This visitor submit is by Alisa Goz:
As somebody who loves touring, I used to be excited to take a look at Helsinki – and it didn’t disappoint! There are so many issues to do on this metropolis, from exploring the historic websites to trying out the wonderful parks and metropolis life.
If you’re trying to discover Finland past Lapland, Helsinki is certainly price a go to.
With its mixture of old-world appeal and trendy vibes, Helsinki is a metropolis that may captivate you from starting to finish.
I might have simply spent weeks right here and nonetheless not seen every part. But, for those who’re like me and your time is restricted, listed here are the 14 finest issues to do in Helsinki:
1. Explore the town’s many neighborhoods
Helsinki is a metropolis with many neighborhoods, every with its distinctive appeal. The finest method to get a really feel for the town is thru a neighborhood’s eye. In Helsinki, there are many strolling excursions with locals who will present you their private favourite spots:
If you’re trying to discover independently, I like to recommend trying out the Design District, Kallio, and Kamppi. These are central areas with lots to supply when it comes to procuring, eating, and nightlife and an incredible place to get to know the town.
For a deeper dive into Finish design, I like to recommend trying out the Design Museum (which this $6 self-guided metropolis tour covers) and the Museum of Finnish Architecture.
2. Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square
The Helsinki Cathedral, positioned on Senate Square, with its hovering white partitions and imposing inexperienced domes, is likely one of the most recognizable landmarks in Helsinki.
You’ll additionally see a number of different examples of neoclassical structure on the sq.: the Government Palace, the primary constructing of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland.
Senate Square is effectively price a go to for anybody excited about studying extra about Finnish historical past and tradition. Helsinki Cathedral, specifically, is a gorgeous instance of neo-classical structure, and its inside is adorned with gorgeous artistic endeavors.
The entrance price to go to is 5 Euros and is open to guests on weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to six:00 p.m. On Saturday, the Cathedral is open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.Â
Whether you’re excited about historical past, structure, or just wish to take pleasure in a number of the most iconic views in Helsinki, make sure to add Senate Square to your itinerary!
3. Enjoy a stroll by means of Esplanade Park
After exploring Senate Square, take a stroll by means of Esplanade Park, one of the crucial standard parks in Helsinki.
The park is a good place to loosen up or individuals watch, and it’s additionally house to a number of vital monuments, together with a statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, one in every of Finland’s nationwide poets (He additionally wrote the Finnish nationwide anthem!).
Esplanade Park is the right place to take a break from strolling round and take in the environment of Helsinki.
On the weekends, you’ll hear musicians enjoying within the park, and in the summertime months, you possibly can take pleasure in a refreshing drink or ice cream from one of many meals stands or pop into Robert’s Coffee Jugend for a cup of espresso.
4. See the Presidential Palace
Located only a quick stroll from Senate Square and Esplanade Park is the Presidential Palace.
The neoclassical palace, designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel, was accomplished in 1845. Today, the palace is the official residence of the President of Finland.
The Presidential Palace shouldn’t be open to the general public, however from the skin, you’ll see guards in conventional Finnish uniforms standing on the entrance, and you may take a photograph in entrance of the spectacular constructing.
5. Take a ferry journey to Suomenlinna Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Have you ever wished to step into Narnia by means of the magical wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’ tales? For me taking a ferry journey to Suomenlinna Fortress had an identical impact. You are utterly transported into one other world. The fortress obtained its standing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 to be preserved for instance of 18th century fortress structure in Europe.
Suomenlinna Fortress is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in Finland, and it’s simple to see why.
The fortress is positioned on a bunch of islands simply off the coast of Helsinki, and it presents gorgeous views of the cityscape and surrounding sea. Visitors can discover the fortress partitions and towers, go to museums and exhibitions, and even take a ferry journey out to one of many close by islands.
The finest method to see the island is by occurring a guided tour of the fortress. The one hour tour prices €11 for adults and €4 for kids. The Suomenlinna museum is open every day 11 a.m – 4 p.m.
When visiting Helsinki, that is an unmissable cease.
6. Try native delicacies on the many eating places and cafes all through Helsinki
Helsinki is a metropolis with a wealthy culinary tradition, and the most effective methods to expertise it’s by sampling the native delicacies.
Restaurants and cafes all through the town supply a wide range of conventional Finnish dishes, in addition to worldwide favorites with a Finnish twist.
One of the most well-liked Finnish dishes is karjalanpiirakka, that are small pies made with rice or potato filling. These pies are usually served with egg butter or bitter cream. Delicious!Â
And for those who’re on the lookout for one thing candy, attempt Finnish cinnamon buns! These buns are made with a beneficiant quantity of cinnamon and are sometimes served with espresso or tea.
Start your day with a cup of espresso and a cinnamon roll from Kanniston Leipomo, a historic bakery based in 1914 within the very coronary heart of Helsinki.Â
For lunch or dinner, there are many choices to select from, together with hearty stews, recent seafood, and even reindeer! Check out Kannas or Kappeli for an incredible collection of conventional Finish delicacies.Â
If you’re excited about making an attempt some Finnish delicacies, there are lots of scrumptious conventional dishes to select from.
Finnish salmon soup might be the most well-liked dish. This hearty soup is made with smoked salmon, potatoes, carrots, and dill. It’s the right meal to heat you up on a chilly day.
7. Shop for souvenirs in markets like Hakaniemi and Kauppatori
Helsinki is a good place to buy souvenirs, and two of one of the best locations to seek out them are Hakaniemi Market and Kauppatori Market. Both markets supply all kinds of Finnish items, together with handmade crafts, jewellery, meals, and extra.
Kauppatori Market is positioned proper on the waterfront, so it’s the right place to choose up a memento whereas having fun with the views of the ocean.
Hakaniemi Market is a little more off the crushed path, nevertheless it’s price looking for out for its distinctive collection of items. This market is extra generally frequented by locals than vacationers, so for those who’re on the lookout for a take a look at what native life is like, this market is price a go to.Â
The Hakaniemi Market has round 70 outlets divided between two flooring. On the primary flooring you’ll discover primarily meals objects. And on the second flooring, you possibly can uncover many specialty outlets, like second-hand bookstores, textile handicrafts shops, and extra.Â
In addition to the shops, there are a number of cafeterias that serve every kind of delicacies from conventional Finnish lunch to extra worldwide dishes. The market is open Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Some souvenirs you’ll wish to maintain an eye fixed out for are Finnish woodcrafts, wool sweaters, socks and mittens, and, after all, reindeer-themed objects!
8. Attend a live performance or efficiency at one in every of Helsinki’s theaters or live performance halls
If you’re a fan of the humanities, then you definately’ll wish to make time to see a efficiency or live performance throughout your keep in Helsinki. The metropolis is house to many theaters and live performance halls, together with the Finnish National Opera, the Helsinki Music Centre, and the Finlandia Hall.
There’s positive to be a efficiency occurring throughout your go to, so make sure to test the schedules prematurely and snag a ticket.
9. Wander by means of forests and parks on the outskirts of city
If you’re trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town, Helsinki is the right place to do it. Just a brief stroll from the town middle will take you to one of many many forests and parks that line the outskirts of city.
One of our favorites is Lapinniemi, the place you possibly can wander by means of tranquil woods and alongside serene shores. You’re positive to discover a second of peace right here, away from the busyness of on a regular basis life.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you possibly can lease a kayak or paddle board for a enjoyable water sport outing! For much more excursions in nature, take a look at these half-day journeys from Helsinki:
10. Relax in one in every of Helsinki’s many saunas
If you’re on the lookout for a method to loosen up and rejuvenate whereas in Helsinki, the most effective issues to do is to go to one of many metropolis’s many saunas.
There are saunas of all completely different setups, from conventional wood-burning saunas to extra trendy electrical saunas. Regardless of your desire, spending a while in a sauna is an effective way to unwind after an extended day of sightseeing or exploring.
The Finish sauna is used for leisure and detoxing, and many individuals imagine that it has well being advantages akin to decreasing stress, bettering circulation, and serving to to ease muscle ache.Â
There are two most important varieties of saunas: dry saunas and moist saunas. Dry saunas are the most typical kind, they usually use dry warmth, usually from a wood-burning range. Wet saunas, however, use steam to create the specified impact.Â
There is often a bench within the sauna the place you possibly can sit or lie down, and you may pour water on the recent rocks to create steam. When utilizing a sauna, you will need to drink loads of water earlier than and after to keep away from dehydration, and to restrict your time inside to 15-20 minutes.Â
Saunas are usually shared with different individuals. Some individuals come right here as a social exercise with pals or relations. They could be unisex and will require you to put on a washing go well with, but when it’s separated by gender you possibly can often simply put on a towel.
If you need an genuine Finish expertise, the Kotiharjun Sauna is a good choice. This historic sauna has been in operation since 1928 and is the one remaining public wood-burning sauna within the metropolis.
Whether you’re trying to loosen up or just wish to expertise a novel Finnish custom, spending a while in a sauna is a good factor so as to add to your Helsinki to-do listing.
11. Take a day journey to close by points of interest like Porvoo, Tampere, and even Tallinn, Estonia
If you’ve gotten some further time whereas in Helsinki, think about taking a day journey to one of many many close by points of interest.
Porvoo is a captivating seaside city that’s only a quick drive from Helsinki. You may also take a tour for those who don’t really feel like driving. This tour requires you to take a bus from Helsinki, which runs usually and can get you to Porvoo in about an hour. Here, you possibly can stroll by means of cobbled streets, discover quaint outlets and cafes, and even take a cruise down the river.
Tampere is one other nice choice for a day journey. This energetic metropolis is thought for its many museums, together with the Moomin Museum, in addition to its scenic views from Pyynikki Park.
And for those who’re trying to cross one other nation off your listing, Tallinn, Estonia (pictured above) is only a quick two-hour ferry journey away. This historic metropolis is stuffed with lovely structure, charming cafes, and rather more.
These journeys will make for full days however are an incredible concept for those who’re trying to discover past Helsinki throughout your keep.
12. Spend a night strolling alongside the waterfront promenade in Kaivopuisto Park
One of one of the best issues to do in Helsinki is to easily take a stroll and luxuriate in all that the town has to supply, and there’s no higher place to try this than alongside the waterfront promenade in Kaivopuisto Park.
This park is positioned only a quick stroll from the town middle and presents gorgeous views of the ocean. It’s the right place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just loosen up and take within the view.
If you’re visiting in the summertime, make sure to stick round for the sundown. Watching the solar dip under the horizon is an unforgettable expertise.
13. Experience Finnish tradition firsthand by means of ice fishing or reindeer sledding
If you’re on the lookout for a memorable journey, think about taking part in one in every of Finland’s many out of doors actions.
Ice fishing is a well-liked pastime in Finland and one thing that curious guests can attempt their hand at. I don’t advocate going alone, as a result of it may be fairly harmful. But there are native guides who might help you organize a fishing journey if you’re ! I like checking on Airbnb expertise for some native specialists.Â
Reindeer sledding is one other nice method to expertise Finnish tradition. This exercise is just out there within the winter, nevertheless it’s an effective way to see the nation’s lovely winter surroundings.
There are many different actions which you could attempt, like downhill or cross-country snowboarding. Finns are very energetic individuals, so there are many choices to select from!
14. Indulge in some leisure time at one in every of Helsinki’s many spas or wellness facilities
Helsinki is house to many various spas and wellness facilities, so for those who’re on the lookout for a method to loosen up, you’ll have loads of choices to select from.
In current years, Finland has undergone a spa remedy renaissance of types.Â
There are actually dozens of spas, spa resorts, and wellness facilities positioned all through the nation. A couple of of my favorites in Helsinki are Kämp Spa and Hotel St George Helsinki.
These trendy Finnish institutions are primarily motels with specialised tools and amenities for spa remedies.
Many even have wellness courses and sports activities courses, starting from yoga to badminton. But don’t fear about packing your individual towels, yoga mat or rackets– this might be supplied in most locations.Â
You can discover every part from conventional saunas to extra distinctive experiences like salt saunas and extra.
Helsinki is a metropolis stuffed with surprises. Although it might appear small at first look. But whether or not you’re touring solo, with a accomplice, or pals, there may be a lot to see and do on this Finnish capital.Â
From exploring its many neighborhoods and visiting iconic landmarks to having fun with nature and indulging in some leisure. Helsinki has one thing for everybody. So whether or not you’re visiting for a number of days or a number of weeks, you’re positive to seek out loads of actions to maintain you busy.
Have you ever been to Helsinki? What are your favourite issues to do within the metropolis? Share your ideas within the feedback under!
Happy travels!
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About the creator: Alisa Goz is a digital nomad, journey blogger, and passionate life-long learner. Join Alisa at AlisaGoz.com for one of the best suggestions for stress-free journey. Before beginning her weblog, Alisa labored as a non-profit fundraiser at high New York cultural establishments. She carries her ardour for constructing neighborhood by means of every part she does.Â