What should i do in helsinki

The old workshops, farms, manor houses and cottages are connected by a network of trails, making for gentle walks through woodland or next to the coast. Take a look at the Iconostasis, with its set of beautiful paintings depicting the virgin Mary and an array of saints.

Source: korpilampi. Sauna is a Finnish word, and there are three million of them in Finland, a large quantity of which are found right here in Helsinki. Well over a million visitors a year come to ride the white-knuckle roller coasters, try their luck in the amusement arcades or bring their kids to all kinds of child-friendly shows and attractions. Source: Niko Virtanen. This is crayfish season, and the shellfish is paired with Akvavit in a surprisingly complicated set of rituals.

Waiters at local restaurants will be happy to fill you in about how to eat crayfish the right way, and when to take a shot of Akvavit. And then of course come the drinking songs. Things to Do. Eliza Marin. Market, Finnish. Copy link. Map View. This port area is one of the epicentres of life and commerce in town, and a veritable landmark of Helsinki as a whole.

The Baltic Herring Market at the beginning of October is the best time of year to visit the square, and the nearby Market Hall is open all year round for local flavours and unique souvenirs. More info. Open In Google Maps. Give us feedback.

Other standout rides were also the Ferris wheel, the three-tower rides, the river rapids ride and the Karuselli carousel , built-in Another amazing thing? How cool is that?! A contemporary art museum, part of the Finnish National Gallery that boasts a collection of works by around 8, artists. Kiasma is Finnish for chiasma, a word that defines the point of contact, the physical link between two chromatids belonging to homologous chromosomes. The name is, therefore, a fitting representation for a museum that bills itself as a place of encounters and exchange of opinions.

Contemporary art might not be for you, but there is no denying the rotating collections here provoke though conversation and ideas. Whether you like what they say is a personal choice.

Its construction began in the midth century when Finland was still part of Sweden and is a unique monument of military architecture.

Another special feature of the fortress is that in the course of its history, it has served in defense of three realms: Sweden, Russia, and Finland. Today, many head here for its car-free tranquility, plentiful cafes and picnic spots, incredible views, laid-back beaches, and surreal fortress walls,. Combine culture and nature in this half-day tour of the streets of Helsinki and the World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna island. A knowledgeable guide will take you around some landmarks of the city, including the Olympic Stadium, Market Square, and Sibelius Monument.

Take some fabulous photos then hop on the ferry. Enjoy walking around and learning the stories before heading back to the Market Square. One of the three museums forming the Finnish National Gallery, along with Kiasma and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, the Ateneum offers the most significant collections of classical art in Finland right in the center of Helsinki on the edge of Rautatientori square. The exhibits here guide visitors through the development of Finnish art, and — by extension — the Finnish psyche of the time.

Many of the works are imbued in the collective memory of the Finnish people, and, after a few hours here, you are guaranteed to have a deeper appreciation for Finnish art, history, desire, and fears of this tenacious nation. Nordic design is all the rage at the moment, and where better to get a taste of it in Helsinki than the exalted Design Museum.

Positioned in the heart of the Helsinki Design District, just a quick walk from the Helsinki harbor, this internationally recognized treasure researches, collects, stores, and documents design from both Finland and further abroad. And where this design aesthetic might go in the future. Then there is the ever-changing range of international touring exhibitions offered, as well as a small cafe and excellent store.

Established around years ago, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland, and confirmation of its lengthy history can still be detected and felt as you stroll its lovely streets. For centuries, the town has provided a home as well as a fount of inspiration for many Finnish artists — so perhaps you too will be inspired by its red buildings and laid pack surrounding.

This small-group tour will help you get the most out of your half-day there, with a guided walking tour that highlights all the most exciting places. This way, you can learn more about sites like the 15 th century Porvoo Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Finland.

Positioned on the western edge of the Helsinki peninsula, Hietaniemi Cemetery is the most important cemetery in Finland. Other heads of state, artists, writers, and alike can also be found here. The cemetery is split into five areas reflecting the periods in which they were used, and each is worth wandering around.

The silence and majesty of the space are indescribable, and while it might seem morbid — visiting the graves here can be an incredibly powerful and calming experience. Finland is one of the countries that most people know very little about — which is a shame as its history is as fascinating as Japan , Iran , Cuba or any other country that often make peoples bucket lists. While you can read books, talk to locals or watch films to uncover the history of Finland, you could also just add the National Museum of Finland to your Helsinki attractions list for a turbo-charged introduction to Suomi.

Nowhere else in the world has the story of Finland been told in such a touching way, from a settlement in the prehistoric era 10, years ago, through to Swedish and Russian rule, independence, and into the modern era. Discover what it means to be Finnish, and what makes this engrossing nation tickets through six permanent exhibits and various temporary showcases. Weirdly enough, the museum also houses the most extensive collection of Mesa Verde items outside of the USA, along with one of the largest collections of native Americana.

Go figure. And can be observed without an entrance fee if you are visiting Helsinki on a budget. Your ticket gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours, so no need to rush. The route takes you past all the best places to visit in Helsinki, like the Senate Square, Kaivopuisto Park, and all of those photogenic architectural wonders. A fabulous way to get an overview of a new city, and particularly useful in the depth of winter. You could always use the excellent public transport system here — but the Hop-On Hop-Off bus is more orientated for tourists meaning less time wasted getting between Helsinki attractions.

While it is most certainly is no Macau or Las Vegas , the centrally located Casino Helsinki is a fun place to head out at night with locals. They even have slot machines in most supermarkets with a small area around them designated R Finland IS bizarre. While the ethics of gambling are questionable at best, at least all profits from the Helsinki casino are donated to charity. A magnificent 19th-century greenhouse that is free for everyone to enjoy with palms, cacti, flowers, and a carp pond.

Open all year round, this extravagant sanctuary of exotic plants is the perfect pick-me-up, with unique seasonal displays around Easter and Christmas that only add to its attraction.

While there is no cafe on-site, you can bring your picnic, and there are plenty of places to enjoy it — either on your own or as part of a larger group. Warm and away from the hustle and bustle of the city — making it a firm local favorite for Finns who want to shake a gloomy mood over winter.

One of our favorite cafes in the world, nothing beats the magical atmosphere of Regatta Cafe on a blue sky day. Offering fresh cinnamon buns, blueberry pie, and other treats in a charismatic setting, this is a proverbial Finnish experience that is often hard to find in cosmopolitan Helsinki. Located on the edge of the sea, close to the Sibelius monument, this traditional red cottage cafe has been bringing the Finnish countryside to the middle of Helsinki since Order a coffee, grab a seat and people watch or relax by the fire and grill gratifying sausages.

In the summertime, you even rent stand up paddleboards or kayaks next door. We love the modern cafes of Auckland or the regal cafes of Vienna …but this. This is something else. The location, the environment, the food, the service, everything at Regatta Cafe combine to create an enchanting cafe that you will struggle to leave. So why rush? Just order another Karelian Pie Karjalanpiirakka with egg butter and settle in for the long haul.

This is a must-do for anyone with more than a passing interest in design and how it has influenced the Finnish capital. Start at the famous Design Museum before heading off to explore the Design District on foot. You finish after two hours inspired by the aesthetics.

There is plenty of amazing design-oriented attractions in Helsinki, but this walking tour wonderfully combines the best of them all — making for a good synopsis or a great starting off point. The prehistoric section is the largest permanent collection of archaeological materials in the country.

Various displays also document the development of Finland from the Middle Ages through the Swedish and Russian empires and into a modern state. The entrance hall is decorated with fabulous ceiling frescoes inspired by the Kalevala, the national myth of Finland. Opposite the National Museum, in a park, is the Municipal Museum. Built in , it features a meter-high tower from which there is a magnificent view of the city it's served by an elevator. Cancelled during the fighting, the Olympics were finally held in Helsinki in Inside the stadium is the Finnish Sport Museum, and in front of the entrance is a statue of the great Finnish Olympic runner, Paavo Nurmi To the east is the Swimming Stadium, and to the north, the Ice Stadium.

Beyond the lawn, in front of the Swimming Stadium lies the Municipal Park, a sea of blossoms in the summer and a perfect place for a picnic. The Swimming Stadium is open to visitors in the summer with excellent facilities. Central Park Keskuspuisto. Helsinki's Central Park Keskuspuisto is a massive green space right in the middle of the city. The park is more wild woodland than manicured garden.

It's loaded with bike and walking trails and other activity areas. Hietaniemi Area. Down the coast, south and east from the main railway station are the Rowing Stadium from the Olympics, kayak and canoe rentals, and the beautiful sandy beach of Hietaniemi.

Next to this are several open fields frequently used as soccer parks, several restaurants, and a public sauna. Beyond this lies the fascinating and park-like Hietaniemi cemetery with a cross on its highest point commemorating the fallen heroes of the republic.

Here, too, Marshal Mannerheim is buried. Linkomies, who - as a condition of the armistice - were tried by a Finnish court for their political activities during the war and were given prison sentences, later commuted. A section of the cemetery is dedicated to the Jewish population of the city.

Akseli Gallen-Kallela is perhaps Finland's most important and certainly most impressive painter. The Gallen-Kallela house was built in It contains a permanent exhibition of Gallen-Kallela's own paintings, graphics, and tools. The Gallen-Kallela Museum is located on the beautiful shore of Laajalahti Bay in the eastern part of Helsinki, about ten kilometers from the center. It can be reached by car or by the walking and bike path from Munkkiniemi in Helsinki and Ruukinranta in Espoo.

Ainola was the home of the world-famous composer Jean Sibelius and his wife Aino. The house was built on the lake to give the genius peace to create, while still being close enough to access important events in the nation's capital. After Sibelius and his wife died, their family sold the house to the state. It was well preserved, and a museum foundation was established to maintain it. On the other side of the bay from Seurasaari, near Helsinki, is the garden city of Tapiola, now part of Espoo.

For those fascinated by experimental urban planning ideas from the post-war era, this is a must. Built in the s as a model example of modern town planning, the town now has the feel of a Star Trek set. To the northeast, on the Otaniemi peninsula, is the University of Technology , with Dipoli, the unconventionally designed Students' Union. The new center for cultural activities was designed by architect, Arto Sipinen, and was opened in There are a number of specialty shops available as well as sports facilities.

A beautiful seaside town, kilometers west of Helsinki, Hanko is a bilingual beach-blessed port town of about 10, people. Because of its location, Hanko has been contested for more than a thousand years. The Swedes and the Russians fought several battles here in the 17th and 18th centuries. In , the Russians took over several Swedish forts. The town itself wasn't officially founded until the s and later served as a key transit point for Finns leaving for the United States during the starvation times.

The Finns and the Russians fought a very bloody battle here in