Helsinki, Finland's capital, is a city where culture meets natural beauty. Known for its striking architecture, from neoclassical gems to contemporary designs, Helsinki provides a multifaceted backdrop for exploration. The city’s coastal location invites visitors to enjoy picturesque waterfront views, while its history is reflected in the charming streets of its well-preserved neighborhoods. In this guide, we break down the top things to do in Helsinki per Fora travel advisors who have visited the country.
For expert assistance creating your own Helsinki itinerary, connect with a Fora Advisor. They can draw up a detailed travel plan based on your interests and budget (or offer expert pointers if you prefer to do most of the planning yourself). Your advisor can also book your accommodations for you, unlock VIP perks at the top Helsinki hotels and arrange ground transportation, guided tours or other experiences through trusted partners.
Fora visited the Nordics in September 2024
Fora regularly facilitates familiarization trips (a.k.a. FAM trips) to destinations around the world for qualified travel advisors. In September 2024, a group of Fora Advisors visited select destinations in Norway, Sweden and Finland to scout out the best hotels and experiences. Helsinki was the final leg of that trip, and the sample itinerary below is based on their experience.
“Finland really surprised me, and I enjoyed each part of it that we explored,” Fora Advisor Christie Sweaney said. “The landscape is beautiful; Helsinki is attractive, interesting and a little under the radar.”
Day 1: Enjoy traditional Finnish wellness treatments at a Helsinki spa
Image courtesy of Hotel St. George
The FAM team arrived in Helsinki in the afternoon. After a busy few days in Norway and Sweden, our advisors spent their first day in the city enjoying its wellness offerings at Hotel St. George, where they were staying for the night.
Wellness treatments in Helsinki are deeply rooted in Finnish customs, which emphasize relaxation, rejuvenation and connection to nature. One of the most quintessential Finnish wellness experiences is the sauna: Many spas in Helsinki incorporate traditional wood-fired saunas, where you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of heat and steam, often followed by a refreshing dip in cold water (or even a roll in the snow, during winter months). Helsinki also offers a range of wellness treatments that incorporate healing local ingredients, like birch leaves, cloudberries and moss.
Or visit a public sauna
If you prefer a more traditional experience, Finnish public saunas take a communal approach. Instead of (or in addition to) checking into a spa, you’ll sit in a wood-heated room with locals and fellow travelers (people from all over Europe engage in the custom) while water is poured over hot rocks to create steam. This is intended to relax the body and help you sweat out toxins. After spending time in the sauna, you’ll cool off by taking a dip in cold water — this can be a pool or the waterfront — or by stepping outside for fresh air.
Day 2: Day trip to Porvoo
Image courtesy of Hotel Runo
Our advisors spent the next day visiting Runo Hotel in Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest coastal towns. The drive to Porvoo only takes about an hour, and the contrast between Helsinki’s design-forward aesthetic and the Porvoo’s historic streets is stark and inviting. Porvoo captivates with cobblestone streets, colorful wooden houses and a scenic riverside setting. Old Town is the main attraction, where you can wander through narrow alleys lined with boutiques, antique shops and cozy cafés. Fora Advisor Christie Sweaney rightly called the picturesque town a hidden gem.
The town has a slower, more relaxed pace compared to Helsinki. Beyond its streets, you’ll find nature trails that venture along the waterfront.
Fora Advisor Daniela Chavez Molina noted that in winter, Porvoo has a fun Christmas market and reindeer farms. If you don’t want to travel to Lapland, in the Arctic Circle, Porvoo is a fantastic alternative to get a similar Christmassy experience.
Karelian pie cooking class
While staying at Runo Hotel, some of our advisors took a Karelian pie cooking class, a fun way to immerse themselves in Finnish culture and cuisine. Karelian pies (Karjalanpiirakka) are a beloved Finnish dish made from thin rye crust filled with rice porridge. In the class, the advisors learned traditional techniques from expert instructors. Others enjoyed a cocktail making class from an experienced mixologist who imparted a unique Finnish flair on the results.
“It was very cool to make the karelian pies while we were in Porvoo,” Fora Advisor Kristen Kolek said. “The owner of the hotel had his mom work with us to make the traditional cakes.”
Fora Advisor Stephanie Morgan added that Runo Hotel offered a variety of other custom craft activities, all rooted in Finnish culture.
Day 3: Explore downtown Helsinki
On the final day of our advisors’ time in Finland, they explored Helsinki proper, particularly its city center. Urban streets blend history, modern design and culture. At the heart of the city is Senate Square, surrounded by neoclassical architecture, including the majestic Helsinki Cathedral. A short walk away, the busy Market Square offers an array of local delicacies and handmade crafts, set against the waterfront and a lively harbor. Helsinki's famous Design District is also nearby, where you can explore trendy boutiques, galleries and cafés.
Stephanie particularly loved the basement bakery of Hotel St. George. It’s a popular local hangout with fresh-baked goods and coffee.
“If the weather’s smiling down on you, park yourself at an outside table in front of the hotel and enjoy your treats with some top-notch people watching,” she said.
Enjoy Helsinki’s architecture: The “Rock Church,” Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral and Helsinki Cathedral
Architecture enthusiasts will love Helsinki, with its diverse mix of neoclassical, modernist and contemporary designs. One of the most iconic spots in the city is the Temppeliaukio Church, or “Rock Church,” carved directly into solid rock. It’s famous for its copper dome and natural acoustics. In contrast, the aforementioned Senate Square, dominated by the green-domed and white-columned Helsinki Cathedral, showcases Helsinki’s neoclassical heritage. Just a short walk away is the Uspenski Cathedral, a striking Eastern Orthodox cathedral with a red brick façade and golden onion domes, reflecting Russia’s influence on Finnish history.
If you’re interested in modernist architecture, the works of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto are a must-see, particularly the Finlandia Hall. Helsinki’s Design District is another intriguing example of modern architecture and innovative urban design.
Esplanadi Park
Esplanadi Park, located in Helsinki’s city center, is a lush, central gathering spot. Flanked by elegant shops, cafés and historic buildings, the park offers a peaceful escape amidst the bustling city. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along its tree-lined paths, relax on the benches or catch live performances at the outdoor stage in the summer.
More things to do in Helsinki, Finland
Additional Fora Advisors who have previously visited the city shared their insights and recommendations. Here are a few more things to do in Helsinki to round out your itinerary. You can also reach out to a Fora Advisor for tailored recommendations.
Suomenlinna Fortress and boat tour
Suomenlinna Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into Finland’s military history. It’s also, perhaps ironically, given its past, a peaceful escape from Helsinki proper. The 17th-century base sits on a cluster of islands just off the coast, and has served as a defense point for Sweden, Russia and Finland throughout its history. Beyond the historic appeal, there are also scenic walking trails you can explore, plus cafés, restaurants and galleries.
The best way to reach Suomenlinna is by taking a ferry from Helsinki’s Market Square, which takes about 15 minutes. It also doesn’t hurt that the ferry ride provides beautiful views of Helsinki’s skyline and the archipelago.
Day trip to Tallinn, Estonia
If you don’t mind a (scenic) two-hour ferry ride, a day trip to Tallinn promises a blend of medieval charm and vibrant modern culture. Tallinn's well-preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and features cobblestone streets, medieval architecture and lively squares. Plus, the city's cafés and restaurants allow you to savor traditional Estonian cuisine for a different take on Northern European gastronomy.
Day trip to Turku, Finland
Our advisors stopped in Turku before arriving in Helsinki. The college town is a ferry hub for the Viking Line ferry system that operates between Sweden and Finland. You can also visit Turku from Helsinki as a day trip. The two areas are about two hours apart, and the drive will take you through southern Finland’s countryside.
Turku has a fun and historic market hall with local goods. Fora Advisor Stephanie Morgan recommended checking out the local museum scene and grabbing lunch at one of the docked boat restaurants, which serve authentic Finnish dishes.
Get more recommendations for things to do in Helsinki: Book your trip with a Fora Advisor
There’s much more to Helsinki than what’s been mentioned above. For more things to do in Helsinki tailored to your interests and travel style, chat with a Fora Advisor. They can break down all your options, provide insider tips and connect you with the best tour guides and experiences. Your advisor can also book your accommodations and unlock complimentary VIP hotel perks at our partner properties.
Things to do in Helsinki: FAQs
Get answers to questions about things to do in Helsinki and general travel facts below. A Fora Advisor can also provide answers to any additional questions you may have.
What makes Helsinki worth visiting? What’s the city known for?
Helsinki may be best known for its contemporary architecture and world-class design scene, especially in the Design District, which is home to shops, galleries and studios showcasing Finnish creativity. The city is also celebrated for its sauna culture, an authentic Finnish experience. Helsinki’s surrounding countryside and proximity to the sea adds to its charm. Lovely islands like Seurasaari and Lonna are just a short boat ride away.
How many days in Helsinki do you need to get the full experience?
To fully experience Helsinki, three to four days is ideal. This time frame allows you to explore the city’s main attractions, such as the Design District, Temppeliaukio Church and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, while also leaving time to dive into the city’s surroundings and culinary scenes. With three to four days, you can visit museums like the Ateneum Art Museum or Kiasma and still have time to relax at one of Helsinki's famous saunas. Additionally, a few days gives you the flexibility to explore nearby islands like Seurasaari or enjoy a scenic boat tour along the archipelago.
Related guide: 4 Night Winter Getaway to Helsinki
Do locals speak English? What languages do most people speak in Helsinki?
Most locals in Helsinki are fluent or highly proficient in English, so you should have no trouble communicating in the city. Otherwise, native Finnish is the dominant language spoken in the city. Swedish is common as well.
Is Helsinki safe for travelers?
Absolutely. Aside from the normal precautions you should take while visiting any new place, Helsinki is one of the safest cities in the world. It has a very low crime rate, and violent crime is rare.
Is Helsinki walkable? What’s the best way to get around Helsinki?
Helsinki is a highly walkable city. Many of its major attractions are located near one another, and the city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks are well maintained, and there are plenty of parks and waterfront paths for leisurely strolls. Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system, too, including buses, trams, trains and ferries, all operated under the same ticketing system. The tram network is particularly convenient for visitors, offering easy access to most neighborhoods and attractions. You can also rent bicycles or scooters.
What currency is used in Helsinki?
Finland is part of the European Union and uses Euros. As of late 2024, the exchange rate between US Dollars and Euros is similar, with the former holding slightly more value. Most vendors in Helsinki take major US credit or debit cards.
What’s the best time of year to visit Helsinki? Is it safe to visit in winter?
Summer facilitates the most things to do in Helsinki, with mild temperatures ranging from 59℉ to 77℉, and long daylight hours. Winter is indeed a safe time to visit Helsinki, and the city is well prepared for icy conditions. Heated sidewalks are common and efficient snow-clearing protocols are in place. Winter visitors can enjoy festive Christmas markets, ice skating and Finnish saunas. But be prepared for frigid weather and shorter daylight hours.
What are the best places to stay in Helsinki?
Our article on Helsinki hotels provides an in-depth overview of this topic, but most Fora Advisors agree that staying in or near the city’s center makes the most sense. The city is highly walkable, so staying near the center — which also doubles as a public transportation hub — ensures convenience. However, some travelers like to stay outside of the city to enjoy a more rural setting. A Fora Advisor can also help you decide where to stay in Helsinki.
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