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Visit Helsinki

A Scandinavian getaway

  • Tour

  • 7,2 km

  • 3h00

  • 25 audios

00 plan helsinki

25 places of interest to discover while visiting Helsinki in one day

Text version

Welcome to Helsinki—one of Europe’s cultural gems and a city full of surprises! This vibrant capital is Finland’s largest city, with a fascinating history that comes to life through its stunning architecture, a unique blend of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau. As you stroll through Helsinki’s streets, you’ll feel the easy rhythm of a city that knows how to live well. Every building has a story to tell—from centuries under Swedish and Russian rule to the proud Finnish identity that blossomed after independence in 1917. Take a moment to relax with a drink on a sunny terrace in one of the city’s grand squares or along the bustling harbor. Dive into the city’s creative heart: the Design District, where you’ll find stylish boutiques, studios, cozy cafés, and contemporary galleries—a true paradise for design lovers. Come and experience the “White City of the North”—a name inspired by Helsinki’s many elegant granite buildings that give the city its bright, refined charm.

  • 13 parc de l esplanade poi petit

    1. Esplanade Park

    Esplanade Park, or Esplanadi in Finnish, is one of Helsinki’s most beloved promenades. Founded in 1812, it connects the city centre to the harbour and is lined with elegant 19th-century buildings. As you stroll along the Read more

  • 15 la population finlandaise poi petit

    2. The Finnish People

    Let’s take a moment to talk about the Finnish language—one of Finland’s two official languages, alongside Swedish. Spoken across almost all of Finland and by over 90% of the population, Finnish is now a core part of the Read more

  • 16 musee du design poi petit

    3. Design Museum

    Helsinki is home to its own Design District, and the stunning Design Museum stands right at its heart. Housed in a striking Neo-Gothic building, the museum invites you to explore Finnish design through a wide variety of Read more

  • 14 theatre suedois poi petit

    4. Swedish Theatre

    You’re now standing in front of the Swedish Theatre, at the edge of Esplanade Park. Since Finland has two official languages—Finnish and Swedish—it was only natural to have a separate theatre for each. The Finnish- Read more

  • 17 eglise saint jean poi petit

    5. St. John’s Church

    Built between 1888 and 1893, St. John’s Church is Helsinki’s largest Lutheran church and a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture, designed by Swedish architect Adolf Melander. Its two towers, topped with matching Read more

  • 18 design district poi petit

    6. Design District

    A must-see neighbourhood in Finland’s capital, the Design District is a vibrant, creative hub filled with designer boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, museums, and fashion stores. It’s one of the trendiest areas in Helsinki Read more

  • 19 les saveurs finlandaises poi petit

    7. Flavours of Finland

    As you walk down Fredrikinkatu, one of Helsinki’s top shopping streets, let’s take a moment to talk about the local cuisine! Helsinki has plenty to offer for food lovers. This is a city where eating well is part of everyday life. Read more

  • 20 vieille eglise d helsinki poi petit

    8. Old Church of Helsinki

    You’re now standing in front of the “Old Church of Helsinki.” As its name suggests, it’s the oldest church in the city centre! Built in 1826 on the grounds of a former cemetery, the church stands out with its crisp white-painted Read more

  • 21 centre kamppi poi petit

    9. Kamppi Centre

    Welcome to the Kamppi district—one of Helsinki’s most central and vibrant neighbourhoods, brought to life by the large shopping centre in front of you. This is the biggest shopping mall in the city centre, a true paradise for Read more

  • 22 chapelle de kamppi poi petit

    12. Kamppi Chapel

    This striking building on Narinkkatori Square is the Kamppi Chapel—a true architectural gem and one of Helsinki’s most unique landmarks. Built in 2012 as part of the World Design Capital project, the chapel symbolises Read more

  • 26 amos rex poi petit

    13. Amos Rex

    On your right is Amos Rex, Helsinki’s museum of modern and contemporary art. The museum is housed in the Lasipalatsi, or “Glass Palace,” a striking Functionalist-style building from the 1930s. Originally built to host Read more

  • 01 gare centrale poi petit

    14. Central Station

    This stunning station is a masterpiece of Finnish Art Nouveau. Built between 1909 and 1919, it was designed to meet the needs of a booming capital. Helsinki’s population had grown from just 20,000 in the 1860s to nearly Read more

  • 02 theatre national finlandais poi petit

    16. Finnish National Theatre

    You’re now standing in front of the Finnish National Theatre, the oldest theatre in the country to perform in the Finnish language. It’s worth noting that Finland only gained independence in 1917. Before that, it belonged to Read more

  • 05 place du senat poi petit

    17. Senate Square

    Senate Square is one of Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks—a place where religion, politics, and commerce come together in the heart of the city. Beyond the unmissable Tuomiokirkko Cathedral, you'll also find the Read more

  • histoire de la finlande

    18. History of Finland

    To better enjoy your visit to Helsinki and understand its monuments, it helps to take a quick dive into the history of the “White City of the North.” People have lived in Finland for over two thousand years. The first settlers Read more

  • 06 cathedrale tuomiokirkko poi petit

    19. Tuomiokirkko Cathedral

    Overlooking Senate Square, Tuomiokirkko is the city’s Lutheran and most iconic cathedral. It was built between 1830 and 1852, based on plans by architect Carl Ludwig Engel, who also designed the surrounding square. Read more

  • 03 point de vue sur la cathedrale bourges poi petit

    20. Viewpoint over the Cathedral

    As you cross this little bridge, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful view of Uspenski Cathedral, rising above the island of Katajanokka—the very place you're about to explore. Beneath your feet flows the Katajanokka Canal, Read more

  • 08 cathedrale ouspenski poi petit

    21. Uspenski Cathedral

    This striking red-brick cathedral is Helsinki’s Orthodox church, built in 1868 to serve the city’s Russian community during the reign of Tsar Alexander II, known as “the Liberator.” It rises here on Katajanokka Island, one of Read more

  • 09 quartier de katajanokka poi petit

    22. Katajanokka District

    You’re now in the heart of Katajanokka, a small island just east of central Helsinki. It’s separated from the mainland by the Katajanokka Canal, which was dug between the 1830s and 1840s. In addition to the beautiful Read more

  • 10 palais presidentiel poi petit

    23. Presidential Palace

    You’re now standing in front of Helsinki’s Presidential Palace, one of the official residences of the President of the Republic of Finland. The palace was completed in 1845—but before that, the site was home to a salt Read more

  • 11 place du marche poi petit

    24. Market Square

    Market Square is one of the most vibrant spots in Helsinki—famous for its lively atmosphere and the Helsinki Market. Originally located on Senate Square, the market was moved here when the city’s main square was Read more

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Visit information

Recommended Starting Point

No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audioguide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point: Helsinki’s Central Station

Recommended Parking

Parking EuroPark P-Eliel : Asema-aukio 1

Parking in Helsinki can be quite expensive. The best option is to use one of the paid underground car parks. They’re more costly than on-street parking, but street spaces are time-limited and won’t allow you to leave your car there for a full day.
You can expect to pay about thirty euros for a full day of underground parking. If you choose to park on the street, make sure to read the signs carefully to ensure parking is allowed, and don’t forget to pay at the meter — fines in Finland are steep!

Weather

The warmest months in Helsinki are July and August. In winter, average daytime temperatures don’t reach above -1°C, while in summer they can reach up to 21°C. So, the best time to visit Helsinki is in July and August — although these are also the peak months of the tourist season in Finland.
It’s also worth noting that in winter, especially in December, daylight lasts only about 6 to 7 hours, with the sun rising around 9:00 AM and setting around 4:00 PM. In contrast, summer days can stretch up to 19 hours, with sunrise around 4:00 AM and sunset as late as 11:00 PM — – perfect for making the most of the long summer days!

Currency

The currency used in Helsinki is the euro.

 

 

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