A Charming Pocket-Sized Metropolis Renowned for Its Blend of Neoclassical and Modernist Architecture

A. About Helsinki

Nickname: White City of the North

Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is renowned for its unique blend of neoclassical and modernist architecture, exemplified by landmarks such as the Helsinki Cathedral in Senate Square and the sleek, nature-inspired design of the Oodi Central Library, reflecting the city’s harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation.

Situated on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki boasts an extensive archipelago of over 300 islands, offering residents and visitors picturesque coastal retreats, with Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 18th-century sea fortress, being a centerpiece of maritime history and leisure.

The best time for a visit is during summer when the sun brings the outdoor bars and cafés to life and even the nights are light.

Best Things to do in Helsinki

➕ The Good

Surrounded by hundreds of tiny islands, Helsinki enjoys a fantastic seaside location and is exceptionally clean and safe.

Excellent Public transport will get you everywhere.

➖ Negative Aspects

The capital of Finland is among the most expensive cities in the world, and you should not expect great weather.

Furthermore, there are only very few pedestrian zones in Helsinki.


B. Best Things to Do in Helsinki in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than thirty sights in Helsinki. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 6.25/10 in this most important category:

# SUOMENLINNA MARITIME FORTRESS 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

Situated about 4 km southeast of the city center of Helsinki the impressive maritime fortress of Suomenlinna was built on eight islands by the Swedes in 1748.

Today this wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site is sprinkled with restaurants, scenic picnic spots, and six museums.

Islands with Fortress 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1991

Best Things to do in Helsinki | SUOMENLINNA MARITIME FORTRESS

 

# Senate Square (Senaatintori) 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

Dominated by four impressive buildings designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel (the St Nicholas Lutheran Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland) this beautiful square is the cultural heart of Helsinki.

Square

Best Things to do in Helsinki | Senate Square

 

# Temppeliaukio Church (Temppeliaukon Kirkko) 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

Built between 1968 and 1969, this graceful church has been carved from bedrock. It is crowned by a shallow circular dome of copper sheeting and glass borne on concrete ribs.

Church in the Rock

# Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

Constructed in the 19th century, this imposing white cathedral with its green dome is considered a Neoclassical masterpiece. It has become the symbol of Helsinki.

Cathedral  

 

# Ateneum Fine Arts Museum 6 3.2 out of 5 stars

The main art museum of Finland displays in an impressive Neoclassical building a fine collection of Finnish and European art from the 18th century to the present day.

Show top 5 paintings (click here)

Museum Gallery Space: ca. 5,000 m2 | Artworks on Display: ca. 5,000 | Established: 1887 | Visitors (2014): 410 173

(Click on images to open in lightbox)

# Open-Air Museum of Seurasaari Island 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Situated on an island a few kilometers north of the city center, this beautiful open-air museum features one hundred typical Finnish buildings.

Museum and Park

Best Things to do in Helsinki | Open-Air Museum of Seurasaari Island

 

# Helsinki Station 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This spectacular Art Nouveau railway station features four gigantic statues by Emil Wikström, monumental arched halls, and delicately carved wall panels.

Railway Station

Best Things to do in Helsinki | Helsinki Station

# Sibelius Park and Monument 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This spectacular monument of over six hundred stainless-steel pipes and a large bust was unveiled in 1967 as a tribute to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865-1957).

Park and Monument

Best Things to do in Helsinki | Sibelius Park and Monument

# Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Topped by thirteen gold cupolas, this eye-catching orthodox cathedral with its impressive interior illustrates Russia’s century-long engagement with Finland.

Orthodox Cathedral

Best Things to do in Helsinki |

 

#10 |  The Chapel of Silence (Kampin kappeli) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Constructed in a spectacular circular shape this spectacular wooden chapel is intended to be a place to calm down and have a moment of silence in one of the busiest areas in Finland.

Church | Modern Architecture

 

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Helsinki

#11 | Amos Rex 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Amos Rex Helsinki is a cutting-edge art museum beneath the Lasipalatsi building in Helsinki, celebrated for its innovative architecture featuring domed skylights.

The domes are covered with undulating glass structures that rise from the ground like giant bubbles, making the museum a striking visual landmark.

Art Museum | Modern Architecture

#12 | Market Square 4 2 out of 5 stars

Market Square Helsinki is a historic waterfront market offering a variety of local foods and crafts, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere and convenient access to nearby attractions like Suomenlinna Fortress.

Square

Best Things to do in Helsinki | Market Square

    • Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma 4
    • Oodi Central Library 4
    • Finlandia Hall 4
    • Allas Sea Pool 4
    • Helsinki Esplanade Park (Esplanade) 4
    • National Museum of Finland (Suomen kansallismuseo) 4
    • Design Museum 3
    • Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) 3
    • Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) 3
    • Sky Wheel 3

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Helsinki

🌍 TALLINN (86 km from Helsinki) 7

Hvittrask (30 km from Helsinki) 4

HĂ€meenlinna (city with medieval HĂ€me Castle, 100 km from Helsinki) 4

 

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Helsinki (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend you when visiting Helsinki for at least three entire days:

🌍 SUOMENLINNA MARITIME FORTRESS 6

Senate Square 6

 Temppeliaukio Church 6

Helsinki Cathedral 6

Ateneum Fine Arts Museum 5

Open-Air Museum of Seurasaari Island 5

 Helsinki Station 5

 Market Square 5

Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral 5

The Chapel of Silence 5