Helsinki Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Helsinki

Helsinki Travel Guide Video

Visit Helsinki for its sophisticated charm and vibrant cultural scene, its beautiful buildings and its many museums and galleries.

Helsinki’s art, architecture, and cultural practices are influenced by both Western and Eastern European traditions, giving it a distinct character and singular charm. Head to Senate Square for a look at the statues and buildings of the city’s best-known public space.  You’ll see the imposing Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral as well as Government Palace. Architecture and design fans will notice the work of Carl Ludvig Engel, Eliel Saarinen, and Alvar Aalto all around town. Visit the Helsinki City Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, Aalto House or the Design Museum to learn about Finnish and Helsinkian design traditions. 

History buffs will want to visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Built by the Swedish in the 18th century, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a museum, cafés, and even restaurants. To see artifacts from throughout the country’s history, spend a few hours in the National Museum of Finland. 

Set aside at least a day to explore the city’s many art museums and galleries. Head to the Ateneum and Sinebrychoff art museums for collections of classical Finnish and European works. For contemporary art, visit the Kiasma Museum. 

Anyone looking to pick up a souvenir or a bite to eat should visit Old Market Hall and Market Square. For a cool atmosphere and trendy shops, explore the Design District or walk along the Esplanade. To take a break from the city, catch a ferry to one of the nearby islands. You’ll find historical houses on Seurasaari and Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari. 

Helsinki is the cultural and economic hub of Finland and sits on a peninsula at the very south of the country and is surrounded by the waters of the Baltic Sea. It is a Nordic capital with a special charm, offering style, architecture, and a large number of museums and galleries. 

Where to stay in Helsinki

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Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square 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
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Kamppi

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Travellers choose Kamppi for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Kamppi Station or Simonkatu Tram Stop and check out top sights like Tennispalatsi Finnkino Cinema.

Kamppi
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Pasila

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Pasila. Mall of Tripla is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Pasilan asema Tram Stop or Esterinportti Station to see more of the city.

Pasila
Kauppatori Market Square featuring a city, a fountain and a square or plaza

Etelainen District

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Löyly Helsinki and take some time to enjoy the interesting museums during your time in Etelainen District. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop.

Etelainen District
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kluuvi

5/5(27 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
Katajanokka which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. Top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Uspenski Cathedral are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is AU$237 per night from 21 Feb to 22 Feb
AU$237
includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,381 reviews)
"Beautiful suite!!"

Reviewed on 5 Feb. 2025

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Helsinki, Uusimaa
The price is AU$231 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$231
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,158 reviews)
"Great location to access Helsinki city centre. Well connected by tram to centre but only a short walk away. Loved the rooftop sauna and pool! The breakfast had a huge selection of food to fill you with energy for your day touristing! The room was a nice size with very comfortable beds and remained ..."

Reviewed on 3 Feb. 2025

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Comfort Hotel Xpress Helsinki Airport Terminal
Comfort Hotel Xpress Helsinki Airport Terminal
3 out of 5
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Terminal 2, Vantaa
The price is AU$208 per night from 7 Mar to 8 Mar
AU$208
includes taxes & fees
7 Mar - 8 Mar
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"rooms are inside no windows and bathrooms are just tad bit tight spaced but definitely workable."

Reviewed on 4 Feb. 2025

Comfort Hotel Xpress Helsinki Airport Terminal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Noli Katajanokka
Noli Katajanokka
Kanavakatu 1, Helsinki
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,214 reviews)
Super
"Super place that had all you needed and well located"

Reviewed on 3 Feb. 2025

Noli Katajanokka
Noli Sörnäinen
Noli Sörnäinen
Hämeentie 33, Helsinki
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
"The inclusion of a sauna and gym in the property made for s truly special stay, with excellent staff. Will be staying here again."

Reviewed on 30 Jan. 2025

Noli Sörnäinen
Bob W KOTI Katajanokka
Bob W KOTI Katajanokka
4.5 out of 5
4 Kruunuvuorenkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Helsinki ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (184 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay , very helpful staff , friendly and polite , loved everything there , they made us feel like home , will definitely be back , Only one thing I didn’t like which was that I’ve been told through WhatsApp there will be no cleaning during my 5 days stay !! ) they said they clean ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jan. 2025

Bob W KOTI Katajanokka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Helsinki

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
46
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
25
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Quiet place, some lovely Christmas lights still in place, hotel was in a good location , well maintained are staff were good.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Finnish people are very friendly and helpful.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Helsinki is a quiet city. We were there for about 3 nights, which was the right amount of time. Great shopping, very safe, glad we went.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful, clean, friendly an absolute pleasure to visit....even the below zero temperatures didn’t slow us down

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is such a manageable city and there is an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect amongst the people.

Cities near Helsinki