Things to do in Helsinki

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Visit Helsinki

Helsinki Attractions

Tourists can’t help but fall in love with Finland. Helsinki is a capital city, which delivers fun and excitement. It is the perfect place to be inspired, to fall in love, or to find yourself.

Are you in the mood to book a vacation to Finland? Expedia.com has the tools and tips to help you plot a life-changing trip. Come lose your heart in Helsinki.

A Happy Helsinki Vacation

There are plenty of attractions in Helsinki to fill an entire vacation. Local people refer to the city by its nickname of “Stadi” as part of the local slang. However, you don’t have to be familiar with the city's slang in order to discover the top things to do in Helsinki. The city is considered very friendly to tourists.

A Taste of Old and New in the Finnish Capital

The best starting point for Helsinki tours is the National Museum of Finland. Visitors can acquaint themselves with the rich history and culture of the country as they stroll through the vast corridors of this enchanting museum. The museum features archeological treasures and modern historical finds.

A visit to Helsinki Cathedral is one of the best Helsinki activities. This stunning architectural masterpiece is a Lutheran church built in 1852. Large crowds gather in and around the cathedral on a daily basis. This is a great choice if you like places where you can mingle with the natives.

A visit to Parliament is one of the top Helsinki excursions a tourist can embark on. This is the building where Finland's finest gather to uphold the law of the land. The building is open to the public for both guided tours and solitary visits.

The great city of Helsinki hosted the Olympic Games in 1952, and this destination is a must-visit location on your map. The Olympic Stadium continues to awe audiences all these decades later. One of the most beloved activities to partake in during Helsinki tours is a ride in Stadium Tower. Stadium Tower transports visitors seventy two meters high in the air to capture breathtaking views of the city.

Helsinki Awaits Your Arrival

Helsinki is a city you simply must see in order to fully understand the organic beauty and charm the Finnish lifestyle holds. There are so many spots within the city where tourists can become immersed in the hypnotic beauty of Finnish life. Expedia.com is your helping hand in getting to Helsinki.

Browse things to do in Helsinki by interest

Tours & day trips

History & culture

Private & custom tours

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Recommended things to do in Helsinki

Number of things to do	224
Things to do from	$2
Cheapest thing to do	Helsinki: Tip-Based City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Top 5 things to do	Helsinki to Tallinn Self-Guided Day Return Voyage MyStar/Megastar Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki Helsinki: Floating Experience in a Survival Suit Helsinki: City Highlights and Suomenlinna Eco-Friendly Tour
Under $25	Helsinki of many faces: a walk through the centuries Audio Tour Helsinki Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game Gold Heist Outdoor Escape Game in Helsinki Helsinki Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Tour Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour
With kids	Helsinki to Tallinn Self-Guided Day Return Voyage MyStar/Megastar Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki Helsinki: Floating Experience in a Survival Suit Helsinki: City Highlights and Suomenlinna Eco-Friendly Tour

What to do in Helsinki

Free Things to Do in Helsinki

A vacation in Helsinki doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You won't have to spend a penny if you go to:

Helsinki City Museum - Round up the whole family and embark on an adventure through history with one another.

Aalto University - If you enjoy modern-style design and architecture, add this landmark to your list of must-sees.

University of Helsinki - Roam around this historic place and learn some secrets from yesteryear.

Senaatintori - Hang out with the locals and seek out the hidden character and spirit of this delightful place.

Seurasaari Island - Close your eyes and take a deep breath — nothing tops being near the water for some relaxing downtime.

Kauppatori Market Square - Set aside some time to look at this site of local importance.

Vanha Kirkko - Get an understanding of local religious beliefs at this place of worship.

Toolo Bay - Go for a nice walk by the water and maybe even stick a toe in.

Kaisaniemen Kasvitieteellinen Puutarha - No matter if you know your apple trees from azaleas, you won't struggle to find beauty in this gorgeous display.

Things to Do in Helsinki with Kids

There's fun for the whole family no matter where you go in Helsinki. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that will make your getaway a blast:

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Helsinki? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Helsinki on a sunny day?

Take advantage of the clear weather (and give your legs a stretch as well) with some of these top activities:

What to do in Helsinki on a rainy day?

If it’s wet outside and you’re searching for something to do, hang up your umbrella and sign up for a Plaza Premium Lounge at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) T2 Dep.

What should I not miss in Helsinki?

You’ll want to put these attractions high on your must-do list to get the most out of your trip:

Helsinki Cathedral
Finlandia Hall
Senate Square
National Museum

Are there cheap things to do in Helsinki?

If you’re vacationing on a tight budget, think about adding the following bargain experiences to your to-do list:

What can you do in Helsinki for free?

Your time away in Helsinki needn’t blow the budget with free things like these to keep you entertained:

Helsinki Cathedral
Senate Square
Uspenski Cathedral
Presidential Palace

Discover the most popular places to visit in Helsinki

Olympic Stadium

4/5(13 reviews)

Catch an event at Olympic Stadium during your trip to Helsinki. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this culturally rich area.

Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre during your trip to Helsinki. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Helsinki Cathedral

4.5/5(233 reviews)

Stop at this beautiful Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and see a magnificent collection of zinc sculptures.

Helsinki Zoo

5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the planet’s wildest environments and discover the animals that live in this zoo, one of only a few in the world located on an island.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Linnanmaki Amusement Park as part of your trip to Helsinki. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Kauppatori Market Square

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Shop for locally made handicrafts, gourmet Finnish food, souvenirs and many more exceptional items in this famous market in the center of Helsinki.

Stockmann

4.5/5(158 reviews)

Discover one of Scandinavia’s largest shopping malls, filled with all your favorite brands and some of the city’s best food outlets.

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

4/5(42 reviews)

Study many exceptional works from the Finnish National Gallery’s collection of contemporary art and admire this museum’s stunning architectural design.

Finlandia Hall

4.5/5(82 reviews)

Attend an international music event and take a guided tour of this multipurpose Helsinki venue to learn about its significant architectural history.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Helsinki

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.

Old Church of Helsinki which includes a park

Kamppi

4.5/5(142 area reviews)

The city’s bustling central district hosts an inspiring collection of fantastic galleries, remarkable buildings and a landmark department store offering eight floors of Finnish style.

Pasila

5/5(2 area reviews)

Pasila is a destination travelers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Pasilan asema Tram Stop or Esterinportti Station to explore sights like Mall of Tripla.

Kluuvi

4.5/5(125 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Helsinki Central Library Oodi and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Kluuvi. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Rautatientori Station or Rautatieasema Station.

Kauppatori Market Square which includes a square or plaza, a fountain and a city

Etelainen District

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

Relax on picturesque beaches and visit stunning churches and other landmark buildings in one of the Finnish capital’s prominent districts.

Keskinen District

4/5(9 area reviews)

Get to know Keskinen District and its many features like its churches and live music. You might want to explore sights like Helsinki City Library and Iittala Outlet Arabia, and you can jump on the metro at Paavalin Kirkko Station or Makelanrinne Station to get around the city.

See our Where To Stay guide