Helsinki is definitely worth your while, but to truly discover its charm you need to go beyond simply browsing its streets and take time to visit places like the National Library of Finland.
Springtime in Helsinki is especially beautiful and less crowded than summer, making for an easy journey on public transit and discounts at attractions. Consider purchasing the Helsinki Card to gain easy access and discounts at attractions.
History
Helsinki, the modern capital of Finland, boasts an energetic art and music scene tucked within its archipelago of 315 islands. Unlike more traditional Scandinavian capitals Stockholm and Copenhagen, Helsinki can be easily explored on foot while receiving less tourists than their Scandinavian counterparts.
Established by Swedish King Gustav I Vasa as an alternative to Reval (now Tallinn, Estonia) in 1550, Suomenlinna initially experienced difficulty. Ravaged by plague in 1710 and Russian attacks during its formative years. But things turned around when Swedes constructed Sveaborg–now Suomenlinna–on an island near its harbor in 1748. Trade and shipping flourished exponentially afterwards.
After Russia regained control of Finland following the 1808-1809 War, Emperor Alexander I elevated Helsinki as capital of his Grand Duchy of Finland. Carl Ludvig Engel designed several neo-classical buildings including Senate Square and the main University building for this new downtown Helsinki.
Although initially met with opposition from Western nations, the Helsinki process proved ultimately successful in its goal of decreasing tensions between Soviet Russia and Western Europe. Over the course of more than a year of meetings and negotiations led to the signing of the Helsinki Final Act on August 1, 1975.
Sightseeing
Helsinki is one of the world’s most captivating cities and an unforgettable visit. Easily explored on foot and with affordable public transit services available nearby. Additionally, Helsinki provides easy ferry connections to nearby cities like Tallinn, Stockholm and Mariehamn for added convenience.
One of the most striking attractions in Helsinki is to explore Temppeliaukio Church, more commonly referred to as “the Rock Church”. From its exterior appearance alone, it appears to have been cut directly out of rocks; but step inside and you’ll discover an exquisite blend of stone and design.
Uspenski Cathedral, Western Europe’s largest Orthodox church, stands out for its distinct architecture compared to Lutheran churches nearby. Visit just to admire its beauty!
The Central Market offers a fun place to browse souvenirs, local food and other treats. Additionally, its many cafes provide relaxing coffee or beer drinks.
For those seeking an escape from city life, national parks provide hiking and other outdoor activities. Spring is the best season to visit them as the weather remains warm and dry; if traveling without a car it may be wiser to join a tour through them instead of trying to explore by yourself.
Nightlife
Helsinki boasts a vibrant club scene with numerous bars and clubs to suit everyone’s musical tastes, from rock music to electronic DJ sets and beyond. Many venues host live bands alongside DJ sets while supporting emerging talents.
Tavastia Club was opened in 1970 and holds up to 700 people, offering an array of events nightly from 10 pm until 4 am. Another popular spot is Maxine on the sixth-floor of Kamppi shopping center; open to the public and offering two dance floors.
Teatteri is an iconic restaurant-nightclub located at the heart of Helsinki’s nightlife scene, boasting both a lounge-pub downstairs and club upstairs, complete with an ample dance floor and opening hours every night from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. In recent months, Helsinki has welcomed the debut of Skohan – an upbeat newcomer that provides its patrons with all the latest R&B hits in an intimate environment located close to central Helsinki.
Liberty or Death, a speakeasy-style bar located within an old pharmacy, offers an eclectic cocktail selection and has an authentic Brooklyn atmosphere. Or head up to Ateljee Bar at Hotel Torni for more of an exclusive atmosphere and breathtaking city views!
Food & Drink
Helsinki boasts an extensive variety of eateries to satisfy any hunger. From grilled meats and fish to Nordic porridge and craft beer, Helsinki’s cuisine has something delicious for every palette. Food tours provide the ideal way to discover Helsinki’s delectable offerings; Heather’s Helsinki provides five-hour tours that cover everything from seafood and meat dishes to local beers.
Visit the classic 1930s Sea Horse restaurant for an insight into Finnish cuisine. A popular spot among families, artists and travellers in-the-know alike, its menu showcases traditional Finnish fare like fried Baltic herring with beetroot or cabbage rolls with wild mushrooms.
Levain is an award-winning bakery chain and cafe with several locations in Helsinki. Offering tempting sweet treats and brunch dishes such as their famous Danish pastry Pastis de Nata, Levain provides the ideal spot for satisfying any sweet tooth visiting Helsinki.
Cafe Savoy serves authentic French fare using locally-sourced ingredients in an inviting setting with wooden tables and wine-red walls. For lighter dinner options, Juuri (Finnish for “root”) offers Sapas: small tasting plates like grouse with birch bark or chargrilled swede with beetroot mousse that make for satisfying meals. While here, be sure to sample some local Pinot Noir as part of the experience!
Shopping
Shopping opportunities in Helsinki span a spectrum, from high-end fashions on Esplanadi Street to flea markets and independent stores in Kallio. Marimekko’s flagship store features bold prints and colors; Relove offers sustainable clothing, accessories and more at its shop.
Mannerheimintie and Fredrikinkatu, in the city center, offer larger department and fashion stores; vintage clothing shops as well as various art galleries are also prevalent here.
Many shops in Helsinki offer tax-free shopping to visitors from outside the European Union, indicated by signs with EUROPE TAX-FREE SHOPPING or by asking at the counter. Value added tax (VAT) usually amounts to 16% and can be claimed back upon leaving by showing your passport or other identification.
The Helsinki Design Museum Shop is an ideal spot for finding Finnish souvenirs to bring back home as gifts, such as ceramics, birch wood vases and carved wooden figures. Also worth seeing are Lapuan Kankurit Store & Studio which features jacquard weaving techniques with decades of expertise woven rugs blankets kitchen products as well as Muumi mugs Fiskar scissors Marimekko bags as unique gifts! Of course the Helsinki Design Museum also boasts its own gift shop as well as cafe offering delicious lunch.
Outdoor Activities
Helsinki offers no shortage of outdoor activities when the temperature dips, particularly during the warmer summer months. Cruise the archipelago on a boat tour or try kayaking; to experience Helsinki’s natural beauty at its finest visit Sipoonkorpi National Park for towering evergreens and crystal lakes that provide an entrancing landscape – easily accessible day trip from Helsinki with guided hikes providing opportunities to relax as well.
City parks provide many outdoor recreational opportunities, with one of Europe’s largest green spaces — Esplanadi — serving as one of the central gathering places for locals during summer days and as an area for sledding in winter months.
Korkea-arvo nature reserve offers another stunning scenic option near Helsinki, ideal for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Experience Finnish wildlife up close by booking a stay in one of Rock and Lake’s log cabins just three hours from Helsinki; they rent boats of various sizes, fishing kayaks, canoes and bikes that allow users to explore their surrounding area freely as well as organizing guided trips and lessons so you can experience Finland’s great outdoors all year long!