helsinki tour in october

Things to do in Helsinki in October

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October is a good time to visit Helsinki . The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 41—48°F (5—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Helsinki during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum and experience traditional Finnish culture, sample traditional Finnish cuisine at a local restaurant, attend a traditional Finnish sauna experience, and more!

Helsinki has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Helsinki. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Helsinki in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Experiences
Weather and what to wear
Attractions

Best events and things to do in Helsinki in October

Top experiences in october, visit the seurasaari open-air museum and experience traditional finnish culture, sample traditional finnish cuisine at a local restaurant, attend a traditional finnish sauna experience, take a scenic autumn walk in nuuksio national park, visit the helsinki market square and try the seasonal produce, take a boat tour of the helsinki archipelago, explore the helsinki cathedral and take in the autumn views from the top, holidays in helsinki in october.

There are no holidays in Helsinki in October

Other notable holidays

All Saints' Day ( November 2 )
Father's Day ( November 10 )
Independence Day ( December 6 )
Christmas Eve ( December 24 )
Christmas Day ( December 25 )
Boxing Day ( December 26 )
New Year's Eve ( December 31 )
New Year's Day ( January 1 )
Epiphany ( January 6 )
Valentine’s Day ( February 14 )
Good Friday ( April 18 )
Easter Sunday ( April 20 )
Easter Monday ( April 21 )
May Day ( May 1 )
Mother's Day ( May 11 )
Weather in Helsinki in October

Temperatures on an average day in Helsinki in October

The average temperature in Helsinki in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 48°F (9°C) to a low of 41°F (5°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Helsinki , July, has days with highs of 69°F (21°C) and lows of 58°F (14°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 28°F (-2°C) and lows of 21°F (-6°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Helsinki in October based on historical data.

Visiting Helsinki? See our Helsinki Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in October

General weather summary, what to wear in october, best attractions for helsinki in october.

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Explore nearby places

Kirkkonummi
Nummi-Pusula

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Helsinki throughout the year

Helsinki in January
Helsinki in February
Helsinki in March
Helsinki in April
Helsinki in May
Helsinki in June
Helsinki in July
Helsinki in August
Helsinki in September
Helsinki in October
Helsinki in November
Helsinki in December

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What to do in Helsinki in October 2024

Why you should visit Helsinki in October

Helsinki weather in october, helsinki events in october.

Helsinki's Top Places to Visit in October

Flights, tours, and hotels in Helsinki

Video guide.

Helsinki in October offers a unique blend of autumnal beauty, vibrant cultural events, and the tranquil ambiance of the shoulder season. The city is adorned with stunning fall colors, making it a picturesque destination for leisurely walks and nature appreciation. Moreover, October marks the transition to the cozier, less crowded side of Helsinki , providing an authentic experience for travelers seeking a more intimate connection with the city. The mild weather also enhances the pleasure of exploring the outdoor attractions.

October in Helsinki brings crisp, refreshing temperatures with an average high of 7°C (45°F) and an average low of 2°C (35°F). Visitors can expect mostly cloudy skies and the occasional drizzle, contributing to the cozy, fall atmosphere. It’s advisable to carry layers and a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable while exploring the city’s outdoor offerings.

Helsinki Baltic Herring Fair

The Helsinki Baltic Herring Fair is a beloved annual event in October, showcasing Finland’s rich culinary traditions. Visitors can sample an array of herring dishes, enjoy live music, and explore the vibrant market stalls. It is a fantastic opportunity to immerse in the local food culture and interact with the friendly Helsinki community.

Night of the Arts

Helsinki ‘s Night of the Arts enlivens the city with a captivating lineup of art exhibitions, live performances, and cultural happenings. Taking place in various venues across the city, this event offers an immersive experience to engage with the diverse artistic expressions that Helsinki has to offer.

Helsinki Coffee Festival

The Helsinki Coffee Festival is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts, featuring a delightful array of coffee tastings, workshops, and presentations. It’s an excellent opportunity to indulge in the city’s thriving coffee culture while gaining insights into the art of Finnish coffee-making.

Helsinki’s Top Places to Visit in October

Seurasaari open-air museum.

The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum provides an enchanting escape into Finland’s rural past, with charming wooden buildings and peaceful surroundings ideal for an autumn stroll. Visitors can explore the traditional way of Finnish life, surrounded by the gorgeous fall foliage.

Nuuksio National Park

Nature enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to Nuuksio National Park, where the autumnal colors transform the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle. The park offers an array of hiking trails, tranquil lakes, and cozy campfire spots, perfect for experiencing the serene side of Helsinki ‘s wilderness.

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

The distinctive architecture of the Temppeliaukio Church, hewn into solid rock, provides a unique and evocative setting for a memorable visit. In October, the surrounding area is adorned with colorful foliage, adding an extra layer of enchantment to this captivating site.

Market Square and Old Market Hall

The Market Square and Old Market Hall offer a delightful fusion of local flavors, handicrafts, and a festive atmosphere. October brings a charming ambiance to the market area, where visitors can savor seasonal treats, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the lively atmosphere of the waterfront.

October is an ideal time to explore Helsinki without the summer crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy a more relaxed and authentic experience.

Tours in Helsinki

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A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki, Finland

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We’ve crafted this travel guide to Helsinki with a mission to help all who plan on visiting Helsinki, Finland, and are looking for detailed yet crisp information. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and read on.

Before You Plan a Trip to Helsinki

Know if you need a visa for Helsinki. The holders of uniform visa (C) for two or multiple entries, valid for all Schengen Area Member States don’t need to apply for a separate visa for Finland. Read our complete guide to Schengen Visa.
Make sure to have a guidebook before you set foot in Helsinki. That makes getting around the city easy.
As Helsinki is designed for strolling, you need comfortable and super light walking shoes. I wear Skechers while hubby loves Adidas and mini-me has got Adidas too. Read our guides to the best shoes for women and the best shoes for kids for your European family vacation.

Visiting Helsinki Travel Guide

Helsinki, fondly known as the Daughter of the Baltic is full of life. Helsinki stuns its visitors with its simple yet beautiful charm. You can’t help but awe at the magnificent design and architecture as you walk the streets and squares of Helsinki. Finnish cuisine is as famous as Finnish design. From strolling its historic lanes to hopping its islands to chilling at its beaches to hiking in its forests to stretching a leg in its urban parks and gardens to cozying up in its world-class sauna – You gotta fall in love with the city, one step at a time.

Here’s a guide to get you started in this uber-cool city!

Where is Helsinki in Finland?

The largest city and the capital of Finland, Helsinki is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The most northerly of the capitals of Europe, Helsinki is often referred to as the white city of the north as most of its buildings are crafted using light-colored granite.

Things to Know Before Visiting Helsinki

Best time to visit helsinki.

Spring (May and June) and Autumn (September and October) are the best times to visit Helsinki. Summer (July and August) is good but crowded.

The plus point of traveling in the summer months is the great weather and long, mild, and warm days. We visited in July and enjoyed the long summer days. I mean, summer days just don’t end here. You can explore all day long. Isn’t it amazing?

How to Get to Helsinki

The capital and the largest city of Finland, Helsinki sits in Europe’s northernmost corner squeezed between Sweden and Russia.

You can fly or sail or drive into Helsinki depending upon where you’re coming from.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is served by all major international airlines to and from major cities around the world.

For a classic Finnish experience, fly with Finnair . We loved flying with them.

We recommend Skyscanner for the best flight deals.

You can sail via the Baltic Sea from Sweden (Stockholm), Russia (St. Petersburg), (Tallinn) Estonia, and even Germany.

The major ferry companies include Tallink Silja Line, Viking Line, Linda Line, Eckero Line, Finnliness, and St. Peter Line .

Finland has a good road network. It’s easy to rent a car and drive to Helsinki from other cities in Finland and from Russia.

You can also plan a road trip to Finland from other Nordic countries but that’ll include a ferry.

The major routes include E18, E12, E75, and E63 .

We recommend Discover Cars for all your car rental needs in Europe.

Helsinki Central Railway Station in Kluuvi has excellent train connections from all the major cities in Finland and from Moscow and St. Petersberg in Russia.

Helsinki’s Central Bus Station in Kamppi has a regular bus service to and from all the large cities in Finland.

Read More: Train from Oslo to Bergen on a Scenic Bergen Railway

How to Get to the City Center from the Airport

I and P trains from the airport take about 30 minutes to the city center.

Alternatively, you can board the Finnair City Bus or Airport Bus 615 from the airport to the city center. The night bus service ( 415N ) is also available.

Taking a taxi is the easiest and fastest option but then it costs much higher.

taxi from helsinki vantaa airport to the city center

Related Read: The Little Fairytale Finnish Town on Porvoo

How to Get Around Helsinki

Walking is the best way to explore the attractions in and around the city center. You can take a self-guided tour or a guided walking tour to explore the center.

Biking is the second-best way to get around the city. Check out the cycling routes in Helsinki .

Helsinki has a vast public transport network of bus, metro, tram, train, and ferry services.

The city has a zoned public transport system.

Choose a ticket that best fits your needs. If you’re sticking to the city center, you should buy a ticket for the main zone (AB) or for the airport downtown (ABC) but if you’re planning a day trip from Helsinki, you’d need a different ticket. Click here to learn how to use a public transport system in Helsinki.

You can buy a ticket from HSL ticket machines, train stations, R-Kioski (convenience stores in Finland), or the HSL Mobile Ticket app.

I’d suggest you buy a Helsinki Travel Card that allows unlimited travel for the duration (24, 48, or 72 hours) on all modes of transportation – trams, buses, the metro, trains, and the Suomenlinna ferry.

Helsinki Card is another awesome option. It not only allows free, unlimited travel on all modes of public transportation but also gives free access to a ton of attractions and museums in Helsinki.

Trams are the best and most beautiful way to explore the center of Helsinki.

Public buses are also an efficient way to travel from one location to another in Helsinki but are not helpful in the center of the city. Trams make sense there.

getting around helsinki buses in helsinki

Helsinki’s metro system is the world’s northernmost and has two lines – M1 (Matinkylä–Vuosaari) and M2 (Tapiola–Mellunmäki) that serve about 25 stations.

Helsinki Commuter VR Trains form an important part of Helsinki’s public transport system.

how to get around helsinki travel by train

What to do in Helsinki

There are some beautiful places to visit in Helsinki. We have a complete post about the best things to do in Helsinki, Finland for you.

Walking (tip: take a guided walking tour) in the center of the city is mandatory, you see. You can also ride the sightseeing tram to get pally with the city. Island hopping and café hopping remain the quintessential things to do in Helsinki.

Take a dip in the Finnish sauna to get off the tiredness of the sightseeing before you dine in on delicious Finnish cuisine. And, how can you not check out the impressive Finnish design and architecture? You must plan a visit to the Design District of Helsinki.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

We stayed in a spacious 50s house with a wood-heated sauna in Lintuvaara, Espoo, and loved every bit of it. Our host Marko and his family were welcoming and helpful.

It’s away from the center but the bus stop is just a few meters away from the house. We boarded a bus that dropped us at Sello Mall and then a train from Leppävaara train station to the Central Railway Station to reach the center of the city.

If you want to stay near the city center, check out these best hotels right in the heart of Helsinki.

For those who wanna luxe it up, we recommend Hotel F6 , Hotel St. George Helsinki , and Lapland Hotels Bulevardi .

Check out the Best Luxury Hotels in Helsinki.

If you prefer living like a local like us, there are a ton of lovely apartment options, like this Apartment Hotel Aallonkoti in the heart of the city , this stylish studio in Ullanlinna , this artist apartment in Kallio , or this cozy, super-cute apartment in Vironkatu .

You Might Like: Driving from Bergen to Oslo

What and Where to Eat in Helsinki

Restaurant Savotta : Traditional Finnish Cuisine
Juuri : sapas
Konditoria Hopia : Karelian pies or Karjalanpiirakka
Robert’s Coffee Gelato Factory : Gelato
Lappi Ravintola : Poronkäristys
Cafe Regatta : Korvapuusti and Finnish Coffee
Mumin Kaffe : Berry tea

If you want to visit Helsinki sometime soon, make use of our Helsinki guide . We sincerely hope our travel guide to Helsinki helps you plan a perfect trip to Helsinki . If you have any queries, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be happy to help.

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Anjali Chawla

1 thought on “A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki, Finland”

Somehow the link to your Airbnb does not open Marko’s property, but coincidentally we may have booked the exact same place. We are planning our trip for August 2023, so just starting researching. Your “First timers guide to Helsinki, Finland” is my first “pin” on my Finland board. Excited to start planning our trip!

Helsinki Hop On-Hop Off bus

Guided tour with city sightseeing worldwide.

In the winter season from October to April you can explore Helsinki on the Panorama Sightseeing Tour . The Hop On-Hop Off tour will be at your service starting from May 2, 2024!

Welcome to Hop On-Hop Off Helsinki - a bus sightseeing tour around the city where you hop on and off as much as you like. The tour takes you to the top sights of Helsinki, such as the Sibelius monument and the Rock Church.

19 stops along the 1,5h bus city tour

The route is carefully chosen and our 19 stops make it easy for you to explore Helsinki at your own pace.

The route covers many interesting sights, such as:

Senate Square
Temppeliaukio Church , also known as the Church in the Rock
Sibelius Monument
Olympic Stadium
Linnanmäki Amusement Park & Sea Life Helsinki

See below for full list of stops and attractions nearby. We have gathered over 60 tips for you how to make the most of your Hop On-Hop off ticket!

The complete Hop On-Hop Off bus tour takes around 90 minutes.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours by your choice so there's no hurry. You can explore the city, visit the many museums and sights along the route and enjoy lunch or afternoon cup of coffee and then continue the tour with the next bus. This flexibility means that you can customize your itinerary based on your interests, whether you want to spend more time exploring a particular museum or park, or you simply want to take in the scenery.

Your Hop On-Hop Off ticket is valid on both the red CitySightseeing buses and green Open Top Tours buses. Both buses follow the same tour route.

Doubledeckers with commentary in 11 languages

Our double decker buses offer great views to the city. On sunny days the roofs of the buses are open. In bad weather, the roofs can be installed quickly to protect you from rain.

The tour has recorded commentary in 11 languages: English, Finnish, Swedish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. You will choose your preferred language at your seat, so if you feel like having a Finnish lesson during your tour, go ahead!

The interesting stories about Finland's history and present-day life are complemented by sound effects making the tour a fun experience.

Great shore excursion - pick-up from cruise ports available

Helsinki is an excellent stop for cruise passengers. The city is compact and easy to explore also on a tight schedule. On certain cruise ship days our Hop On-Hop Off buses go to the cruise ship ports along their route, so you can spend your time in Helsinki without any extra hassle. Read more information about our cruise port pick-up for cruise passengers below.

Buy online, hop on at any stop!

When you have your ticket ready, all you need to do is to check the location of your nearest Hop On-Hop Off stop on the live map below, hop on the bus and start your tour! You'll get your single-use earphones from the driver when you enter the bus. No need to print your ticket, you can present your pre-bought ticket also on the screen of your mobile device.

Free wi-fi available

There's free wifi in the bus, so you can follow the live map also during your whole tour!

Super Deal: Combine with a sightseeing cruise

Would you like to see Helsinki from the sea point of view too? Check our bus & boat deals! You can combine your bus sightseeing either with the Beautiful Canal Cruise or with the City Highlights Cruise for a special price!

Advancing sustainable tourism with Stromma

In our pursuit of responsible tourism, Stromma is committed to creating eco-friendly measures that amplify the sustainability of our tours and services. There are many ways you as our customer can actively contribute to a greener tour experience, such as:

present your pre-bought online ticket or voucher on the screen of your mobile device instead of printing it
instead of taking a printed route map, follow the tour on the live map online
after the tour, leave your used earphones in the recycling box

Our dedication to sustainability has earned us the prestigious Travelife Certified status and the City Sightseeing and the Open Top Tours brands are included in the status.

Multi Destination Ticket - explore the North

Are you combining your Helsinki visit with other northern destinations? The Multi Destination Ticket is the perfect solution for enjoying Hop On-Hop Off buses and boats in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. In Helsinki the Hop On-Hop Off bus tour is included in the ticket. Please note that in Helsinki the boat tours are not Hop On-Hop Off boats and therefore not included in the ticket. The ticket is available for the high season period of June 1-August 31 and is valid for 12 consecutive days.

Departures from Senate Square in May-Sep. See the detailed timetable below.

Ticket valid 24/48 h
19 stops - start at any stop
Free cancellation 24h before departure

Click on the red stop numbers for information about the Hop On-Hop Off stops in Helsinki. Wondering when the next bus is coming? Follow the arrows, they show where the red City Sightseeing and green OpenTop Tours buses are currently.

Please note: The CitySightseeing Hop On-Hop Off tour season is May-September. For sightseeing tours in Helsinki in the winter season (October-April), please see Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing . The red arrows on this map during the winter season show the current location of the Panorama Sightseeing tour bus.

Please note that changes on the route are possible due to street works, traffic conditions or events.

May I start the tour at any stop?

Yes, you may start and end the Hop On-Hop Off tour at any of the stops.

Where are the stops located at?

Please check the Live Map to find your closest Hop On-Hop Off stop. The stops are marked with a red and green City Sightseeing/Hop On-Hop Off sign.

What is the difference between the red and green buses?

Both the red City Sightseeing and green Open Top Tours buses follow the same Hop On-Hop Off route. Your Hop On-Hop Off ticket is valid on both colored buses.

Is this tour included in the Helsinki Card? Do I need to reserve a seat?

The Hop On-Hop Off tour is included in your Helsinki Card. You don't need to make any seat reservations. You may take the tour as many times as you like as long as your Helsinki Card is valid. Please present your Helsinki Card to the ticket seller or bus driver when boarding the bus.

Are earphones included in the price?

Yes, earphones are included in the tour price. You will receive them when you board the bus. When you disembark from the tour bus for the last time, please deposit your used earphones in the designated collection boxes on the tour bus. We will sort and recycle them properly.

Is the Hop On-Hop Off tour accessible?

- Most of our sightseeing buses are wheelchair-friendly. Please contact us in advance for more information. - With the EU Disability Card an adult assistant accompanies the card holder for free (the card holder pays normal price) - There are seats in the the lower floor of the bus - Prams and pushchairs are allowed in the bus - Assistance dogs are allowed in the bus - The commentary is available in 11 languages with single-use in-ear earphones. Ask the driver for over-ear headphones. - The bus stop at the Temppeliaukio Church is approx. 500 m from the church, there is a paved walking path uphill from the stop towards the church. The church has an accessible entrance and main hall; the balcony is accessed by stairs only. - The bus stop at the Sibelius Monument is approx. 50 m from the monument; partly paved walking path and partly unpaved walking path. The monument can be seen from the bus window. If you have any questions regarding accessibility on our tours, please contat our customer service at [email protected] or tel. +358 9 2288 1600.

Can I bring my (service) dog with me?

On the Hop-On Hop-Off tours, dogs are allowed on the bus if they do not cause any inconvenience to other customers. Service and assistance dogs are always permitted on our tours.

Are buses always open top? What if it rains?

The roofs of the tour buses will be opened when the weather is good. On chillier or rainy days we will close the roofs.

Is there a WC/restroom in the bus?

No, there is no WC/restroom in the bus. Please check the Hop On-Hop Off Live Map, we have marked some public restrooms along the route.

How do I choose my tour language?

When you're at your seat, there is a device where you can plug in your headphones, choose your language, and set the volume. Please contact the tour staff if you need any assistance.

I arrive on a cruise ship, do you offer pick-up from the harbor?

Please see section "Did you arrive by cruise ship?" for more detailed information.

Season: May 2 - Sep 30, 2024

May 2 - June 30, 2024 Daily departures from Senate Square at 10:00-16:00, every 30min-40min

July 1 - Aug 31, 2024 Daily departures from Senate Square at 10:00-16:00, every 30min

Sep 1 - Sep 30, 2024 Daily departures from Senate Square at 10:00-16:00, every 30min-40min

October - April For sightseeing by bus in Helsinki during the winter season, please see Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing

Check current timetable on the WEEKLY INFO here >>

EXCEPTIONS ON ROUTES & TIMETABLES

Please note! Delays or changes on tour routes and timetables are possible due to public events, road works, etc.

Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing

Hop On-Hop Off

Beautiful Canal Cruise

City Highlights Cruise

Pizza Cruise & Evening Cruise

City Sightseeing Helsinki route and stops 2024:

Printable route map (PDF) >>

Printed route maps also available in the bus and at the departure point.

1. SENATE SQUARE / HELSINKI CITY MUSEUM

Senate Square Senate Square can perhaps remind us that Finland became independent in 1917, immediately after the Russian Revolution, and managed to retain its sovereignty even during the difficult times of World War II. Address: Senaatintori, 00170 Helsinki

Helsinki City Museum The Helsinki City Museum documents and displays the history of Helsinki. It is located in the Sederholm House, which is the oldest building in Helsinki city center. The museum is also a home to an interactive children's museum. Address: Aleksanterinkatu 16, 00170 Helsinki

The Torikorttelit area The Torikorttelit in the Empire-style blocks between the Senate Square and the Market Sqaure is an active centre of cafés, restaurants and small desing and hadicraft boutiques. Address: Sofiankatu 4, 00170 Helsinki

2. OLD MARKET HALL

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Unioninkatu

Old Market Hall The Old Market Hall in Helsinki has been serving its customers since 1889. Address: Eteläranta 125, 00130 Helsinki

3. OLYMPIA TERMINAL (SILJA LINE)

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Olympiaranta 1

Olympia Terminal The Olympia Terminal was built for the Olympic Games in 1952 and is now used by TallinkSilja. Address: Olympiaranta 1, 00140 Helsinki

Mannerheim Museum The former home of Gustaf Mannerheim, Marshal of Finland. Free admission with Helsinki Card. (Closed for renovation in 2024) Address: Kalliolinnantie 14, 00140 Helsinki

4. CAFÉ URSULA / KAIVOPUISTO PARK

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Ehrenströmintie 3

Café Ursula A popular spot for a coffee with a splendid sea view. Address: Ehrenströmintie 3, 00140 Helsinki

Kaivopuisto The Kaivopuisto Park is a great place to enjoy a picknick! When the sky is clear go check the time on the sundial in front of the Ursa Observatory. Address: Ehrenströmintie 1, 00140 Helsinki

5. COMPASS SQUARE

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Ehrenströmintie 1

Uunisaari The Uunisaari island, only a few minutes ferry ride away from the main land, is a perfect way to escape the city just for a moment: there is a public beach and barbeque area. If you didn’t pack your lunch with you, there is a restaurant at your service. Address: Pohjoinen Uunisaari 2, 00140 Helsinki

Café Compass Looking for a refreshing cup of coffee or maybe some ice cream? Check this nice outdoor summer cafe out! Address: Ehrenströmintie 1, 00140 Helsinki

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Eiranranta 1

Huvilakatu street The Eira district dates back to the early 20th century. The Huvilakatu street is said to be the most beautiful street in Helsinki thanks to its colorful art nouveau facades. Address: Huvilakatu, 00150 Helsinki

Playground Meripuisto The playground Meripuisto is a perfect place for the younger family members to have some fun in the swings, slides and the ship-shaped climbing frame. Watch out for the sea monster! Address: Merikatu 7, 00140 Helsinki

Cafe Carusel A nice cafe and restaurant with ecological values and large terrace. The departure point of the waterbus connection to the Pihlajasaari Island is located next to the cafe. Address: Merisatamanranta 10, 00150 Helsinki

7. HERNESAARI CRUISE TERMINAL LHD

Hernesaari Cruise Terminal LHD One of Helsinki’s ports. Arrival and departure point for cruise ships visiting the city. Stop in use only on some certain cruise ship days. Address: Hernesaarenranta, 00150 Helsinki

8. HERNESAARI CRUISE TERMINAL LHB & LHC

Hernesaari Cruise Terminal LHC One of Helsinki’s ports. Arrival and departure point for cruise ships visiting the city. Stop in use only on some certain cruise ship days. Address: Hernematalankatu 6, 00150 Helsinki

9. LÖYLY

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Hernesaarenranta 4

Löyly Löyly, an urban oasis occupying a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront, offers exceptional architecture in a unique location, the traditional Finnish sauna, a huge terrace and a restaurant. Address: Hernesaarenranta 4, 00150 Helsinki

Pyhän Birgitan puisto Pyhän Birgitan puisto - a park dedicated to Saint Bridget - is a lively recreational area on the way from the cruise ship harbour to Helsinki city center. Here you will find for example an outdoor gym, a small beach for swimming and the summer cafe Birgitta. Address: Hernesaarenranta 2, 00150 Helsinki

10. FLEA MARKET / BULEVARDI / SINEBRYCHOFF ART MUSEUM

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Bulevardi 54

Hietalahti Market Square The flea market at Hietalahti Market Square is an exciting place to visit. The market is open both during the daytime and weekday evenings in the summer. Here, you can meet local Helsinki residents who have hired their own table to sell their old possessions. Address: Hietalahdentori, 00180 Helsinki

Sinebrychoff Art Museum The Sinebrychoff Art Museum is part of the Finnish National Gallery. Free admission with Helsinki Card. Read about Sinebrychoff Art Museum Address: Bulevardi 40, 00120 Helsinki

11. SWEDISH THEATRE / DESIGN MUSEUM / MUSEUM OF FINNISH ARCHITECTURE

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Eteläesplanadi 22

Svenska Teatern (Swedish Theatre) The Swedish Theatre (in Swedish: Svenska Teatern) is the national theatre for plays in Swedish. Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 2, 00130 Helsinki

Design Museum Helsinki The Desing Museum exhibits both Finnish and foreign design, including industrial design, fashion as well as graphic design. Free admission with Helsinki Card. Read about Design Museum Address: Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki

Museum of Finnish Architecture The museum maintains a collection of Finnish architecture and serves as a source of expert knowledge in architecture and the built environment. Free admission with Helsinki Card. Read about Museum of Finnish Architecture Address: Kasarmikatu 24, 00130 Helsinki

Stockmann The flagship store of Stockmann is one of the best known land marks of Helsinki, located at the western end of the Esplanade Park. Address: Aleksanterinkatu 52, 00100 Helsinki

Aleksanterinkatu & Pohjoisesplanadi The blocks at and between Aleksanterinkatu and Pohjoisesplanadi streets offer great opportunities for some shopping! Address: Aleksanterinkatu, 00100 Helsinki

12. MARKET SQUARE / SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Eteläesplanadi 2

Stromma sightseeing cruises & sales point You will find the Market Square sales point of Stromma at the yellow "SIGHTSEEING" flags. Departure point for the Stomma sightseeing cruises: Beautiful Canal Cruise, City Highlights Cruise, Pizza Cruise and Evening Cruise. Read about Sightseeing by Boat Address: Kauppatori, 00170 Helsinki

Market Square The traditional Market Square is the lively heart of Helsinki. Enjoy the atmosphere, try some Finnish delicasies and do some souvenir shopping! Address: Kauppatori, 00170 Helsinki

Allas Sea Pool A unique experience with sauna, outdoor swimming and cultural events. Address: Katajanokanlaituri 2 A, 00160 Helsinki

SkyWheel Helsinki Admire the amazing views of Helsinki from a height of more than 40 meters. Discounted admission fee with Helsinki Card. Read about SkyWheel Helsinki Address: Katajanokanlaituri 2 , 00160 Helsinki

Flying Cinema Tour Helsinki Experience Helsinki and Finland on a virtual cinema tour. Discounted admission fee with Helsinki Card. Address: Katajanokanlaituri 2B, 00160 Helsinki

13. SOKOS / AMOS REX / KIASMA / PARLIAMENT HOUSE / HELSINKI MUSIC CENTER / OODI / CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION / ATENEUM

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Mannerheimintie 9, in front of the Sokos department store.

Amos Rex A world-famous art museum. Free admission with Helsinki Card. Address: Mannerheimintie 22-24, 00100 Helsinki

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Kiasma presents, collects and preserves contemporary art. Free admission with Helsinki Card. Read about Kiasma Contemporary Art Address: Mannerheiminaukio 2, 00100 Helsinki

The National Museum of Finland The National Museum of Finland showcases history of Finland from the stone age to present day. Can you spot the statue of the national animal of Finland at guarding the entrance to the museum? Free admission with Helsinki Card. (Under renovation until 2027) Read about The National Museum of Finland Address: Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki

Musiikkitalo - Helsinki Music Centre The Helsinki Music Centre is a concert venue and meeting place open to all. It is full of action from morning to evening. Address: Mannerheimintie 13a, 00100 Helsinki

Musical Instrument Park by Music Centre (Musiikkitalon Soitinpuisto) Can you find out the secrets of the five musical instruments outside the Helsinki Music Centre? Address: Mannerheimintie 13A, 00100 Helsinki

Parliament This impressive building in the 1920s Classicism style is where Finland's parliament and its 200 members gather. Address: Mannerheimintie 30, 00250 Helsinki

Oodi - Helsinki Central Library Not just a public library but a venue for events and a meeting place for all. Address: Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki

Main Post office Service point of the Finnish postal service. Address: Elielinaukio 2 F, 00100 Helsinki

Sokos department store This functionalist style building houses the Sokos department store, a hotel and a restaurant in the 10th floor - a great opportunity to enjoy a meal with excellent views over the city center. Address: Mannerheimintie 9, 00100 Helsinki

Kamppi shopping centre The complex houses the Kamppi shopping centre, with a wide selection of restaurants, a metro station and terminals for local buses and long-distance coaches. Address: Urho Kekkosen katu 1, 00100 Helsinki

Playground Töölönlahti For kids the Töölönlahden leikkipaikka (Töölönlahti playground) is the best place in the city center for some climbing and leg-stretching. Check out also the climbing frame in front of Oodi! Address: Töölönlahden puisto, 00100 Helsinki

Ateneum Art Museum Ateneum contains the most extensive art collections of Finland and is home to the most loved classic works of Finnish art. Free admission with Helsinki Card. The museum is under renovation and will reopen in early 2023. Address: Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki

National Theatre The National Romantic Style building at the Rautatientori Square houses the Finnish National Theatre, which is the oldest professional theatre in Finland. Address: Läntinen Teatterikuja 1, 00100 Helsinki

Central Railway Station The Helsinki Central Railway Station, designed by Eliel Saarinen, is an impressive landmark of Helsinki and a buzzling hub for public transportation in Helsinki area and to all over Finland. Address: Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki

14. TEMPPELIAUKIO CHURCH (ROCK CHURCH) / HAM HELSINKI ART MUSEUM / FINNISH MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Arkadiankatu 17

Temppeliaukio Chuch This Lutheran church has been blasted out of solid rock and is a very popular tourist attraction. Entrance fee 8€ per adult, free with Helsinki Card. Read about Temppeliaukio Church Address: Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki

HAM Helsinki Art Museum Helsinki Art Museum manages the art collection of the city of Helsinki. The museum is located in Tennispalatsi (Tennis Palace), a functionalist style building that originally was built for the 1940 Summer Olympics. Free admission with Helsinki Card. Read about HAM – Helsinki Art Museum Address: Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8, 00100 Helsinki

Finnish Museum of Natural History LUOMUS This museum is the best place to see mammoths and dinosaurs in Helsinki! Address: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13, 00100 Helsinki

15. SIBELIUS MONUMENT

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Mechelininkatu 39

Sibelius Monument Dedicated to the famous composer Jean Sibelius, this monument is one of the “musts” when visiting Helsinki. Address: Sibeliuksen puisto, Mechelininkatu, 00250 Helsinki

Cafe Regatta This charming cafe is an idyllic piece of Finnish countryside in the middle of Helsinki and only a few minutes walk away from the Sibelius Monument. Address: Merikannontie 8, 00260 Helsinki

Töölö Rowing Stadium The Rowing Stadium was originally constructed for the 1940 Summer Olympics. Address: Merikannontie 4, 00260 Helsinki

16. OLYMPIC STADIUM / TAHTO

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Mäntymäentie

Olympic Stadium & Stadium Tower The Olympic Stadium was built in 1938 and it housed the Summer Olympics in 1952. Nowadays it is used for sports events and concerts. Visit the tower to get a splendid view over Helsinki! Address: Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki

Sports Museum TAHTO Dive into the world of Finnish sports! Address: Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki

Statue of Paavo Nurmi In front of the Olympic Stadium is running Paavo Numi, the world famous Finnish athlete. Address: Paavo Nurmen tie 1, 00250 Helsinki

Opera House The Finnish National Opera and Ballet are headquartered in the Opera House. Address: Helsinginkatu 58, 00250 Helsinki

Winter Garden The Winter Garden is an oasis of exotic plants in the middle of Helsinki. Address: Hammarskjöldintie 1 A, 00250 Helsinki

Töölönlahti bay & park The Töölönlahti bay and the park around it are a perfect spot to relax in the middle of the buzzling city. Address: Töölönlahti, 00100 Helsinki

Finlandia-talo - Finlandia Hall The Helsinki Accords were signed behind these famous marble walls in 1975. The Finlanda Hall is designed by Alvar Aalto. The building is closed for renovation 2022-2024. Address: Mannerheimintie 13 E, 00100 Helsinki

17. LINNANMÄKI AMUSEMENT PARK / SEA LIFE HELSINKI

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Sturenkatu

Linnanmäki Amusement Park The oldest and most popular amusement park in Finland. 10-15 min. walk from the stop to the southern entrance of the amusement park. Address: Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki

Sea Life Helsinki Experience the wonders of the underwater world in the aquarium. 10-15 min. walk from the stop to Sea Life. Address: Tivolitie 10, 00510 Helsinki

18. LINNUNLAULU / HELSINKI CITY THEATRE

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Eläintarhantie 18

Villas of Linnunlaulu The wooden villas of Linnunlaulu (Finnish for "bird song") are a beautiful memento of the 19th century. The blue villa houses an outdoor cafe in the summer season. Address: Linnunlauluntie 11h, 00530 Helsinki

Helsinki City Theatre The largest professional theatre in Finland. Address: Ensi Linja 2, 00530 Helsinki

19. HAKANIEMI MARKET SQUARE AND MARKET HALL / KALLIO

Street address of the Hop On-Hop Off bus stop: Siltasaarenkatu 12

Hakaniemi Market Square The Market Hall is open Monday-Saturday. On the first Sunday of every month a traditional country side market is arranged outside on the Hakaniemi market square with fresh produce and local delicacies. Address: Hakaniemen torikatu 1, 00530 Helsinki

Kallio Kallio, located just next to Hakaniemi, is a relaxed and bohemian neighborhood known as a district for students, young adults and artists. It's not possible to describe Kallio in one sentence, so go check it yourself! Address: Kallio, 00530 Helsinki

Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden Visit the garden with its ponds and flowers and the glasshouses that present a variety of plants mainly from the same longitude as Finland. Address: Kaisaniemenranta 2, 00170 Helsinki

Pick up from the cruise terminal

There are pickups from some of the cruise terminals in Helsinki, more information below.

Hernesaari – (LHC & LHD) You can join the tour from the bus stop 7 (LHD) or 8 (LHC), outside of your ship if there are buses at the port on that day. Please notice these stops are in use only on some certain cruise ship days. Then the first departure of the day would depart 1 hour after docking, at the earliest at 9:00am. The buses are running every 30-60min. Please redeem your voucher within 2 hours after your ship has docked (for 7am arrival, within 3 hours). Pass through the security gate and look for the red City Sightseeing buses, with the red and yellow City Sightseeing logo or green Hop On-Hop Off buses. Your ticket is valid for both buses and the buses are on the same route.

Hernesaari – (LHB) You can join the tour either from the bus stop 6 Eira or stop 9 Löyly (10-15min walk from the port). Look for the red City Sightseeing buses, with the red and yellow City Sightseeing logo or green Hop on Hop off buses. Your ticket is valid for both buses and the buses are on the same route. The buses run from Senate Square stop number 1 between 10:00–16:00 every 30-40 minutes.

Katajanokka – (ERA, ERB & EKL) Cruise guests who are arriving into Katajanokka are advised to make their own way to City Sightseeing bus stop number 1 Senate Square, which is a 10–15 minute walk from the cruise port. The buses run from Senate Square between 10:00–16:00 every 30-40 minutes. South harbour – (EMA, EPL) Cruise guests who are arriving into South harbour are advised to make their own way to City Sightseeing bus stop number 1 Senate Square, which is a 10–15 minute walk from the cruise port. The buses run from Senate Square between 10:00–16:00 every 30-40 minutes.

Select & book:

24h bus hop on-hop off.

Get the best of Helsinki on this classic Hop On-Hop Off sightseeing tour during the summer season!

Departure point: Buses operate at 10:00-16:00, every 30-40 min from Stop 1/Senate Square. The ticket is valid 24h.

Highlights: 19 stops along the route, incl. Market Square, Temppeliaukio Church in the Rock, Sibelius Monument, Olympic Stadium and Linnanmäki amusement park.

Good to know: Audio commentary in 11 languages. When you buy your ticket online, you can start the tour at any stop. Pick-up available from cruise ship harbors on certain cruise ship days. Ticket is valid on the red City Sightseeing and green Open Top Tours double decker buses.

48h BUS Hop On-Hop Off

Explore summery Helsinki at your own pace with the Hop On-Hop Off City Sightseeing tour!

Multi Destination Ticket: BUS & BOAT Hop On-Hop Off

This ticket includes unlimited rides with all Stromma Hop On-Hop Off sightseeing tours in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.

Departure points: See each destination. Destinations: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Visby, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Bergen, Haugesund, Geiranger, Kristiansand, Oslo, Stavanger and Ålesund. Good to know: Valid for 12 days. Boat tours are not included in Norway and Finland.

Departure point:

Price information:

Description:, traffic information:, please note:.

Four adults walking in the Esplanade Park in Helsinki on a sunny day. The Martket Square and the Havis Amanda fountain can be seen on the background.

Top ideas for a short visit to Helsinki

Visiting Helsinki on a tight schedule? Check here for best ideas of things to do on a one day visit!

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Helsinki hop on-hop off bus + beautiful canal cruise.

Bus and boat sightseeing combination ticket

Helsinki Hop On-Hop Off bus + City Highlights Cruise

Buy helsinki card.

Discover the capital of Finland in 24h/48h/72h

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Panoramic view of Helsinki

Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Senate Square

Helsinki seaside view

Finnish National Theatre

Rock Church
Entrance to Rock Church

Helsinki seaside views

Market Square

Helsinki seaside and panorama

HEL-014 - Best of Helsinki Private Tour

Experience the best of Helsinki has to offer on a comprehensive city tour with your private guide leading you through the captivating history and finest architecture.

Tour price per adult:

Tour includes

3h private guide services
2h private tour vehicle
2h Helsinki city tour by car/bus
1h Helsinki walking tour

Tour excludes

Gratuities to the guide and driver are not included in the tour price.
00:00 – 02:00 Meet & greet at cruise port/hotel followed by panoramic city tour
02:00 – 03:00 Walking tour in the historic city center

Additional information

Children’s Discounts: 3-year-old and under are free, 15% discount for ages 4-12.

Please note, a surcharge applies on Sundays and all public holidays. Public holidays in 2023-2024: 04.11.23, 06.12.23, 24-26.12.23, 01.01.24, 06.01.24, 29.03.24, 31.03.24, 01.04.24, 01.05.24, 09.05.24, 19.05.24, 21.06.24, 22.06.24, 02.11.24, 6.12.24, 24-26.12.24.

Entrance to Rock Church is subject to scheduled religious and private services.

Sibelius Monument & Park
Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Ateneum Art Museum
Finnish Parliament
Helsinki Music Center
Central Railway Station
Senate Square
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki University
Esplanade Boulevard & Park
Uspenski Cathedral

The Best of Helsinki Tour showcases the essence of the Finnish capital in the best way possible. During a sightseeing tour by bus we will take you to the most important historic landmarks within the city center as well as to the beautiful coastline . Continuing with a guided walk through the old town center, you begin to understand why the city, founded in the 16th century, blossomed under the rule of Russian Czar Alexander II.

Once a strategic medieval merchant’s town , Helsinki has now made its name as a leading design and culture hub of the modern world instead. We will start our discovery of a delightful combination of heritage and contemporary lifestyle from the cruise harbor or your hotel.

On our drive up from the southern peninsula we will visit the monument of the famous Finnish composer Sibelius . Situated in a pine filled seaside park, the Sibelius monument seems to capture not only the beautiful music by Sibelius , but also the spirit of the Finnish people . The steel tubes cold as ice are stunning and warm in appearance. One of the most exceptional stops following the scenic drive, is the absolutely magnificent Rock Church . Set in natural stone, the elegant simplicity of the interior is irresistibly unique.

The highlights of our Helsinki walking tour include also the historic town center with grand cathedrals and boulevards radiating a metropolitan vibe . The historic Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanade walking street and the outstanding granite building of Helsinki Railway Station .

We will end the tour on Market Square just a few steps from the city center harbor front, where you can choose to relax in nearby cafes while taking in the city atmosphere or do some shopping instead. The location is ideal for both, however should you wish to return to cruise pier or hotel, your private guide is pleased to give you the necessary instructions to make your way back.

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The Mindful Traveller

Eco Travel Blog & Photography

Helsinki Travel Guide: Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

22 November 2023 · In: City Guide , Finland , Helsinki

Are you looking for an epic Helsinki 3-day itinerary ? You have come to the right place! From exploring the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress to admiring the stunning Helsinki Cathedral or relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna, this travel guide is perfect for first-time visitors or a long weekend getaway . It will show you all the unique things to do and see to make the most of your time in the Finnish capital.

I travelled to Helsinki in June with two friends to visit my brother, who has been living there. I could not wait to discover this new country, and it was a great experience : the landscapes were vast and beautiful, and everything was peaceful . I liked it so much that I returned, but this time in Lapland .

Even though Helsinki is a compact city, you will find plenty of places to visit and hidden gems . A short stay in the Finnish capital offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy unforgettable experiences, such as kayaking expeditions , delicious Finnish cuisine or Northern Lights in winter.

So, are you excited? Keep reading this city guide to discover the perfect Helsinki 3-day itinerary covering the top things to do and enjoy your vacation stress-free, without rushing. You will also find practical eco-friendly tips for responsible travel at the end. Enjoy!

Disclosure : Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, we will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, read our full affiliate disclosure .

7- Take a dip in the Allas Sea Pool

7- warm up inside café regatta, 6- enjoy a finnish sauna at löyly, overview: how to see helsinki in 3 days.

DAY 1 – CITY CENTRE

1- Helsinki Cathedral 2- Ateneum Art Museum 3- Esplanadi 4- Market Square 5- Uspenski Cathedral 6- Suomenlinna Sea Fortress 7- Allas Sea Pool

DAY 2 – CULTURAL WANDER

1- Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden 2- Kamppi Chapel 3- Oodi Central Library 4- National Museum of Finland 5- Temppeliaukio Church 6- Sibelius Monument 7- Café Regatta

DAY 3 – RELAXATION

1- Nuuksio National Park 2- Design Museum 3- St. John’s Church 4- Kaivopuisto Park 5- Huvilakatu street 6- Löyly Sauna

3 days in Helsinki – Map

Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.

Detailed Helsinki 3-day itinerary

This Helsinki guide covers all the best things to do and see in 3 days and is perfect for travelling with family, friends or as a couple, whether it is your first time in the city or you have been there before.

On the other hand, remember that this itinerary is only a guide with recommendations . You can spend more days in the Finnish capital or add other stops to your city break.

Day 1 – Explore the city centre

1- visit the helsinki cathedral.

Your first day in Helsinki begins at Senate Square and the impressive Helsinki Cathedral , one of the most recognisable symbols of the Finnish capital and a key landmark for its grand and symmetrical architecture .

Designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel in the neoclassical style, the cathedral features a white facade with a green dome and a series of Corinthian columns . Take a few photos of its exterior from the square before entering its doors.

Even though its interior is relatively simple compared to its elaborate exterior, it is still worth the visit! The entrance fee is 5€ but is voluntary and valid only during visiting hours . You will discover an altar decorated with a large painting representing the Ascension of Jesus.

2- Explore the Ateneum Art Museum

A short walk from Senate Square, you will come across the Ateneum , a significant art museum and one of the three museums forming the Finnish National Gallery. It is a must-visit destination for art lovers and anyone who wants to explore the rich cultural heritage of Finland through its visual arts.

Officially opened to the public in 1888, the building that houses the Ateneum is an architectural monument in itself , designed by Theodor Höijer in a combination of Neoclassical and Romantic styles .

Today, the museum is renowned for its extensive collection of Finnish art from the 18th century to the modern era, including the largest collection of classical art in Finland. Book your visit and explore a diverse range of artworks , such as paintings, sculptures and drawings.

3- Stroll through Esplanadi

You will continue your journey through Helsinki with a stroll down Esplanadi , a picturesque boulevard divided into two parts: Esplanadi Park (Esplanadin puisto), a beautifully landscaped green space, and the wider pedestrian street between two parallel roads.

Not only a place for leisure and relaxation , it is also a cultural and social hub in the Finnish capital. Whether you are interested in shopping, eating, enjoying green spaces or attending events, Esplanadi offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Wander down the street, admire the different statues and monuments , treat yourself to a shopping spree or stop at one of the cafés or restaurants . It is also a popular area for locals and tourists to relax, listen to music , watch performances or even have a picnic during the summer months.

4- Wander around Market Square

At the eastern end of Esplanadi, you will find the Market Square (Kauppatori), a lively harborside market open year-round, offering a variety of products , including fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts and Finnish specialities like salmon and reindeer.

Not only a bustling marketplace, it is also a vibrant and social gathering spot reflecting the maritime history of Helsinki and serving as a hub for travellers to experience the culture, cuisine and community spirit of the Finnish capital.

Experience traditional Finnish and local cuisine at the market, take part in various cultural events and festivals throughout the year or relax, enjoy the maritime atmosphere, and watch the ferries and boats come and go. You will not get bored!

5- See the Uspenski Cathedral

Before hopping on the ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, take a detour to the Uspenski Cathedral , a significant religious site and architectural gem adding to the diverse cultural landscape of Helsinki. Its unique design and historical importance make it a must-see attraction on your 3 days in the Finnish capital.

Located on a hill in the Katajanokka district, you can enjoy panoramic views of Helsinki and the surrounding areas from there, a popular spot to enjoy the cityscape and take photos .

The Eastern Orthodox Cathedral is also known for its red brick exterior, golden domes and ornate details . Amire its stunning architecture from the outside and step through its doors (for free ) to uncover a richly decorated interior and explore the ornate central nave and different chapels .

6- Discover Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

It is time to set sail and discover the stunning Suomenlinna , a historic 18th-century sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site spread across six interconnected islands in the Helsinki archipelago. It is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Market Square , with the journey providing scenic views of the capital.

Suomenlinna is a fascinating blend of history, architecture and natural beauty , making it a must-visit destination on your 3-day vacation in Helsinki. It is also a unique example of military architecture , and its well-preserved structures include bastions, defensive walls and tunnels.

Additionally, the sea fortress is home to several museums , such as the Suomenlinna Museum . And for all nature lovers, Suomenlinna offers plenty of outdoor activities , including walking along the fortress walls, picnicking in parks and admiring the coastal scenery .

Take the ferry back to Helsinki and end your day at the Allas Sea Pool for a relaxing evening and a well-deserved break after your first day of sightseeing. This urban spa open year-round also offers a romantic experience for couples.

Located along the waterfront, Allas Sea Pool combines elements of a traditional swimming pool, saunas and a seawater pool . The complex is designed to offer you a unique urban swimming experience with a connection to its surrounding sea.

Thanks to its location, you can indulge in the facilities , take care of yourself and unwind whilst enjoying the picturesque panorama and beautiful views of the Helsinki waterfront and cityscape. It is an unforgettable activity to end your day, especially in winter.

Day 2 – Cultural & architectural highlights

1- visit the kaisaniemi botanic garden.

You will begin your second day in Helsinki at the Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden , a fascinating botanical garden located in the Kaisaniemi Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful and educational experience surrounded by the beauty of diverse plant life .

Established in 1678, it was originally founded for the cultivation of medicinal plants . Today, the garden features a vast collection of plants from different parts of the world with both outdoor and greenhouse sections , showcasing a wide range of species , including trees, shrubs, flowers and other botanical specimens.

The Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden is also a great year-round activity for families with children , as it offers educational programs and guided tours , perfect for those who want to learn more about plants and botany in an entertaining way .

2- Stop at the Kamppi Chapel

Not far from the botanical garden, you will come across the Kamppi Chapel , also known as the Chapel of Silence, a unique and modern chapel located in the Kamppi district, intended to be a place to calm down and spend a moment of silence in one of the busiest areas of the city.

The chapel is famous for its distinctive architectural design in a minimalist wooden structure with a curved shape , standing out amidst its urban environment. Its interior is also simple and serene , with wooden benches arranged in a circular pattern and architecture allowing natural light to filter through the curved wooden walls.

Designed for quiet reflection and contemplation in the middle of the bustling capital, the Kamppi Chapel serves as a sanctuary for people seeking peace and solitude , regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. It is a must-see (and experience) during your 3 days in Helsinki.

3- Discover the Oodi Central Library

You will continue your discovery of Helsinki with the Oodi Central Library , a modern and architecturally striking library known for its commitment to knowledge, culture and community engagement. Its welcoming atmosphere, modern amenities and emphasis on inclusivity make it a popular destination for residents and travellers.

Oodi houses an extensive collection of books, magazines and multimedia resources but is more than just a traditional library; it is a cultural and community hub . The building features various functional spaces , including traditional reading rooms, studios, meeting rooms, a cinema and a restaurant.

Additionally, one of its most notable features is its open spaces , including a large central hall with high ceilings and panoramic city views . You will also find a public rooftop garden , providing a green oasis in the heart of the Finnish capital.

4- Tour the National Museum of Finland

Just a few steps away from the library, you will find the National Museum of Finland , a museum dedicated to showcasing the cultural heritage of the country and highlighting aspects of daily life, artistic practices and significant historical events in Finland.

Take time to admire its exterior, as the building is a perfect example of Finnish National Romantic architecture , with influences from medieval churches and castles. Once inside, you will discover a wide range of artefacts and exhibits related to Finnish cultural history, including items from prehistoric times to the modern era .

And do not miss one of the highlights of the museum, the Treasure Trove , which houses some of the most valuable and historically significant relics in the possession of the museum, such as the Crown of the King of Finland and the Peasant Woman’s Wedding Gown.

5- Explore the Temppeliaukio Church

You will continue your 3-day itinerary with the Temppeliaukio Church , also known as the Rock Church, a unique and popular architectural gem in Helsinki built directly into solid rock , giving it a striking and organic appearance.

Mined and constructed from massive natural granite rock , its innovative design and integration with nature have made it one of the most iconic and visited landmarks in the Finnish capital. As a result, the interior and exterior walls are mostly made of exposed rock surfaces , and the roof is a copper dome with a skylight .

Admire the Temppeliaukio Church from the outside and explore its interior to appreciate its impressive architectural and geological features . You will be amazed by the peaceful atmosphere inside the rock walls, which creates a serene and memorable experience for everyone.

🎟️ Book your entrance: Temppeliaukio Church Entrance Ticket .

6- Admire the Sibelius Monument

You will now head to Sibelius Park to discover the Sibelius Monument , an abstract and modernist sculpture composed of over 600 hollow steel tubes arranged in a wavy pattern , resembling organ pipes or waves in water. The design aims to capture the essence of the music of the renowned Finnish composer Jean Sibelius .

Wander around the monument, and do not hesitate to interact with it . The abstract nature of the sculpture allows for various interpretations, and you will be able to explore the different angles and perspectives of the artwork.

In addition, feel free to stroll through Sibelius Park , a popular spot for locals and travellers. It features walking paths, benches and green spaces, providing a peaceful environment for a well-deserved break on your busy sightseeing day or a picnic in the summer months .

Your last stop of the day will be Café Regatta , a small red log cabin and charming café located in the Töölö district by the edge of the water, offering panoramic sea views . Its location on the shores of the Gulf of Finland makes it a cosy and inviting spot , perfect for ending your day.

Known for its rustic atmosphere , you will find inside wooden tables, benches and traditional Finnish decorations . There is also outdoor seating where you can enjoy the fresh air and waterfront views as well as a fireplace adding warmth and comforting ambience , especially during the colder season.

Enjoy a hot or cold drink with snacks, pastries and traditional Finnish delicacies . Or, if you still have some energy, the café also provides a bike rental service , allowing you to explore the nearby area and many scenic routes by bike.

Day 3 – Nature exploration & relaxation

1- visit the nuuksio national park.

For your third and final day in Helsinki, you have the option to spend the morning in the capital and explore more, or take a half-day trip to the Nuuksio National Park , a beautiful natural area located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Helsinki.

Known for its scenic beauty and characterized by diverse landscapes , including lush green forests, crystal-clear lakes and rugged rocks, the park is the perfect place to get closer to nature and discover a variety of plant species and animals .

You will find a network of well-marked hiking trails suitable for different skill levels , including beginners. The tracks will take you through the captivating landscapes of the park, providing opportunities to explore its natural beauty and spot local wildlife – the perfect activity for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts !

You can organise the visit to the park yourself by taking the bus, or join this guided tour: Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki .

2- Explore the Design Museum

Whether or not you decide to explore the Nuuksio National Park in the morning, you can spend the afternoon relaxing, shopping or continuing to explore Helsinki.

You will continue your 3-day trip by stopping at the Design Museum (Designmuseo), a museum dedicated to the exhibition and documentation of Finnish and foreign design in various forms. It was established in 1873, making it one of the oldest design museums in the world.

Its collections cover a wide range of design disciplines , including industrial design, fashion, graphic design and applied arts. The museum also places a significant emphasis on Finnish design , celebrating the design heritage of the country and the work of influential Finnish designers .

In addition, you will find different educational programs, workshops and guided tours for visitors of all ages aimed at engaging and providing further insights into the world of design. It is a perfect activity to do on a rainy day.

3- Stop at St. John’s Church

Not far from the Design Museum, you will come across John’s Church , an imposing Lutheran church from the late 19th century , popular as a venue for classical concerts , located in the Punavuori district.

Known for its neo-Gothic architectural style , it is the largest stone church in Finland in terms of seating capacity, decorated with beautiful frescoes and stained glass windows . The church exudes a tranquil and respectful atmosphere , as a place for worship and reflection.

4- Venture around Kaivopuisto Park

You will continue your exploration of Helsinki with a stroll through Kaivopuisto Park , a beautiful and popular urban park located along the coastline , known for its picturesque seaside location , offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Finland and the archipelago.

A beloved spot for locals and travellers to enjoy nature and the maritime atmosphere , you will also find well-maintained green spaces , walking paths and landscaped gardens , creating a pleasant environment for relaxation and outdoor activities .

The park also features a seaside promenade along the shoreline, allowing you to stroll along the water, enjoy the views and breathe in the fresh sea air – the ultimate green oasis at the heart of the capital.

5- Walk down Huvilakatu Street

Whilst making your way to the Löyly Sauna, take a detour down Huvilakatu Street, a charming residential street renowned for its distinctive and picturesque colourful wooden houses.

Step back in time as you discover unique architecture along the street reflecting the late 19th and early 20th centuries , with well-maintained and colourful wooden buildings, contributing to the character and charm of the street – so do not forget your camera!

You will end your final day and 3-day Helsinki itinerary at Löyly , a modern and distinctive urban sauna complex located along the waterfront , known for its striking architecture. The resort features a contemporary and sustainable design , with a wooden structure that resembles a log pile.

The complex offers a unique sauna experience , combining traditional Finnish sauna culture with modern amenities, including both traditional wood-fired saunas and a smoke sauna . It is the ideal spot to relax and pamper yourself whilst admiring the Baltic Sea .

Additionally, you will find an on-site restaurant which serves a variety of dishes , including both traditional Finnish cuisine and international flavours. There is no better way to end the day than taking in the views whilst savouring a delicious meal .

Shop the printable travel itinerary

Plan your perfect Helsinki city break & live a unique green experience.

If you have more time

Take a day trip to Porvoo
Hop on the ferry to Tallinn
Explore Seurasaari Island
Take a food tour with a local
Venture on a kayaking trip
Steam up in the Lonna Sauna
Relax in Sinebrychoff Park
Visit a Moomin Café
Enjoy the views from SkyWheel

How to get to Helsinki

The best way to get to Helsinki will depend on where you come from and your budget, but there are many options to reach the Finnish capital.

One of the quickest ways to get to Helsinki is by plane . If you are travelling from another country or a distant city, you will likely arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), the main international airport well-connected to major cities around the world. But please, try to prioritise direct flights to reduce your carbon footprint – if flying is the only option.

One of the most eco-friendly ways to get to Helsinki is by train . Helsinki is well-connected to neighbouring countries by train thanks to its station, Helsinki Central Railway Station, where you will also find international train services, such as Allegro, connecting Helsinki with Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Finally, the most affordable option for getting to Helsinki is by coach . It is a great way to reach the Finnish capital if you are exploring Europe on a budget, but it may take longer. International and domestic bus services operate to and from Helsinki via its central bus station, the Kamppi Center. For example, check out the Eurolines long-distance bus service.

How to get around Helsinki

Once in Helsinki, you will find many options for getting around the capital.

The best way (eco-friendly too) to travel around Helsinki is on foot . The Finnish capital is not too big and easily accessible on foot, even on a short day trip or weekend getaway, as the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Plus, it is the perfect way to experience the best of the capital whilst getting some exercise!

The best option to get around Helsinki faster is by public transport . The capital has an extensive tram network covering different neighbourhoods, making it a convenient, affordable and scenic way to travel around. In addition, the city has an extensive bus network, including local and regional services, which can be better for reaching remote areas not covered by trams.

The last and fun option is to travel around Helsinki by bike . It is a fantastic way to get around the capital whilst reducing your carbon footprint! Helsinki is a bike-friendly city, and you can easily rent a bike at various locations to explore on two wheels, with dedicated lanes in many parts of the capital.

Where to stay in Helsinki for 3 days

The best neighbourhoods in helsinki.

Are you looking for the best place to stay in Helsinki for 3 days? Here is an overview of the top neighbourhoods in the Finnish capital:

Kluuvi : the best area for first-time visitors
Kamppi : the best area for nightlife
Punavuori : the best area for art lovers
Kallio : the best budget-friendly area
Kaartinkaupunki : the best area for families
Katajanokka : the best quiet & hidden area
Etu-Töölö : the best area for nature lovers
Ruoholahti : the best area for marine experience

🏡 READ MORE: Where to Stay in Helsinki: 8 Best Areas (& Hotels)

MY EXPERIENCE

My friends and I booked an Airbnb in the Kallio district, which was lovely. It was quiet and affordable, and we could easily access the city centre by tram. Wherever you stay in Helsinki, the city is not vast, so you will have no problem making the most of your short holiday.

Best time to visit Helsinki

The best time to visit Helsinki is generally in summer (June-August) , when the weather is mild and pleasant, with longer daylight hours, which can extend late into the evening. Summer is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, like exploring parks, island hopping and picnicking. Plus, you will find many festivals and cultural events during this time.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) can also be lovely seasons, with fewer tourists and lower prices, allowing for a more relaxed visit. However, the weather might be slightly unpredictable with colder temperatures. But if you come prepared, you will have no problem exploring the capital during those months.

Finally, if you want to experience another side of Helsinki, plan your visit in winter (December-February) , when the capital becomes a winter wonderland with snowy landscapes with potential for winter sports activities. The city will be beautifully decorated during the holiday season, with Christmas markets as a popular attraction. Plus, you might have the chance to see the Northern Lights! But be prepared for the cold and shorter daylight hours.

I went to Helsinki in June, and I loved it. This season was unique as the sun never set, and the daylight lasted an average of 19 hours. We sometimes left a bar or restaurant at midnight, and it was still daylight – a little disturbing, especially when trying to sleep!

How to reduce your impact in Helsinki

Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit.

Being a responsible traveller in Helsinki is possible! Here are some eco-friendly travel tips for reducing your carbon footprint:

Use the train to reach the capital . Helsinki is incredibly well-connected by train to the rest of the world, so prioritise travelling this way to lower your carbon impact.
If you need to take the plane, book direct flights (which require less fuel than indirect flights) and offset your carbon footprint . But, do not use carbon offsetting as a complete solution. Combine it with other sustainable practices, like avoiding single-use plastic on the plane and mindfully packing your suitcase for your green city break.
Select an eco-friendly accommodation . It is not always easy to determine whether a hotel has eco-conscious practices, but try to look on their website for green credentials, such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel or other recognised environmental certifications, and ask questions. You can also use Bookdifferent or Ecobnb to help you decide.
Be mindful of your energy and water consumption . Turn off lights, electronics and heating/cooling when you do not need it. Reuse towels and linens at your hotel or guesthouse to reduce your usage and impact.
Once there, use public transport . Helsinki has an efficient public transportation network with buses and trams that can take you anywhere easily and quickly. Another way to get around sustainably is on foot. But if walking is too tiring, use the bike! It is a great green way to enjoy the sights whilst reducing your environmental impact.
Eat at local restaurants or markets that use produce from the area and emphasise organic and sustainability. It will contribute to the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint by supporting restaurants where food does not come from long distances.
Respect flora and fauna . If you are exploring the natural areas of Helsinki, such as parks or islands, follow designated trails and respect the local flora and fauna. Avoid disturbing, touching and feeding wildlife.
Always respect the local heritage . Treat people and their surroundings with respect. Sustainable travel is not only about the environment but also about the local communities. So, always be respectful, smile and learn a few Finnish words.

More inspiration for your green vacation:

Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World

Eco-friendly gear you might love:

10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking

Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.

Helsinki travel planning guide

Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your 3 days in Helsinki stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance .

Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over Helsinki (which ranks among the highest quality in the world). However, I also recommend travelling with the UltraPress Purifier Bottle , a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.

Yes, renting a car in Helsinki is easy and is a great way to explore the countryside freely. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

The best way to book your accommodation in Helsinki is with Booking.com – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner . It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.

3 days in Helsinki – FAQ

Yes, 3 days are enough to explore Helsinki and enjoy its top highlights and attractions. It will allow you to discover its many museums, visit its parks and relax in a traditional sauna. However, if possible, I also recommend spending more time in the Finnish capital, as there is so much to do and see.

Yes, Helsinki is a walkable city, especially in the central areas. The city centre is compact and features pedestrian-friendly streets with the main attractions within walking distance of each other, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring many of its key highlights on foot.

Yes, Helsinki is considered to be expensive compared to many other European cities, but it is not impossible to explore it on a budget. Save in advance and be mindful of your expenses once there. Walk as much as possible, eat at local markets, stay in an Airbnb and look for city passes.

Yes, English is widely spoken and understood in Helsinki. Finland has a high level of English proficiency, which is commonly used as a second language in different aspects of daily life, even in remote areas. However, extra effort is always appreciated, so try learning a few basic Finnish phrases.

And you, have you ever visited Helsinki or would you like to go one day? Let me know in the comments below!

With love ♡ Lucie

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The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

A snow day in sunny Helsinki, Finland overlooking the water near downtown

When I landed in Helsinki , I didn’t really know what to expect. Out of all the capital cities in Northern Europe, Helsinki gets the least “buzz.”

Founded in the 16th century by the King of Sweden, Helsinki was originally established to rival the bustling trading port of Tallinn . Unfortunately, growth was slow and most of the city died during the plague of 1710. It wasn’t until the Russians annexed the region that it started to develop and grow into the city it is today.

While small (less than 1 million people live here) and not as popular as Stockholm or Copenhagen , Helsinki is a hip, modern capital home to a vibrant art and music scene. It’s bursting with museums, cafes, and green space. You can easily do most of your sightseeing in the city on foot since it’s compact. And best of all, Helsinki sees a fraction of the tourists that other Scandinavian capitals get.

To help you make the most of your visit, here is my list of the best things to do in Helsinki:

Table of Contents

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

2. visit the post museum, 3. attend a candlelight concert, 4. relax in sinebrychoff park, 5. explore the national museum of finland, 6. wander the suomenlinna fortress, 7. visit the kiasma museum of contemporary art, 8. see the finnish museum of photography, 9. marvel at the helsinki cathedral, 10. stroll around the central market, 11. explore the sinebrychoff art museum, 12. visit the bank of finland museum, 13. relax in esplanade park, 14. see uspenski cathedral, 15. take a food tour, 16. visit the helsinki city museum, 17. chill out in kaivopuisto park, 18. hit the sauna, 19. explore seurasaari island, 20. visit the design museum, 21. check out amos rex, get your in-depth budget guide to europe.

Busy streets of downtown Helsinki, Finland

Green Cap Tours offers a free 1.5-2 hour tour that acts as a solid introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

A museum about the postal service sounds absolutely boring but I found it surprisingly interesting. The museum highlights the history of the mail service in Finland, from ships and sleds in the 1600s to the modern-day service. There are tons of relics, galleries, and short films about how they made mail delivery work in such a sparsely populated and harsh environment. It does an excellent job taking a boring subject and making it fun, accessible, and educational.

Alaverstaanraitti 5, +358 03 5656 6966, postimuseo.fi. Open Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, and Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm. Admission is 15 EUR.

A lone grand piano on a stage entirely covered in small burning candle for a Candlelight Concert

It’s also a multi-sensory experience that features different elements, such as ballet dancers or aerial performers. It’s super unique and a cool way to experience live music while supporting local artists. Check out their website to see what’s on during your visit.

Dating to the 18th century, this small park was originally a private garden belonging to a Russian businessman before becoming a public park in the 1960s. Today, it’s a popular spot for picnics, relaxing, events, and sledding in the winter. There are lots of cafes nearby so grab a snack and come here to lounge and watch the day go by. It’s super popular with the locals in the summer.

As a history buff, I always appreciate a good museum. I’ve been to more than my fair share of disappointing and underfunded museums over the years. Fortunately, this was not one of them.

This museum has a large collection of Finnish artifacts from the Stone Age to the present, including jewelry, coins, tools, weapons, and more. Containing the most comprehensive collection of cultural history in Finland, the museum is ideal for learning about Finnish folk culture and the Finno-Ugric people. Permanent collections can be viewed alongside a fascinating array of rotating pop-up exhibits. The museum also hosts workshops and tours. It’s a good place to get an overview of Finland’s history.

Mannerheimintie 34, +358 29 5336000, kansallismuseo.fi/en/kansallismuseo. Open daily 11am-6pm (8pm on Wednesday). Closed Mondays in the winter. Admission is 14-18 EUR and free on Fridays between 4pm-6pm.

The Suomenlinna fortress in Helsinki, Finland

There are also a lot of interesting buildings here (including six different museums) and some out-of-the-way beaches.

Admission to the fort is free, though each museum has its own admission fee. A guided tour costs 11 EUR.

Art inside the Kiasma Museum in Helsinki, Finland

Mannerheiminaukio 2, +358 29 450 0501, kiasma.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday 10am-8:00pm, and Saturdays 10am-5pm. Admission is 22 EUR and free on the first Friday of the month. Admission for visitors under 18 is free.

This museum houses an awesome collection of photography from both Finnish and international artists. There are rotating exhibits as well as exhibits by new and emerging photographers. There’s always something interesting here so check the website to see what’s on display during your visit. It’s a pretty compact museum, so it doesn’t take long to see.

Tallberginkatu 1, +358 9 68663610, valokuvataiteenmuseo.fi. Open Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm. Admission is 16 EUR. Free admission for anyone under 18.

The famous Helsinki Cathedral towering over the city in Helsinki, Finland

For souvenir shopping, tasty local food, fresh produce (including lots of berries in the summer), and great people-watching, be sure to head to the Central Market. It’s located near the harbor, which sits on the coast of the Baltic Sea. In October, the herring market begins which is a huge local event. The market has heated tents when it gets cold and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes around making it a fun place to visit any time of the year. While it is often swarming with tourists, I heard enough Finnish to know it isn’t a complete tourist trap.

Open daily 8am-5pm. Admission is free .

This is the only museum in the city that focuses on older European paintings and portraits (from the 14th-19th centuries). Housed in a building built in 1842, there are around 4,000 items in the collection. Not only are there some incredible and historic works here but part of the museum is composed of the Sinebrychoff residence itself. You can walk through the old Sinebrychoff estate and see what life was like for the affluent in Helsinki in the 19th century.

Bulevardi 40, +358 29 4500460, sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi. Open Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm (8pm on Wednesdays) and 10am-5pm on weekends. Admission is 20 EUR.

Admittedly, a bank museum sounds even more boring than a post museum but this museum was one of the coolest museums I’ve seen in a long time. First and foremost, it paints a clear and insightful picture of the history of money in Finland. They also host rotating exhibitions on all sorts of related topics (such as counterfeit money). But what I found the museum really did well was to explain the history of modern finance. It makes the topic so clear and concise that I really learned a lot during my visit.

Snellmaninkatu 2, +358 9 183 2626, rahamuseo.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm and 11am-4pm on weekends. Admission is free.

This park, known as Espa to the locals, is a popular place to spend an afternoon when the weather is nice. In the warmer summer months, there are street musicians and performers around as well as lots of green space and benches for anyone looking to lounge with a book or a picnic. Opened in 1818, the park also has some walking and jogging trails too. It’s just a nice place to relax and soak in the city.

The Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki, Finland

Kanavakatu 1, +358 9 85646100, hos.fi/en. Open Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm and 4pm-7pm, and Sunday 9am-3pm. Closed during ceremonies. Admission is free.

If you’re a foodie like me, you have to take a food tour. They’re the best way to sample the local delicacies and traditional foods, such as fresh fish, wild game, craft beer, and Finnish porridge.

Heather’s Helsinki offers a tasty tour of the city that lasts five hours and includes many different stops around the city for just 85 EUR per person. You’ll not only get to eat some great food but you’ll learn a ton about the history and culture behind the cuisine too.

Opened in 1911, this is an excellent city museum with plenty of descriptions and top-notch exhibits and photos. It’s actually the third-best city museum I’ve come across in Europe (after the Amsterdam and Barcelona museums). Do not miss it. You learn a lot about the city and about how it has changed and evolved over the centuries.

Aleksanterinkatu 16, +358 9 31036630, helsinginkaupunginmuseo.fi. Open weekdays 11am-7pm and weekends 11am-5pm. Admission is free.

This huge park is tucked away in the southeast corner of Helsinki. During the winter, tobogganing is popular here. Lots of events are held here as well, such as Vappu Day (May 1st) celebrations. The park overflows with thousands of locals who come to picnic, listen to music, and drink away the day. Since it’s so out of the way, you hardly ever see tourists here.

You can’t visit Finland without going to a sauna. The word itself is Finnish, as the sauna was invented here millenia ago. There are around 3 million in the country (which is a lot since there are only 5.5 million people in Finland). There are plenty of public saunas in Helsinki, most of which cost around 15 EUR and have separate sections for men and women. You can usually rent towels as well, and while going nude is the traditional method there’s no shame in wearing a towel either.

Some of the best saunas in the city are:

Kotiharjun Sauna
Sauna Hermanni
Allas Sea Pool

An old hut on Seurasaari Island in Helsinki, Finland

Meilahti, +358 295 33 6912, kansallismuseo.fi/en/seurasaarenulkomuseo. Open May-September. Check the website for specific hours. The museum is currently closed but will reopen May 2024. Admission is 12 EUR.

Finnish design, like its Scandinavian counterparts, is incredibly popular, known for seamlessly integrating design elements into regular life. The museum teaches you about Finnish architecture and design history over the last century and a half. Opened in 1873, the Design Museum holds over 75,000 objects, 40,000 drawings, and 100,000 photographs.

Korkeavuorenkatu 23, +358 9 6220 540, designmuseum.fi/en. Open 11am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday (8pm on Tuesdays) in the winter and 11am-6pm daily in the summer. Admission is 20 EUR and is free on the last Tuesday of the month from 4pm-8pm.

Named after Amos Anderson, a Finnish patron of the arts, Amos Rex is an art museum that opened in August 2018. It has a rotating series of temporary exhibitions from local and international artists (check the website for details) and is already one of the most popular in Helsinki. I’m not a modern art fan, but I’m told this gallery has really cool exhibitions.

Mannerheimintie 22–24, +358 9 6844 460, amosrex.fi/en. Open Wednesday-Monday 11am-8pm. Admission is 20 EUR.

Helsinki is a city that deserves more praise than it gets. Fortunately for you, since it’s often overlooked, you can visit without dealing with the crowds that so many other European capitals are plagued with. While it’s not super cheap, there are tons of free and affordable things to do here so that you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Helsinki: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay in Helsinki are:

The Yard Hostel
Hostel Diana Park
CheapSleep Helsinki

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Helsinki? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Helsinki for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

The skyline of stunning Helsinki, Finland as seen from above on a bright and sunny summer day

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Sunday 31 March 2024

Tavastia Klubi , Helsinki, Finland

Tuesday 02 April 2024

Orbit Culture Bite Down (SWE)

Vanha Ylioppilastalo , Helsinki, Finland

Kneel Before The Death, Signs of the Swarm, and Assemble The Chariots

On The Rocks , Helsinki, Finland

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Thursday 04 April 2024

Kuudes Linja , Helsinki, Finland

Markus Perttula and Ite Eerola

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Lepakkomies , Helsinki, Finland

Friday 05 April 2024

22-Pistepirkko

Louhisali, Kulttuurikeskus , Espoo, Finland

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Saturday 06 April 2024

Mother Mother Tribe Friday

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Trad.Attack! and Mari Kalkun

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Bar Loose , Helsinki, Finland

Sunday 07 April 2024
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Bonnie Tyler

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Wednesday 10 April 2024

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Neemu, Sini Sax, and Neili

Thursday 11 April 2024

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Korupuhe, Huiabella Fantastica, and Vähäkyrö Driveby

Playhouse , Helsinki, Finland

Friday 12 April 2024

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Eikan Pub , Jarvenpaa, Finland

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Saturday 13 April 2024

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Musiikkitalo, Konserttisali , Helsinki, Finland

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Mapping out the perfect 2 to 3 days in Helsinki itinerary isn’t a difficult task when you consider all there is to do in the capital of Finland . Helsinki is easily the most underrated Nordic city, living under the shadow of other capital Nordic cities such as Oslo , Stockholm , and Copenhagen . Despite this, Helsinki in my opinion is one of the freshest, most exciting destinations to visit in the Nordics and Europe.

Many people will head to Finnish Lapland to visit Rovaniemi yet still skip the capital, missing the wondrous culture-filled city. For over 5 years straight, Finland has been voted the happiest country in the world, one of the safest, and with a few days in the city, exploring and meeting locals you’ll understand why.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Helsinki?

Before jumping into all of the things to do in the Finnish capital, you’re likely wondering how many days to spend in Helsinki. Well, to begin with, Helsinki is a pretty compact city but still with much to discover and to get out of on a trip to the Finnish capital city.

If you’re in transit to Finnish Lapland and only have 1 day in Helsinki, it’s still possible to see most of the main sights and experience the city.

If you decide to see Helsinki in 2 days, you’ll have plenty of time to see the main sights of the city and wander around without rushing too much.

In my opinion, 3 days in Helsinki is ideal to do the city justice, go at your own pace, and still have enough time to see all the sights and maybe return to a restaurant or cafe that you particularly enjoyed (Finland has a wonderful, fresh, and local food scene).

When planning how long to spend in the city, an important factor to keep in mind is the time of year.

In the winter months, Finland gets very little sunlight and daylight in Helsinki lasts just for around 9 hours in December. In contrast to the winter, Helsinki gets around 19 hours of sunlight in the summertime.

So with that being said, if you’re someone who likes to sightsee with daylight to see the city, and would like to visit the Finnish capital in the winter , I suggest planning enough days to see what you’d like with at least 2. Otherwise, maybe visit during the summer months instead.

Getting To & Around Helsinki

Getting to helsinki.

You’ll likely be arriving in Helsinki one of two ways; by plane or ferry. Helsinki Vantaa International Airport is a large airport with domestic, European, and international routes making it a pretty affordable destination to reach by air, particularly from cities in the region such as Oslo or Stockholm.

If you’re flying into Helsinki Airport, you have a few options to reach the center of the city. The most cost-efficient way to travel to the Helsinki center is by city bus (lines 615 & 617) located outside terminal 2.

Buses come just about every 15 minutes and one-way tickets cost €4.10 if purchased from a ticket kiosk. Expect to pay more if you end up purchasing bus tickets while on the bus.

There are also train transportation links available between Helsinki Vantaa Airport and the Helsinki city center.

The train station is located beneath the airport and has train services connecting Helsinki Vantaa Airport with the city every 10 minutes with a journey of half an hour. Helsinki city transport tickets can be used for these services, but an extended zone (ABC) ticket is required.

If you’re traveling to Helsinki from Stockholm, Sweden or Tallinn, Estonia and are keen on an adventure, there are also regular ferries between those cities across the Gulf of Finland. You can view ferry schedules here.

Finally, if you’re not visiting on a budget, you can book a private transfer from the airport.

Getting Around Helsinki

Due to Helsinki city center’s small size, it’s a pretty walkable city, with most of the city’s main sights within walking distance from each other. This is a really big benefit, as the city is a dream for walkers, full of interesting sights to take in that you may miss if you’re underground.

You may be able to manage walking throughout most of your time in Helsinki (if physically capable), except for a bus/metro ride or two.

If you’re visiting in the summertime or during the warmer months, Helsinki is also a lovely city to explore by two wheels with lush nature and greenery and bike-friendly streets.

Otherwise, the city has a wonderful transportation system that consists of bus, tram, metro, and even ferry transport options. Single tickets last for 80 minutes and are inclusive of any mode of transport necessary for 80 minutes.

Most sights in Helsinki will be within the AB zone, but if you decide to visit somewhere outside of the AB zone, you’ll need to pay for a top-up zone extension.

If you plan on taking a fair amount of public transportation and would like to save money, purchasing day passes for the Helsinki transport system is a great option. Passes are available for purchase for any number of days.

The cost of individual tickets adds up quickly, so this is a great way to make the most of your budget in Helsinki as it is quite an expensive city.

Another great way to save on transport is by using the Helsinki Card which includes unlimited public transportation. It also includes a panorama sightseeing tour and entry into a number of top sites and museums, such as the National Museum of Finland, the Helsinki City Museum and Amos Rex.

2 to 3-Day in Helsinki Itinerary

Helsinki is truly a quintessentially beautiful city. With a unique blend of classic Nordic and Russian architecture, a fresh and delicious food scene, arts & culture, and sincerely friendly people and locals, it’s hard not to appreciate the city.

Helsinki is truly a European destination off the beaten path and is full of exciting things to discover on just about every other corner. If you prefer to explore with a guide, sign up to this walking tour or this walking tour.

Day 1 – Markets, Museums & Churches

Helsinki market square & old market hall.

A wonderful way to begin your first day in Helsinki is to head to the most famous market in Finland, Helsinki Market Square. The Market Square is located between the south harbour of the city and the esplanade and is one of the quintessential spots to visit while spending time in Helsinki.

Dating back to the 19th century, the Market Square is the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh Baltic air, and maybe pick up a Finnish souvenir or two from the stands. In the winter you’ll find a delightful winter market spanning an even larger area than the typical market, with tasty treats, bonfires, and holiday joy.

If you’ve built up an appetite, there’s no better option at this point than to head next door to the Market Square to Helsinki’s Old Market Hall. The Old Market Hall is quite old, as it’s the oldest indoor market in all of Finland.

The market itself dates back to 1889 and is a Helsinki staple, with merchants selling various delicacies; from fruits/vegetables to cakes and cheese. Among the characteristic design and colours of the stands, you’ll also find cafes and restaurants, the perfect opportunity to enjoy a classic Finnish meal.

Helsinki Cathedral

From the market, walk about 10 minutes to the city’s Helsinki Cathedral in the Kruununhaka neighborhood.

The church is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki and is easily the most recognised monument associated with Helsinki and an incredibly important landmark for the city and a great place to visit.

The stunning pearl-white, green-capped cathedral towers over the center of the city and is worth a stop during a visit to the Finnish capital city. The church itself is located in the Senate Square of the city (the oldest part), which is a point worth observing the city from and getting your bearings beginning your Helsinki trip.

Helsinki is a city that is filled with interesting museums and, especially if you’re visiting in the winter months, spending some time exploring the various museums is an excellent way to escape the Finnish weather. Though a popular option is the National Museum of Finland, it is currently closed for major renovations until the spring of 2027.

Art fans, however, will have lots to choose from and one of the best places to visit is the Amos Rex Museum . This contemporary art museum is something of a newcomer in the Finnish capital, having only opened in 2018.

There are countless interesting exhibitions to visit here and you can easily spend a couple of hours taking them in. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, then this is one of the best things to do in Helsinki.

Entry into Amos Rex is €20 per person, however, it is also included in the Helsinki Card . The museum is open every day except for Tuesday, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Temppeliaukio Church

After a short journey by foot from Amos Rex, you’ll find yourself at one of the most interesting sights in Helsinki in the Töölö neighborhood; the Temppeliaukio Church.

While the Temppeliaukio Church at its heart is a simple Lutheran Church, the unique feature of the church is its structure. The church is carved directly into solid rock, giving it the alternative name of “church of the rock”.

Built in the 1960s by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the church is unlike any other church you’ll likely come across, and for that reason, is one of the most visited attractions in the city of Helsinki.

The church is open for visitors every day of the week except Sunday.

Day 2 – Sauna Experience & Suomenlinna

Finnish breakfast.

Among all the reasons that I love spending time in Finland, I’d be hard-pressed not to say that breakfast is my favourite reason. Breakfast in Finland is truly an experience, and the Finnish have truly figured out how to make it near perfect.

Finland uses some of the freshest and highest quality ingredients and has a knack for combining flavour and nutrition. Many cafes in the city do breakfast in a set meal style, where you have a choice of various menus and these typically include quite a few options, with a hot drink, juice, main, and dessert.

While these can be pricey (like most things in Finland), I do suggest it as it’s a great way to fuel up for the day. My recommendation is to head to Levain Bakery, with 3 locations in Helsinki.

Sauna at Löyly Helsinki

I think it’s pretty safe to say that there are few things more synonymous with Finland than the sauna. Sauna is less of just a “place you go” in Finland and is at the heart of Finnish identity and culture.

One of the best ways to experience Finland like a local and enjoy all it has to offer is to head to a sauna. I suggest heading to Löyly Helsinki , a Sauna located directly on the sea and the perfect spot for tourists and locals to soak up the heat and maybe even take a cold plunge beforehand!

You need to book a spot in advance as they fill up quickly, and €24 gets you two hours at the sauna, a towel, shampoo & soap, and a sauna seat cover. Don’t forget to bring your own towel!

Suomenlinna

After enjoying a relaxing few hours at the Finnish sauna, the next stop on this Helsinki itinerary is to head to another one of the most well-known attractions in Helsinki.

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sea fortress made up of 8 islands located just off of the mainland coast of Helsinki. The fortress itself is a neighborhood of Helsinki and is an extremely popular spot to visit for both tourists and locals.

Originally built and occupied by the Swedish and then Russians, hence the Swedish name, Suomenlinna is an important part of Finnish history.

Reaching Suomenlinna is pretty straightforward, with a 15-minute ferry from the Katajanokka ferry port by a ticket that’s included in Helsinki’s public transport or can be purchased here.

The Suomenlinna Fortress itself is free for entry and is an incredibly interesting monument and a beautiful island to explore on a nice day.

Day 3 – Porvoo or Sipoonkorpi National Park Day Trip

If you’re seeing Helsinki in 3 days, I suggest spending your last day in an area outside of the city as there are lovely spots to visit that are nearby and a completely different experience.

Due to the weather being so different at various points of the year (winter vs summer), I’ve given two different day trip options in this section.

Sipoonkorpi National Park

If you’re visiting Helsinki during the summertime, I highly suggest taking advantage of Finland’s incredibly special nature, rich forests, and diverse landscapes.

The Sipoonkorpi National Park sits directly on the edge of Helsinki and is the perfect taster into Finland’s special natural world.

The best way to reach Sipoonkorpi is to first take a bus from Helsinki to one of the nearby towns in/by the park and then take a local taxi further into the area. It is also possible to take guided tours.

The towns and villages nearby are also lovely spots to enjoy a coffee or lunch before enjoying time in nature. Finland also has a free for all law, so pretty much anywhere in the country is available to wander through and any berries (delicious too) or anything else you can find is yours to enjoy!

For those visiting Helsinki during the winter months, a great day trip option is to head to the neighboring middle-aged town of Porvoo.

Unfortunately, train schedules to Porvoo from Helsinki are pretty irregular so I don’t suggest train transport, but you can get a bus to Porvoo from Helsinki in just about an hour or book a guided tour.

Porvoo is incredibly picturesque, and under the winter snow, it has an even more special atmosphere. The town is the second oldest in all of Finland and this is incredibly well preserved and reflected through the town’s unique architecture.

Spend time wandering through the old town, browsing through shops, sipping hot chocolate, and eating at one of the local restaurants and you have the perfect day trip from Helsinki.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Bob W Kluuvi – This mid-range hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a nice and comfortable place to base themselves in the Finnish capital. Centrally located, they have countless lovely rooms to choose from and there is breakfast available in the mornings.

Hotel Mestari – Those after a luxury stay in Helsinki will love this modern hotel. They have a great location for exploring the city, a number of sophisticated rooms to choose from and countless amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

The Yard Hostel – If you’re travelling to Finland on a budget, then this hip hostel is a great choice. They offer both dorms and private rooms, have excellent common areas and self-catering facilities and a good atmosphere for meeting other travelers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Helsinki hotels!

Finland easily seems like one of the closest things to a perfect oasis on earth and just spending time in the capital city of Helsinki and nearby areas will likely solidify this for you. Whether you’re intentionally planning a trip to Helsinki by itself or have a stopover in the capital city before heading to Finnish Lapland, you’re in for a treat.

Are you planning a visit to Helsinki? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Nordic Capital to Visit?

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Lapland Itinerary

A Guide to Visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Top 8 things to do in Helsinki Autumn

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27 Unique Things to Do in Helsinki

March 12, 2023 by Silvia 26 Comments

Are there even any fun things to do in Helsinki? Is Helsinki worth visiting? I could have sworn I had heard that Helsinki was just cold and gray, no?

Though I think it’s definitely true that a lot of people don’t know how vibrant and exciting Helsinki is. In fact, I heard a lot of people throwing around phrases like “Europe’s best-kept secret.” And I don’t know, maybe it is? I do know that on multiple occasions during my two weeks in the city I found myself thinking I wish Oslo were this cool , or I wish lived closer to Helsinki .

In fact, since visiting for the first time (0f several) I’ve been so excited to write this Helsinki travel blog and share with you all the things I loved about the city, and all the cool things to do in Helsinki. So if you’re wondering if Helsinki is worth visiting, read on.

Honestly, there’s just something about Helsinki. In fact, there are 25 things about Helsinki that made me love it so, and if you’re wondering what to do in Helsinki then definitely check out some all of these things!

Helsinki is less about sights and more about experiences

I think this is a big reason I loved Helsinki so much. It’s not really the sort of place you’ll visit with a list of must-see sights to check off a list, but instead, you’ll go with a list of Helsinki experiences you need to have. At least I know I wanted to go to a Finnish sauna, learn more about Finnish food, hang out at cool cafés and well, basically everything else that made it onto this list.

Take a free walking tour of Helsinki

I’ve now visited Helsinki several times visiting friends who live there, and I have to say walking around the city with a local is the best way to get to know Helsinki. You’ll see the best corners of the city while learning more about the history and culture. But don’t worry if you don’t know anyone here, there are loads of free Helsinki walking tours available – all you have to do is tip your guide.

Or if you want an even better experience, you could book a private Helsinki tour with a guide , which costs about the same as you would pay for a tip for a free walking tour anyway.

Experience Finnish Sauna at Löyly

If you go to Finland you have to experience the sauna culture. And since Helsinki is in Finland…

You won’t be hard-pressed to find a sauna in Helsinki – I’d bet that your hostel, hotel, apartment, or wherever you might be staying will have one. But if you want an ultra cool, totally hip sauna experience, Löyly is perfect.

Löyly sits on the edge of the sea, so when you get too hot you can jump in the Baltic to cool down! It’s also attached to a restaurant with cosy fireplaces and really delicious food.

Just make sure you bring a swimsuit since Löyly is mixed gender and you aren’t allowed in naked!

I also heard someone there saying how their smoke sauna was the best Finnish sauna he had been to, so that’s impressive! Then again, the only reason I understood what he was saying was that he was not speaking Finnish, so there’s a good chance he had only ever been to one or two other smoke saunas in his life. Then again, maybe he was a sauna expert!

Alternatively, you could also sign up for a tour, like this one , and go with others.

People watch at the Helsinki Cathedral

The Helsinki Cathedral is a site worth seeing in Helsinki, but it’s also a great spot for some people watching! After getting your obligatory photos I’d definitely recommend hanging out on the steps and watching the city go by.

things to do helsinki winter cathedral snow

While you’re at Senate Square seeing the cathedral, stop in Café Engel for a coffee and sweet treat. They have lots of different cakes on offer and the cafe itself is super cosy inside, in a beautiful building dating back to 1765. Or you can sit outside with a view of the Helsinki Cathedral.

Best Helsinki Cafés

If you want to check out more Helsinki cafés, I asked my friend who lives in Helsinki what her favorite cafés are and she recommends Enchanté Café , Kakkupalvelu Pala , Saurahuone , Frangipani Bakery & Café , Café LOV , Adante Specialty Coffee, and Lazy Fox for all day breakfast.

Eat the fish

Lol yes, I’m referring to the fish on my plate. I had so many delicious fish dishes in Helsinki! And of course that makes sense, what with it being right on the water and all.

Sample traditional Finnish food at Savotta

So, I’m not a fancy restaurant person at all, so I was a little skeptical when Rachel and I made dinner reservations at Savotta (like I kept asking Rachel if we really had to make reservations, haha). But guys, I think Savotta might have been my food awakening. Or at least now I get why sometimes it’s worth going to a nice restaurant instead of eating lentils for dinner every night.

I loved Savotta because it served amazing (like, amaazing ) food in a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere.

Savotta focuses on traditional food, with the waiters wearing traditional logging clothes, furniture and tableware gathered from homes and old logging sites from all over Finland, and even the floor planks are over a hundred years old.

Um, did I mention that the food was amazing? I still sometimes think about the dessert I had there – licorice ice cream with berry compote.

To get more of the culinary scene in Helsinki, try this private food and beer tour . It’ll take you through different areas and give you an insight into Finland’s food culture. Check here for prices and availability

Savotta photos by Rachel

Take a food tour

If you want to get to know Finnish food even better, this Helsinki food tour looks delicious and informative.

Ride the Helsinki trams!

Helsinki’s tram system is one of the oldest electrified systems in the world, and it’s absurdly easy to navigate (same goes for the über simple metro system!). You can take tram line 2 to see Helsinki’s main sites, though I also really loved tram the views from tram 4.

Relax at Esplanade Park

Probably the most famous park in Finland, “Espa” is a huge, beautiful green space in the middle of the city. In the summer there’s a lot going on here, and it’s a great place for a picnic in the sun. But it’s also a wonderful place for a walk or jog in the winter months as well.

Hang out at Kaivopuisto Park

If you want to get a bit off the beaten path, head down to Kaivopuisto Park. In the southeast corner of the city, Kavopuisto is a popular hangout for locals. In the winter this is a popular place for sledding when there’s snow, and in the summer you’ll find musicians and again, lots of picnics here.

Café Regatta

This might be one of the more touristy cafés in Helsinki (though when I was there it was full of a bunch of old men?) but it is SO adorable, please go there.

It was warm and cosy inside during the winter, but in the summer you could sit outside on the edge of the water too! Definitely try the baked goods here too – they are delicious.

Stroll through Helsinki’s winter garden

Helsinki’s Winter Garden is a greenhouse filled with over 200 different plants. Rachel took me here on a particularly cold winter’s day, when it was just so nice to escape into some warmth and humidity for a bit. I think if I were living in Helsinki I would make regular visits to the winter garden – at least in the winter!

Head to Hakaniemi Market Hall

This isn’t the main market hall in Helsinki, but it was my favorite. You can see why in the video at the bottom of this post! My friend said that it’s more authentic than the more touristy one, and I have to agree.

Or head to the Central Market

If you want something more central, the Central Market hall is, well, very central! And here you’ll find a great sampling of Finnish foods and souvenirs – though it is somewhat more touristy here.

Watch the northern lights?

Okay, so many people have asked me if you can see the northern lights from Helsinki. The answer is that yes, sometimes you can see the northern lights in Helsinki, but it is very rare! If you actually want to see the northern lights you should head at least as far north as the Arctic Circle – so at least up to Rovaniemi , but Saariselkä would give you an even better chance.

If you’re interested in planning a northern lights trip, I’ve also written an in depth ebook covering all aspects of planning your northern lights trip, including the best places in the Nordics to see the northern lights, the best time to see the northern lights, my top accommodation choices, tour options, how to chase the northern lights, how to photograph and film the northern lights, what to pack for your trip, and other exciting Arctic activities to try on your trip up North.

If you want to ensure you have the best northern lights trip possible, you can purchase the ebook here

northern lights in vesteralen norway aurora

Get to know the locals

Maybe this is going to sound mushy, but every time someone asks me what my favorite part about Helsinki is I end up saying the people. Finns are just the weirdest . And kind of awkward. And really likable. And I sort wish I were one?

My friends in Helsinki showed me the best time ever and I fully blame them for making me fall so hard for this city. But what if you don’t know anyone there? You can always book a private tour with a local guide who can give you a special insight into Helsinki. Check prices and availability here

Live like a local in an apartment

I actually spent time in two different apartments in Helsinki. I spent my first week staying at Forenom ( click here for rates and availability ), and my second week a the Marimekko designed #HelsinkiSecret apartment at the Aallonkoti Apartment Hotel, right by the central train station ( click here for rates and availability ).

I loved pretending like I was a Helsinki local and staying at an apartment really helped me feel at home in the city. Unfortunately I don’t recommend booking an Airbnb in Helsinki as Airbnb has recently had lots of problems in Finland and now bookings often fall through.

Or lux it up at the new Clarion

I didn’t stay at this hotel, but a few of my friends did and they could not stop raving about it. Apparently, the swimming pool at the top of the hotel is encased in glass so you get a view out over the city through the water! Check current rates and availability here

I also spent a night at the Original Sokos Hotel Albert on the other side of town, which had so much character. I think it had the best decor out of any hotel I saw in Finland. Check current rates and availability

Take a half-day trip to Nuuksio National Park

If you’ll only be visiting Helsinki during your Finland trip I would definitely recommend at least going out to Nuuksio National Park to get a taste of Finnish nature – plus they have reindeer there! If you don’t have your own car, the easiest way to get there would be to book a short tour from downtown Helsinki. This 5-hour Nuuksio trip leaves from Helsinki in the morning and will get you back in the afternoon.

hiking through nuuksio national park espoo finland in winter snow

Take a hike through Sipoonkorpi National Park

Another great option for experiencing Finnish nature would be to hike through Sipoonkorpi National Park, which you can also do from Helsinki in about half a day. You can reach the park by public transport, but if you want a guide this tour will take you on a guided hike through the park.

Take a day trip to the medieval town of Porvoo

If nature isn’t your thing but you still want to explore outside of Helsinki, definitely take the time to check out the enchanting Old Town of Porvoo. With many beautifully preserved 18th and 19th century buildings, Porvoo is a wonderful place to learn more about Finnish history and culture while exploring the Red Riverside Warehouses, Porvoo Castle, Porvoo Old Town Hall, and the Devil’s Stairs.

Again, if you’d like to do this as an organized tour, this Porvoo tour takes you from downtown Helsinki right into the Porvoo Old Town, with plenty of time to explore all the main sites.

Visit Suomenlinna – and other islands

Helsinki is surrounded by beautiful little islands that you can reach by ferry (you can get there with a regular Helsinki travel card ). It’s so easy to get to the islands, making a fun little escape from the city. In fact one evening when the sunset was particularly beautiful my friends and I jumped on the Suomenlinna ferry just to enjoy the views!

If you want something more organized, try this massive sightseeing tour that’ll take you around Helsinki and out to Suomenlinna. Check prices and availability here.

Or you could also book a canal cruise, which will take you through some of the best sights around Helsinki – see prices and availability here .

Spend a day in Vantaa

If you’ll be flying out of Helsinki Airport you could also spend a day in Vantaa, a quirky Helsinki suburb right by the airport. Vantaa also happens to be home to Finland’s famous Fazer chocolate factory, which is definitely worth a visit (you get free chocolate samples!). I’ve written more about things to do in Vantaa here .

myyrmäki train station street art vantaa finland

Take the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn

Yes, I’m including Tallinn on this list of great things about Helsinki. I think it’s really cool that Tallinn is just a two-hour ferry ride away! It makes for a really easy day trip, or you could just head there at the beginning or end of your trip to Helsinki.

If you want a full trip planned for you, check out this tour that’ll bring you from Helsinki to Tallinn and back. Otherwise, you might enjoy a short walking tour to get to know Tallinn’s medieval Old Town or, better yet, a private tour with a local .

And if you do go to Tallinn, make sure to check out Kalamaja. You won’t be sorry! Read about my trip to Tallinn (and Kalamaja) here .

Take a ferry to the Åland Islands

Another fantastic ferry trip from Helsinki is the journey out to the Åland Islands. This is a really interesting area between Finland and Sweden, technically part of Finland but everyone here speaks Swedish. I’ve written more about things to do in the Åland Islands here .

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drinking berry juice nuuksio national park finland

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Rachel says

March 10, 2017 at 6:50 pm

I still daydream about that Savotta sisu ice cream in the little glass jar! That window seat overlooking the cathedral too, best table in the place! I still can’t believe we ate there, and also how un-fancy it was, amazing! I’m planning Löyly for my birthday in November, I want to repeat the smoke sauna > sea dip! It was the best thing I’ve ever done in Finland, possibly the world! I want that amazing feeling again, and that smoke sauna was incredible! Thanks SO much for inviting me along! (perfectly pronounced) Kiitos! 😄

Silvia says

March 14, 2017 at 4:52 pm

Oooh that’ll be amazing! And thank YOU for showing me around – (poorly pronounced) kiitos!

March 11, 2017 at 4:47 am

I would love to try out all the food from Helsinki. It looks delicious. The photo of the apartment looks so awesome too! I wouldn’t mind staying there when I eventually travel to Helsinki.

March 14, 2017 at 4:51 pm

The food really was amazing!!

March 15, 2017 at 1:40 am

Will definitely go to Savotta when my cruise ship docks in Helsinki (next year) – you got me at licorice ice-cream! And a visit to Loyly sounds wonderful too if time permits.

March 29, 2017 at 2:49 pm

They’re both well worth a visit!

Chelsie says

July 18, 2017 at 1:18 am

I’ve just booked flights to Helsinki and was a little unsure whether I’d have enough to do in a week, but your article had made me so excited for my trip!! Fantastic recommendations. I love doing things other than the tourist trips, so thank you for sharing 🙂

July 27, 2017 at 9:20 am

Oh you’ll definitely have enough to keep you occupied for a week. Enjoy!

July 19, 2017 at 11:19 pm

I also loved Sauna Löyly – I loved sitting on the deck overlooking the Baltic Sea (loved your picture because it brought me back) and having a drink. I miss the Napue gin – makes a wonderful gin & tonic. Wish I could find Napue in the USA! I also loved the Finnish people – great description!

July 27, 2017 at 9:16 am

Ah I wish you could ifnd Napue more places too!

October 10, 2019 at 1:24 am

I just have a little Napue left! One of my favorite things about Helsinki is sitting on the steps of the harbor on a bright June day, breathing in the fresh air and eating the most amazing strawberries from the market. And then there’s Stockman’s- if they don’t sell it, you don’t need it.

September 1, 2017 at 1:02 pm

Hi Silvia! Thanks you so much for all this inspiration 🙂 I’ll be in Helsinki next week to visit the Helsinki Design Week and beside this I also want to discover the city itself and (after reading your post) definitely also Tallinn 😀 as I’m an absolute street art lover 🙂 Therefore your tips are very helpful!

September 2, 2017 at 10:17 am

Oh lucky you, I’m sure you’ll love it there!

Julia Elizabeth says

November 12, 2017 at 7:06 pm

I just booked a spontaneous trip to Helsinki and I’m leaving in 9 days!! Currently reading through all your Helsinki/Finland posts and they are so helpful. I’ll only be there for 3 nights but I’m writing down my favorites (definitely want to visit cafe Regatta!). Thank you 🙂

November 17, 2017 at 6:03 pm

Yesss cafe regatta is so cute! Have fun!

December 12, 2017 at 5:57 pm

I’m so happy you liked Helsinki as much as you did! It’s my hometown (well, technically I’m from a town west of here, but it’s in the Helsinki metro area) and it holds a permanent place in my heart even though I’ve lived elsewhere too. I even started a brand-spanking-new blog recently about quirky, non-touristy Helsinki sights. 🙂

And I have to mention that even though I’m a local, I’ve never been to the Winter Garden – terrible, I know!! This might be the boost I need to get me to check it out, since it’s just a metro ride away and winter is closing down on us as I speak. So all of the green outside is now covered in white snow.

Hope you get to return to Finland soon! 🙂

January 22, 2018 at 4:29 pm

Hi, I will be travelling to Helsinki in March for 3 nights and it will be my first trip. Planning a day to Tallinn, would you be able to advise which ferry you took for the day trip? Thank you!

Shannon Kircher says

March 12, 2018 at 11:57 pm

Love this! Thank you so much for sharing! We’ll be revisiting Tallinn in a few weeks and have added a few nights in Helsinki on the front end to explore while we’re in the region. Excited to maximize our time there!

April 3, 2018 at 5:25 pm

very insightful post, thank you for sharing 🙂 I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my favorite places in Helsinki xx

Sergio Perez says

July 13, 2018 at 5:53 pm

Thanks for yours tips!

Your saved my holidays!

Risha Walker says

April 23, 2020 at 8:07 am

I love the city of Helsinki, this is an amazing place to visit. Thanks for your beautiful travel guide. I want to come back here again and again.

Victoria says

April 26, 2020 at 1:41 am

Hi Silvia! I had same trip as you but with ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki. I was located in Kulosaari district/island http://www.helsinkikartta.com/kulosaari-kartta/ and I can say that it was one of my best trips I ever had. With that said, I must note that prices are very high and you have to prepare to that. I will visit Finland again and town Espoo witch is very close to Helsinki and also offers a lot for a tourist.

August 22, 2020 at 9:34 am

Vantaa was totally mental dude! Rad place, totally recommend!

January 10, 2023 at 2:01 pm

I would say you should have mentioned Moomin! Moomins are such a cultural institution in Finland, and there are lots of places you can go in Helsinki to see the Moomins and learn more about their creator, Tove Jansson. From Tove Jansson’s exhibition at HAM to Moomin shops around the town, and if you travel outside Helsinki, there is Moominworld in Naantali and the Moomin Museum in Tampere. Thanks for writing about my hometown 🙂

July 17, 2023 at 10:16 am

Nice ideas. I especially liked that you also recommended the areas outside Helsinki Centre.

Helsinki is the best to be visited in the summer or around Christmas time. I would avoid October-November and March to April because the weather is bad and nature is not that beautiful.

Daniella says

November 7, 2023 at 8:54 pm

Such a good post! I had the pleasure of visiting Helsinki last winter and it’s truly a wonderland. I wish I had seen this ahead of time! I’ll have to bookmark for the next time 😉

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Helsinki Tours and Trips 2024/2025

A vibrant city framed with beautiful bays and a plethora of islets, holidays in Helsinki will delight both nature lovers and visitors looking for urban adventures. Since the Finnish capital manages to successfully blend the big city life with a cozy rustic feel, we are positive that a trip to Finland is bound to reward and excite ...

Finland Travel Guide

39 Trips in Helsinki with 12 Reviews

Starts Helsinki, Finland
Ends Rovaniemi, Finland

Finnish Lapland in Winter

Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Tour Type Small Group Tour
Activities Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing Local culture , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Northern lights tours & Honeymoon 'data-more-tripid='10301'>+3 more
Accommodation Guest House, Resort, Hotel & Sleeper Train
Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Ferry & Sleeper Train
Age Range 15-99 yrs
Operated in English
Nov 30 Only 7 seats left
Jan 04 Only 7 seats left
View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Ends Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Experience

Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , National parks , Museum and gallery visits & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='3058'>+3 more
Accommodation Hotel & Home-stay
Transport Ferry, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
Brochure Price: US$ 3,180
Special Deal (25%): - US$ 795
Total Price from: US$ 2,385
May 04 Only 7 seats left
May 11 Only 9 seats left

Starts Oslo, Norway
Ends Helsinki, Finland

Scandinavia Explorer

Activities Countryside and village visits & Cultural, religious and historic sites Countryside and village visits , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='3059'>+2 more
Accommodation Hotel & Hut
Transport Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Boat & Ferry
Brochure Price: US$ 6,530
Special Deal (10%): - US$ 653
Total Price from: US$ 5,877
May 18 Only 2 seats left
May 22 Only 6 seats left

Starts Berlin, Germany

Treasures of Germany and Scandinavia with Helsinki

Trip customizable
Tour Type Group Tour
Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites
Accommodation Hotel
Transport Coach, Ferry, Boat, Bus & Private Vehicle
Age Range 8-95 yrs
Apr 18 10+ seats left
Apr 25 10+ seats left

Starts Copenhagen, Denmark

Essential Scandinavia and Helsinki

Activities City sightseeing
Transport Coach, Ferry & Boat
Apr 13 10+ seats left
Apr 20 10+ seats left

Starts Vilnius, Lithuania

Baltic Adventure

Activities Photography tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Photography tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Local culture & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='5016'>+2 more
Transport Ferry, Private Vehicle & Bus
Age Range 12-95 yrs

Capitals of Scandinavia

Transport Coach & Ferry
Age Range 5-99 yrs
Brochure Price: US$ 3,795
Special Deal (16%): - US$ 600
Total Price from: US$ 3,195
Apr 28 10+ seats left
May 05 10+ seats left

Ends Oslo, Norway

Northern Lights of Scandinavia

Activities Adventure
Accommodation Hotel & Tent
Transport Coach & Flight
Brochure Price: US$ 5,386
Special Deal (3%): - US$ 156
Total Price from: US$ 5,230
Oct 09 Only 9 seats left
Oct 23 10+ seats left

Introduction to Spitsbergen

Activities Polar expeditions and cruise
Transport Flight
Age Range 18-95 yrs
May 20 Only 8 seats left
Jun 01 Only 8 seats left

Nordic Adventure

Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Local culture & Northern lights tours 'data-more-tripid='20941'>+3 more
Accommodation Hotel & Resort
Brochure Price: US$ 7,125
Special Deal (13%): - US$ 947
Total Price from: US$ 6,178
May 13 Only 5 seats left
Jun 10 Only 5 seats left

Complete Scandinavia

Activities Sightseeing Tours & Cultural, religious and historic sites Sightseeing Tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits , Active and outdoor & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='5520'>+3 more
Transport Ferry, Boat, Train, Bus & Private Vehicle
May 26 Only 2 seats left
May 30 Only 4 seats left

Ends Stockholm, Sweden

Scandinavia

Activities Sightseeing Tours & Art and architecture Sightseeing Tours , Art and architecture , Museum and gallery visits , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites 'data-more-tripid='20644'>+3 more
Accommodation Lodge, Resort & Hotel
Transport Coach
Age Range 18-35 yrs
Brochure Price: US$ 2,275
Special Deal (25%): - US$ 570
Total Price from: US$ 1,705
May 14 Only 10 seats left
May 28 10+ seats left

Ends Bergen, Norway

Nordic Explorer

Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Honeymoon
Age Range 16-99 yrs
Jun 01 Only 5 seats left
Jul 27 Only 7 seats left

From Copenhagen to Helsinki

Activities Explorer
Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry & Private Vehicle
Apr 17 10+ seats left
Apr 24 10+ seats left

Traveling to Finland? Chat with a local travel specialist in Finland who can help organize your trip.

Helsinki Tour Reviews

Helsinki - tour highlights and travel tips.

An aerial view of Suomenlinna Fortress in Helsinki

Tour Highlights

Northern Europe is known for its penchant for design, and Helsinki’s Design Museum is a venue that perfectly demonstrates these sensibilities. It houses a permanent exhibition that illustrates the influence of local nature and tradition on Finnish design.
Kauppatori, or the Market Square, operates from spring to fall. It is one of the most famous open-air markers in Europe, where you can buy local delicacies, souvenirs and flowers.
Suomenlinna is a gargantuan fortress built by the Swedish in mid-18 th century. It sprawls across six islands which can be reached by ferry that departs from the Market Square. It also houses the Suomenlinna Museum, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the region.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park is a great way to spend a day in Helsinki if you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline. Opened in 1950, this theme park hosts many dizzying rides, as well as shops and restaurants.

Travel Tips

If you plan on discovering the city outside of organized tours, you might want to invest in a Helsinki Card. With this card, you will have free access to public transport, but also free admission to many popular tourists sights, including the Suomenlinna Fortress. Moreover, Helsinki Card provides discounts for many shops, cafés and restaurants in the city.
The Finnish capital is infamous for its frigid weather, so if you want to avoid sub-zero temperatures, try to time your visit between the months of May and September.

Popular Activities

Cultural, religious and historic sites tours
Explorer tours
Polar expeditions and cruise tours

Upcoming Departures

Spring 2024/2025
Summer 2024
Winter 2024/2025
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
February 2025
August 2025
September 2025

Helsinki Durations

10-days Helsinki Tours
12-days Helsinki Tours

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Helsinki, Stockholm & Finnish Lapland - 11 days

Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

Introduction
Day 1 Rovaniemi - Finland Arrival
Day 2 Rovaniemi - Kemi- Rovaniemi
Day 3 Rovaniemi
Day 4 Rovaniemi
Day 5 Rovaniemi
Day 6 Rovaniemi
Day 7 Rovaniemi - Helsinki
Day 8 Helsinki
Day 9 Helsinki - Stockholm
Day 10 Stockholm
Day 11 Stockholm Departure

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What's Included

Accommodation
Additional Services

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Reviews About This Operator

Tour Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours 3.9
Nancy · 29th February 2024 Overall, a good tour. A nice variety of places. Two of the guides were friendly and informative, while one of them... Show more
Samuel · 30th January 2024 Very organized and professional. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The driver was reliable. The hotels and... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

Upcoming departures
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
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October 2025
November 2025
December 2025
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Wednesday 3 Apr, 2024 Saturday 13 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates
Thursday 4 Apr, 2024 Sunday 14 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates
Friday 5 Apr, 2024 Monday 15 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates
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Get Instant Confirmation Monday 8 Apr, 2024 Thursday 18 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates
Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 9 Apr, 2024 Friday 19 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates
Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 10 Apr, 2024 Saturday 20 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates
Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 11 Apr, 2024 Sunday 21 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates
Get Instant Confirmation Friday 12 Apr, 2024 Monday 22 Apr, 2024 English, Spanish Multiple Room Types €5,408 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

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As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Finland and Sweden. Ideally 6 months before travel.
Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
For any tour departing before 9th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 9th June 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Receptivo Aborigen Tours. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 70 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
Some departure dates and prices may vary and Receptivo Aborigen Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Receptivo Aborigen Tours. Please familiarise yourself with the Receptivo Aborigen Tours payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Helsinki Hop On-Hop Off bus

19 stops along the 1,5h bus city tour

How long is the ticket valid?

Doubledeckers with commentary in 11 languages

Great shore excursion - pick-up from cruise ports available

Buy online, hop on at any stop!

Free wi-fi available

Super Deal: Combine with a sightseeing cruise

Advancing sustainable tourism with Stromma

Multi Destination Ticket - explore the North

May I start the tour at any stop?

Where are the stops located at?

What is the difference between the red and green buses?

Is this tour included in the Helsinki Card? Do I need to reserve a seat?

Are earphones included in the price?

Is the Hop On-Hop Off tour accessible?

Can I bring my (service) dog with me?

Are buses always open top? What if it rains?

Is there a WC/restroom in the bus?

How do I choose my tour language?

I arrive on a cruise ship, do you offer pick-up from the harbor?

EXCEPTIONS ON ROUTES & TIMETABLES

1. SENATE SQUARE / HELSINKI CITY MUSEUM

2. OLD MARKET HALL

3. OLYMPIA TERMINAL (SILJA LINE)

4. CAFÉ URSULA / KAIVOPUISTO PARK

5. COMPASS SQUARE

7. HERNESAARI CRUISE TERMINAL LHD

8. HERNESAARI CRUISE TERMINAL LHB & LHC

9. LÖYLY

10. FLEA MARKET / BULEVARDI / SINEBRYCHOFF ART MUSEUM

11. SWEDISH THEATRE / DESIGN MUSEUM / MUSEUM OF FINNISH ARCHITECTURE

12. MARKET SQUARE / SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

13. SOKOS / AMOS REX / KIASMA / PARLIAMENT HOUSE / HELSINKI MUSIC CENTER / OODI / CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION / ATENEUM

14. TEMPPELIAUKIO CHURCH (ROCK CHURCH) / HAM HELSINKI ART MUSEUM / FINNISH MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

15. SIBELIUS MONUMENT

16. OLYMPIC STADIUM / TAHTO

17. LINNANMÄKI AMUSEMENT PARK / SEA LIFE HELSINKI

18. LINNUNLAULU / HELSINKI CITY THEATRE

19. HAKANIEMI MARKET SQUARE AND MARKET HALL / KALLIO

Pick up from the cruise terminal

Select & book:

48h BUS Hop On-Hop Off