Things to do in Helsinki

Activities, attractions and tours
Helsinki which includes boating, heritage architecture and general coastal views

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.

Top things to do in Helsinki

Image for Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour

Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour

$181
Per adult
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour
Image for Tour Helsinki with a City Planner

Tour Helsinki with a City Planner

$52
Per adult
Tour Helsinki with a City Planner
Image for Best Place to See Northern Lights in Lapland

Best Place to See Northern Lights in Lapland

$2,751
Per adult
Best Place to See Northern Lights in Lapland
Image for Shore Excursion: Helsinki Highlights

Shore Excursion: Helsinki Highlights

$72
Per adult
Shore Excursion: Helsinki Highlights
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Helsinki must see attractions

1. Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall is a congress and event venue highly regarded for its striking modern architecture. This facility features many different sections, including an auditorium with about 1,700 seats, a fine-dining restaurant and a large veranda with excellent views of Töölönlahti Bay.
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Attend an international music event and take a guided tour of this multipurpose Helsinki venue to learn about its significant architectural history.

2. Helsinki Zoo

Marvel at rare leopards and get close to bears and lions at the superb Helsinki Zoo. See flocks of colorful parrots fly overhead or watch as powerful birds of prey dip and dive to reach their food. The zoo has been open since 1889 and is a favorite spot for visitors and residents.
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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.

3. Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is a striking church in the city’s historic center. This cathedral is an outstanding example of neoclassical-style architecture and features brilliant façades and impressive Corinthian pillars. Admire the grand exterior of Helsinki Cathedral and stop at a small souvenir shop in the bell tower.
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Stop at this beautiful Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and see a magnificent collection of zinc sculptures.

4. Olympic Stadium

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

5. Stockmann

Outfit yourself in stylish ensembles from top designer labels or seek the most fragrant perfumes at Helsinki’s most expansive retail park, Stockmann. Get your hair cut, exercise in the gym or simply get a table away from the crowds and enjoy a fantastic meal.
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Discover one of Scandinavia’s largest shopping malls, filled with all your favorite brands and some of the city’s best food outlets.

6. Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre

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

7. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art to see outstanding artworks from the 1970s to the present day. The museum focuses on works by contemporary artists from Finland and other nearby countries. See installations, experimental works, digital works, paintings and more in this remarkable modern art museum.
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Study many exceptional works from the Finnish National Gallery’s collection of contemporary art and admire this museum’s stunning architectural design.

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

Popular places to visit in Helsinki

Image for Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall

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

Finlandia Hall
Image for Helsinki Zoo

Helsinki Zoo

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.

Helsinki Zoo
Image for Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral

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

Helsinki Cathedral
Image for Olympic Stadium

Olympic Stadium

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

Olympic Stadium
Image for Stockmann

Stockmann

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

Stockmann
Image for Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre

Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre

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

Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre
Image for Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

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

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art
Image for Linnanmaki Amusement Park

Linnanmaki Amusement Park

Enjoy a stop at Linnanmaki Amusement Park, an entertaining place to visit in Alppiharju. Visit the stunning cathedral and shops in this culturally rich area.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park
Image for Sibelius Monument

Sibelius Monument

Come to this picturesque park to admire a remarkable monument, made of 600 pipes, and learn about the subject of the monument, one of Finland’s musical sons.

Sibelius Monument

Areas of Helsinki

Espoo showing forests and a lake or waterhole as well as an individual femail

Espoo

The diverse geography of Finland’s second-largest municipality ensures you’ll find plenty to do both indoors and out.

Espoo
Vantaa featuring a sunset, hiking or walking and a lake or waterhole

Vantaa

This lively city has one of Europe’s best science parks, several excellent art museums and a range of festivals year-round.

Vantaa
Senate Square showing street scenes

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
Helsinki which includes a park and a statue or sculpture

Taka-Toolo

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Taka-Toolo. If sightseeing is on the list, Sonera Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Toolon Halli Station or Kansanelakelaitos Station to see more of the area.

Taka-Toolo
Pasila, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Pasila

5/5Exceptional!(2 area reviews)

Pasila is a destination travelers like for its restaurants, and you might hop aboard the metro at Kyllikinportti Station or Messukeskus Station to explore sights like Hartwall Arena.

Pasila
Today we visited Rhododendron Park. Last year we were too late for blossom. This year timing was right. Rhododendron blooming is at its best in early June. The park’s official name is Alppiruusupuisto, Rhododendron Park, It is also known as Rodopuisto or Rhodopuisto. It is an eight-hectare area, which was originally bog. It functions simultaneously as a park open to the public and as the University of Helsinki’s plant breeding experimental site − a solution unique in the world. The oldest rhododendrons have been planted in 1975, when the experimental site for the University of Helsinki’s plant breeding programme was developed in the area. Address: Etelä-Haaga, Laajasuontie 37, Helsinki https://vihreatsylit.fi/en/alppiruusupuisto/ https://www.facebook.com/puistot

Haaga

You might enjoy the restaurants while you're in Haaga, and if you want to see some more of the larger Helsinki area, you can catch a ride on the metro at Korppaanmaki Station.

Haaga
See our Where To Stay guide

Day trip destinations from Helsinki

Vantaa featuring a sunset, hiking or walking and a lake or waterhole

Vantaa

Espoo showing forests and a lake or waterhole as well as an individual femail

Espoo

Vallila

Vallila

Photo by KrubeK

Toukola

Photo by Tim Thomas

Tapiola

Photo by thepickytraveller

Tammisalo

Helsinki which includes a park and a statue or sculpture

Taka-Toolo

Sörnäinen

Sörnäinen