The best things to do and see in Helsinki, Finland for First-Time Visitors: explore design, saunas & Nordic charm

Helsinki is the often overlooked Nordic capital that doesn’t get as much love as its neighbours Copenhagen or Stockholm. But if you like Nordic culture, architecture, grand buildings and cinnamon buns, Helsinki is the perfect destination for you. Not only are there plenty of things to see and do in Helsinki, but a trip to Finland also encourages a slower way of travelling where Finnish sauna, fantastic food and calm forests can be a part of your everyday. I was so pleasantly surprised by this lovely city so let me share why I think Helsinki deserves a spot on your travel wish list plus all the must do activities that you should not miss on your trip!

This guide will be updated continuously as I discover and experience more destinations in Helsinki and was last updated in May 2026.

Why trust this Helsinki guide?

First-hand recent experience
During my time in Helsinki, I made sure to gather as much up-to-date recommendations and practical travel tips for you. Both through my own experiences and tips from my Finnish friends. My list of the 10 best things to do in Helsinki is entirely based on the things I did during my time in the city.

Deep regional knowledge
As someone originally from Sweden, I have grown up with the Nordic culture. And therefore have a connection and understanding with the culture, lifestyle and local perspective which is shared across the Nordic countries.

Long-term familiarity with Finland
I’ve visited Finland regularly since childhood and have many Finnish friends, giving me insights into both popular highlights and lesser-known experiences that visitors often miss. Ever since I was little I have been really curious about Finland. Although it is similar to Sweden in some ways, it has a lot of unique charm.

The best things to do and see in Helsinki: a complete guide

Helsinki blends Nordic design, coastal beauty and a relaxed city atmosphere. Making it one of Europe’s most rewarding capitals to explore. From striking architecture and vibrant market halls to peaceful waterfront walks and nearby islands, the city offers a mix of culture, history and everyday Finnish life. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or adding it to a wider Nordic itinerary, Helsinki delivers a wide range of experiences that go far beyond its compact size. Do check out my 10 best things to do in Helsinki further down for my must do recommendations.

When to visit Helsinki

Deciding when to visit Helsinki can be a difficult task. Especially as the Nordics can have quite temperamental weather in certain seasons. I visited the city in the shoulder season of April and could definitely feel that preparations for the high season were in full swing.

May to September

May to September is a lovely time to visit Helsinki and Finland as there are plenty of things to do and see during these months. The days are also longer with daylight and the temperatures milder. I visited Helsinki in April and quickly found out that some attractions are very seasonal and only open May until September. There were also some venues like the Allas Sea Pool that were doing renovations on their outdoor pool throughout April, so that it was ready for the busier months head. I really wanted to visit this swimming pool, so it was a bit of a shame but it’s also why I would recommend visiting throughout May until September so that most options are available to you.

Winter

If you want to experience a proper Nordic experience, then winter can be a lovely time to see Helsinki. The weather can of course be very temperamental, with snow or storms but there is nothing better than hiding away in a sauna when the snow is thick on the ground outside. Perhaps you’ll even be brave enough to go for a little roll in the snow to cool off. Before escaping into the warmth of the sauna again.

How to get to Helsinki

Reaching Finland is fairly straightforward, with routes by both air and sea. Whether you’re flying in for convenience or arriving by ferry for a more scenic journey. Travelling to Helsinki is simple and accessible from across Europe and beyond.

By Air

Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Finland. Most international travellers arrive via Helsinki Airport. It serves as the country’s main hub and is located around 30 minutes from Helsinki city centre. The airport offers excellent transport links, including trains, buses, and taxis, making it easy to continue your journey upon arrival. Finnair is the most popular Finnish airline. They serve a lovely complimentary blueberry juice onboard – so don’t miss trying it if you’re flying with them.

By Sea

Travelling to Finland by sea is a popular and scenic option, particularly from neighbouring countries. Regular ferry services operate between Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki, offering a comfortable and often memorable journey across the Baltic Sea. Many ferries include overnight cabins, dining, and entertainment, making the journey part of the travel experience itself.

Weather

Helsinki experiences distinct seasons, which can significantly shape your visit. Summers (June to August) are mild and enjoyable with long daylight hours and temperatures typically ranging between 15°C and 25°C. Making it the best time for sightseeing, island hopping, and outdoor dining.

Winter (December to February) brings a completely different atmosphere with cold temperatures often dropping below freezing, shorter days, and the possibility of snow. While it’s chilly, this season offers a magical Nordic experience, especially if you enjoy festive markets, winter scenery – and of course Finnish sauna.

Spring and autumn are quieter shoulder seasons, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Spring gradually brightens the city after winter, while autumn brings crisp air and beautiful foliage. I was visiting at the end of April which was still pretty cold, but there were signs of spring flowers across the parks.

No matter when you visit, it’s worth packing layers as the weather in Helsinki can change quickly, even within a single day.

Where to stay

Helsinki is a city with great options of where to stay and rest in between all those things there is to do and see in Finland’s capital city. From historic luxury at venues like Kämp Hotel to a quirky boutique atmosphere at Hotel F6 – you are sure to find somewhere that suits the tone you want to set for your trip.

Luxury & 5 star hotels

Stay in style and enjoy the charm of the historic buildings that house some of the finest hotels in the city.

• Hotel Kämp
• Waldorf Astoria Helsinki
• Hotel St George
• Hotel Haven

Boutique hotels

For hotels with personality and excellent locations, perhaps a boutique stay would suit your trip?

• Hotel F6
• Hotel Lilla Roberts
• Hotel Hobo
• Lapland Hotels Bulevardi

Self-catered accommodation

If you want the convenience of being able to cook your own meals on some days, then these stylish self-catering apartments can enhance your time in the city.

• Bob W Kamppi
• Bob W Ullanlinna
• Charming 1 bedroom apartment in the city centre
• Luxury 3 bedroom skyscraper apartment with incredible views

♥ To read all my recommendations and my full guide to the best hotels in Helsinki, find it here.

Things to see and do in Helsinki

I was averaging 20,000 steps each day I was in the city as I didn’t want to miss out on seeing as much as I possibly could in my short time here. I did come home with a couple of blisters, but it was totally worth it with everything I managed to experience on my trip.

Before I go to a new (or old) destination, I like to put together a little list of the top 10 best things I want to experience whilst travelling – and Helsinki was of course no exception. Slowly but surely, my list of what I wanted to do in Helsinki started to come together and as I ticked each one off I got more and more appreciation for Finland’s capital. Usually when I put the list together there are a couple of things that I don’t enjoy as much as I thought I would. Whilst there was one of two things like that here I instead found other things to add to the list. After having visited the city, this is the list I have put together so you can make the most out of your trip! Do let me know if you manage to do them all?

Top 10 best things to do in Helsinki

1. Go relax in a traditional Finnish sauna and go for a dip in the cold sea
2. Explore the art at the Ateneum Art Museum
3. Try a cinnamon bun at Fazer Café
4. Try Finnish whisky from Teerenpeli, Kyrö or Helsinki Distilling Company
5. Buy a souvenir at The Moomin Shop
6. Try lohikeitto (salmon soup) at the Old Market Hall – it’s delicious!
7. See both the National Library of Finland and the Helsinki Central Library Oodi
8. Climb the stairs at Senate Square and admire the Helsinki Cathedral
9. Try a good cup of coffee (Finland is the world leading coffee consuming nation)
10. Learn a couple pf Finnish phrases or words like ‘kiitos’, ‘moi’ ‘kippis’ and ‘tervetuloa’.

Top tip: if you are wanting to do multiple museums and tours as well as enjoy public transport within the AB zones of the city, the Helsinki Card is great. I tried it out during one of the days I had in the city and saved €40 compared to what I would’ve paid for each individual museum entry in total.

Museums

There are quite a few different museums to explore in Helsinki – from the architect and design museum with a Moomin exhibition to multiple art museums and the popular rock church. Unfortunately the Amos Rex and National Museum of Finland – Suomen Kansallismuseo – were closed during my visit but they would be at the top of my list for next time. My favourite museum in Helsinki was the Ateneum which is Finland’s most well known museum for art. If you enter the museum you also get access to Cafe Höijer on the top floor, which is only available to those with a museum ticket. I enjoyed a glass of cremant and a cake inspired by the current exhibition as a little afternoon treat before heading to the airport.

I also really enjoyed the Sinebrychoff Museum which also showcases art, but also the beautiful home of the Sinebrychoff family. As a Moomin fan I also loved the exhibition about Tove Jansson and the Moomins at the Architecture and Design Museum, which would also be very suitable for children.

The Moomins

As a Swedish person who grew up in the 90’s, the Moomins were a big part of my childhood. Not only did we listen to the author Tove Jansson reading her tales of the Moomin family on audiotapes, but I also read the books and saw the films multiple times over and over. When I worked in the Austrian Alps I also got the endearing nickname Pikku Myy (little My) from one of my Finnish colleagues which is after one of the characters in the Moomins. If you visit Helsinki, it’s near impossible not to see these little fairytale characters.

If you’ve never come across the Moomins before, let me tell you a little of who they are. The Moomins are a family of white, round trolls created by the Swedish-speaking Finnish author and illustrator Tove Jansson in 1945. They are known for living a carefree life in the idyllic Moominvalley and there are plenty of other recurring characters in the books, comic strips and films. They are incredibly popular and you’ll see traces of them all over Helsinki – in museums, libraries and of course The Moomin Shops. If you haven’t seen or read anything with the Moomins before, I would warmly recommend it. Tove Jansson was also a fascinating person and there is even a film about her called ‘Tove’ which I would also recommend!

Libraries

I basically grew up in a library because I was so obsessed with books when I was young. So anytime I hear about libraries in a new-to-me city, it’s on my to-visit list right away. And these two did not disappoint.

The National Library was founded in 1640 and is located right by the cathedral and Oodi was finished in 2018 is right next to the train station. The Oodi library was built as a flagship project celebrating 100 years of Finnish independence. The national library quickly became my favourite building in the city – the ceiling and architecture inside is just breathtaking. There are reading rooms that are not available to tourists, but they are well marked with signs. Just make sure to be respectful and not make too much noise as people are studying in here.

These libraries are so different to each other – traditional and old versus new and modern – and I do think they are both well worth a visit if you are in this part of Finland. It’s such a bonus that they are both free to enter as well.

Shopping

Finland have some incredible brands, especially in design, that you should check out whilst visiting the city. There are several shopping centres in the city centre like Kamppi with its 7 floors of shopping opportunities. As well as the Kämp Galleria which showcases luxury brands primarily. Here below I have listed some Finnish brands that I would recommend keeping an eye out for. They could all also make great souvenirs or gifts.

• Marimekko
• Lumene
• En Hats
• Fiskars
• Fazer
• Iittala

Sauna

Sauna is an absolute must do and one of my top recommendations as I can’t imagine anywhere better for it than in Finland – the home of sauna. The best way to do it is to sit in the heat until you start feeling uncomfortable (within reason) and then cool off in the freezing water of the sea or a plunge pool. It’s incredibly invigorating and you’ll feel absolutely incredible after.

• Löyly: A design-led sauna experience right by the water. They also have a lovely restaurant with nordic dishes like reindeer tartare and meatballs with lingonberries. Pre-booking for the sauna is recommend and you can buy your tickets to Löyly here.
• Allas Sea Pool: is located near the Cathedral and has a lovely heated outdoor swimming pool open year round as well as different saunas.

Cathedral

You can’t go to the city and not see the iconic Cathedral. This grand building is definitely one of the 10 best things to see and do – this recognisable landmark can be seen across postcards and photos promoting Finland and is a must-visit on any Helsinki itinerary. The Helsinki Cathedral stands proudly above Senate Square with its striking white façade and green domes. Built in the 19th century, this Lutheran cathedral offers a calm and minimal interior that reflects the simplicity of Nordic design.

Climb the steps to the front of the cathedral for panoramic views across the square and surrounding city. Or step inside to experience the peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle outside. The cathedral is free to enter, making it an easy and worthwhile stop while exploring central Helsinki.

Whether you visit for the architecture, the history, or simply the views, don’t miss the seeing the impressive Helsinki Cathedral.

Suomenlinna and Seurasaari

A visit to either Suomenlinna or Seurasaari was on my list of things I wanted to see. But unfortunately I did not have enough time for them on this occasion. However I certainly hope to come back to Helsinki someday in the future so I can go visit both as they seem fascinating.

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is an 18th century sea fortress located on an island outside of the city. To get to the island you take the public HSL ferry from the eastern side of the Market Square (Kauppatori), near the Presidential Palace which takes 15 minutes. Make sure you have an AB ticket, which costs around €3.30 and is valid for 90 minutes on the public transport around the city. There is no entrance fee to see the island, as it’s open year round for visitors. However the museums, restaurants and visitor centre have set opening hours and some attractions require a ticket. It’s particularly lovely to visit the island in the summer, when you can sit outside and enjoy the view over the water from one of the cafés or restaruants.

Seurasaari

Seurasaari is another island where you can find an open air museum that showcases historic buildings. It opened in 1909 and showcases an idea of what Finnish life would’ve looked like between the 18th and 20th centuries. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge. To get here you can get the Bus 24 from Kamppi in the city centre. An entrance ticket is required to enter the open-air museum. Seurasaari is open seasonally between 15th May and 15th September. To make the most of your visit, time your journey to Seurasaari so you can take part in one of the public guided tours that are included in your entrance ticket.

Where to eat and drink

I may be biased towards Nordic cuisine, considering I grew up in Sweden, but there are so many delicious foods and drinks to explore here. From lingonberry lemonades to smoked fish and salted liquorice (perhaps not at the same time). I would strongly recommend trying some local delicacies in Helsinki – and of course across Finland if you go elsewhere too. It’s a great way to get a taste of (see what I did there?) the local culture and history.

Must try Finnish delicacies

• Lohikeitto: this creamy salmon soup with potatoes and onions is so hearty and delicious
• Korvapuusti: The word for cinnamon bun in Finnish means slapped ear. If you look at the shape, you can kind of see why
• Toast Skagen: is a delicacy in Sweden as well (and one of my favourite dishes) so I highly recommend trying this delicious shrimp salad on toasted bread.
• Salmiakki: I can’t mention Finnish delicacies and not mention salted liquorice. Definitely a taste that divides opinions, but in the Nordics most people absolutely love it.
• Karjalanpiirakka: these pasties from the region of Karelia have a rye crust and are stuffed with rice. They are usually served topped with egg butter.
• Paistetut muikut: is a summer dish with fried vendace which has been pan-fried in butter and is often served with creamy mashed potatoes
• Leipäjuusto: is often known as squeaky cheese and is usually served warm with cloudberry jam (which is a Nordic delicacy on its own).
• Poronkäristys: I know eating reindeer can seem a little strange if you’re not from the Nordics, but trust me it’s delicious. It’s particularly good with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. If you want to try reindeer in a different way, there are also several places that do reindeer tartare – like at the restaurant at Löyly.
• Glögi: is Finnish mulled wine which is traditionally served around Christmas

Practical Information for your trip

• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Language: Finnish and Swedish but many people speak English
• Emergency: Call 112
• Time Zone: Finland follows Eastern European Time (EET), which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

On the Move to Helsinki: the pearl of the Baltic

There are so many things to love about Helsinki and these are just a few of my personal recommendations for the best things to do and see. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to explore the city’s design districts and waterfront, a family looking for museums and cosy cafés or a slow traveller soaking in the islands and Nordic architecture, I hope my version of a travel guide helps you plan your trip to Helsinki.

FAQ: things to see and do in Helsinki in Finland

Looking for more inspiration for your Helsinki trip?

• The best hotels in Helsinki Guide: top picks in the Finnish Capital (2026)
• Hotel F6 Helsinki Review: A Boutique Stay in the Heart of the City
• Scandic Helsinki Hub: An Honest Review of Helsinki’s Trendy Hotel

Or are you going to any of the nearby Nordic countries as well?

• On the move to Copenhagen – 48 hours
• Things to See and Do in Stockholm: An Insider’s Guide to the City