Best Things To Do in Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and one of Scandinavia's leading cities, but also one of the region's cultural beacons, largely due to the number of museums, activities and monuments on offer. A tour of these sites will help you discover a destination with cosmopolitan influences and a cult of avant-gardism despite its thousands of years of history.

Some of the best things to do in Helsinki include touring the Suomenlinna Museum, visiting Temppeliaukio Kirkko, enjoying a speedboat ride along the city's canals, discovering the local architecture on a guided tour, visiting the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, marvelling at Porvoo, checking out the Linnanmaki amusement park and even taking a helicopter ride.

Finland, which, like the rest of Scandinavia, has a Viking tradition, has a deep naval and military history. One of the best places to discover this facet of the country is the Suomenlinna Museum, located off the coast of the Finnish capital in the old fortifications and military buildings that date back to the 18th century and were used for official activities until 1970.

The island of Suomenlinna, which was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, houses a museum that reflects the daily life of the soldiers of the fortress over the years, and galleries with artefacts, photographs and military relics that will allow you to learn about the warrior profile of the Finns since the wars of independence. You will also learn about the importance of this island as a strategic site.

During the exhibitions, you will also have the opportunity to discover the different military technologies of the times when the fortress was active, in displays that include armaments, uniforms and tools that were applied to the defence of this site and which make Suomenlinna one of the best museums in the city.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Helsinki in winter, you can experience first-hand the harsh climate endured by the soldiers and inhabitants of the island.

Temppeliaukio Kirkko, also known as the Rock Church, is a religious building that fuses modern architecture with the natural beauty of stone. This Lutheran church was carved directly into solid rock, creating an underground space that was designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, and opened in 1969 to captivate visitors from all over the world ever since.

The uniqueness of Temppeliaukio Kirkko lies in its avant-garde design and creative use of natural rock as a central element. The bare stone walls and the dome pierced by daylight create an idyllic and unique setting. In addition, the acoustics of the space have made the church a popular venue for concerts and musical events, especially during Christmas in Helsinki.

The history of Temppeliaukion kirkko is also deeply rooted in the search for innovative design that blends harmoniously with its surroundings. The choice to excavate the church into the rock reflects the architects' vision of creating a place of worship that could merge with the surrounding nature. The church has thus become a distinctive icon of Helsinki and its rich architectural heritage.

Enjoying a speedboat ride in Helsinki is an exciting experience that allows you to explore the city from a unique perspective. These speedboats in the Finnish capital, known as RIB boats, offer a combination of speed, adrenaline and the opportunity to discover the charms of Helsinki from the Baltic Sea.

During the speedboat ride you can discover the skyline of the Helsinki Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Suomenlinna sea fortress. The speed and agility of the speedboat will allow you to explore the coastline and the surrounding archipelagos in a fun and efficient way, which is ideal if you plan to visit Helsinki in 3 days or even less and want to get a glimpse of this city skyline.

During the tour, you will be assisted by an expert local guide who will share with you tips, information and trivia about the buildings, monuments and natural wonders along the way. In addition, speedboats provide a dynamic alternative to the experiences offered by the best Helsinki cruises, which are generally focused on canal tours.

You can't say you've experienced Helsinki until you've discovered the different styles and periods that have shaped the unique appearance of the Finnish capital, and one of the best ways to get to know this profile of the city is to take a guided tour of the local architecture.

These tours will usually begin at Helsinki Cathedral, an architectural icon that combines neoclassical elements in a prime location across from Senate Square. From there, you can also explore the functionalist elegance of the Eliel Saarinen-designed Helsinki Central Station, which is notable for its façade and multi-purpose interior filled with artistic details.

These tours will also take you through the Kallio district, which is known for its Jugendstil-style buildings, a kind of Finnish art nouveau. You can also visit the National Museum of Finland, famous for its romantic architecture, and see Temppeliaukio, the rock-hewn Lutheran church that is often featured on the best tours of Helsinki.

Also, note that some tours can be customised to suit the specific interests of participants, whether they prefer the classical charm of ancient structures or the contemporary architectural avant-garde that also distinguishes this city.

Helsinki is a multicultural melting pot with mainly Swedish and Russian influences, and within the latter the Orthodox religion is present in the form of the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that stands out for its size and hilltop location.

This cathedral, which was built between 1862 and 1868, is one of the largest of its kind outside of Russia, and its red-domed presence is inseparable from the Helsinki skyline, so it cannot be left out of your itinerary around the city, whether you visit on your own, on a private excursion or on one of the best guided tours of Helsinki.

At the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral you can admire the intricate details of the domes and facades, as well as the frescoes that adorn the interior of the religious building. The richness of the icons and ornamentation, a typical feature of Orthodox churches, reflect the importance of this religion in Northern Europe.

In addition, the cathedral is also a meeting point for religious and cultural events, and one of the best places to visit in the city in December, when the Orthodox prepare for Christmas, which, unlike Catholicism, lasts until 7 January the following year.

Discovering Porvoo on your own or on a full-day tour from Helsinki will allow you to experience one of Finland's oldest and most picturesque towns. This town, located about 50 kilometres east of the country's capital, is noted for its cobbled streets, colourful houses and rich history dating back to the 14th century.

Porvoo's historic centre is famous for its pastel-coloured wooden houses, many of which house craft shops, art galleries and cosy cafés. You can also explore Porvoo Cathedral, a medieval building that dominates the city's skyline and is located very close to the Old Bridge, a stone structure that connects the two sides of this destination

. During your tour you will also have the opportunity to discover the local culture by visiting craft shops and sampling Finnish cuisine in local restaurants. Porvoo is known for its handicraft products, such as pottery, textiles and sweets, and also for its busy harbour, from where you can board a ferry to visit Tallinn or the Gulf of Finland.

If you want to get to know one of Helsinki's most interesting profiles, you can't miss out on sampling the local cuisine, and one of the best ways to do that is to wander around the Market Square. This place is a meeting point for local vendors offering a variety of fresh produce and culinary delights that reflect the richness of Finnish cuisine.

Among the options you can try is the famous kalakukko, a pie filled with fish and smoked meat, wrapped in a traditional pastry. This dish is a taste of Finland's culinary heritage and is a popular choice for visitors, whether you plan to visit Helsinki in summer or winter.

Another must-try dish on your tour is hernekeitto, a green pea soup, typically served with mustard and rye bread. This is a classic choice in Finnish cuisine and highlights the country's preference for fresh, natural ingredients. In addition, the stalls in the square offer specialities such as karjalanpiirakka, a pie filled with rice, carrots and mashed potatoes, accompanied by egg and butter.

Helsinki will allow you to sample fresh local produce such as wild berries, mushrooms and fish. The proximity of the Baltic Sea ensures quality produce, and vendors offer everything from smoked salmon to marinated herring. The Market Square is also a meeting point for guided tours of the city, which you can book on your own or with the Helsinki Card, so you can combine a culinary experience with an unmissable sightseeing tour.

Visit the Linnanmaki amusement park in Helsinki and discover a world of fun and entertainment for the whole family. This iconic park offers a wide variety of rides, games and shows for visitors of all ages. From roller coasters to classic carousels, Linnanmaki is a place that combines adrenaline-pumping experiences with tranquil surroundings.

One of the highlights is the Vuoristorata roller coaster, a vintage installation that has been part of the park since its opening in 1951. In addition, Linnanmaki has rides and interactive activities, as well as live shows that keep visitors entertained throughout the day.

The park also has a social function, as the Linnanmaki Foundation was established to raise funds to help underprivileged children in Finland, and this organisation is funded by the rides' entrance fees. It is therefore one of the most respected sites by locals and also one of the most popular with tourists, especially those who come to Helsinki with children or families.

Moreover, due to its location in the city centre, from there you can also enjoy other entertainment alternatives in the city, such as the Flying Cinema experience or the Finnish National Opera concerts.

Are you one of those who, when visiting a destination, want to discover its most exciting activities? If the answer is yes, then Helsinki's popular helicopter tours offer you the chance to see the main sites of Helsinki from a different perspective.

This activity will allow you to see the panoramic views of the city from above and discover the emblematic monuments, such as the Helsinki Cathedral and the Senate, from a fascinating perspective that reveals the harmonious combination of classical and modern architecture that characterises the Finnish capital.

During the tour you will also get to see and fly over the Baltic Sea, marvel at Helsinki's coastline and the coastal architecture lining the canals. The surrounding islands, such as Suomenlinna and Vallisaari, will give you a glimpse of the natural wonders that surround Finland's largest city. In addition, the helicopter will allow you to see the city in a short time, an ideal option if you are planning a tour of Helsinki in less than 2 days.

During the experience, you will also be narrated by the pilot and an expert local guide, which will enrich the tour and provide you with detailed information about the sights and local culture.

If you want to see the sights of Helsinki in a traditional way, you can opt for the sightseeing bus tour, an experience that will allow you to explore the highlights of the Finnish capital in an economical and effective way. These hop-on-hop-off buses also allow you to hop on and off at various strategic stops to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Among the iconic sights you can see from the bus are the Helsinki Cathedral, the modern architecture of the Oodi Library and the Hakaniemi Market. However, it will also take you to more out-of-the-way places such as Helsinki Harbour, where you can enjoy views out to sea and discover the lively harbour scene, lined with cafes and restaurants.

As well as offering a comprehensive overview of the city, tour buses often have recorded commentary or live guides who provide information about Helsinki's history and culture. Also, if you plan to visit Helsinki from November onwards, you can discover the city's characteristic Christmas illuminations and decorations from these buses.

Helsinki hop on-hop off bus stops list

• Senate Square, the epicentre of Helsinki and meeting point for guided tours.
• Olympia Terminal, the city's most important pier.
• Kaivopuisto Park, one of the Finnish capital's most popular green lungs.
• Compass Square, the city's most visited dry square.
• Eira, a district known for its traditional architecture and historic charm.
• Hernesaari LHB & LHC Cruise Terminal, the busiest in the city.
• Loyly, the epicentre of Finnish sauna culture.
• Flea Market, Helsinki's haven for second-hand treasures.
• Swedish Theatre, one of the city's most visited cultural sites.
• Central Market, the ideal place for lunch and the starting point of the canal cruise.
• Amox Rex / Kiasma / Art Museum, Helsinki's "Museum Island".
• Temppeliaukio Church, one of the masterpieces of local architecture.
• Sibelius Monument, a tribute to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
• Olympic Stadium, epicentre of Helsinki's sporting history.
• National Opera House, the city's cultural reservoir.
• National Museum / Parliament, one of Helsinki's most traditional sites.
• Ateneum Art Museum / Central Railway Station, a combination of masterpieces and traditional architecture.
• Botanical Garden, the natural heart of Helsinki.