What to See and What to Do? 12 Essentials!

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, but also one of the most attractive European capitals to visit. Do you want to visit Helsinki for the first time and are you looking for what to see in this beautiful city? I have the solution! In this article, I present to you 12 must-sees and things to do in Helsinki to fully enjoy your stay.

1. The National Museum of Finland

When you visit a country for the first time, you often have a vague idea of ​​its history. This museum is therefore a good way to learn more about the culture and history of Finland. It presents its evolution from prehistory to today.

So you will learn more about the Sami people, on the different Russian and Swedish occupations, or even on the language of the country, the origin of which is not yet certain. You will have several choices during your visit, either to take part in a guided tour or to visit the different rooms at your leisure.

Despite a somewhat austere building seen from the outside, the interior of the National Museum of Finland offers pleasant surprises.

2. Temppeliaukio Church

This monolithic church is an architectural treasure dating from the 1960s. It was designed by two brothers: Timo and Tuomo Suomalainien in an expressionist style.

What makes it so remarkable? It is in particular its roof which lets in daylight. Furthermore, it was largely built granite. So from the outside it almost looks like a bunker.
However, you are quickly captivated by its beauty when you step inside. There is notably an impressive organ and rock walls 5 to 8 m high. The Temppeliaukio church obviously hosts religious services, but also concerts (sometimes even metal!). It is one of Helsinki's most visited tourist attractions with 500,000 visitors per year.

3. Suomenlinna Fortress

This impressive fortress is located at the entrance to Helsinki Bay. It is located on a group of islands off the coast of the city center. It was built during the second half of the 18th century, by Swedish admiral Augustin Eherensvärd.Initially, its aim was to defend the Kingdom of Sweden against the Russian Empire. It then served as a defense during Finland's independence in 1917 (and was then renamed “Suomenlinna” which means “Fortress of Finland”).

The fortress of Suomenlinna still constitutes a exceptional example of military architecture of the time. This fortress is also listed in the UNESCO world heritage. It alone constitutes a district of Helsinki with almost 1000 inhabitants.

4. Hakaniemi Market

Located in the Kallio district, In the center of Helsinki, Hakaniemi Market Square is particularly famous for both locals and tourists. Of course, if you are visiting Helsinki for the first time, you will not be able to ignore its market halls dating from the beginning of the 20th century. You can enjoy meals on the go, but also discover local fruits, vegetables and fish, as well as spices and even flowers.

The covered market is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, on Sunday, there is a big flea market which takes over at the Hakaniemi market square.

Of course, the latter is not the only market in Helsinki. For example, you will also love the Alko Vanha Kauppahalli market, located in the old port district.

5. Helsinki Design District

You will discover it quite quickly: Helsinki is an artistic capital! With its architecture Art Nouveau, its antique shops, thrift stores and art galleries, we are bound to be seduced.

But if you dream of discovering more about the artistic side of Helsinki, go to the design district. It is located just a little further south of the historic center. You can notably visit the Helsinki Design Museum.

Its permanent exhibition offers 200,000 pieces including decorative objects, furniture, lighting, clothing and all types of objects that allow you to better understand the Finns' attraction to design, but also its evolution over the centuries.

And if you are particularly inspired by your visit to the museum, you can do your shopping afterwards in one of the many design boutiques nearby.

6. Take a Helsinki canal cruise

To fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that reigns in this European capital, I advise you to book a cruise on the Helsinki canal. It will allow you to discover unmissable places and monuments along the water. For example, the Suomenlinna Fortress, some impressive bridges like the Crussel Bridge, but also magnificent views of the city center.

7. Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral

You can't miss this imposing building when you discover the city. There Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral is a monument of neoclassical architecture located on the central square of Helsinki. Imagined by Carl Ludwig Engelit was built between 1830 and 1852. It is visited each year by more than 350,000 people.

8. Discover Helsinki by bike

Just like its neighbor Stockholm, Helsinki is surrounded by several small islands. In reality, there are even 300 islands and islets around the Finnish capital. So, to visit another aspect of Helsinki, less touristy, I advise you to opt for the bike.

For half a day, you can then skirt the Lauttassari and Seurasaari islands, west of downtown. If you travel in summer, when the weather in Helsinki is good, it will even be possible to swim in the Baltic Sea and enjoy the small coves to take breaks. Don't miss the Kasinonranta beachon the island of Lauttassari.

9. Enjoy the beaches and swimming in Helsinki

Helsinki is a capital by the sea. Thus, there are many beaches there and in particular the most famous: the beach Hietaniemi, located in the Toolo district.

But if you travel in autumn or winter to Helsinki, you can still enjoy a swim by going to the swimming pool Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, particularly chic.

10. Stroll through the Helsinki Central Library

It is one of the most beautiful and largest libraries in the world! The central library of Helsinki, named theOodi, is much more than a place to store books. The ambition of its founder was to mix a reading place and an interactive place, where we train, exchange and collaborate.

If you visit Helsinki on a rainy day, this indoor venue with its modern architecture will offer you a good time to relax. Moreover, there are many cafes and restaurants there. We have warned you, the Oodi is not a library like the others, it is a real place to live.

11. Discover the saunas of Helsinki

THE finnish sauna is an undeniable cultural asset. Indeed, the sauna tradition is particularly old and still as deeply rooted in Finland. Here the sauna is a place of care both physical and mental, but also a place of meditation and sharing. So, don’t miss out on trying the Finnish sauna during your stay.

Discover in particular in Helsinki:

• Allas Sea Pool, located near the city's port. There are 3 saunas, including a mixed sauna.
• Kulttuurisauna is an establishment open all year round, known for its direct access to the sea.
• Löyly Helsinki is a bit similar, but more modern and cozy, also a little more expensive.

12. Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio National Park, located 35 minutes from Helsinki, offers a Wonderful playground for nature lovers. With its lakes and forests, it is an ideal place to discover if you enjoy hiking. Marked trails are accessible for all levels, even if you are traveling to Finland with the family.

This preserved park is located nearEspoo, which is also the second largest city in Finland.

Are you looking for what to see and do in Helsinki? So, you now have 12 activities to do and places to discover during your visit to Helsinkithe capital of Finland. Do not hesitate to continue your Finnish stay towards Lapland, exploring why not Rovaniemi, the famous town of Santa Claus. This superb European country has many attractions in all seasons. Thus, you can discover it both in winter, when the monuments are covered in snow, and in summer, with a milder climate.