Things to do in Helsinki

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki
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.

Things to do

Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki

Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)

$57
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)
Day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Ferry included

Day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Ferry included

$150
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Ferry included
Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

$42
per adult
Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Porvoo All-Way Guided Sightseeing Tour from Helsinki

Porvoo All-Way Guided Sightseeing Tour from Helsinki

$108
per adult
Porvoo All-Way Guided Sightseeing Tour from Helsinki
Helsinki: SkyWheel Helsinki Entry Ticket

Helsinki: SkyWheel Helsinki Entry Ticket

$17
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Helsinki: SkyWheel Helsinki Entry Ticket
Helsinki: Tram Tour

Helsinki: Tram Tour

$70
per adult
Helsinki: Tram Tour
Day to Porvoo from Helsinki: Medieval Old Town Guided Tour

Day to Porvoo from Helsinki: Medieval Old Town Guided Tour

$109
per adult
Day to Porvoo from Helsinki: Medieval Old Town Guided Tour
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Most popular activities in Helsinki

Tours & day trips

See all 259 activities
Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)

Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)

Activity duration is 11 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 43 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $56 per adult
Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 110 activities
Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)

Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)

Activity duration is 11 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 43 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $56 per adult
Tallinn day cruise from Helsinki (independent visit)Opens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 27 activities
Helsinki: Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Helsinki: Linnanmäki Amusement Park

7.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $61 per adult
Helsinki: Linnanmäki Amusement ParkOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 19 activities
Helsinki: Evening Archipelago Cruise

Helsinki: Evening Archipelago Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
8.0 out of 10 with 41 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $31 per adult
Helsinki: Evening Archipelago CruiseOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 11 activities
From Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park Half-Day Trip

From Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park Half-Day Trip

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 219 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $92 per adult*
From Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park Half-Day TripOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Helsinki

Number of things to do
282
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
The 1st Helsinki Free Tour - Since 2016: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Helsinki

Kauppatori Market Square

Kauppatori Market Square

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

Kauppatori Market Square
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
Scenic summer aerial view of Suomenlinna

Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre

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

Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre
Helsinki_HartwallArena_6061903_02

Veikkaus Arena

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

Veikkaus Arena
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
Helsinki_LinnanmakiAmusementPark_501177_04

Linnanmaki Amusement Park

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.

Linnanmaki Amusement Park
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
Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Image shot 2015

Olympic Stadium

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

Olympic Stadium
Senate Square

Senate Square

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

Senate Square

Where to stay in Helsinki

Find the best Helsinki areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Helsinki
Learn more about Helsinki

Kamppi

Travelers choose Kamppi for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Kamppi Station or Simonkatu Tram Stop and check out top sights like Kamppi Shopping Center.

Katajanokka

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. You can visit top attractions like Allas Sea Pool and Helsinki Sky Wheel, and jump on the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Punavuori

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Punavuori. Top attractions like Sinebrychoff Art Museum and Museum of Foreign Art are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Iso Roobertinkatu Station or Viiskulma Station to see more of the city.

Helsinki skyline overlooking Kallio church.

Kallio

You might enjoy the shopping while in Kallio. Hakaniemi Market Square is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Karhupuisto Station or Kaarlenkatu Station to see more of the city.

Töölö

If you're spending time in Töölö, check out sights like Finnish National Opera or Finlandia Hall and hop on the metro to see more the city at Toolontori Station or Hesperian Puisto Station.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Helsinki

Vantaa

Vantaa

Espoo

Espoo

Birds floating in calm lake after sunset

Tuusula

Frequently asked questions

Is Helsinki worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the cultural highlights and local charm or sample unique foods and explore the outdoors, there are many things to do in Helsinki.
How do I spend a day in Helsinki?
Helsinki Zoo and Unique Lapland Helsinki Winter World are two awesome places to begin your adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Helsinki while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Helsinki?
Don't go home without visiting Helsinki Cathedral, ranked the top tourist attraction in Helsinki.
Is three days enough to stay in Helsinki?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out the leading city highlights, like Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki Zoo and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. The average stay in Helsinki is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Vantaa isn't far away.
Is Helsinki a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Helsinki. Several attractions, including Helsinki Cathedral and Helsinki Zoo, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Helsinki's neighborhoods, Kamppi is 0.4 miles away from downtown, while Kluuvi is 0.2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Helsinki with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all ages, here are some excellent ideas for what to do in Helsinki with kids.

What to do in Helsinki for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Helsinki, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Helsinki Workers' House or Löyly Helsinki.
Are there free things to do in Helsinki?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Helsinki. If you're stuck for ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Helsinki Cathedral is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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