The 8 things to do in Helsinki

Visit Helsinki: what are the best things to do and see in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe?

It is north of the European continent, but south of Finland, Helsinki, the capital of this Nordic country. It is located on a peninsula in the heart of the Gulf of Finland. The city is known for its beauty and grandiose landscapes that encirculate it. The country attracts more and more visitors because of its preserved nature to breathtaking beauty... and in its capital, Helsinki, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

There are clean boulevards that are full of splendid monuments and historic buildings. From places of worship to the central market, from museums to zoos, from great lakes to dense forests, everyone finds his account! Whether you're alone, in love, with family or with friends, this great lady will seduce you. And finish making your stay a purely unforgettable moment!

Are you wondering what to do in Helsinki during your stay? Here is a selection of the must-see activities when you visit Helsinki and want to enjoy its journey!

1. The National Museum of Finland

Visit Helsinki in good shape begins by exploring the National Museum of Finland. It retraces the history of the country of prehistory in the modern era. Through the halls, you will know everything about this unusual nation shared between Scandinavia and Russia, and whose language is not yet known!

Guided tours are offered throughout the year but you can also explore the museum as you like. Interactive content is available in various languages to interest the smallest. Do not miss visiting the section devoted to Samis , the amazing original people of the country.

2. The church of Temppeliaukio

What to do in Helsinki when you are passionate about atypical places? We advise you to visit the church of Temppeliaukio. This unique feature is to be dug to the rock! Composed of granite blocks, it was built in the 1960s. Given the specificity of the place, the light (divine or not) only penetrates through the ceiling. Modern and clean, the place is one of the most important places in Helsinki.

Did you know that the Finns, the great heavy-metal enthusiasts in front of the Lord, gave voices to the sound of this tense music? Unbelievable, but true. In any case, the visit is recommended.

3. Suomenlinna fortress

Suomenlinna is located off Helsinki. This fortress, built by the Swedes in the 18th century, was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. The place is a must when you are looking for things to do in Helsinki. Consisting of six islets, the fortress is inhabited by a few hundred permanent inhabitants. There are rare artillery pieces and a pretty green park. While observing the remnants of the military era at the fortress museum, small and large will be delighted to gambader along the shores during a sunny afternoon... or not.

Plan to cover you well because of the sometimes freezing wind that blows on Suomenlinna!

4 . The Hakaniemi market

The Hakaniemi market is a local institution, famous throughout Finland, and beyond! So much to tell you that this is an immanquable when you visit Helsinki. This covered market is located on the square of the same name, Monday to Friday. You can even enjoy a fair on the first Sunday of each month!

Ideal for shopping and discover the amazing Finnish cuisine and its typical dishes: reindeer or salmon, accommodated in a thousand ways. The merchants are very warm and speak, like the vast majority of the Finns, perfectly English.

5. Nuuksio National Park

Located in Espoo, about thirty kilometers from the Finnish capital, Nuuksio National Park is the perfect opportunity to admire the nature of the country. It is a large protected area, freely accessible to visitors who can even organize barbecues during the summer season. If he is among the unmissable in Helsinki, it is also for his marked and perfectly secured routes, accessible to all, regardless of their physical form.

The park is the most important Sunday meeting of the locals who come with a family. If you are a funrus of country walk in the middle of majestic conifers, don’t hesitate to go there.

5. The Beach of Hietaniemi

Yes! It is perfectly possible to swim when visiting Helsinki. Hietaniemi is a beach located in the centre of the city, specifically in the Töölö district. It is certainly the most popular beach in the city. Do not expect to swim in a turquoise sea by sipping a cocktail of goyave, this is not the place, the water rarely exceeds 18°C in the summer. But you can enjoy the freshness of the Baltic Sea to relax and test your resistance to cold... in winter, as collective bathing is organized for the bravest.

It is an unusual activity to perform once in a life provided you are determined!

6. Saunas by the sea

Yes! The sauna is typically Finnish. In fact, the Finnish nation has a sauna for two people. That is to say if it would be a shame not to enjoy it when you come to visit Helsinki. The city has many establishments offering both a dining area, a private beach and a sauna: the Sauna Löyly, a reference from the capital.

We’re here to enjoy a drink on the terrace before facing the atmosphere of the saunas, heated by the fire of wood, where the locals and visitors are happy. What are you waiting for to introduce yourself to this uniquely unforgettable and authentic experience?

7. The Design District

We don't know enough, but Helsinki is a major commercial hub in the area. The great signs were not deceived in the heart of Design Destrict, the contemporary Helsinki district. Located in the Punavuori district, we come to make a lick, take a picture in the middle of Anankatu Street or enjoy a snack in the trendy Uudenmaankatu skis, a real street-food Mecca to discover when you are looking for a place in Helsinki.

So are you ready to degain your bank card?

8. Helsinki Design Museum

Since you’re at the heart of the Design District, you could also enjoy it to visit the Design Museum, just east of the area: it’s an impossible to do in Helsinki. The country has a long tradition in the field of design: it must be said that woodwork and ecological awareness are an integral part of the collective consciousness in Finland.

Founded in 1873 in a neo-Gothic-style building, it includes an exhibition dedicated to Finnish design and a space planned to host other temporary exhibitions. Pedagogical and exciting, it is recommended to you if you are visiting town!

How to get to Helsinki?

The city of Helsinki has an airport, Helsinki-Vantaa airport. It is only fifteen kilometres north of the capital and provides numerous regular connections to the world. Moreover, thanks to the comparisons of flights as well Ulysses , you can go there by finding a flight at the best price.

Shuttle and taxis will easily reach the city centre once on the cow floor. If you want to visit the surrounding area freely, you can rent a vehicle directly at the airport to benefit from total flexibility.

Ferries also ensure the crossing to Helsinki, from Sweden or Baltic countries.

Once in the city, you can take public transport to get around: metros, buses and trams await you! And why not use the bike during the summer season? Clean and pleasant, this is the best way to discover the city.

Where to stay in Helsinki?

When we look for what to do in Helsinki, we must necessarily think about housing. In fact, you will find on site several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget.

The district Kamppi , very touristy, houses several renowned hotel establishments. They are obviously a simple and flexible solution for the occasional traveler looking to visit Helsinki! Moreover, you will find your ideal establishment on a Compare hotels .

In addition, a large rental offer is present in the city, especially on the outskirts of Harju or Kallio residential areas. It is therefore interesting to consult the offers of apartments for rent on Airbnb , for example, or on other platforms. These solutions are adapted to your budget and will allow you to choose between a more affordable villa or studio. The goal is simply to allow you to feel at home!

Now you know how to explore Helsinki at best and enjoy the best activities offered in this splendid northern city. But it is up to you to choose the ones that will convince you!