Helsinki is an exciting and contemporary Scandinavian city. Although smaller in comparison with its Nordic capital counterparts, Helsinki still offers plenty of activities and adventures for visitors to enjoy.
Helsinki Airport in Vantaa provides frequent flights to destinations throughout Europe and further. Meanwhile, its central railway station provides intercity passenger services throughout Finland.
1. Senate Square
Senate Square (Senaatintori) is one of Helsinki’s iconic landmarks and was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel during the first half of the 19th century. Distinguished neoclassical buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel adorn its symmetric layout and grandeur; highlighted by Cathedral of Helsinki or Tuomiokirkko which stands as an icon and tourist magnet.
Engel’s longest-running project and one of Europe’s finest neoclassical ensembles was the Cathedral of Helsinki on the northern edge of the square, constructed as a tribute to Emperor Alexander II for initiating reforms that increased Finland’s autonomy from Russia.
Notable buildings on the square include the Government Palace, built in 1822, and the main University building erected in 1832. There is also a statue of Queen Victoria standing watch over her kingdom – symbolising national unity – on display here. Visitors should keep in mind that each building on or around the square may have different opening hours and visiting policies; to maximize your visit experience it’s wise to contact each venue directly before setting out on their journey.
2. Central Market
The Central Market or Kauppatori, is one of Helsinki’s most well-known market squares with an array of shops and restaurants. This market square provides visitors with an ideal place to try traditional Finnish snacks like salmon soup with rye bread or fresh fish or reindeer meat; you can also shop here for some souvenirs; the merchants here are more than willing to help out if needed!
The square hosts many special events and themed markets, such as the famous Baltic Herring Market which has been held here annually since 1743 and is one of Finland’s oldest ongoing traditions. Held each autumn, visitors from around the globe visit to participate in this tradition-rich market event at this Square.
The Market Hall is open year-round and hosts an array of merchants including bakers, delis, cafes, cheesemongers, butchers, chocolatiers and Finland’s smallest Alko liquor shop. Situated ten minutes’ walk from the main train station with its own tram stop – Kauppatori – The Market Hall features bakeries, delis, cafes cheesemongers butchers chocolatiers as well as Finland’s only Alko liquor shop!
3. Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna (Finland’s Fortress) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising six islands located off Finland. Comprised of defensive and utilitarian structures from both Swedish and Russian times, most buildings on Suomenlinna remain preserved up until this day with only minor exceptions.
Fortress Suomenlinna is full of history, as it was used by various occupants throughout its many incarnations over time. You can take a stroll on the “blue route”, taking in all the main sights such as Suomenlinna Church – once used by Russian troops until 1918 when Finland changed it into an Evangelical Lutheran congregation – dry dock, piper’s park and King’s Gate.
Suomenlinnan Panimo serves a range of dishes while Bastion Bistro in an 1892 wooden infantry barrack offers cozy indoor dining as well as al fresco terrace dining in summer months. Both restaurants are located within walking distance from the city ferry terminal.
4. The National Museum of Finland
Designed by Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1916, the National Museum of Finland holds one of Finland’s oldest and most comprehensive cultural history collections. Additionally, its striking building stands as an emblematic example of National Romantic style architecture.
Inside, visitors can discover archaeology finds, numismatics, decorative arts and other sections that illustrate Finland’s rich cultural history from prehistoric beginnings through independence in 1917. Its main hall features Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s famed frescoes depicting themes from Kalevala epic.
The National Museum is an invaluable experience for families with young children, with exhibits that present science and culture through hands-on interactive experiences. Workshop Vintti on the third floor offers fun learning activities for those seven or older.
5. The Ateneum Art Museum
The Ateneum Art Museum is Finland’s oldest and largest art collection. With an extraordinary array of historical, modern, and contemporary pieces spanning five centuries of Finnish art history and its development. Additionally, extensive records exist of provenance research conducted here.
The museum’s art display follows a chronological line. Starting with works from the golden age of painting during the latter half of the 1800s when social realism flourished, such as Girl (1908) by Eemil Halonen who explored everyday lives while breaking with academic tradition, our journey takes us through time to today.
Sekel (which translates to Century) offers culinary experiences from the Fin de siecle through to Roaring Twenties, from Fin de siecle dishes such as Elk Rossini and Beetroot Wellington, as well as classic Norwegian Cod dishes made using seasonal ingredients. You can book your table online or at the ticket office.
6. The Finnish National Opera and Ballet
The Finnish National Opera and Ballet is a national art institution dedicated to opera and ballet performances and events for all Finns. Our 550 full time employees from 32 different nations – opera singers, ballet dancers, orchestra musicians and highly trained artisan professionals such as shoemakers or metal workers – create unforgettable art experiences for audiences throughout Finland through visiting performances, school operas broadcasts or streaming.
The main company comprises 75 dancers and 14 youth dancers representing 24 nationalities. Our repertoire features several international classics as well as new creations and original Finnish works.
Your visit to the Finnish National Opera and Ballet should include seeing their breathtaking ballet T(r)anssi based on Thomas Mann’s (1875-1955) novel Aschenbach and John Neumeier’s (1939-) Death in Venice will make your Helsinki stay truly remarkable. In its contemporary Almi Hall setting, this spectacular arena experience will combine movement with emotion and mental stimulation to provide a stunning arena experience that transcends time.
7. The Helsinki Art Museum
The Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), or gallery as it’s commonly known, serves to house modern and contemporary art collections from across Helsinki. Housed within the former Helsinki art academy building, its collection boasts some of the city’s best-known artists like Albert Edelfelt, Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Helene Schjerfbeck – among many others.
HAM is known for its vast collection of modern and contemporary Finnish art, as well as older masterpieces. Their exhibitions offer stimulating content relating to spirituality and urbanisation – so make time to visit when in Helsinki!
HAM is one of the museums included in the Helsinki Card, which also grants you free admission to Suomenlinna Island and some other major attractions. Other notable art museums in Helsinki are Amos Rex’s engaging blend of underground aesthetics with contemporary art; Studio Aalto offers architectural landmark status by hosting domed above ground galleries; all three can easily be reached on foot or tram; we suggest seeing them all within one day!
8. The National Museum of Finland
The National Museum of Finland is one of Finland’s largest museums, providing cultural history lessons through exhibits and artifacts from elk heads to brass snuff boxes. A visit here promises an experience-rich encounter.
The museum building itself is an iconic work of architecture that draws its inspiration from Finland’s National Romantic style. Designed by Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen between 1905-1910 and decorated with steatite decoration featuring frescoes by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, its construction began over five years.
Visitors to the National Museum of Finland can explore it many different ways, including via GPSmyCity app which offers self-guided tours for this and other top attractions in Helsinki. This free mobile app transforms your smartphone into your personal tour guide by providing interesting facts, photos and videos about each attraction you are visiting.
9. The Suomenlinna Islands
Suomenlinna boasts six museums, a church, cafes and restaurants that make for plenty of attractions and activities to do and see. On its main quay is the pink Rantakasarmi building that hosts a small exhibition and multilingual tourist office from which guided tours depart. A few doors down is its distinctive church which was originally constructed as an Orthodox Russian Orthodox place of worship when Suomenlinna switched hands between Sweden and Russia in the 1800s; today Lutherans use this church which doubles up as lighthouse keep watch as lighthouse keep watch on these islands!
Though founded as a military stronghold, this fortress is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Walking around in winter was truly captivating when everything but the sound of a ferry coming in was silent except the occasional ferry coming through from Helsinki Kauppatori (Market Square) with frequent trips that cost 5EUR for individual tickets or day tickets (HSL transport day tickets include ferry ride). Be warned though – as this site can become very busy so arrive early to ensure maximum enjoyment!