Helsinki

Saunas and blueberries in a green capital.

The Nordic capital sits on a Baltic peninsula and 300 islands, with underground churches, active sauna culture, and year-round sea swimming.

4.2
out of 5
Photo of Ateneum in Finland

Ateneum Art Museum

This Neo-Renaissance art museum near Helsinki Central Railway Station displays 20,000 works, including Finnish masterpieces from the 1750s-1950s and international pieces.

Photo of Seurasaari in Finland

Seurasaari

An outdoor museum in Helsinki on an island featuring traditional Finnish wooden buildings and customs, open all year.

Helsinki spreads across a Baltic Sea peninsula and 300 islands. You'll find the copper-domed Temppeliaukio Church carved into solid bedrock, and the bright white Helsinki Cathedral dominates Senate Square with its green domes. Take a ferry to explore the islands, including Suomenlinna with its 18th-century fortress walls, or warm up in one of the city's public saunas like the waterfront Löyly.

Getting Around Helsinki

You can travel through Helsinki by tram, bus, or the northernmost metro system in the world. Buy single tickets or day passes through the HSL mobile app or at ticket machines. Cycling is popular - more than half of Helsinki residents cycle weekly, and you can join them using one of the city's 3,500 shared bikes, available from April to October on the extensive network of dedicated bike lanes.

Finnish Sauna Culture

Public saunas are central to Helsinki life. At the waterfront Löyly complex, you can switch between traditional and smoke saunas before cooling off in the Baltic Sea. The wood-heated Kotiharjun Sauna has maintained its traditional practices since 1928. Many Helsinki residents visit saunas multiple times per week, and you'll see locals swimming in the sea year-round, even breaking through ice in winter.

Key Buildings and Architecture

Walk through Senate Square to see the Helsinki Cathedral and the surrounding yellow neoclassical buildings from the 1800s. The Temppeliaukio Church, completed in 1969, welcomes visitors into its underground space where natural light streams through the copper dome. At Finlandia Hall, architect Alvar Aalto created spaces that combine white Carrara marble with Finnish wood details and large windows overlooking Töölö Bay.

Food and Markets

Step into the Old Market Hall (1889) to buy smoked fish, reindeer meat, and seasonal produce. Local restaurants serve everything from traditional meatballs and salmon soup to contemporary interpretations of Nordic ingredients. During August and September, join a crayfish party where you'll eat freshwater crayfish while wearing a paper bib and drinking snaps (aquavit).

Islands and Maritime Sites

Take a ferry from Market Square to explore Helsinki's archipelago. Walk through Suomenlinna's seven islands to discover 1700s military buildings, underground tunnels, and stone ramparts. On Seurasaari island, you can explore wooden buildings from different regions of Finland, from farmhouses to manors. Visit Korkeasaari Zoo to see arctic animals like snow leopards and Amur tigers in their specially designed habitats.

Average temperatures during the day in Helsinki.
May
10°
Jun
15°
Jul
16°
Aug
15°
Sep
10°
Oct
5°
Nov
0°
Dec
-4°
Jan
-7°
Feb
-7°
Mar
-3°
Apr
3°

What people say about Helsinki

4.2
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
3
Safety
5

Super cool however I was there for only 1 day

1
4
3
4
3
5

I am part Finnish so I have visited Helsinki on many occasions since I was a child. I have great memories from my childhood of having a blast already on the ferry from Sweden, and then of ice cream in the sun on the beaches outside the city, or having one of those jam-filled sugary Finnish donuts in a park.

As an adult, I enjoy the simple Finnish lager beers at a pub and walking around this neat and pretty city. I like playing disc golf and there are something like 15 courses accessible from the city center which is probably a world record.

One weak point is the slightly stiff feeling of the city, one could say that it is clear that it is closer to Russia than Denmark. Another is the food, as everywhere in Finland. I actually really like some of the local cuisine like Karelian pasties, lots of baked goods, blueberry pies, and the very bland but yummy Lauantaimakkara sausage. But it is not exactly a city where you are in for a culinary treat at every corner.

Personally, the best thing about Helsinki might be the amazing selection of licorice that you find in a normal supermarket here. I can eat Panteri until I die. And my life should be sponsored by Fazer.

3
4
3
4
3
5

I love the vibe of this seaside city. It is such a wierd mixture of Scandinavia and Russia as all of Finland seems to be to me.

I only spend a day here on every occasion I visited. First, when I was 12 and on my first big abroad trip with friends. We went to big camp for thousands of children. Helsinki was a first stop after a night spend on ferry. We visited a mountain church. Which I am now not sure what is.

On the second occasion 16 years later we went to the national library to work, the place was lovely and full of children and fun. I loved the blue trams made by Ć koda and even though we just stayed for a bit I do remember a lot of the city.

I am yet to do a proper touristy visit.

4
4
4
4
3
5

I first visited Helsinki on New Years Day, spending 4 days there. The first day was brutally cold -- I couldn't believe how cold I was despite wearing warm layers and a long puffer coat. Despite the cold, Helsinki was lovely! It's a big city in terms of size, so everything is really spaced out. However, taking the tram is cheap and convenient. My absolute favorite place in Helsinki was Cafe Regatta. This is a cozy and picturesque outdoor cafe with a fire pit, red shed for serving ordering warm drinks and snacks, and friendly birds trotting around. It was especially wonderful because it's just next to the water, and in winter it is the perfect opportunity for walking on the ice!

5
3
4
5
3
5

What to do in Helsinki

Destinations with the best disc golf courses in the world

Article from November 2024 with 7 places

Throw a disc into a lake, get a new one at the supermarket

Helsinki, Finland, has perhaps the world's largest number of disc golf courses per capita. The sport is so popular here that you can buy discs at a regular supermarket. The city also provides beautiful parks and a scenic waterfront, making for a fantastic setting for a round of disc golf. The only thing keeping it down as a disc golf destination is its lower share of 5-star rated courses than other destinations on this list. There are many 4-rated courses offering different types of challenges though.

Helsinki receives a lot of travelers from different countries. Some come to explore the city's rich cultural heritage; others to enjoy Helsinki's vibrant nightlife or experience the city's natural beauty, with its picturesque archipelago islands and its many parks and green spaces. The best time to visit Helsinki is between May and September.

The best disc golf courses in and around Helsinki

Bonus: You can reach Kippasuo Pro DiscGolfPark (#10 in the world!) in about 90 minutes. Helsinki can also be combined with some of the top courses in Estonia, such as Sportland Prodigy Elva Discgolfi Park, JÔulumÀe, and KÔrvemaa Discgolfi Park.

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The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

Article from January 2023 with 20 places

Tree-lined bike routes

The bike lanes in Helsinki are well-maintained and well-marked, which makes it easy for both locals and tourists to find their way around. Helsinki also has numerous bike-friendly routes that are designed specifically for cyclists. These routes are often lined with trees and other greenery, making them pleasant to ride.

What to do in Helsinki

The city is home to a number of interesting sights and attractions, such as the Suomenlinna Fortress, the Temppeliaukio Church, and the Helsinki Cathedral. Cyclists visiting Helsinki can explore the many parks and green spaces throughout the city, the numerous beaches along the coast, and the nearby countryside, which has several scenic routes in this country of a thousand lakes and a billion blueberries.

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The 20 happiest cities in the world

Article from November 2024 with 21 places

Why is Helsinki the happiest city in the world?

Finland, in general, is known for its high quality of life, with a thriving economy with a vibrant job market, and low levels of crime. Helsinki has a very high standard of living, with a high level of healthcare and education, a robust social safety net, as well as ample access to green spaces and healthy acitivities, which can improve physical and mental health. The Finnish culture is very egalitarian, with a focus on social acceptance, which can lead to a sense of community and belonging. All of these factors contribute to a high level of life satisfaction and make Helsinki the happiest place in the world!

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Bucket list-worthy places in the Nordics

Article from December 2023 with 11 places

Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is located in the southern part of Finland on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Helsinki is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. There are plenty of parks for relaxation, and restaurants and cafes to explore. In addition, the city is well connected with an efficient public transport system.

What to do in Helsinki, Finland

  • Visit the sea fortress Suomenlinna: The 18th-century sea fortress of Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki. Explore the fortress’s many tunnels, courtyards, and bastions.
  • Take a stroll along Esplanadi: Take a leisurely stroll along Esplanadi, Helsinki’s famous park and shopping street. The tree-lined avenue is dotted with cafes, boutiques, and elegant buildings, including the impressive White House.
  • Explore the Old Market Hall: the Old Market Hall, or Vanha Kauppahalli, is an indoor food market that has been around since 1889. It’s a great place to sample some of Finland’s delicious food, including smoked fish, reindeer meat, and fresh berries.
  • Visit the design district: Helsinki’s design district is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, design, and fashion. Explore the area’s many galleries, boutiques, and cafes, and find inspiration for your own creations.
  • Go for a walk in Kaivopuisto Park: Stroll through the beautiful Kaivopuisto Park on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. The park offers stunning city views and is a great spot to watch the sunset or relax.
  • Enjoy a cup of coffee: The Finnish love their coffee, and Helsinki has a great selection of cafĂ©s. Take a break and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a bite.
  • Eat licorice candy: Helsinki is one of the best places in the world for licorice candy.
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Places nearby Helsinki

Best places to visit inđŸ‡«đŸ‡źFinland

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