Things To Do
in Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital and largest city of Finland, is located on the southern coast, facing the Baltic Sea. It is renowned for its diverse architecture, encompassing everything from neoclassical and Art Nouveau buildings to modernist designs, alongside a vibrant cultural scene that includes numerous museums, galleries, and theaters.
The city is encompassed by nature, featuring an extensive archipelago, park areas, and a commitment to maintaining green spaces, making it a harmonious blend of urbanity and nature.
- "Moikka" - Hi
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Ole hyvä" - You're welcome
- "Yhteystiedot" - Contact information
- "Näkemiin" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Uspenski Cathedral, soaking in its stunning architecture. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Market Square, where you can enjoy fresh local produce and crafts.
Explore the historic fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a ferry ride from the city center and enjoy the scenic views as you learn about Finnish history.
Dine at a cozy restaurant in the design district, sampling traditional Finnish dishes. End your night with a relaxing walk along the waterfront, enjoying the illuminated skyline.
Visit the Ateneum Art Museum to see a vast collection of Finnish classical art. Enjoy a leisurely morning admiring impressive works by famous artists.
Head to the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art to explore innovative exhibits. Grab lunch at a nearby café and discuss your favorite pieces with fellow art enthusiasts.
Catch a performance at the Finnish National Opera for a memorable cultural experience. Enjoy a post-show dinner at a nearby bistro, reflecting on the evening's highlights.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High quality of life with excellent public services
- Strong emphasis on education and innovation
- Safe and clean environment
- Beautiful architecture and rich cultural scene
- Access to nature with many parks and waterfronts
- Well-developed public transportation system
- Strong social welfare system
- High cost of living compared to many other cities
- Long, harsh winters with limited daylight
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- Language barrier for those who do not speak Finnish or Swedish
- Cultural differences that may take time to adjust to
- Can be seen as isolated due to being in a less central location in Europe
- Traffic congestion in certain areas
Best Activities in Helsinki
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic sea fortress and enjoy scenic views of Helsinki.
Experience nature and wildlife while hiking through tranquil forests and lakes.
Enjoy a picturesque bike ride along the scenic coastal routes of Helsinki.
Relax and have a picnic in the beautiful urban park located in the heart of Helsinki.
Tours
Uncover the best of Helsinki with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Helsinki
Visit one of these nice places.
Offering a stunning panoramic view of the city from the top of its majestic dome.
A historical sea fortress with picturesque coastal scenery and excellent vantage points for photography.
A ferris wheel offering breathtaking views over the city and waterfront, ideal for capturing unique aerial perspectives.
The rooftop bar and terrace provide a superb setting for capturing the cityscape, especially during sunset or nighttime.
Food in Helsinki
Helsinki Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Kalakukko is a traditional Finnish fish pastry filled with fish, pork, and bacon, and is a must-try local delicacy. It can be found at various bakeries and markets across Helsinki, with Anton & Anton and Hakaniemen Market Hall being popular spots.
Must-Try!
Karjalanpiirakka, or Karelian pasty, is a savory pie filled with rice or mashed potato. For an authentic taste, head to Market Square where local vendors sell freshly made Karjalanpiirakka.
Lohikeitto is a creamy salmon soup, often flavored with dill, and a staple in Finnish cuisine. It can be enjoyed at various traditional restaurants such as Savotta and Sea Horse.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Helsinki better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Old Market Hall is a historic indoor market offering a wide variety of local produce, baked goods, and street food stalls. It's a great place to sample Finnish delicacies and shop for locally sourced ingredients.
Hakaniemen Market is a bustling market square with numerous street food vendors offering everything from reindeer meat dishes to fresh berries. It's a food lover's paradise, especially during the summer months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Helsinki, Finns value their personal space, so it's important to respect their physical boundaries and not stand too close when conversing.
Finns are known for their punctuality, so it's important to arrive on time for appointments and meetings.
It's customary to maintain a quiet demeanor in public places in Helsinki, so try to avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Helsinki with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Helsinki
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Helsinki, Finland. It is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or bars, as a service charge is often included in the bill.
In Helsinki, Finland, cash is used less frequently, and most transactions are made using debit or credit cards. Contactless payment methods are widely accepted, and mobile payment apps are popular among residents and visitors.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Helsinki.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Helsinki, as the city comes alive with the blooming of flowers and the energy of locals emerging from the long winter. You can expect milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Helsinki, with long days and warm weather creating an ideal environment for outdoor festivals, events, and sightseeing. The city's parks and waterfront areas are bustling with activity, and you can experience the vibrant cultural scene that the city has to offer.
Autumn in Helsinki brings beautiful foliage and a more serene atmosphere as the city transitions from summer to winter. The crisp air and colorful leaves make for scenic walks and nature outings, and you can also experience traditional autumn activities such as berry picking and mushroom foraging.
Winter in Helsinki is a magical time, especially if you enjoy winter sports and holiday festivities. With the city covered in snow and the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights, it's a great time for activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, and visiting Christmas markets. The city also offers a cozy atmosphere with cafes, saunas, and traditional Finnish winter dishes.
Helsinki at Night
Hiking in Helsinki
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 30 kilometers north of Helsinki, Nuuksio offers numerous trails and beautiful natural scenery with forests, lakes, and wildlife.
A bit farther out but reachable, this park features rugged landscapes, scenic lakes, and a variety of hiking trails, ideal for day trips.
A less known but lovely spot for hiking, Viinikkala Forest offers serene paths through lush greenery just outside the city.
Connected to the mainland by bridges, this small island features walking paths and great views of the natural surroundings.
A green oasis in the city, this park offers extensive trails for walking and hiking through wooded areas, right in the heart of Helsinki.
Located to the east of Helsinki, Sipoonkorpi offers diverse landscapes with trails suitable for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Helsinki through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Helsinki by plane.
The main international airport serving Helsinki, Finland.
The largest airport in Estonia, located in Tallinn, approximately 80 km from Helsinki.
The largest airport in Sweden, situated in Stockholm, about 400 km from Helsinki.
An international airport located in Tampere, Finland, approximately 170 km from Helsinki.
Located in Oulu, Finland, around 600 km from Helsinki, this airport offers international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Helsinki, comprising a significant portion of the population.
A minority group that speaks Swedish as their first language, primarily found in coastal regions.
A demographic group that includes Russian expatriates and speakers, contributing to the multicultural landscape.
A community with historical and economic ties to Finland, particularly due to geographic proximity.
A growing immigrant community with a rich culture and history, particularly in urban areas.
A diverse group that includes individuals from various Arab nations, adding to Helsinki's multiculturalism.
Includes groups from various parts of the world, such as Vietnamese, Chinese, and others, contributing to the city's diversity.
The Soul of Helsinki
Discover the essence of Helsinki through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Finland, with Helsinki being home to several professional teams and a passionate fan base.
Football is widely played and followed in Finland, with numerous local clubs and a strong national league system based in Helsinki.
Floorball, a type of indoor team sport similar to hockey, has a significant following in Helsinki, with many clubs and leagues catering to various age groups.
Athletics events, including running and field events, are popular in Helsinki, with various competitions and running clubs throughout the city.
Basketball has been growing in popularity in Finland, including in Helsinki, where there are several competitive teams and youth programs.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Helsinki, with numerous cycling paths and events promoting the sport across the city.
During the winter months, cross-country skiing is widely practiced in Helsinki, with trails available for both recreational and competitive skiers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Helsinki.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Helsinki has a growing number of restaurants and cafes that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Popular choices include Yes Yes Yes, which offers a creative vegetarian menu, and OmNam, known for its delectable vegan dishes.
Travelers with gluten-free dietary needs will find accommodating options in Helsinki. Kippo, a charming cafe, serves a range of gluten-free pastries and bread, while Juuri offers a dedicated gluten-free menu featuring traditional Finnish dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Helsinki with these cultural adventures.