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If you are in Finland, you can’t keep Helsinki off your travel list. Jam-packed with popular tourist attractions, picking what to see in Helsinki may be difficult for tourists with limited time.
And in this Helsinki blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Helsinki.
Going on a 5 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Helsinki. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Let me share with you the best things to do in Helsinki and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral is a beautiful Cathedral situated in Helsinki.
The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint. The inside of the cathedral is adorned with a dazzling array of intricate frescoes depicting important Christian events.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Helsinki Cathedral features include iconic green dome.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 19th-century.
2. Uspenski Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral is a charming old Cathedral located in the city of Helsinki, Finland.
You may go for a Sunday service or attend an occasional concert in the cathedral. The church’s side altars have a number of magnificent pieces of art by some of the Finland’s top painters.
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Aleksey Gornostayev, cathedral is a classic example of fine Byzantine Revival architecture.
- Some of the things Uspenski Cathedral features include ornate exterior.
- The cathedral is named after the Slavonic word meaning the Old Church.
- The cathedral is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos.
- The cathedral belongs to the Orthodox faith, but is visited by others too.
- The cathedral is located Hilltop.
A natural crowd puller, Uspenski Cathedral is right up there in the list of best things to do in Helsinki.
Address: Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
3. Linnanmaki
An entertainment park with a number of fun rides.
The park is packed with old school arcades and games, try rides like merry-go-rounds, 3D rides, carousels and bumper cars. There are also a number of restaurants and cafés in here, so you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 8 ha, it is difficult to take-in all in one go.
- Some of the things Linnanmaki features include a fun monorail ride.
- It was in 1950.0 when it was established.
- The amusement park is owned by non-profit Lasten Päivän Säätiö.
Address: Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki, Finland
4. The National Museum of Finland
One of the most visited museum in Finland, The National Museum of Finland is a museum preserving country’s national heritage.
The museum’s serene grounds are a favorite summer gathering place. It has acquired an extensive selection of pieces since its inception.
Quick Facts:
- This 53 m tall structure was designed by Eliel Saarinen, Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren.
- Easy to get to The National Museum of Finland is located in central Helsinki.
- The national museum was built somewhere around 20th-century.
An incredible sight, The National Museum of Finland scores high in the list of the best things to do in Helsinki.
Address: Mannerheimintie 34, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
5. Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography. The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Deconstructivism, Postmodern Architecture style that you see is credited to the architect Steven Holl.
- The contemporary art museum is located on Mannerheimintie in Helsinki.
Address: Mannerheiminaukio 2, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
6. Ateneum
Quick Facts:
- It was in 19th-century when it was established.
- The art musem is located near Helsinki Central railway station.
- Easy to get to Ateneum is located in central Helsinki on Rautatientori square.
- The art musem’s collection include classical art.
- Also worth seeing here include several international art work.
Without a doubt this wonderful art musem is one amongst the top things to do in Helsinki.
Address: Kaivokatu 2, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
7. Design Museum Helsinki
Design Museum Helsinki is a museum with unique collection situated in Helsinki.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes an exhibition on angry birds!
- Some of the things Design Museum Helsinki features include Finish Design pieces.
- It is actually Gustaf Nyström who is credited with designing this whole place.
- The niche museum was opened on 1873.
- The niche museum is owned by the Republic of Finland.
Address: Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
8. The Parliament House
This majestically built building is the seat of the country’s government.
The parliament building is open for visitors when not in session.
The guided tour takes you to the most important sections and gives you insight on the history of the building.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Neoclassical architecture, Nordic Classicism style that you see is credited to the architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén.
- This 25 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: Mannerheimintie 30, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
9. Suomenlinna
Built centuries ago, Suomenlinna is a majestic oceanside fortress.
This historical fort offers some of the best views of the coastline.
The purpose to built Suomenlinna was to defend the city from the possiblity of a maritime invasion.
Quick Facts:
- The seaside fort was built somewhere around 18th-century.
- The year 1991 saw Suomenlinna being designated as a world heritage site.
Add it to your Helsinki trip if you have time.
Address: 00190 Helsinki, Finland
10. Temppeliaukion Church
A beautiful addition to city’s architecture, Temppeliaukion Church is a pretty old church located in Helsinki.
The inside of the church is adorned with a variety of gorgeous artwork. A donation at the entrance is optional but encouraged, since it will go towards the preservation of this piece of history.
Quick Facts:
- Tuomo Suomalainen, Timo Suomalainen are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- Some of the things Temppeliaukion Church features include copper-lined dome.
- Temppeliaukion Church is also known as the Church of the Rock.
- Temppeliaukion Church was opened in 1969.0.
Address: Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
11. Market Square
Market Square is the central square of the city of Helsinki.
It is a part of the old town and a popular meeting point.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Market Square is located in central Helsinki, at the eastern end of Esplanadi.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Helsinki trip.
Address: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
12. Sibelius Monument
Sibelius Monument is a heart-felt monument located in Helsinki.
Quick Facts:
- It is actually Eila Hiltunen who is credited with designing this whole place.
- The monument is located at the Sibelius Park in Töölö area.
- The monument is dedicated to Jean Sibelius, the famed Finnish composer.
Address: Sibeliuksen puisto, Mechelininkatu, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
13. Seurasaari
Seurasaari is a serene island, known for its scenic beauty, located out in the open sea.
You will get to see some of the fantastic views of the sea.
You can also enjoy the soft sand on the pristine beach. Snorkeling is a particularly popular activity here.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Seurasaari features include an interesting open-air museum.
Add it to your Helsinki trip if you have time.
14. Esplanadi
Esplanadi is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Helsinki.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
One of my favorite thing to do here is simply grabbing a book, and lying down on the lap of green. Stroll along the pathways and rest on the grassy areas, find your own spot of relaxation.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Esplanadi features include special stage for live music performances.
- Esplanadi was opened in 1812.0.
Address: Pohjoisesplanadi, 00101 Helsinki, Finland
15. Korkeasaari zoo
A nice city zoo sheltering a myriad of animals.
In the premises there is an animal hospital which provides care for the zoo’s residents. If you get tired you can sit in the on-site cafe and relax.
Quick Facts:
- The zoo is located on the island of the same name.
- The zoo houses a fantastic zoo.
- Korkeasaari zoo was opened in 1889.
Add it to your Helsinki trip if you have time.
16. Senate Square
Senate Square is the central plaza, the heart of the beautiful city of Helsinki.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Senate Square is located in central Helsinki.
- This whole structure that you see was the brainchild of Carl Ludvig Engel.
Address: 00170 Helsinki, Finland
But beyond the famous attractions in Helsinki, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Helsinki travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Helsinki but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Helsinki. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Helsinki, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.