Helsinki

Travel Guide
Helsinki showing snow and a sunset

Helsinki Travel Guide Video

Visit Helsinki for its sophisticated charm and vibrant cultural scene, its beautiful buildings and its many museums and galleries.

Helsinki’s art, architecture, and cultural practices are influenced by both Western and Eastern European traditions, giving it a distinct character and singular charm. Head to Senate Square for a look at the statues and buildings of the city’s best-known public space. You’ll see the imposing Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral as well as Government Palace. Architecture and design fans will notice the work of Carl Ludvig Engel, Eliel Saarinen, and Alvar Aalto all around town. Visit the Helsinki City Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, Aalto House, or the Design Museum to learn about Finnish and Helsinkian design traditions.

History buffs will want to visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Built by the Swedish in the 18th century, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a museum, cafés, and even restaurants. To see artifacts from throughout the country’s history, spend a few hours in the National Museum of Finland.

Set aside at least a day to explore the city’s many art museums and galleries. Head to the Ateneum and Sinebrychoff Museums for a collection of classical Finnish and European works. For contemporary art, visit the Kiasma Museum.

Anyone looking to pick up a cool souvenir or a bite to eat should visit Old Market Hall and Market Square. For a cool atmosphere and trendy shops, explore the Design District or walk along the Esplanade. To take a break from the city, catch a ferry to one of the nearby islands. You’ll find historical houses on Seurasaari and Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari.

Helsinki is the cultural and economic hub of Finland and sits on a peninsula at the very south of the country and is surrounded by the waters of the Baltic Sea. It is a Nordic capital with a special charm, offering style, architecture, and a large number of museums and galleries.

Where to stay in Helsinki

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
Old Church of Helsinki which includes a park

Kamppi

4.5/5(142 area reviews)

In the heart of Helsinki's Central Business District, Kamppi boasts the largest cinema multiplex, Tennispalatsi, and the modern underground central bus station. Explore Narinkka Square or shop at Kamppi Center.

Kamppi
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Pasila

5/5(2 area reviews)

Major transportation hub Pasila boasts the Tripla complex with 250 shops, Helsinki Urban Art center, and a pedestrian-friendly design in Eastern Pasila. Explore the largest commercial center in the Nordic countries and enjoy street art in Finland.

Pasila
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

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.

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

Etelainen District

4.5/5(108 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the interesting museums in Etelainen District. Spend some time visiting top spots like Helsinki West Terminal, and catch the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop to see more of the area.

Etelainen District
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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 Iittala Outlet Arabia and Mall of Tripla, and you can jump on the metro at Paavalin Kirkko Station or Makelanrinne Station to get around the city.

Keskinen District
Hilton Helsinki Airport
Hilton Helsinki Airport
4 out of 5
Lentaejaenkuja 1, Vantaa
The price is $140 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
$140
$154 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,383 reviews)
"Walking distance to the airport perfect for early flights"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hilton Helsinki Airport
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109, Helsinki
The price is $115 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$115
$126 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,473 reviews)
"It was a nice short stay. Room is good size, bathroom is small but good bought. Overall a good stay!"

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki
4 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Helsinki, Uusimaa
The price is $118 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
$118
$129 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"There needs to be more transparency from the hotel staff to the customers upon check in of the fees related to check out. I was charged 10 Euro for departing my room at 1224 pm. Late check out fee was not brought to my attention by the staff upon check in. I’ve never had a hotel charge me for leaving ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Noli Katajanokka
Noli Katajanokka
3.5 out of 5
Kanavakatu 1, Helsinki
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 spa tubs, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (862 reviews)
The rooms are hot but otherwise great 😃
"Great studio with appliances you can think of. 10/15 minute walk to the nearest sightseeing spots and a supermarket just around the corner. The Only downside was that the rooms are very hot and you can't adjust the heating/aircon lower then 21 degrees."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Noli Katajanokka
Forenom Aparthotel Helsinki Herttoniemi
Forenom Aparthotel Helsinki Herttoniemi
2.5 out of 5
Hitsaajankatu 12, Helsinki
Stay at this apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Linnanmäki & Sea Life and Viikin-Vanhankaupunginlahden ...
7.6/10 Good! (520 reviews)
Too warm
"No AC. Too warm during summer."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2023

Forenom Aparthotel Helsinki Herttoniemi
Bob W KOTI Katajanokka
Bob W KOTI Katajanokka
4.5 out of 5
4 Kruunuvuorenkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Olympic Stadium ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
"The place is absolutely recommendable. The kitchen is fully equipped for even a long term stay. There is a washer/dryer in the unit. Easy and secure accces to the unit and building. Close cafes and grocery stores nearby. Tram passes close by which can be used to get to the central area of ..."

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2024

Bob W KOTI Katajanokka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Helsinki

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
254
" "5 - Excellent 69.39890710382514%
4 - Good
101
" "4 - Good 27.595628415300546%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 2.73224043715847%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.273224043715847%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 24, 2020

Hopefully the people are nicer than this hotel staff

5/5 - Excellent

RhondadT
Mar 11, 2020

Helsinki is a lovely place to visit. It’s safe, quiet and beautifully designed. The cobblestone streets and detailed architecture makes for picture perfect images. Everything closes up early but I truly enjoyed my brief stay.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 11, 2020

The people of Helsinki are amazing and kind! You have to visit Löyly Sauna!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 8, 2020

We need to go back. There is a lot to see and it is easy to get around without a car. Would stay at Glo Art again.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 29, 2020

Vibrant accessible city whose people are happy, friendly, and helpful.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 21, 2020

A family-friendly city that’s easily walkable, with cool sights for grown-ups and kids.

Cities near Helsinki