The World Happiness Report ranks Finland as the happiest country in the world year after year. Perhaps this is tied to the long hours of sunshine experienced during the summer’s “white night”, which runs from June through August. In Helsinki, there are 19 hours of daylight during its peak; further north in Finland, there are 24 hours of light.
Extra daylight hours mean more time to explore the culinary delights, culture, heritage, and fine art of living in Helsinki, a designated UNESCO City of Design.
Helsinki boasts an ideal seaside location on the Baltic Sea and is easily accessible to the archipelago of almost 300 islands for outdoor exploration and culinary delights fit for any foodie.
Top things to do in Helsinki
Helsinki is easy to get around and a wonderful city to explore on foot, by bike, tram, and ferry. Here are the top things to do in Helsinki.
Helsinki Architecture
Marvel at the architectural splendour of Helsinki. Take a walking and tram tour of Old Helsinki’s Art Nouveau architecture in the Katajanokka area and all the important sights of the city.
Discover the architecture – Helsinki is part of the designated UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Market Square
Wander through Market Square, the outdoor market filled with various offerings. Shop for handmade jewelry, crafts, souvenirs, foods, and more. Pick up traditional Finnish dishes. Try the reindeer or grilled salmon. Find out more about traditional Finnish foods.
Visit Market Square in Helsinki, Finland, a City of Design. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral
Explore the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral. Its striking Byzantine Revival architecture can be seen from Helsinki’s harbour. The cathedral was built from 1862 to 1868 and has 13 onion domes. It was designed by Russian architect Aleksei Gornostayev, who died before seeing it built. It is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Northern and Western Europe.
Explore the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral. Helsinki is part of the designated UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Kauppatori Market Hall
Visit the Kauppatori Market Hall. It is beside Helsinki’s harbour near Market Square. The hall’s architecture is Byzantine revival. The market is usually open every day except Sunday. Discover delicious local foods. Everything is so tempting, and you will want to try a few items. See more photos of traditional foods in Helsinki, Finland.
The Old Market Hall at Vanha Kauppahalli in Helsinki is fit for any foodie. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Senate Square
Notice the splendor of the 19th-century neoclassical-designed Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and similar buildings in the area. The cathedral, originally named St. Nicholas Cathedral, was built during Russian rule and is in the centre of the historic district. It is one of Helsinki’s most photographed buildings.
Visit Senate Square – Discover the architecture – Helsinki is part of the designated UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Suomenlina UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the ‘Castle of Finland’ at the historic fortress at Suomenlina. Built in the 1700s, the fortress was used as a southeastern defence by the Swedish, Finnish, and Russians. The designated UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily accessible by taking the public ferry from Helsinki’s Market Square. Book a tour to the fortress.
Explore the ‘Castle of Finland’ at the historic fortress at Suomenlina. hoto Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park is near Helsinki’s Market Square in the heart of the city. It features stunning flower gardens and rows of Linden trees. In the summer, it’s a great place to picnic, people-watch, or listen to a concert.
Listen to a concert in the park – Helsinki is part of the designated UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Helsinki Harbour Cruise
Take a Helsinki sightseeing harbour cruise through the archipelago, among a few of the almost 300 islands.
Helsinki sightseeing harbour cruise through the archipelago. Photo: Wendy Norvdik-Carr
Island Hopping
Take a day trip to one of the popular islands. There are plenty of places to experience a healthy dose of forest bathing, roam sandy beaches or relax in one of the many restaurants, cafes or bars.
Korkeasaari Island
Visit Finland’s largest zoo, the Korkeasaari Zoo, on Korkeasaari Island. The zoo opened in 1889 and is the oldest in the world. Its focus is to conserve biodiversity by protecting endangered species. The zoo has 150 species of animals, including indigenous Finnish species such as the bear, wolverine, and European forest reindeer.
Pihlajasaari Island
Popular with the locals for its sandy beaches and swimming areas, Pihlajasaari Island has one of two nudist beaches in the Helsinki area.
Sauna Culture
We would be remiss if we did not mention Finland’s sauna culture. We did not have time to experience this cultural phenomenon, which is an integral way of life here. It emphasizes wellness and relaxation to cleanse the body and soul.
Kotiharjun Sauna is the oldest public sauna in Helsinki and has a total of three saunas. It is the only traditional wood-block sauna in the city. There is an electric sauna.
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Visit the official travel guide to Finland.
Explore the ‘Castle of Finland’ at the historic fortress at Suomenlina a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
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She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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