What to do in Helsinki

Activities, attractions and tours

Helsinki featuring a marina, a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Helsinki showing a sunset and snow
Helsinki showing landscape views, hiking or walking and snow
Helsinki showing a sandy beach, landscape views and snow
Helsinki showing a city and a sunset

Helsinki Attractions

Transport Yourself to Helsinki

Tourists can’t help but fall in love with Finland. Helsinki is a capital city, which delivers fun and excitement. It is the perfect place to be inspired, to fall in love, or to find yourself.

Are you in the mood to book a vacation to Finland? Expedia.com has the tools and tips to help you plot a life-changing trip. Come lose your heart in Helsinki.

A Happy Helsinki Vacation

There are plenty of attractions in Helsinki to fill an entire vacation. Local people refer to the city by its nickname of “Stadi” as part of the local slang. However, you don’t have to be familiar with the city's slang in order to discover the top things to do in Helsinki. The city is considered very friendly to tourists.

A Taste of Old and New in the Finnish Capital

The best starting point for Helsinki tours is the National Museum of Finland. Visitors can acquaint themselves with the rich history and culture of the country as they stroll through the vast corridors of this enchanting museum. The museum features archeological treasures and modern historical finds.

A visit to Helsinki Cathedral is one of the best Helsinki activities. This stunning architectural masterpiece is a Lutheran church built in 1852. Large crowds gather in and around the cathedral on a daily basis. This is a great choice if you like places where you can mingle with the natives.

A visit to Parliament is one of the top Helsinki excursions a tourist can embark on. This is the building where Finland's finest gather to uphold the law of the land. The building is open to the public for both guided tours and solitary visits.

The great city of Helsinki hosted the Olympic Games in 1952, and this destination is a must-visit location on your map. The Olympic Stadium continues to awe audiences all these decades later. One of the most beloved activities to partake in during Helsinki tours is a ride in Stadium Tower. Stadium Tower transports visitors seventy two meters high in the air to capture breathtaking views of the city.

Helsinki Awaits Your Arrival

Helsinki is a city you simply must see in order to fully understand the organic beauty and charm the Finnish lifestyle holds. There are so many spots within the city where tourists can become immersed in the hypnotic beauty of Finnish life. Expedia.com is your helping hand in getting to Helsinki.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Helsinki

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What to do in Helsinki


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Helsinki

Senate Square showing street scenes

Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Senate Square and Presidential Palace 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
Old Church of Helsinki which includes a garden

Kamppi

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

The city’s bustling central district hosts an inspiring collection of fantastic galleries, remarkable buildings and a landmark department store offering eight floors of Finnish style.

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
Pasila tain station in Finland with trains arriving; Shutterstock ID 465841805

Pasila

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

Pasila is known as a public transport hub and a great place to start a trip to Helsinki. Many of the capital's most popular destinations are nearby.

Pasila
Helsinki_Kaartinkaupunki_6361129_09

Kaartinkaupunki

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Kaartinkaupunki. You can visit top attractions like Design Museum and Kauppatori Market Square, and jump on the metro at Kolmikulma Station or Etelaranta Station to see more of the city.

Kaartinkaupunki
Airplane landing to sunset

Aviapolis

4/5(77 area reviews)

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

Aviapolis

 

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Day trip destinations from Helsinki

Frequently asked questions

Is Helsinki worth visiting?
Whether you plan to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or try unique foods and explore the outdoors, there's no shortage of things to do in Helsinki.
How do I spend a day in Helsinki?
Helsinki Zoo and Unique Lapland Helsinki Winter World are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Helsinki while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Helsinki?
Helsinki Cathedral is one of the top tourist attractions in Helsinki and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Helsinki?
You can easily enjoy popular sights like Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki Zoo and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art with a three-day getaway in Helsinki. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Vantaa.
Is Helsinki a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Helsinki, such as Helsinki Cathedral and Helsinki Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) from the city centre of Helsinki is Kamppi and Kluuvi is 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Helsinki with kids?
What to do in Helsinki for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Helsinki, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Helsinki Workers' House or Löyly Helsinki.
Are there free things to do in Helsinki?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Helsinki. If you need new ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Helsinki Cathedral is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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