This is a Helsinki travel guide.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no extra cost to you. This website is reader backed and and using these links helps support our work, so we truly appreciate it if you choose to do so. Thank you for your support!
Helsinki Travel Guide:
I’d been wanting to visit Helsinki for a while…a friend of mine was living across the Gulf in Tallinn and insisted Helsinki was boring and there was nothing to do there. But I had to see for myself, didn’t I?! And I’m glad I did!
Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is quite an underrated destination in Europe. Blending sleek Scandinavian design, seaside tranquillity and a strong cultural identity, it’s a city that feels both modern and soulful. Whether you’re here for a long weekend or passing through on your way to Lapland, this Helsinki travel guide covers everything you need. From what to see and eat to where to stay and how to plan unforgettable day trips, including a ferry to Tallinn.
Quick Guide to Helsink
- Country: Finland
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Finnish and Swedish (English widely spoken)
- Best Time to Visit: May to September for mild weather and festivals or December to February for winter magic
- Getting There: Direct flights from major European hubs or a scenic ferry from Tallinn or Stockholm
- Where to Stay: Radisson Blu Aleksanteri, The Yard Hostel (budget)
- Top Attractions: Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Fortress, Market Square, Design District, Löyly Sauna
- Local food to try: Creamy salmon soup, frozen cranberries, karelian pie, reindeer, coffee
- Day Trip Ideas: Tallinn (Estonia), Porvoo, Nuuksio National Park
A Short History of Helsinki
Founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden, Helsinki started as a small trading post competing with Tallinn across the Gulf of Finland. It later became part of the Russian Empire, which heavily influenced its neoclassical architecture. Much of which still defines the city centre today. After gaining independence in 1917, Helsinki grew into one of Europe’s most liveable capitals, famous for its design culture, saunas and clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Did you know Finland has also been crowned happiest country in the world EIGHT times in a row?
What to Do in Helsinki
Explore Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral, with its striking white façade and green domes, is the city’s most recognisable landmark. Climb the steps for panoramic views of Senate Square and the surrounding neoclassical buildings. The square often hosts markets and cultural events, especially around Christmas.
As always, I HIGHLY recommend the free walking tour… the one I did in Helsinki started right there at Senate Square and it was SO interesting! Learnt so much about the history of the city, the culture, the country.
READ MORE:
Wander Through Market Square and the Harbourfront
Market Square (Kauppatori) is the heart of local life. Here you’ll find Finnish pastries, smoked salmon, reindeer sausages and artisan crafts. Ferries to Suomenlinna and nearby islands depart right from the harbour. Try a hot cup of Glögi (Finnish mulled wine) if you visit in winter!
Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna was built in the 18th century to defend Finland from naval attacks. Today, it’s a peaceful island escape just 15 minutes by ferry from the city centre. You can walk through its ramparts, visit the museum or have lunch at Café Piper overlooking the sea. The ferry is part of Helsinki’s public transport system, so your travel card works for it too.
Discover the Design District
Helsinki was named World Design Capital (2012!) for a reason. The Design District, stretching across Punavuori and Kaartinkaupunki, is full of galleries, concept stores and Scandinavian homeware shops like Marimekko and Artek. Pop into the Design Museum for exhibitions on Finnish innovation and style.
Warm Up in a Traditional Finnish Sauna
No trip to Finland is complete without a sauna experience. Saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture! And so are public saunas. Try Löyly, a modern seaside sauna with panoramic windows and outdoor swimming access (yes, even in winter). Or head to Allas Sea Pool for a sauna and swim right in the city centre.
Explore the Rock Church (Temppeliaukio)
Temppeliaukio Church is one of Helsinki’s most fascinating landmarks! Not just for how it looks, but for how it feels. Carved directly into solid granite and topped with a copper dome, it’s both futuristic and organic, a space where raw rock meets soft natural light. The acoustics are so perfect that the church doubles as a concert venue, with music reverberating beautifully off the stone walls. Step inside and you instantly understand why it’s one of Finland’s most popular architectural sites: serene, grounding and totally unique. Even if you’re not religious, it’s one of those rare places that make you instinctively go quiet, like the building itself is breathing.
Experience Oodi Library
Forget everything you think you know about libraries. Oodi isn’t just a place for books, it’s a living, breathing community space. Our walking tour actually finished there where we learnt more about the library and how it was a true people project! Opened in 2018 to celebrate Finland’s 100th year of independence, it was designed as a “gift from the people to the people.” What makes Oodi special is how it came to be: Helsinki’s residents were asked what they wanted in a modern library and the result was a space that blends culture, technology and creativity. Inside, you’ll find not only books but cafés, recording studios, sewing machines, 3D printers and panoramic reading lounges overlooking the city. It’s a perfect example of Finnish innovation and the country’s deep commitment to equality and accessibility. A public space where everyone, from students to families, can find something inspiring.
Visit Uspenski Cathedral
On the other side of the city, Uspenski Cathedral brings an entirely different kind of awe. Standing proudly on a hill overlooking the harbour, it’s the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, a clear reminder of Finland’s deep historical ties with Russia. Its red brick walls and gold onion domes gleam against the northern sky, while the interior glows with icons, chandeliers and candlelight. Step inside to experience a completely different atmosphere from the minimalist Finnish churches nearby, rich, ornate and deeply spiritual. From the steps outside, you’ll also get one of the best panoramic views of Helsinki, especially at sunset when the light hits the rooftops and the sea below.
Where to Eat and Drink in Helsinki
Savotta
Opposite Helsinki Cathedral, Savotta serves classic Finnish dishes like reindeer stew, smoked fish and lingonberry desserts in a cosy log cabin atmosphere.
Ravintola Nokka
For a fine dining experience, Nokka focuses on organic Finnish ingredients and Nordic-style tasting menus.
Story at Old Market Hall
For casual dining, head to the Old Market Hall near Market Square. Try creamy salmon soup or Karelian pies, local favourites.
Café Regatta
A tiny red wooden cottage by the sea, Café Regatta is an institution. It’s famous for its cinnamon buns, hot chocolate and outdoor firepit.
Löyly Restaurant
Combine sauna, sea views and modern Finnish cuisine in one place. Perfect for lunch or sunset cocktails.
Local Foods to Try in Helsinki
Finnish food is all about fresh, simple ingredients. Think wild berries, fish straight from the Baltic and slow-cooked comfort dishes designed for long winters. Here are some must-tries while you’re in Helsinki:
- Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup): A creamy, comforting classic made with salmon, potatoes, leeks and dill. Best enjoyed at Market Square or the Old Market Hall. This is one of the best things I had in Helsinki. SO flavoursome!
- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian Pie): Rye pastry filled with rice porridge, often topped with egg butter. It’s a staple Finnish snack and surprisingly addictive.
- Ruisleipä (Rye Bread): Dense, tangy and hearty, it’s served with almost every meal. Try it with smoked salmon or cheese for breakfast. One of my favourite things to have in Northern countries!
- Korvapuusti (Cinnamon Bun): Finland’s answer to the Swedish kanelbulle. A little less sweet but full of cardamom. Perfect with coffee (which Finns drink more than anyone else in the world*).
- Poronkäristys (Reindeer Stew): A Lapland speciality made with slow-cooked reindeer, mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam — rich, earthy and unforgettable.
- Hernekeitto (Pea Soup): Traditionally eaten on Thursdays across Finland, it’s a simple green pea soup usually served with pancakes for dessert.
- Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese): Often served warm with cloudberry jam — sweet, salty and very Scandinavian.
- Glögi: Finnish mulled wine made with spices, almonds and raisins, especially popular at Christmas markets.
*Coffee is such a big part of Finnish culture, they drink on average 4 cups per day and up to EIGHT! Did you know they actually have designated coffee breaks at work? It’s not a matter of having time for it or needing it. It’s such an integral part of their day, they make time for it.
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Luxury – Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Stylish interiors inspired by Lapland’s nature with private saunas in some rooms and a fantastic Nordic breakfast buffet.
Mid-Range – Radisson Bly Aleksanteri
I really enjoyed my stay at the Radisson! So much so I actually stayed at two: Radisson Blu Aleksanteri, about 4 blocks from Senate Square. Great location, lots of restaurants, sights and shops around. However, I did take the ferry to Tallinn one early morning so I stayed the night at a hotel near the ferry terminal. Surprise, surprise, another Radisson! Radisson Blu Seaside. Recommend!
Budget – The Yard Hostel
Friendly, clean, and centrally located near the main station, ideal for solo travellers or backpackers.
Day Trips from Helsinki
Tallinn, Estonia
One of the easiest and most popular day trips in Europe, the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn takes about two hours. Ferries run multiple times daily with companies like Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line and Eckerö Line. Tallinn’s Old Town is walking distance to the terminal. It’s a fairytale of cobbled streets, medieval towers and cosy cafés, perfect for a one-day adventure. Book a return ticket and spend the day exploring Toompea Hill, Town Hall Square and local Estonian cuisine.
I’ve actually got a Tallinn City Guide here if you make the trip!
If you are doing this trip, make sure to check where your ferry leaves from as there are two ports in Helsinki and they’re at opposite sides of each other!
Also, when getting back to Helsinki, I’d recommend getting the tram ticket through the HSL mobile app so you don’t have to queue at the ONE SINGLE ticket machine at the stop for all the ferry passengers 🙃
Porvoo
Just 50 km from Helsinki, Porvoo is a pastel-painted riverside town straight out of a storybook. Wander its cobbled lanes, browse antique shops, and stop for pastries at Café Fanny. You can reach Porvoo by bus from Helsinki’s main station in about an hour.
Nuuksio National Park
If you want to experience Finland’s wilderness without travelling far, Nuuksio is ideal. Only 45 minutes by train or bus, it offers forest trails, lakes and even reindeer experiences. Book a guided hike or a canoe tour for a full day of adventure.
Best Time to Visit Helsinki
- Summer (June–August): Long days, open-air events and warm temperatures around 20°C.
- Autumn (September–October): Crisp weather, colourful parks and fewer tourists.
- Winter (November–March): Snowy streets, festive lights and cosy saunas.
- Spring (April–May): Bright days, blooming parks and lower prices.
If you visit in winter, check out the Helsinki Christmas Market in Senate Square for local crafts and hot Glögi.
Getting Around Helsinki
The city is compact and walkable but you can also use trams, buses and metro lines with the same ticket. A Helsinki Card includes public transport plus discounts on attractions. You can buy it in advance online or at R-kioski shops.
For airport transfers, the train from Helsinki Airport to the Central Station takes just 30 minutes.
Travel Tips for Helsinki
- Pack layers: Even in summer, evenings can be cool.
- Use a travel card: It’s cheaper than single tickets.
- Embrace sauna culture: It’s part of daily life here.
- Try local sweets: Fazer chocolate is everywhere for a reason.
- Bring a reusable water bottle: Tap water is safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Helsinki is one of those cities that surprises you. Quirky, peaceful yet full of creativity. Between its seaside beauty, world-class design and nearby escapes like Tallinn or Porvoo, it’s the perfect blend of city break and cultural retreat. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or adding it to your Nordic itinerary, this Helsinki travel guide gives you everything you need to plan, book and fall in love with Finland’s coolest capital.
This was a Helsinki travel guide.
