Helsinki Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Helsinki

Visit Helsinki for its sophisticated charm and vibrant cultural scene, its beautiful buildings and its many museums and galleries.

Helsinki’s art, architecture, and cultural practices are influenced by both Western and Eastern European traditions, giving it a distinct character and singular charm. Head to Senate Square for a look at the statues and buildings of the city’s best-known public space. You’ll see the imposing Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral as well as Government Palace. Architecture and design fans will notice the work of Carl Ludvig Engel, Eliel Saarinen, and Alvar Aalto all around town. Visit the Helsinki City Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, Aalto House, or the Design Museum to learn about Finnish and Helsinkian design traditions.

History buffs will want to visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Built by the Swedish in the 18th century, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a museum, cafés, and even restaurants. To see artefacts from throughout the country’s history, spend a few hours in the National Museum of Finland.

Set aside at least a day to explore the city’s many art museums and galleries. Head to the Ateneum and Sinebrychoff Museums for a collection of classical Finnish and European works. For contemporary art, visit the Kiasma Museum.

Anyone looking to pick up a cool souvenir or a bite to eat should visit Old Market Hall and Market Square. For a cool atmosphere and trendy shops, explore the Design District or walk along the Esplanade. To take a break from the city, catch a ferry to one of the nearby islands. You’ll find historical houses on Seurasaari and Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari.

Helsinki is the cultural and economic hub of Finland and sits on a peninsula at the very south of the country and is surrounded by the waters of the Baltic Sea. It is a Nordic capital with a special charm, offering style, architecture, and a large number of museums and galleries.

Where to stay in Helsinki

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Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Senate Square and Presidential Palace are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Vironkatu Station or Hallituskatu Station to see more of the city.

Helsinki City Centre
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Kamppi

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

Travellers choose Kamppi for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Kamppi Station or Simonkatu Tram Stop and check out top sights like Kamppi Shopping Center.

Kamppi
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kluuvi

4.5/5(53 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Kluuvi. If sightseeing is on the list, Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Rautatientori Station or Rautatieasema Station to see more of the area.

Kluuvi
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Pasila

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Pasila. Mall of Tripla is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Pasilan asema Tram Stop or Esterinportti Station to see more of the city.

Pasila
Katajanokka which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. Top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Allas Sea Pool are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
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Aviapolis

4/5(77 area reviews)

While you're in Aviapolis, take in top sights like Finnish Aviation Museum or Jumbo Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Aviapolis Station or Lentoasema Station.

Aviapolis
Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is ฿3,821 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
฿3,821
฿4,356 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,506 reviews)
"Amazing stay! Loved that it was close to everything! Will stay here again. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is ฿4,024 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿4,024
฿4,587 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,900 reviews)
"Clean"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109, Helsinki
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,725 reviews)
"Unique spa hotel with pleasant, cozy wooden architecture and massive co-working spaces. Very quiet, clean, pleasant room. The hotel attracts work groups, families and young party people alike."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bob W Helsinki Kamppi

Bob W Helsinki Kamppi

4 out of 5
20 Lönnrotinkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kauppatori Market Square and Sinebrychoff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (132 reviews)
"The location is great, only 6 minutes walk on Frederikinkatu from Kamppi metro station. Right next door is Lidl grocery store. Room is new, comfortable bed, great shower. Very nice quick communication through WhatsApp with the host"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
Bob W Kaarti

Bob W Kaarti

3 out of 5
Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Kauppatori Market Square and Esplanadi ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
Great
"Great location. Comfortable room. Everything worked smoothly. Winner."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Bob W Kaarti
Bob W KOTI Katajanokka

Bob W KOTI Katajanokka

4.5 out of 5
4 Kruunuvuorenkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Kauppatori ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (302 reviews)
Convenient location & stay.
"I stayed in 2 types of room: standard studio & family style (when my friend was with me) - I prefer the family style the best bc it’s more spacious. My furnace wasn’t working in the standard studio so had to ask for a portable heater which wasn’t avail til 3rd night. Nonetheless the kitchen and apt ..."

Reviewed on 3 Oct 2025

Bob W KOTI Katajanokka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Helsinki

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
148
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
72
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderful laid back place to stroll through ! I'd recommend not taking any public transport or anything - very walkable city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Public saunas are worth while a visit: Kulttuurisauna, Löyly, Kotiharju etc. Some excellent dining options but you meed to do your reaearch. Hiking possible close by.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice city. Good public transport.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

very good transport system and wonderful new library for a rest and refreshment during the day.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Rich but Very expensive country and get dark very fast and rained and too cold for walking around or travel for pleasure. Not fun.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

There is not that much to actually do in Helsinki in the winter as it is so cold.

Cities near Helsinki