Visit Helsinki

explore the museum at your own pace. Located just a ten-minute walk from the centre of Helsinki, it’s the perfect place to dive deeper into Finnish history and culture. (Currently closed for renovation — reopening scheduled for 2027.)

 

 

Kallio District

 

To continue your tour of Helsinki, head to the Kallio district, just north of the historic centre. Once a working-class neighbourhood, this area of the capital now offers a wide range of leisure activities and artistic venues that have attracted a younger crowd. Here, you’ll find the striking Kallio Church, the delicious Hakaniemi Market, the small Chapel of the Sacred Heart, as well as plenty of parks that are perfect for a relaxing stroll after a day of sightseeing!

 

Nuuksio National Park

 

For nature lovers looking to discover the Finnish landscape, I recommend a visit to Nuuksio National Park, located about 45 minutes from the capital. You’ll have the chance to explore beautiful hiking trails that wind through forests and around peaceful ponds. Just a heads-up: although several marked routes are available, the terrain can be quite uneven and hilly!

 

 

Hietaniemi Beach

 

For the more daring among you, the closest beach to the city centre is Hietaniemi Beach, less than 3 kilometres west of downtown. As you might guess, the sea in Helsinki is quite chilly. It reaches an average of 18°C in summer, around July and August, but quickly drops below 15°C from September onward. So swimming outside of the summer months can be quite a challenge! That said, the beach still offers plenty of water activities and live concerts, making it a great spot to soak up the Baltic Sea atmosphere.

 

Lauttasaari and Seurasaari Islands

 

To make the most of Helsinki’s seaside charm, you can hop on a ferry and reach Lauttasaari Island in just a few minutes. There, you’ll find beautiful beaches, cosy cafés, and scenic walking trails that are well worth the trip. Don’t miss a visit to Seurasaari Island, where you’ll discover a rich display of Finland’s heritage. It’s home to Helsinki’s open-air ethnographic museum, which features traditional buildings from across the country—windmills, churches, homes, and farms. A real open-air museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into Finnish architecture, daily life, and history!

 

 

Teurastamo

 

If you’re looking for a trendy spot to grab a drink or enjoy a meal outdoors, head over to Teurastamo. This former slaughterhouse has been completely transformed into a vibrant venue that now hosts farmers’ markets, flea markets, and even open-air picnics. Bars and restaurants make this space even livelier, drawing in locals and visitors alike every summer to soak up its warm and welcoming atmosphere!

 

 

Porvoo and Fiskars

 

If you’d like to explore two other Finnish towns, head to Porvoo and Fiskars. Porvoo, the second oldest city in the country, is known for its charming colourful wooden houses, artisan boutiques and beautifully preserved cobbled streets. Located just a 45-minute drive from Helsinki, it’s definitely worth the journey if you have time to explore the surrounding area.

Fiskars, about an hour’s drive from Helsinki, offers a different kind of charm with its brightly painted buildings, old factories, and former workers’ houses now transformed into studios and artisan shops. Today, it’s a true craft village, home to a thriving community of artisans, entrepreneurs and artists living in harmony with nature.

 

 

 

The Old Market Hall of Helsinki

 

If you’re keen to explore Finnish cuisine and traditional local dishes, this is the perfect spot. Located about fifteen minutes from the centre of Helsinki and just steps from the city’s harbour, this historic 19th-century covered market offers a delightful array of unique Finnish specialities across its many food stalls.

 

Sibelius Park

 

Created in tribute to the composer Jean Sibelius, Sibelius Park is a must-see during any visit to Helsinki. This large urban park features two sculptures dedicated to the composer, a peaceful pond, and it’s quite close to the sea. Just a 30-minute walk from the city centre and easily accessible by public transport, it’s the perfect spot for anyone seeking a relaxing escape and a bit of nature in the heart of the Finnish capital.

 

Helsinki’s Saunas

 

How could you visit Helsinki without going to a sauna? Finland, the birthplace of this tradition, is home to over 3 million saunas across the country. For the Finnish people, the sauna is a space for both physical and mental relaxation — they see it as a necessity rather than a luxury. While it’s a paid activity, if you get the chance, it’s definitely something you shouldn’t miss!