Helsinki

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Helsinki

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 garden

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
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 Löyly Helsinki, and catch the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop to see more of the area.

Etelainen District
Vantaa featuring rafting, kayaking or canoeing and a lake or waterhole

Aviapolis

4/5(197 area reviews)

While you're in Aviapolis, take in top sights like Finnish Aviation Museum or Jumbo Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Aviapolis Station or Lentoasema Station.

Aviapolis
Katajanokka featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(66 area reviews)

Dominated by a passenger harbour, Katajanokka boasts the former prison-turned-hotel, Uspenski Cathedral, and Katajanokka Casino. Easily accessible via four bridges, enjoy the area's renovated restaurants and cafés.

Katajanokka
Marski by Scandic
Marski by Scandic
4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
$101 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$116 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,295 reviews)
"Brilliant customer service from staff. Excellent breakfast options. Furniture was a little tired, and the room was not vacuumed for the duration of the stay."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Marski by Scandic
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109, Helsinki
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$92 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$105 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,619 reviews)
"The hotel was super pretty, staff were always helpful, both the check in and check out were easy. The breakfast was super good, greatly recommand the blueberry juice which I basically became obsessed with."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki
4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Helsinki, Uusimaa
$120 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$137 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,285 reviews)
"It met all the expectations."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

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.
Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
4 out of 5
20 Lönnrotinkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Helsinki Cathedral and Sinebrychoff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (45 reviews)
"The room was still very new and clean. I had an issue with passcode not showing, but it was solved quickly by chatting on WhatsApp."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
3.5 out of 5
22 Välimerenkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
"Nice quiet hotel with a spacious room and friendly front desk. Tram stop is nearby which makes going around easy."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
Bob W Kaarti
Bob W Kaarti
3 out of 5
Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Helsinki Cathedral and Olympic Stadium ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"Super clean, just the right size for one person, and the list of extras was unexpected! Loved my stay here 😊"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Bob W Kaarti
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Helsinki

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
254
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
101
4 - Good 28%
3 - Okay
10
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Hopefully the people are nicer than this hotel staff

5/5 - Excellent

RhondadT

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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