Senate Square Tours and Activities

Senate Square featuring a monument, a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza
Senate Square showing night scenes, a church or cathedral and a square or plaza
Senate Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a church or cathedral and a monument
Senate Square featuring a monument, a statue or sculpture and night scenes
Senate Square showing a square or plaza


Snap photos of the fascinating buildings surrounding this huge square, which is the cultural centre of politics, religion and science in the city.

Encircled by a cathedral and museums, Senate Square is a popular gathering point. The large plaza serves as a tribute to the impressive 19th-century neoclassical designs of German architect Carl Ludvig Engel. Visit the buildings for a greater understanding of Finnish culture and history.

Gaze up at the magnificent green turrets and domes of Helsinki CathedralOpens in a new window on the northern side of the square. Note the large pediment above the white columns of this inspiring church, which stands atop a high set of stairs. Climb the steep flight of steps to gaze out at the rest of the plaza from the top. The cathedral is open to visitors daily from morning until late in the evening.

In front of the church stands the imposing Statue of Alexander II. Inspect the green outline of Emperor Alexander II and learn about his reforms that led to greater independence for Finland from the Russians.

Peruse the seemingly endless rows of tomes in the National Library of Helsinki. Admire its external yellow façade, white columns and central rotunda. In the southeastern corner of the square is the Sederholm House, which is the city’s oldest stone building. Visit the adjacent Helsinki City Museum for intriguing exhibitions that tell the story of local life.

Attend a concert or political rally in this important square. See the snow buildings and snowboarding events that take place in winter. Digital carillon music sounds from the plaza’s surrounding buildings in the late afternoon. Stand by the statue for optimal acoustics for the tune, which lasts for more than 5 minutes.

Learn about the history of the square, which was mostly designed by Engel between 1822 and 1852.

Senate Square is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic structures in the heart of downtown Helsinki. Ride the bus to one of the stops on the roads surrounding the plaza or walk southeast for 10 minutes from Helsinki Railway Station to get here. The square is right beside the Kaisaniemi metro station and near the Helsinki University.

Tours & day trips

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Popular places to visit


Top Senate Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Hobo Helsinki

Hobo Helsinki

4 out of 5
Kluuvikatu 4, Helsinki
Hobo Helsinki
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Mikonkatu 23, Helsinki
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki

4 out of 5
Asema-Aukio 2, Helsinki
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Helsinki, Uusimaa
Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Radisson RED Helsinki

Radisson RED Helsinki

4 out of 5
Vuorikatu 24, Helsinki
Radisson RED Helsinki
Hotel Arthur

Hotel Arthur

3 out of 5
Vuorikatu 19, Helsinki
Hotel Arthur
Scandic Grand Marina

Scandic Grand Marina

4 out of 5
Katajanokanlaituri 7, Helsinki
Scandic Grand Marina
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.

Things to do near Senate Square

At Senate Square in Helsinki, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with nearby attractions, including theatre performances and diverse shopping options. Don't miss the chance to explore the stunning architecture, take evening walks around the square, and enjoy the scenic views. For those seeking adventure, the Serena ski lift offers a thrilling experience just a short distance away, making Senate Square a perfect hub for both relaxation and excitement.

Shopping

In Senate Square, you can visit Kauppatori Market Square, a vibrant public market just 161m away, perfect for local gifts. Stockmann, located 644m away, and Kamppi Shopping Center, 966m away, offer a mix of shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

The Olympic Stadium, a vibrant sports venue, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for athletic enthusiasts. Nearby, the Helsinki Music Centre provides captivating performances, infusing entertainment into your visit. For a soothing experience, head to Löyly Helsinki, where you can unwind with rejuvenating treatments in a stunning sauna setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Serena Water Park, located 20.9km away, offering fun and excitement for the whole family. For a quick outdoor adventure, visit Bicyclean Helsinki, situated 966m away, where you can enjoy cycling through the vibrant city. Don’t miss the adrenaline rush at VM Karting Center, 19.3km away!

Nightlife

In Helsinki, Senate Square comes alive at night with options like Maxim Finnkino Cinema and Kinopalatsi Finnkino Cinema, both just 322m away, offering family-friendly and romantic vibes. For a cinematic experience, the Kinopalatsi Movie Theater Complex also provides entertaining films in a vibrant atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Senate Square

Senate Square in Helsinki is a hub of cultural experiences, featuring notable attractions like the Helsinki Cathedral and various art museums. Visitors can enjoy a blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and enriching cultural insights. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels near the square, making it convenient to explore this vibrant area and participate in events at local conference venues.

  • Finlandia Hall: Located 1.3km from Senate Square, Finlandia Hall is a striking architectural masterpiece, hosting a variety of events and conferences. Its modern design and professional atmosphere make it a hub for business and cultural gatherings.
  • University of Helsinki: Just 161m away, this historic university boasts beautiful architecture and a rich academic legacy. The campus exudes a cultural vibe, perfect for those interested in Finnish history and education.
  • Helsinki Central Library Oodi: Situated 805m from Senate Square, Oodi is more than just a library; it’s a vibrant community space, offering family-friendly activities, cultural events, and a unique architectural experience that encourages creativity and learning.

Best time to go to Senate Square

The best time to visit Senate Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February25.7°F (-3.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March29.8°F (-1.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April38.7°F (3.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
May49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December30.4°F (-0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Senate Square

For a budget-friendly visit to Senate Square, consider travelling in January, April, or July when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Sunday stay to save even more. Use Expedia to explore last-minute deals, refine your search for budget-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities. Take advantage of Helsinki’s efficient public transport, which is both affordable and convenient for exploring the area without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Senate Square are January, April and July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June, September and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Senate Square about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Senate Square is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Senate Square is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Senate Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.