Thinking of visiting Helsinki in Finland but not sure to start? We found a whole list of fab things to do in Helsinki – on an epic day trip by ferry from Tallinn, Estonia!
- Travel to Finland
- About Helsinki
- Best time to visit?
- Getting there
- Getting around
- How long do you need?
- Things to do in Helsinki
- Other things to do
- Food in Finland
- Where to eat
- More about travel in Europe
Travel to Finland
Finland is a famously northern country near Scandanavia in Europe.
It is known as one of the safest countries in the world to travel to. So it isn’t exactly surprising that the capital city of Helsinki is a popular European city break destination.
About Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and most populous city in Finland. It is on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and is the seat of southern Finland’s Uusimaa region.
But Helsinki is totally unique. It is in fact an archipelago of 330 islands by the Baltic Sea!
It is an amazing city to visit and a fascinating juxtaposition of history, culture, modernity – and tastes – to explore.
What is the best time of year to visit Helsinki?
The best time of year to visit Helsinki is during the summer months (May to September).
This time of year offers mild weather with long daylight hours. Because Helsinki – and Finland – gets seriously cold during the winter!
Getting there
Helsinki is well connected with international Europe with regular low-cost flights and on the national airline, Finnair.
However, one of the coolest parts about visiting Helsinki is that it is a great experience to visit by ferry on a day trip from Tallinn, Estonia. This is what we did and can really recommend as a unique outing and adventure.
Getting around in Helsinki
Helsinki, like most European cities, is very walkable. The footpaths are wide and even, the streets are mostly flat, and the scenery and architecture are beautiful.
They also have great public transport options, so you can take the metro, tram, or bus to get to all the major attractions.
- Tip: We took one of the trams from near the ferry terminal straight into the waterfront and city centre and walked back from there.
How long do you need?
In all, Helsinki isn’t a huge city so the main sites to see and things to do are all relatively close to the centre. Added to the fact that it is a very walkable city that also has lush public transport, and it really is doable in a day.
Obviously the longer you have to explore the deeper you can go to learn about somewhere new.
But we visited all the below things to do in Helsinki on a day trip from Tallinn, Estonia. We had a fantastic day out!
Things to do in Helsinki, Finland
These aren’t in order, because there really is so much to see. But here are the top things to do in Helsinki on a day trip from Tallinn, Estonia.
1. Helsinki Cathedral
This is hands down the most iconic of things to do in Helsinki. The city cathedral dominates the skyline with the huge domed green roof and grand white pillars out front.
The cathedral was constructed between 1830 and 1852 to honour Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, who also governed Finland as Grand Duke during the country’s century of Russian rule.
2. Senate Square
Senate Square and its surroundings make up the oldest part of central Helsinki.
The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in the 18th and 19th century: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
While we were there, we saw a large stage set up right in the centre. Plus, a secondary parade march came through from the port to end in Senate Square.
3. Kauppatori Market
Kauppatori is a small boutique market in a beautiful waterfront location.
Albeit this is absolutely set up for tourists on the waterfront. But it is a fun atmosphere and certainly one of the top things to do in Helsinki on a day trip from Tallinn.
4. Reindeer at Kauppatori Market
You will find stalls selling fresh produce and souvenirs at the market. But there are also Finnish specialities such as salmon and reindeer.
There is officially reindeer meat on sale in every conceivable form – smoked, jerky, vacuum and cooked fresh in burgers and open sandwiches. So, we of course, had to try some!
5. Old Market Hall
Helsinki is a city that mixes tradition and modernity, and certainly the markets in the city embody that philosophy.
Down on the main waterfront port is the Old Market Hall. This place has been serving customers continuously since 1889!
Merchants sell all sorts of cheese, fish, shellfish, vegetables, fruit and cakes to spices and even reindeer and bear meat. It is a great place to try something new if you’re feeling curious…
6. Uspenski Cathedral
The Uspenski Cathedral is the main cathedral of the Orthodox Parish of Helsinki and the Diocese of Helsinki.
Uspenski Cathedral was completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki and is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe.
It is in the typical orthodox style of the era with red-brick exterior, green domes and golden crosses on the top.
We walked up from the waterfront market to Uspenski Cathedral first before heading further inland to Senate Square.
- Tip: Admission is free but be prepared for big crowds.
7. Esplanadi
Esplanadi is as it sounds – an esplanade and urban park in downtown Helsinki. It is the most famous park in the city and a beautiful space to include in your day.
The surrounding buildings and neighbourhood of Esplanadi have a tangibly Central European feel.
8 & 9. Sibelius Park and Sibelius Monument
Located in Helsinki’s Sibelius Park, the Sibelius Monument pays homage to Finlands renowned composer, Jean Sibelius.
Albeit the sculpture is quite remarkable. It is made from stainless steel pipes that create a soft whistling noise. The idea of the design embodies Sibelius’s music with its abstract, wave-like shapes.
10. Hietalahden Market Hall
Hietalahden Kauppahalli is an atmospheric café and restaurant hall about halfway back from the waterfront towards the ferry terminal for Tallinn.
We had it pinned on our map of things to do in Helsinki but walked past anyway. Which was just as well. We ended up having an afternoon meal and a wine sitting outside in the square before our ferry back to Estonia.
11. Kotiharjun Sauna
Food aside, one of the most traditional things to do in Helsinki is to try a Finnish Sauna. Sauna is a foundational part of the culture in Finland.
Moreover, it is certainly a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the heart of Finnish culture.
There are many sauna options in Helsinki, and in fact most hotels will offer one as well. Though I have to say I was gutted we didn’t get to try one in Helsinki! Though we did in Tallinn – which I can highly recommend for the experience.
Other things to do in Helsinki, Finland
If you have more time, there are plenty more things to do in Helsinki. The city is renowned for its modern art museums and historic museums too.
We took the kids to the Children’s Town history museum which was fantastic.
- Temppeliaukio Church
- SkyWheel Helsinki
- Allas Sea Pool
- Children’s Town
- Tahtitorninvuori Park
- Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
- Linnanmaki Amusement Park
- Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum
- Amos Rex Art Museum
- Ateneum Art Museum
- Lasipalatsi Square
- Tower of Sinebrychoff Park
Food in Finland
Finnish cuisine features fresh, natural ingredients gathered straight from the waters, fields and forest. There is a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients like fish, meat (especially reindeer), vegetables, and berries.
Albeit I can’t pronounce many of the traditional and most popular foods to try. But try them we did!
- Lohikeitto – salmon soup
- Ruisleipa – rye bread
- Kalakukko – fish pie
- Poronkaristys – sauteed reindeer
- Lihapyöryköitä – Finnish meatballs
- Karjalanpiirakka – Karelian pies
- Korvapuusti – cinnamon rolls
- Mustikkapiirakka – blueberry pie
While yes, there is a lot of meat and fish on the Finn’s list of food to try in Helsinki. But it is also a very progressive city with a lot of vegetarian and vegan restaurants around.
Finland is also notably known for delicious pastries. The most famous of which is their cinnamon bun, or Korvapuusti. You can find it in every bakery.
Restaurants, cafes and where to eat in Helsinki
We knew it wasn’t going to be a cheap city to eat and try food in. But as well as the delicious bakeries and cafes, there is plenty that is ready to eat at the markets set up especially for tourists.
- Kappeli: A nice restaurant in the middle of Esplanadi Park known for its salmon soup – and people watching.
- Fazer Café: Absolutely delicious pastries (more) including the famed cinnamon bun, Korvapuusti.
- Ekberg Café 1852: Ekberg is Finland’s oldest patisserie and bakery and has a big name for itself in Helsinki.
- Café Engel: We reckon this has got to be the best place to try Finnish blueberry tart, right across the street from Helsinki Cathedral. It is delicious!
Where to stay in Helsinki, Finland
While we visited and covered the above things to do in Helsinki on a day trip from Tallinn, Estonia. Most visitors spend a few days in the capital city.
I would suggest choosing accommodation in the city centre, making it easy to walk to most of the things to do in Helsinki.
Here are some recommendations for each budget:
- Budget – Bob W Kluuvi
Low-contact flashpacker accommodation just around the corner from the train station making it super central.
- Budget – The Yard Hostel
Ranked as the best hostel accommodation in Helsinki.
- Mid-Range – Hotel Helka
Housed in a 1920s building and known for its modern Scandinavian design and commitment to sustainability.
- Mid-Luxury – Sokos Hotel Presidentti
Located near the Kamppi shopping centre and Helsinki Central Railway Station with traditional sauna.
- Luxury – The Hotel Maria
A truly luxury downtown hotel built in the historical buildings that used to be the Ministry of Agriculture.
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More useful links for your travels in Europe and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel to Estonia and things to do in Tallinn!
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