A lot of people don’t have an idea of how vibrant and exciting Helsinki is.
Unfortunately, out of the Northern European capital cities, Helsinki seems to receive the least buzz.
That is why most people really don’t know what to expect when they visit Finland’s capital.
But for those who have gone there, they praised it as Europe’s best-kept secret.
While it is small and compact, Helsingi is a hip, modern capital home to a vibrant music and art scene.
No matter what time of the year you visit Helsinki, it always offers the best food, super-friendly locals, a cool culture, a love of design, interesting museums, and unique architecture.
The only problem is if you don’t know where to visit or what to do while in Helsinki. But don’t worry because we have got you covered.
This guide will highlight some of the best things to do in Helsinki as a visitor.
List of the Best Things to Do in Helsinki
1. People Watching at the Helsinki Cathedral
One of the most interesting things to do in Helsinki is just relax and watch people go about their business.
The Helsinki Cathedral offers the best spot for some people watching.
2. Go on a Cafe Crawl
If you want to experience more of Finnish food, especially coffee, visit one of the super cozy cafes in the city.
If you are in the Senate Square, Cafe Engel is the best place for a sweet treat.
Other Helsinki’s best cafes are Enchanté Café, Saurahuone, Kakkupalvelu Pala, Café LOV, Frangipani Bakery & Café, and Adante Specialty Coffee.
3. Experience Finnish Sauna at Loyly
One of the interesting things to do in Helsinki is experience the sauna culture of the Finnish people.
You will be surprised that nearly each hotel, hostel, apartment, or any major accommodation area will have a sauna, so you won’t be hard-pressed to find a sauna in the city.
4. Sample Local Finnish Food at Savotta
Savotta is the best place to sample traditional Finnish food.
This place focuses mainly on traditional dishes. In fact, the waiters even wear traditional logging clothes.
They also used old logs as tableware and furniture. Besides this, we believe dining at Savotta is among the best things to do in Helsinki because they serve food in a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere.
5. Ride the Helsinki Trams
Helsinnki boasts one of the oldest train systems in the world. Interestingly, it is easy to navigate this electrified system.
You can just take tram line 2 to watch Helsinki’s main sites. Tram 4 also offers some great views.
6. Hang Out at Kaivopuisto Park
If you prefer a beaten path, then hanging out at Kaivopuisto Park is worth your time.
This place is popular among locals. In summer, you will find lots of picnics and musicians in the area. Likewise, in winter, Kaivopuisto is a popular spot for sledding when there is snow.
7. Relax at Esplanade Park
Espa, as it is popularly known, is one of the most famous parks in the country.
So, if you visit here in the summer, there is a lot going on.
We also included in this list of the best things to do in Helsinki because it is a wonderful place for jogging or working.
8. Take a Walk Through Helsinki’s Winter Garden
Helsinki’s Winter Garden is a place filled with more than 200 species.
It is the best place to visit during winter, as it offers an escape into some warmth and humidity.
9. Visit Suomenlinna
Helsinki is in the midst of beautiful, tiny islands that you can reach via ferry.
This is one of the best ways to make a fun little escape from the city. The good thing is that you can visit the islands in the evenings.
10. Take a Trip to Nuuksio National Park
If you are visiting Helsinki for a short time, then at least visit Nuuksio National Park.
Here, you will get first-hand experience of Finnish nature and even watch some rare species.
The best time to start your journey to the park is in the morning since it will take about five hours from Helsinki.
11. Interact with the Locals
One of the most interesting things you can do in a new place is to get to know the locals.
As you will find out, Finns are some of the weirdest people and are really likable. If you can find a few good friends, you will learn a lot from them and enjoy a good time there.
Even if you don’t know anyone yet, you can also book a private tour with a local guide to give you a special insight into the city.
12. Watch the Northern Lights
Some people are wondering if you could see the northern lights from Helsinki.
Well, the short answer is yes. Sometimes, it is possible to see the northern lights right from Helsinki.
But if you want a real view of the northern lights, then you may want to head north towards the Arctic Circle.
13. Visit the Post Museum
A museum about the postal services may seem weird, but you will learn a lot.
The museum highlights the rich history of the mail service in the country, from leds and ships in the 17th century to the modern-day service.
14. Take a Free Walking Tour
One of the best things to do in Helsinki is just walk around the city.
Doing this will enable you to see the main sights, have a local expert provide insights into the local environment, and learn about the history and culture of the Finnish.
15. Attend a Candlelight Concert
If you love live classical music, then attend one of the Candlelight concerts.
Local musicians play a series of original music concerts in different venues around the city. What makes it unique is that thousands of candles illuminate the performers and space.
16. Explore the National Museum of Finland
This list of interesting things to do in Helsinki will not be complete without adding a visit to the National Museum of Finland.
This museum boasts a large collection of Finnish artifacts from the Stone Age to the present day, including coins, jewelry, weapons, tools, and more.
So, you will get a sufficient glimpse of Finland’s cultural history and people.
17. Relax in Sinebrychoff Park
This park was originally a tiny private garden managed by a Russian businessman before the authorities turned it into a public park.
Today, Sinebrychoff Park is a place for picnics, events, relaxing, and sledding during the winter.
18. Wander the Suomenlinna Fortress
Suomenlinna is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on an island off the coast.
The place was originally named Sweavborg when the Swedes managed it, serving as a deterrent against Russian expansionism.
19. Visit the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
Kiasma is situated in a unique modern building near the Post Museum and has a huge collection of over 8,500 works.
These displays pay tribute to Finnish art from the mid-20th century to the present day.
Another impressive thing about visiting this museum is that there are several concerts and events held frequently within Kiasma.
The building also has a library, a theater, a cafe, and a bookstore.
20. Buy Local Crafts in Market Square
Visiting Market Square is a must if you want to sample some of Finland’s finest crafts.
The market is situated right on the harbor and sells a variety of souvenirs, veggies, fruits, glogy, and coffee.
21. Stroll Around the Central Market
Central Market is a favorite place to visit if you love souvenir shopping.
You will also find fresh produce, and tasty local foods in this market. The place is also great for people watching.
22. Hang Out in a Library
If you are a book lover, then one of the most interesting things to do in Helsinki is visit one of the 700 libraries. This number shows that Finnish love libraries.
The city has some of the most incredible libraries that you will find around.
23. Pay a Visit to the Helsinki Cathedral
If you love strolling in religious places, then why not visit the most impressive cathedrals in the city.
It was built in the 1800s as a tribute to the Emperor of Russia, Grand Duke of Finland, and King of Congress Poland.
The most interesting fact about this cathedral is that it towers over the city and is one of the most noticeable facial features of Helsiki’s skyline.
24. Walk Down Huvilakatu Street
Huvilakatu Street is a quick stop consisting of two-block streets in the Ullanlinna neighborhood.
Its pastel houses are what draws many travelers to this place.
25. See the Finnish Museum of Photography
This museum houses an impressive collection of photography from both international and local artists.
There are also exhibits for new and emerging artists. So, you will definitely find something interesting here.
Closing Remarks
Helsinki is one of the best Scandinavian cities to explore.
The place is easy to get around, safe, and has low-cost flights between other countries. More importantly, it has many sights and activities to watch and participate in.
We hope that this guide has given you a good idea of what to do while in Helsinki.
As you may have noticed from the above list of the best things to do in Helsinki, the city is a blend of both experience and sights.
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