Sightseeing in Helsinki: 10 Best Attractions to Visit

Are you looking to go sightseeing in Helsinki? I’ve compiled the top 10 attractions you must not miss when you visit this city I called for 5 years.

Considering that Helsinki is a small city, it should take you about a day or two to see all of these attractions, and from there, you’ll learn a bit about Helsinki as the capital of Finland and a small introduction to Finnish history and customs.

Helsinki is a lovely city you can visit all year round, but I suggest visiting around Summer time to get the best of it, as the whole place goes wild around that time of the year!

That said, let me know what you think!

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Where to stay in Hanko

Tours to do in Hanko

Sightseeing in Helsinki: Top Attractions to See

Visit Löyly and go relax in the sauna

Opened in 2016, Löyly is where locals and visitors love to dine, dance, and relax because it has a public sauna, a bard, and a restaurant.

The site of the building was a former industrial area, making it an important part of the economic growth of Helsinki. It lies along the coastline. Thus, Löyly provides a stunning view of the ocean.

Imagine relaxing in the public sauna while gazing at the ocean views and initiating meaningful conversations with the locals. The structure is a photographic view, resembling a giant seashore stone. Visitors can come here during any time of the year; thus, visiting the city is a can’t-miss attraction.

Address: Hernesaarenranta 4

For more information: loylyhelsinki.fi

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Check out Suomenlinna Sea Fortress – one of the most iconic places for sightseeing in Helsinki

Although Suomenlinna Sea Fortress lies in Finland, it was established by the Swedes as protection from Russian invaders in the mid-18^th century. Despite the structure’s grandness, the Russians managed to conquer Viapori in 1808. The site of the fortress also served as a building site for warships and as a naval base at one time.

Considered the number one tourist destination in Helsinki, Suomenlinna lies on six rocky islands off Helsinki. Visitors can reach it via a ferry from Helsinki. It is open all year round but is most frequented during the summer, as it is an ideal site for picnics. It is one of the most popular destinations in Helsinki.

Read my post: How to get to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

For more information: Opening ours and yearly events

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Amos Rex

Amos Rex lies in the center of Helsinki and is one of the city’s newest museums and attractions. It comprises two parts: renovating a 1930s-listed building called Lasipalatsi and a new subterranean museum.

Amos Rex integrates the urban park as a component of the museum experience. Its large concrete domes signify functionality for museum use while it also allows flexible exhibition spaces and long column-free spans. The domes feature skylights that provide selected views of lies above as well as natural light hitting the galleries below.

Address: Mannerheimintie 22-24, this is so close to the train station!

For more updated opening hours and ticket prices: Click this link

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Helsinki Cathedral and the Senate Square

Helsinki Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions in the city with its imposing view, especially when the sky is clear and blue. It lies at Senate Square, whose architect also designed the said Cathedral.

Previously known as St. Nicholas Church after the Russian tsar, the name was changed when Finland achieved independence from Russia in 1917 after years of bloody battles.

Helsinki Cathedral is reminiscent of ancient Greek buildings with its neoclassical Lutheran church. Established in the 17^th century, the church boasts stunning columns and zinc statues of the 12 Apostles.

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Helsinki Old Market Hall

Known as the Old Market Hall, this unique attraction in Helsinki plays an important historical role in the city’s history. It has a beautiful design and interesting inner structures located on the south harbor. Visitors who want to experience authentic Finnish products and cuisines can come here. You will surely love the various seafood caught in the surrounding ocean.

Address: Eteläranta

Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, Sundays are closed

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool is at the center of Helsinki and is the top marine spa and an oasis of urban culture. People here can enjoy breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea; even better, it’s just a walking distance from Helsinki’s main attractions, including the Market Square.

Both visitors and locals alike can visit Allas all year round and immerse themselves in the various recreational activities and unique experiences.

It features two warm water pools, three saunas, and one seawater pool. Visitors here can also avail themselves of guided sports and wellness lessons, cultural activities, dining services, and an outdoor gym.

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Take the scening tram ride (Tram 2, 4 & 6)

If you want to see Helsinki in a nutshell in just one hour, you can take tram number 2 from Helsinki railway station’s tram stop and enjoy a scenic view of the city that will take you around Helsinki. On this ride, you’ll glimpse Helsinki’s popular attractions, such as the Parliament House, Oodi Library, Finlandia Hall, the Olympic Stadium, Helsinki Botanical and Winter Gardens, Helsinki Cathedral, and Senate Square to mention a few.

That said, if you’re more into architecture, Tram 4’s route will take you from Katajanokka to Munkkiniemi, and get to see some of the city’s famous architecture along the way, there are a few of Alvar Aalto’s designs along the way.

Tram 6, however, will introduce you to some of Helsinki’s famous arts, design, and culinary culture hubs, which will take you around the Arabianranta district. This tram route lets you visit famous museums and galleries such as the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, Ateneum, and the Design District. If you get hungry, two market halls (Hietalahti and Hakaniemi Market Halls) are also along this route!

Sightseeing in Helsinki can’t be any easier with a tram, and the best part is that you can go down to each attraction as you, please. Remember that a ticket is €3.20 for an hour ride, but if you purchase a daily or multiple days ticket, you can ride as long and as many as you need.

You can get more info about transportation costs in Helsinki using HSL.

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Helsinki Biennial and Kasarmitori Square

The Helsinki Biennial is a globally-acclaimed art event that gathers creators and fans of outstanding contemporary art to maritime Helsinki. It’s the ideal destination for avid art aficionados, as you’ll get immersed in various renditions with powerful and complex messages and details.

The institution that is in charge of producing and curating the biennial is the HAM Helsinki Art Museum. The venue for the event is known as Kasarmitori Square, which sees significant events and activities every year.

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Temppeliaukio Church

One of the most uniquely-designed churches in Helsinki is the Temppeliaukio Kirkko, also known as the Church of the Rock. Built in the 20^th century, the church has been serving members of the Lutheran community, which comprise most of the religious population.

The church’s construction began in the 1930s but had to be halted due to World War II. Proponents continued building the church in 1968 following a second design competition. The modern-day design features an interior made from solid rock, with sunlight brightening the interior. So it’s best to visit in the morning to catch the sun’s rays lightening the church.

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

Sibelius Monument

The Sibelius Monument is one of the most iconic attractions in Sibelius Park. Dedicated to the late Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, the monument consists of more than 600 hollow steel pipes linked together in a wave-like design.

It aims to portray the essence of Sibelius’s musical renditions and creations. Visitors and locals love to take pictures at the backdrop of the monument.

So there you have some of the iconic destinations in the city. All these make Helsinki make visits for all sorts of tourists, including those with a passion for culture and history. Note that most of these destinations are walkable from the city center of Helsinki.

If you’re planning to spend three days in Helsinki, among other things, you can take day trips from the city to other natural destinations, including lakes and mountains.

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay in Helsinki!

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours in Helsinki.

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