The Excellent 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary for Your First Go to

I am going to come out and say it proper off the highest: Helsinki is one among my favourite cities within the Nordic area!

This is likely to be shocking to anybody who’s visited, say, Stockholm or Bergen or Copenhagen, however hear me out on this.

Helsinki has so many issues that I really like in a metropolis: numerous inexperienced areas, ample espresso outlets, distinctive structure, and fascinating historical past, simply to call a couple of. It is protected, not tremendous touristy, and has a very nice vibe to it – plus, it is the capital of the happiest nation on this planet!

Helsinki makes for a wonderful lengthy weekend getaway, or an add-on to an extended journey round Scandinavia/the Nordics.

Should you’re seeking to go to Helsinki for your self, here is my thought of the proper 3 days there!

When to go to Helsinki

There’s *one* small caveat to all my effusive reward of Helsinki: it largely applies to Helsinki through the hotter months of the 12 months. I’ve truly been to Helsinki in each the summer season and the winter, and I am going to admit that town is rather more charming within the hotter months!

I am not saying which you could’t get pleasure from Helsinki within the winter – you undoubtedly can! However if you wish to totally recognize all of the parks and islands and lengthy days, then you must contemplate a visit from Could-September.

Summer time in Helsinki is difficult to beat – the solar shines probably the most from Could-July, and town will get roughly 18 hours of daylight throughout that point. Helsinki additionally does not endure from overwhelming summer season vacationer numbers like another European spots.

My first go to to Helsinki was in June, and it rapidly rocketed as much as one among my favourite European capital cities.

3 days in Helsinki itinerary

That is my thought of the proper 3 days in Helsinki, primarily based alone two journeys there. Be at liberty to make use of this to encourage your individual journey!

An intro to Helsinki

Helsinki has a protracted and fascinating historical past; even its extra “trendy” historical past spans lots of of years, as town was based in 1550 by Swedish King King Gustav I, again when Finland was a part of the Swedish empire. Town (and all of present-day Finland) was then conquered by the Russian empire in 1808, and remained beneath Russian rule till Finland gained its independence in 1917.

Helsinki, subsequently, has an eclectic mixture of structure, companies, and total vibes the displays its melded cultural historical past. Components of it do really feel a bit Russian, whereas different elements really feel Scandinavian, whereas nonetheless different elements do not feel like both.

It is maybe most spectacular to me that, regardless of all of the centuries beneath international rule, the Finnish folks nonetheless hung onto their distinctive cultural id and language – which is totally completely different than Russian or any of the Scandi languages.

Day 1: Central Helsinki

Right this moment, get a really feel for this distinctive capital with all of the highlights round Helsinki’s metropolis heart.

Morning: Strolling tour

I like to recommend beginning out with a strolling tour of town heart, as it is a nice option to get some context of town’s historical past, whereas on the identical time seeing a number of the most iconic spots in Helsinki like Senate Sq., each cathedrals, and the south harbor/Market Sq..

I did a free strolling tour with Free Tour Helsinki (i.e. Pink Umbrella Excursions), and we visited so many locations in simply two hours, together with some spots I could not have discovered alone. The tour is free (you are simply anticipated to tip your information after), although they do advocate reserving an area on-line upfront.

The locations you may see on a central Helsinki strolling tour (or which you could go to by yourself for those who’d desire to skip the tour) embrace:

Helsinki Cathedral / Senate Sq.

Begin in Senate Sq., on the backside of the steps main as much as the Helsinki Cathedral. That is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral, and it is identified for its grand inexperienced dome and big granite staircase main as much as it. The cathedral was constructed between 1830 and 1852 as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia (who was ruling Finland on the time), and has change into a logo of Helsinki.

You possibly can go contained in the cathedral exterior of worship hours – although observe that it is not practically as ornate on the within! It appears to be like like a grand Catholic church from the surface, however a austere Lutheran church on the within.

Nationwide Library of Finland

Proper throughout the road from Helsinki Cathedral you may discover the Nationwide Library of Finland. The Finns LOVE their libraries – there are greater than 700 of them all through the nation of simply 5.6 million!

The Nationwide Library is free to go to (you may simply want to depart coats and baggage within the cloakroom), and is effectively price a fast peek. The library exhibits off Helsinki’s symmetrical Neoclassical structure each in and out, with the rotunda being my favourite half.

Uspenski Cathedral

Your strolling tour will meander by way of town heart and finally over in the direction of the harbor and town’s different cathedral: Uspenski Cathedral. This ornate pink brick cathedral courting again to 1868 is the biggest orthodox church in Western Europe, and is much more lavish on the within.

Lunch: Vanha Kauppahalli

After your strolling tour (both guided or simply by yourself), it will be time for lunch. I like to recommend visiting Vanha Kauppahalli in the marketplace sq., which is a conventional indoor market from the 1800s the place you could find all types of Finnish meals.

Seize a stuffed baked potato from Kumpi Peruna (strive it with reindeer meat!), some conventional fish soup from SOUP+MORE, and licorice gelato at La Gelateria (the Finns LOVE their licorice). There are additionally stalls promoting all the things from caviar to contemporary salmon, and some bakeries, too (strive a tippaleipä, which is the Finnish model of a funnel cake!).

Afternoon: SkyWheel

After lunch can be time to go up the SkyWheel, the enormous Ferris wheel overlooking town and harbor. Add a glass of bubbly to get pleasure from as you get whisked above town.

(You can e book forward, however you do not essentially should; I purchased my ticket on arrival.)

Close to the SkyWheel you may additionally discover the Allas Sea Pool, an out of doors pool and sauna facility proper on the harbor. Right here you may discover three saunas and three out of doors swimming swimming pools of various temperatures, together with the ocean pool that is crammed up by the Baltic Sea. It is a fashionable spot for locals that you may additionally need to strive for those who deliver your swimsuit with you (however I am going to additionally advocate one other sauna expertise later on this itinerary!).

Late afternoon: Metropolis museum

Should you skip the ocean pool, head over to the Helsinki Metropolis Museum on Senate Sq. subsequent. This small museum is totally free, and showcases moments from Helsinki’s historical past by way of pictures, artwork, artifacts, and extra.

It is a fast museum to pop into (and it is open till 7 p.m. on weekdays), and rounds out the principle highlights on this a part of Helsinki.

Night: Esplanadi Park and dinner

Take a stroll by way of Esplanadi Park, a slender park in central Helsinki that is a preferred spot for strolling. It incorporates a dwell music stage, loads of benches for people-watching, and is near numerous eating places.

For dinner tonight, you might strive Kappeli (high-quality eating proper in Esplanadi Park), Restaurant Savotta (conventional Finnish), Helsinki Bryggeri Brewhouse (brewery with meals), Ravintola Emo (Scandinavian bistro), Pizzeria Through Tribunali (extremely popular pizza spot), or Ravintola Rioni (Georgian spot). I might advocate reservations wherever attainable!

Day 2: Let’s get artsy

Right this moment you may go to a pleasant park and have loads of museum time!

Morning: Sibelius Park

Begin out your morning with a brief journey to Sibelius Park simply north of town heart. This forested park is a stunning place for a stroll, and can be house to some of the charming cafes in Helsinki.

Begin out with a espresso and cinnamon roll at Cafe Regatta, which is somewhat cabin-shaped cafe that sits proper on the water. The Finns LOVE their espresso – light-roasted filter espresso, to be actual – and drink extra espresso per capita than folks in some other nation on this planet!

So do because the Finns do and luxuriate in a espresso right here as you’re taking within the views. (You can too lease issues like kayaks and SUPs right here, if you wish to get out on the water.)

From the cafe, it is a quick stroll to the Sibelius Monument, a monument devoted to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The monument, designed by Eila Hiltunen, includes 600+ metal pipes that kind a form meant to symbolize the melody of music. It is very cool!

Late morning: Temppeliaukio Church 

In your manner again into town heart, contemplate making a cease at Temppeliaukio Church within the Töölö neighborhood of Helsinki.

This spherical church could be very distinctive, with tough stone partitions and a shiny copper dome. It was constructed instantly into stable rock, and is subsequently generally additionally referred to as the Church of the Rock or Rock Church. That is nonetheless a working church, but additionally a preferred live performance venue because of its glorious acoustics.

Visiting the church prices €8 per grownup, and you should purchase a ticket within the church foyer or on-line upfront.

Afternoon: Museum time!

Helsinki has SO many museums, so right this moment is a superb time to discover a minimum of one or two of them.

I personally would advocate 1 historical past museum and 1 artwork museum, although you would possibly need to go to fewer or extra, relying in your private preferences and the way lengthy you spend at every one.

The highest historical past museum (that is not removed from Temppeliaukio Church) is the Nationwide Museum of Finland, or Kansallismuseo. This museum is a superb place to study extra about Finland’s historical past as an entire, from prehistoric instances by way of the current day. Nonetheless, this museum is closed for renovations till 2027!

There are many artwork museums to select from in Helsinki, too, together with a number of which can be in shut proximity to 1 one other close to the prepare station. These are:

• Artwork Museum Ateneum – Positioned in a grand Nineteenth-century constructing, this artwork museum focuses totally on Finnish works from the 1700s onwards. It additionally has a couple of worldwide items, together with ones from the likes of Van Gogh and Rodin.
• Museum of Up to date Artwork Kiasma – A part of the Finnish Nationwide Gallery, Kiasma focuses totally on Finnish modern artwork, and is in a really cool constructing.
• Amos Rex – An artwork museum showcasing trendy and modern artwork in a really cool house, with an out of doors house (Lasipalatsi Sq.) that is enjoyable to go to.

Most of those artwork museums are on the smaller aspect, so for those who’re skipping the Nationwide Museum of Finland, you might undoubtedly go to 2 or doubtlessly all 3 of them in a day. (They usually’re all free with the Helsinki Card!)

Early night: Oodi Library

Lastly, it’s essential to cease in to the Helsinki Central Library Oodi, which is a brand new(ish) design-forward library that opened in late 2018. I do know that that is the second library I am recommending on this itinerary, however they are surely price seeing!

Oodi library oozes glossy design each in and out. Together with regular library-type choices, you can too discover two cafes, an out of doors terrace, and areas you possibly can lease for all the things from recording music to enjoying video video games to cooking a meal (sure, there is a kitchen house on this library!).

Oodi is open till a minimum of 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., too, so you possibly can simply pop in both earlier than or after dinner.

Night: Wine bar and dinner

A superb possibility for dinner tonight is Wine Bar Apotek (Viinibaari Apotek), which is certainly a wine bar that additionally serves full meals. It is a small house, although, so reservations are beneficial.

Different locations to think about tonight embrace Ravintola Nolla (a no-waste restaurant with tasting menus obtainable), Lappi Ravintola (a comfy spot serving Finnish meals), Boon Nam (upscale Thai), or Yeastie Boi (enjoyable bagel sandwich spot).

Day 3: Suomenlinna and sauna

You have hit up many of the Helsinki highlights, so let’s head somewhat additional out right this moment!

Morning and early afternoon: Suomenlinna

Helsinki is positioned on an archipelago made up of roughly 330 islands. And one of many high issues to do in Helsinki is to take a ferry out to a group of these islands referred to as Suomenlinna.

These islands aren’t simply islands – they’re truly an enormous fortress. Again within the 1740s, Sweden (keep in mind, Finland was part of the Swedish Empire) determined to construct an incredible sea fortress to assist defend towards the rising energy of the Russian Empire. The fortress, referred to as Sveaborg, consisted of 8 separate small islands, of which six had been fortified with defensive partitions.

Curiously, the Russians did finally take this fortress in 1808, however no battles had been ever truly fought right here; the Swedes merely surrendered. Russia retained the fortress till Finnish independence in 1917 – and Finland modified the identify from Sveaborg (Citadel of the Swedes) to Suomenlinna (Citadel of Finland) in 1918.

Right this moment, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and is a well-liked half-day journey from Helsinki.

Head to Market Sq. (Kauppatori) and take the FRS water bus to Suomenlinna (test the schedule right here). You may purchase your ticket onboard, and observe you get monetary savings with a Helsinki Card.

You may cruise previous a number of different islands and arrive in about half an hour to Suomenlinna. As soon as there, enable a minimum of a pair hours to discover! Regardless that it is an historic web site, Suomenlinna can be house to about 800 everlasting residents and there is a lot to see.

A guided strolling tour is obtainable every day if you wish to study extra in regards to the historical past of the fortress (join on the customer heart, or get your ticket upfront – the tour can be included with a Helsinki Card), however you can too discover freely by yourself.

There are a number of cafes and eating places to get pleasure from, too. I like to recommend sticking round for lunch at both Adlerfelt or Cafe Bar Valimo.

Afternoon: Sauna expertise

When you head again to Helsinki from Suomenlinna, it is time to get a style of Finnish sauna tradition!

The sauna (pronounced SAUW-nuh) is a staple in Finnish tradition. It is quite common for residences and household properties in Finland to have their very own personal sauna. Your lodge or residence in Helsinki would possibly even present one so that you can use.

However going to a public sauna is an entire completely different expertise! Head to Löyly this afternoon, which is positioned on the finish of Heliga Birgittas Park (Pyhän Birgitan puisto) on the waterfront to the south of town heart.

The Löyly sauna advanced contains two mixed-gender sauna rooms (one trendy smoke sauna and one conventional wood-heated sauna) and ladder entry into the Baltic Sea (for the all-important chilly plunge). There’s additionally a big out of doors terrace and a glass-fronted restaurant with a number of bars. It is a good looking house!

Entrance to the Löyly sauna is €26 per individual, which incorporates 2 hours of sauna time, a towel, shampoo, and a seat cowl, plus entry to the terrace the place you can too purchase drinks. You do must e book a timed reservation on-line upfront.

Night: Dinner and Kaivopuisto Park

You possibly can e book a desk at Löyly for dinner, or stroll again in the direction of town heart alongside the waterfront and see what else you discover (Restaurant Birgitta Hernesaari is one other good possibility, with numerous out of doors seating in the summertime).

You can too stroll previous a metropolis seashore and into Kaivopuisto, a waterfront park with numerous strolling paths, sea views, cafes, and ice cream stands. On a summer season night, it is a excellent place to be.

After dinner, for those who’re up for a singular cocktail bar, search out Bob’s Laundry, a speakeasy-style bar “hidden” inside a small laundromat within the Punavuori neighborhood.

When you have extra time…

It is fairly simple to fill 3 days in Helsinki, particularly through the summer season months. However you probably have even *extra* time, listed below are another belongings you would possibly need to do:

1. Discover the Design District – Helsinki is designated as a UNESCO Metropolis of Design and even has its personal appointed “Chief Design Officer.” You possibly can discover the designated Design District, which encompasses 25 streets round Helsinki within the Punavuori, Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi and Ullanlinna neighborhoods. Quite a lot of notable outlets will be present in Kaartinkaupunki, particularly alongside each Pohjoisesplanadi and Aleksanterinkatu simply north of the Esplanadi.
2. Go to Seurasaari Open-Air Museum – Positioned on Seurasaari Island in Helsinki, this museum-park calls itself “rural Finland in miniature,” as all of the buildings all through the park have been introduced in from throughout Finland to provide guests an perception in to what rural life was like in Finland years in the past. You may simply spend half a day right here.
3. Take a day journey – You possibly can e book day excursions to locations like Nuuksio Nationwide Park for some mountaineering, or Porvoo for its historical past. However the most well-liked day journey is definitely to Tallinn, Estonia! You possibly can take one of many big ferries (severely, they’re like cruise ships) throughout the Gulf of Finland in simply 2 hours, and spend many of the day exploring the historic metropolis of Tallinn. (See my Tallinn ideas right here.)

The place to remain in Helsinki

By myself first journey to Helsinki, I opted to lease an residence as a result of I wanted an area to get some work (and laundry) carried out. I booked an residence at Bob W Koti Ullanlinna, which is within the Design District.

The Bob W chain of residences does an incredible job of placing you in a protected, quiet neighborhood that is nonetheless near all the principle points of interest. (Mine was proper subsequent to the Design Museum and a tram line.) All the things is contactless, and also you enter utilizing a code on a keypad. Bob W has a number of different areas in Helsinki, too, together with Bob W Metropolis Centre, Bob W Koti Katajanokka, and Bob W Kluuvi.

If a lodge is extra your velocity, although (or for those who want greater than 1 mattress), these Helsinki resorts can be my picks:

• Lodge F6 – A boutique lodge in an incredible location, that is the top-rated lodge in Helsinki.
• Lodge Kamp – Prime luxurious lodge in Helsinki.
• Lodge Fabian – One other good boutique lodge possibility, this one is near Vanha Kauppahalli.
• Clarion Lodge Mestari – An excellent central location plus an incredible breakfast unfold; that is the place I stayed throughout my winter journey to Helsinki!
• Marski by Scandic – Good worth for cash, and the Scandic model of resorts is at all times a stable selection within the Nordics.

Visiting Heksinki FAQ

Listed below are a couple of extra issues to learn about visiting Helsinki:

How do you get to Helsinki?

You possibly can fly to Helsinki from tons of cities all through Europe (and overseas) by way of Helsinki Airport (HEL). Finnair (the nationwide airline of Finland) operates probably the most flights in/out of HEL, however different airways with many weekly flights embrace British Airways and American Airways.

You can too attain Helsinki by way of boat (ferry) from close by cities like Stockholm, Sweden (on an in a single day ferry) and Tallinn, Estonia (2 hour ferry journey).

How can I get round in Helsinki?

Helsinki is a really walkable metropolis, so the simplest and least expensive option to get round is by way of your individual two toes! After that, the general public transportation system of trams, buses, the metro, and native trains is powerful, and you will get single journey and day tickets by way of HSL (and the HSL app) – although I had bother with this on my most up-to-date journey. There are additionally metropolis bikes and taxis/rideshares.

I largely obtained round by strolling and utilizing the trams (you possibly can even take a tram from the ferry port to town heart, and from there take the prepare all the best way to the airport).

Should you get the Helsinki Card Metropolis, it contains public transit across the metropolis heart (together with trams and buses), whereas the Helsinki Card Area additionally contains the prepare to the airport.

What’s the perfect time to go to Helsinki?

June-August can have the perfect climate and most daylight, although Could and September are additionally glorious choices if you would like even fewer crowds (although Helsinki didn’t really feel crowded in any respect to me in early June!).

You possibly can after all go to Helsinki from October-April, too, although you may discover fewer actions and town does get very darkish and gray through the winter months.

Who’s able to plan a visit to Helsinki?

Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!