraordinary collection of historic Finnish buildings.

Strolling along the tree-lined paths of this open-air museum, you can explore houses, barns and windmills that were moved from various regions of Finland, revealing the country's architectural and cultural diversity. The site also offers a detailed insight into daily life over the centuries and is one of the best vantage points for watching Helsinki's sunsets, which is why I recommend a visit in the late afternoon.

To get to Seurasaari Island from Sibelius Park you can take buses 20, 25, 30, 212 and 502, but if you want a more traditional experience you can join one of Helsinki's best boat tours, such as the canal cruise, which includes a tour of the area and, in some cases, even stops.

Dinner in the Kallio district

To end the first day of your tour, I suggest a dinner in the Kallio district, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the authenticity of local life and explore one of the city's most picturesque neighbourhoods. This bohemian enclave has gained a reputation for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse food scene. As you wander the streets of Kallio, you'll see historic buildings and colourful murals that give the area a unique character.

The culinary offerings in the Kallio district are as diverse as the community. From cosy cafés to international restaurants, you'll find something to suit every taste and budget. In addition, many venues choose to transform themselves into late-night bars, offering a lively experience for those looking to enjoy the local nightlife, especially if during the summer in Helsinki, when the weather is at its friendliest.

In addition to the food scene, Kallio is home to vintage shops, local flea markets and cultural events that capture the artistic and alternative essence of the neighbourhood. Exploring this district means encountering the very essence of Helsinki, which fuses history, creativity and a tinge of rebellion.

From Seurasaari Island you can reach Kallio by bus on lines 25, 400 and 502, metro lines M1 and M2 and tram line 3.

For the second and last day of the trip, I suggest you leave the city centre to visit the Suomenlinna Fortress, where you can see a completely different side of the city, take a tour of Helsinki's canals to discover the skyline of the Finnish capital from the water, and end your trip with dinner in the local harbour restaurants, where you can find some of the best fish in the region.

Take a tour of Suomenlinna Fortress

A tour of the Suomenlinna Fortress will also take you on a fascinating journey through history and military architecture. This maritime fortification, built in the 18th century by Sweden, is located in an archipelago off the coast of Helsinki. The tour experience encompasses the exploration of its walls, bastions and underground tunnels, revealing the intricate details of its design and the military strategy that characterises it.

Suomenlinna's importance to Helsinki is invaluable, as it served as a defensive stronghold over the years and played a key role in the history of Finland. The fortress has witnessed a variety of events, from war conflicts to the signing of peace agreements, and its presence on the local coastline is a tangible reminder of the region's rich military heritage.

The history of Suomenlinna is marked by the change of hands between Sweden and Russia in the 19th century, before Finland finally gained its independence in 1917. During World War II, the fortress was used for defensive purposes. Today, it is the focus of some of the best tours of Helsinki and a must-see destination in the region.

These tours usually start at the Helsinki harbour, which can be reached by trams on lines 1, 3, 6 and 7.

See the Suomenlinna Museum

Often tours of Suomenlinna end at the fortress tours and do not include a visit to the museum, but do include free time for a tour of the island before returning to Helsinki harbour, so I suggest you use that time to explore the exhibition galleries.

Located in the heart of the island and accessible on foot from the fortress, the Suomenlinna Museum houses a wide variety of exhibits that offer a unique insight into life on the fortress over the centuries. The exhibits range from military artefacts and period uniforms to everyday objects illustrating military life at the site.

In the museum halls you can explore the architectural evolution of Suomenlinna, understanding how the fortress was transformed and adapted over the years. In addition, the exhibits narrate the different historical stages the fortress has gone through, from its construction by Sweden in the 18th century to the turning points of World War II.

Among the historical gems of this museum you can discover tools, armaments, allegorical artworks, declassified documents and military relics.

Join a tour of Helsinki's waterways

The full tour of Suomenlinna including the museum visit lasts about 5 hours and usually starts very early in the morning, so you'll be back at the city's harbour by midday. The next step, then, is to join one of Helsinki's best boat tours to explore the Finnish capital's waterways and, from there, some of the city's best skylines.

These water tours will take you through the network of canals that weave through the city, giving you the chance to explore this destination from a different perspective. During the tour, you can marvel at Helsinki's unique architecture, which combines neoclassical elegance with modern design, but you can do so while cruising the waters that meander between islands and peninsulas.

During the tour you will pass the Helsinki Cathedral, the Harbour Market and the island of Vallisaari, all from the unique vantage point of the water. You will also be accompanied by an expert local guide, who will tell you the history of the buildings and monuments you discover along the way, as well as some of the colourful anecdotes that the Finnish canals have to offer.

Say goodbye to Helsinki with dinner at the local harbour

One of the best ways to enjoy an unforgettable farewell to Helsinki is to dine in the local harbour, where the food scene combines with spectacular views of the Baltic Sea. Among the restaurants that stand out in this area, Ravintola Nokka is an excellent choice for experiencing authentic Finnish cuisine.

Another landmark is the Savu restaurant, which is notable for its focus on grilled and smoked flavours. Here you can try dishes such as grilled salmon or marinated herring, reflecting the richness of Finnish seafood. The cosy atmosphere and the views perfectly complement the dining experience. Remember that the harbour area can be reached by trams on lines 1, 3, 6 and 7.

Whichever venue you choose for your farewell dining experience, be sure to try the famous salmon soup, rye bread, and, of course, the delicious desserts such as karjalanpiirakka, a kind of rice cake that closes the culinary experience by offering a sweet and authentic taste.