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 artifacts 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 Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square 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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Aviapolis

4/5(77 area reviews)

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

Aviapolis
Kauppatori Market Square featuring a city, a fountain and a square or plaza

Etelainen District

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Löyly Helsinki and take some time to enjoy the interesting museums during your time in Etelainen District. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop.

Etelainen District
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 Uspenski Cathedral are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is ฿3,884 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
฿3,884
฿4,428 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (1,588 reviews)
"Excellent location, excellent breakfast"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 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! (1,603 reviews)
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Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki
4 out of 5
Asema-Aukio 2, Helsinki
The price is ฿4,253 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
฿4,253
฿4,848 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Paradise
"Amazing stay"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna 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 Helsinki Cathedral and Olympic ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (33 reviews)
"It was good overall but our room was crammed. Sauna hours are odd and early morning. Disappointing since it was our initial attraction. The support team is quick to respond. Parking on the street can be confusing for non-locals. There are three groceries close by."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
3.5 out of 5
22 Välimerenkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (135 reviews)
"I like the room & having a private balcony! The biggest critique is that I didn’t know the bed would be upstairs and the staircase steps are narrow, I think they should put that in the description as for instance; had my dad stayed here, stairs are on safe for him as he often trips so it would have ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
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 Helsinki Cathedral and Olympic Stadium ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
"Super clean, just the right size for one person, and the list of extras was unexpected! Loved my stay here 😊"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Bob W Kaarti
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.

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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

Traveler

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