Best things to do in Helsinki
Find out more about those top places in Helsinki
Helsinki: Where Russian Grandeur High-Fived Finnish Design (and the Sauna Culture is Seriously Steamy!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Welcome, fellow explorers of the slightly less Viking-y side of Scandinavia! If you think all Nordic capitals are created equal, think again, because Helsinki is in a league of its own. For centuries, this Finnish gem was practically BFFs with the Russian Empire, and let me tell you, the Tsars left their mark in a big, geometrically grand way that rivals only the magnificent St. Petersburg itself. Seriously, prepare for some serious architectural eye candy!
Unsurprisingly, many of Helsinki's most dazzling top attractions are relics from its time as one of the Tsar's favorite cities. We're talking the exquisite Senate Square, dominated by a neoclassical Lutheran cathedral that looks like it's posing for a royal portrait, the imposing red-brick Uspenski Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox beauty that could have been plucked straight from Moscow, and the offshore fortress of Suomenlinna, affectionately nicknamed 'Fortress Finland' (because, well, it's a fortress, and it's in Finland!). These places to visit offer revealing glimpses into a fascinating period of Russian rule, without requiring a visa to Russia (bonus!).
But hold your horses, history buffs! The 20th century saw Helsinki proudly step into its own as the capital of an independent Finland. And with this newfound freedom came a seriously iconic streamlined style of modernist design, pioneered by the legendary duo Alvar and Aino Aalto. Their sleek, functional, and oh-so-Finnish aesthetic is still rocking the city today, making Helsinki a fascinating blend of imperial grandeur and cutting-edge cool.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best things to do and top attractions in this captivating capital. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from marveling at imperial masterpieces to appreciating minimalist marvels, all while soaking in the unique Helsinki vibe (and maybe sweating it out in a traditional Finnish sauna!).
Top Attractions: Imperial Grandeur Meets Modernist Cool!
Helsinki offers a captivating mix of historical landmarks and contemporary design. Here are some of the top attractions you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Senate Square (Senaatintori): Where Neoclassical Beauty Reigns Supreme
This stunning square is the heart of Helsinki's imperial-era center. Dominated by the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, flanked by the Government Palace and the University of Helsinki, it's a picture-perfect spot for sightseeing and soaking in the grandeur of the city's past. You'll feel like you've stepped onto a historical movie set!
Uspenski Cathedral: A Taste of Russia on Finnish Soil
With its striking red-brick facade and golden onion domes, the Uspenski Cathedral is a dazzling reminder of Russia's influence on Helsinki. Step inside to admire the ornate interior and soak in the atmosphere of this important Russian Orthodox cathedral. It's a truly unique place to visit.
Suomenlinna Fortress: Island Hopping and History Lessons!
Hop on a short ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a fascinating sea fortress spread across several islands. Explore its tunnels, ramparts, museums, and enjoy the scenic views of the Helsinki skyline. It's a fantastic thing to do for history buffs and anyone who enjoys a bit of island adventure.
Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church): A Church Carved into Solid Rock!
Prepare to be amazed by the Temppeliaukio Church, an architectural marvel built directly into solid rock. Its unique design and incredible acoustics make it a truly unforgettable place to visit. Even if you're not religious, the sheer ingenuity of this church is worth seeing.
Things to Do Beyond the Big Landmarks: Sauna Sessions and Design Dreams!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Helsinki vibe:
- Embrace the Sauna Culture: No trip to Finland is complete without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna. Relax, sweat out your worries, and maybe even take a refreshing dip in the (often chilly!) Baltic Sea afterwards. It's a quintessential Finnish thing to do.
- Explore the Design District: Immerse yourself in Helsinki's iconic modernist design by wandering through the Design District, filled with stylish boutiques, furniture stores, and art galleries showcasing the works of Alvar Aalto and other Finnish designers.
- Visit Market Square (Kauppatori): Sample local delicacies, browse traditional crafts, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Helsinki's bustling Market Square, located right on the harbor.
- Take a Stroll Along the Esplanade Park (Esplanadi): Enjoy a leisurely walk through this elegant park in the heart of the city, lined with shops, cafes, and beautiful greenery.
- Discover Contemporary Art: Helsinki has a thriving contemporary art scene. Check out the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art for cutting-edge exhibitions.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a captivating blend of imperial history, iconic modern design, and a sauna culture that will leave you feeling refreshed (and possibly slightly red!), Helsinki is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with unforgettable sightseeing and unique things to do. Just be prepared to be charmed by the city's unique character and maybe even pick up a stylish piece of Finnish design to take home! Hyvää matkaa (have a good trip)!
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Suomenlinna
Built by the Swedes in the mid-1700s and later used by Tsarist Russia until the eve of the Russian Revolution, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Suomenlinna, known as ‘Fortress Finland’, is Helsinki’s premier attraction. Regular boat tours from the capital take visitors to this fortified island where you can marvel at ornate Russian Orthodox churches, crumbling bunkers designed to repel attacks and other imposing fortifications.
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Helsinki Cathedral
As Helsinki’s most iconic building, a visit to the cathedral, known in Finnish as Tuomiokirkko, is a must during any trip to the city. Sitting atop a monumental staircase, the chalk white cathedral was designed by the neoclassical architect CL Engel during the 19th century and is a highlight of any city tour.
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Linnanmaki
Linnanmäki, a collection of roller coasters, fun fair rides and carnival stalls set amongst lush parkland, will bring out any visitor’s inner-child. What is even better, many of the rides are free of charge and the profits of those that aren't are donated fully to various children’s charities that operate in the city.
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The National Museum of Finland
Built in a romantic style popular throughout the Nordic countries in the 19th century, the National Museum of Finland is one of Helsinki’s greatest joys. With a vast collection ranging from prehistory to Finland’s post-World War Two reinvention as Europe’s design capital there really is something for everyone. To better navigate the sprawling museum, guided tours are available.
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Nuuksio National Park
30 kilometers north of Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park lets you immerse yourself in Nordic wilderness. Various trails take you through cragged glacier carved valleys while the peaceful forests are the perfect escape from the big city. Make sure to watch out for the park’s star studded wildlife, which includes lynx and elk.
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Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo
For those who want to explore as much of Finnish culture as possible without leaving Helsinki then the open-air museum of Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo is a must visit. Historic buildings under threat across the country have been transferred to the museum and rebuilt amongst the tranquil pine forest. Guides in traditional Finnish dress are on hand to showcase the country’s rich folk culture.
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Design Museum
For aficionados of Finland’s rich design culture Helsinki’s Design Museum is a must-visit. With a permanent collection ranging from traditional Sami handcrafts to the pioneering modernism of Alvar Aalto, there are exhibits to suit anyone’s tastes.
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Kajsaniemi
Perfect for a summer stroll (or cross-country skiing in winter), Kajsaniemi is Helsinki’s most picturesque park. Moreover, the park’s vast botanical gardens showcase the most spectacular flora indigenous to Scandinavia.
