Essential Helsinki: A 4-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Welcome to Helsinki! Begin your trip with some sightseeing to get a feel for the city and admire its unique blend of architecture. Visit iconic attractions like Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Uspenski Cathedral, Oodi Library and Market Square.

For architecture lovers, opt for a guided tour with a city planner for a deeper dive into Helsinki's history and style. Featuring buildings in modern, contemporary, neoclassical, art nouveau and other styles, Helsinki is an architectural delight worth appreciating. In recent years, the city has embraced more innovative concepts with sustainable design principles, giving it even more Nordic flair.

After or along your tour, stop to warm up with a cup of coffee. Per person, Finns drink more coffee than any other country, meaning there are plenty of cafe options in Helsinki. Enjoy your first cup of many at Cafe Engel, a classic cafe located across from the Helsinki Cathedral in one of the city’s oldest buildings.

After your coffee break, make your way to Market Square (Kauppatori) along the waterfront. Stroll through the open-air market, stopping to browse stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, local produce and other goods. The market also features larger tents and stalls, serving Finnish street food favorites like salmon soup, fried fish and reindeer sausage.

Save your appetite for your next stop, the nearby Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli). Having served customers since 1889, the historic market includes vendors selling varieties of Finnish seafood, caviar, cheeses, meat products, pastries and other delicacies. Wander through the aisles to immerse yourself in Helsinki’s culinary heritage, and stop to grab a snack, late lunch or another coffee.

Later in the evening, enjoy dinner and/or drinks at Restaurant Kappeli. Since 1867, Kappeli has been one of the most popular meeting places in Helsinki. Now, a modern restaurant, bar and cafe, it pays homage to its roots with a seasonal menu celebrating classic Finnish cuisine. Order a glass of wine and cheers to an exciting first day in the city!

Start your second day with exploring more of Helsinki’s coffee house culture. Have breakfast at Ekberg Cafe, Finland’s oldest bakery, patisserie and café. Make sure to order a korvapuusti, a Finnish cinnamon bun. These traditional pastries are a beloved treat and a must try!

Next, make your way to the Design Museum to discover why Helsinki is recognized globally as one of the leading design capitals. Learn about the history and characteristics of Finnish design, including its roots in functionality, simplicity and nature-inspired aesthetics. Afterwards, spend some time wandering the streets of the Design District neighborhood, window-shopping through this hub of creative shops, galleries and studios.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a luxe afternoon tea, elevated with Nordic flavors. For a more classic experience, choose the Grand Afternoon Tea or its vegan version at Brasserie Kämp. Or, go for an equally elegant, modern-styled tea at Salutorget.

In the evening, return back to the Design District for dinner at Restaurant Vinkkeli. This food and wine destination prides itself on its seasonal thinking, high-quality raw materials and uncomplicated classic cuisine and gives its wine and drinks menu as much attention as the food.

Wrap up the day with a nightcap at one of Helsinki’s many trendy cocktail bars. Check out Trillby & Chadwick, an exclusive speakeasy with a hidden entrance; Goldfish, an intimate cocktail sanctuary; Chihuahua Julep, an “agave-friendly cocktail bar” focused on spirits like mezcal and tequila; or Bardem, a moody, ultra-modern bar outfitted with Finnish design aesthetics.

Get out of the city center on your third day for a quick nature escape. Plan to spend time at Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Suomenlinna is a historic sea fortress spread across several small islands off the coast of Helsinki. Visitors can explore its fortifications, museums, viewpoints, cafes and walking trails.

Arriving to Suomenlinna couldn’t be easier. The ferry service is included as part of Helsinki’s public transport network. It departs from Market Square, opposite of the Presidential Palace, and runs between one and four times per hour, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the self-service kiosks in front of the ferry gates, at any other public transit kiosk or digitally through the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority mobile app. The picturesque ride, which offers panoramic views of the harbor and city center, takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the fortress.

Once at Suomenlinna, spend time exploring the islands, enjoying the sea breeze and walking along the ramparts for scenic sea views. For history buffs, don’t overlook Vesikko — Finland’s only remaining WWII submarine that’s now a museum — or the Military Museum Manege, which gives the history of the Finnish Defence Forces.

If you need a quick pick-me-up after your day on Suomenlinna, drop by Robert’s Coffee, a family-owned Finnish coffee brand. Their Jugend location is located in a beautiful Art Nouveau space and serves delicious korvapuusti (cinnamon buns), gelato and other treats.

Continue your nature-themed day with dinner at Natura Restaurant. This intimate, family-run restaurant focuses on an innovative menu built around local, high-quality, organic ingredients from small-scale, sustainable producers. They pride themselves on using vegetables from their own garden, herbs and berries foraged within 50km of the restaurant, and meat products from family-run businesses that they personally have visited. Natura's commitment to sustainable practices has earned it the prestigious Michelin Green Star.

For your final day in Helsinki, spend the day like a local by embracing sauna culture. If a self-care day isn’t of interest, then opt for a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia, instead.

To many Finns, sauna sessions are considered an essential part of the Finnish identity and way of life. With roots stretching back thousands of years, saunas play a central role in Finnish culture, offering a space for relaxation, socializing and spiritual rejuvenation.

Popular with locals and tourists alike, one public sauna to check out is Allas Sea Pool. This waterfront recreational complex has saunas, sunbathing decks, pools, restaurants and a sandy beach that look out onto panoramic views of the harbor and Baltic Sea. Conveniently located next to Market Square, it’s the perfect oasis to relax and embrace sauna culture. Throughout the year, Allas also hosts special events like yoga classes, film screenings and outdoor concerts.

For a more serene experience, visit Löyly. This unique, modern sauna complex features noteworthy contemporary design and architecture, both traditional and smoke saunas, and a stylish restaurant and bar overlooking the Baltic Sea.

To reach Tallinn, book tickets online in advance with one of the several ferry lines operating between Finland and Estonia. These ferries are more like cruise ships with several duty-free shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Once in Estonia, spend the day walking the cobblestone streets of the enchanting medieval old town.

For your final dinner in Helsinki, enjoy a unique cultural experience at Saslik or splurge on fine dining at Olo.

Serving Slavic-French food, Saslik is one of the most well-known restaurants in Helsinki, famed for its Old World Russian decor, generous portions and exotic bear dishes. Make sure to order Ivan’s Sword, a combination of beef, lamb and bacon served off a sword and accompanied by endless side dishes, and their famous Baked Alaska. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, ask for one of their private rooms in your reservation request.

For foodies more interested in modern fine dining, don’t miss out on Olo. Maintaining a Michelin-star since 2011, Olo offers gourmet, innovative Nordic cuisine packed with flavor and passion.

After dinner, bid farewell to this enchanting Nordic capital with gratitude for the experiences shared and your adventures yet to come.