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This is a longexposure shot taken in the Ullanlinna district, Helsinki. October night. - Photo by Joakim Honkasalo

Explore the City of Helsinki, Finland: Popular Attractions, Wildlife

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About Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland is a vibrant city that is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and stunning natural scenery, Helsinki offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan culture and natural beauty. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's museums and galleries or hiking through its lush forests and parks, Helsinki is the perfect destination for any travel lover.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a city that is a perfect blend of old and new. The city is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful parks and lakes.

Most travelers to Helsinki start their journey in the city center, where they can explore some of the city's most iconic landmarks. These include the Helsinki Cathedral, the Uspenski Cathedral, and the Central Market Square. The Market Square is a great place to pick up fresh food and souvenirs, while the cathedrals are some of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

For those interested in history, Helsinki has a rich and fascinating past that can be explored in its many museums. The National Museum of Finland is a great place to start, as it gives an overview of the country's history, while the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma is perfect for those interested in modern art.

One of the best things about Helsinki is its proximity to nature. The city is surrounded by beautiful parks and lakes, which are perfect for a day trip or a picnic. Some of the best parks in the city include the Sibelius Park, which is home to the famous Sibelius Monument, and the Esplanade Park, which is great for a relaxing stroll.

Foodies will also love Helsinki, as the city has a vibrant food scene that is centered around fresh, local ingredients. Some of the best places to eat in the city include the Market Hall, which is home to a variety of food stalls, and the Old Market Hall, which is known for its fresh seafood.

Overall, Helsinki is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or just want to relax in nature, Helsinki has it all. So why not book a trip to this beautiful city today?

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Popular Stays in Helsinki, Finland

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Helsinki, Finland

Business hotelsHotels with charmFamily hotelsDesign

Marski By Scandic

In early summer 2019, we will open the first signature hotel in Finland, in the best spot in Helsinki city centre. Marski by Scandic has an urban beat with a Finnish twist. The room selection is versatile and you can choose from several alternatives, from luxurious suites and rooms with a sauna to rooms without a window where the city sounds won't disturb your sleep. Our hotel's own Lifestyle Concierge will make sure that your visit is everything you want – in our hotel, in the restaurants as well as outdoors. Our hotel's restaurants have been designed for both guests and locals. Marski's legendary bar is among the elite of cocktail bars in Helsinki city centre. The hotel has an own parking garage, gym and offers exercise classes free of charge for our hotel guests. All this is what Finnfulness is about - a modern attitude that opens doors to Helsinki as we see and experience it!

Business hotelsHotels with charmDesign

Scandic Helsinki Aviacongress

This hotel is situated just 3 km away from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The hotel appeals to discerning business and leisure travellers alike, lying within easy access of many of the city's main points of interest. Guests will find themselves in a great location from which to explore the area. This wonderful hotel is stylish, sophisticated and elegant, greeting guests with the promise of a truly enjoyable stay. The guest rooms are superbly designed, exuding an air of classical beauty. The rooms are well equipped with modern amenities. Guests will be impressed by the range of exemplary facilities that this charming hotel has to offer.

Business hotelsSustainable Hotel

Hilton Helsinki Strand

Soak up sea breezes at the waterfront Hilton Helsinki Strand hotel, just a ten minute walk from the city's shops and businesses. Relax at the top floor sauna, pool and gym complex take a stroll along the bay. Business is easy at the hotel with 8 meeting rooms for 10-280, a business center, Executive Lounge and wireless internet access in public spaces and all hotel rooms. Enjoy drinks in the Executive Lounge before dinner in the elegant glass atrium overlooking the sea. Sample Finnish specialties at the Hilton Helsinki Strand hotel's elegant Restaurant BRO or lunch overlooking the water. Shop at Aleksanterinkatu or catch the nearby ferry to Helsinki Zoo. All Hilton Helsinki Strand hotel rooms offer high-speed internet access. Business Rooms boast sea views and Executive Room guests receive Executive Lounge access.

Business hotelsSustainable HotelPet friendly Hotels

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Helsinki

This amazing hotel is located at the heart of Helsinki just 19 km from the airport and 100 m from links to the public transport network.This comfortable hotel is housed within an 18th century building that underwent renovations in the year 2000 and comprises a total of 8 floors with 262 rooms of which 8 are suites. Facilities include a reception desk, a lift and a restaurant with a non-smoking area. Those arriving by car may make use of the hotel car park and garage facilities.The welcoming rooms each come with an en-suite bathroom with a hairdryer. Available for guests to use is also a direct dial telephone, satellite/ cable TV and a fridge/ minibar. Centrally controlled air conditioning and a hire safe are also included as standard. Leisure options include a sauna and a solarium as well as an in-house gym.

Family hotelsBusiness hotels

Scandic Helsinki Aviapolis

This lovely hotel is located in Vantaa, Finland. The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is conveniently located just about 5-minute drive away from the complex while the Jumbo Shopping Centre can be easily reached by walking a few minutes. If guests want to explore the surroundings, Helsinki city centre is 15 minutes away by car, once there, they will find a wide variety of food options and sops of all type. Restaurants, cafes and bars are perfect to stop by, grab something to eat and then continue walking through the city looking for interesting places such as the Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square and the Esplanade Park. Visitors are able to have a wonderful time as well in the on-site bar or restaurant which have an agreeable atmosphere. For guests comfort and relaxation, the bright rooms decorated with light tones and wooden floors are equipped with cosy beds and all the needed amenities to have a pleasant stay.

Business hotelsFamily hotels

Holiday Inn Helsinki Expo

Newly renovated hotel connected to Helsinki's main convention centre Messukeskus. Holiday Inn® Helsinki - Expo hotel, is located next to the Messukeskus in the business district of Pasila, 15 km from Helsinki Airport (HEL). Our Open Lobby is a area where you can relax and make yourself at home during your stay with us. On the 10th floor, there is a unique Terrace Cabinet with Sauna and Jacuzzi available for private events. There are tram stops outside the hotel, and the busy Pasila Train Station is 500 meters away. It’s a five-minute train journey to central Helsinki, where you can enjoy museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. For family-fun, head to Linnanmäki theme park during summer, just a short tram ride from the hotel. Also nearby is Hartwall Arena for concerts and sporting events like KHL ice hockey. At this hotel you can enjoy: - Fast free Wi-Fi throughout the building - Superb gym - On-site garage for an additional fee Ourrenovated hotel has a bright, relaxing ambiance, with comfortable rooms that include a Pillow Menu and blackout blinds, for a great night’s sleep. The suites come with a balcony. Kids stay and eat free, and our Open Lobby’s To Go Cafe and Take-in room service are available 24/7. Try seasonal dishes in the Restaurant Platta and finish the day with a cocktail in the Open Lobby Bar.

Business hotelsHotels with charmSustainable HotelHotels with spa

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including a sauna and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and shopping on site. Enjoy Scandinavian cuisine at Bistro Vilho, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. To-go breakfasts are served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:30 AM to noon for a fee. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Helsinki? This hotel has 2207 square feet (205 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and 5 meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite. Make yourself at home in one of the 302 individually furnished guestrooms, featuring minibars and Smart televisions. Your memory foam bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometer. Grand Casino Helsinki - 0. 1 km / 0. 1 mi- National Theater - 0. 1 km / 0. 1 mi- University of Helsinki - 0. 2 km / 0. 2 mi- Kaunissaari Island - 0. 3 km / 0. 2 mi- Kinopalatsi Finnkino Cinema - 0. 3 km / 0. 2 mi- Ateneum Art Museum - 0. 3 km / 0. 2 mi- Kaisaniemen Puisto - 0. 4 km / 0. 3 mi- Esplanadi - 0. 6 km / 0. 4 mi- Maxim Finnkino Cinema - 0. 6 km / 0. 4 mi- Senate Square - 0. 6 km / 0. 4 mi- Stockmann - 0. 6 km / 0. 4 mi- Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art - 0. 6 km / 0. 4 mi- Mannerheim Statue - 0. 7 km / 0. 4 mi- Helsinki Cathedral - 0. 7 km / 0. 4 mi- Helsinki Central Library Oodi - 0. 7 km / 0. 4 mi. The preferred airport for Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) - 20. 4 km / 12.

Business hotelsDesign

Scandic Simonkentta

This stylish hotel is centrally located in Helsinki’s town centre, close to a bus station and Kamppi shopping centre. Guests will be able to visit the most important destinations in the city within a short walk away, including the popular Rautatientori or the Helsinki Railway Square, the Kiasma Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Natural History. Guest rooms are nicely appointed, featuring a combination of modern style and Nordic design. They use environmentally friendly materials and some of them even have a private balcony to make guests’ stay even more memorable. The most active ones can use the on-site fitness room and then relax at one of the three saunas available. Additionally, the versatile and modern hotel’s meeting facilities are ideal for a successful business event.

Things to do in Helsinki, Finland

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Helsinki, Finland

Digital Voucher720 minutes

Luxury Day Trip to Tallinn with superior cabin VIP guide and lavish buffet

Travel to Tallinn from Helsinki in a cruise ship which serves you exclusive buffet and private room to add comfort to your day trip to Tallinn. The tour includes same day round trip from Helsinki to Tallinn with a 3 hour guided tour in Tallinn. We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning at around 8 am. You will be taken to the Helsinki terminal to board a cruise ship to Tallinn. Your tour guide will welcome you at the port of Tallinn. He will take you to a fairy tale walking tour in the medieval Old Town of Tallinn a UNESCO world Heritage site. You will be given a short break for lunch in an Old Town Restaurant, after which our tour guide will take you the the Tallinn harbour for your return cruise. Enjoy all the entertainment in Cruise during your journey. You can try out the duty free shopping on board, after which you enjoy an exquisite Buffet spread on your way back to Helsinki.

Digital Voucher105 minutes

Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio-Guided Bus Tour

Choose from 11 languages on this audio-guided Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing. The tour takes you in the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical center with Senate Square, Olympic Stadium, Hakaniemi district and the Kaivopuisto area. Tour includes one stop: at the Temppeliaukio Church OR at the Sibelius Monument OR at the Olympic Stadium.

Digital Voucher600 minutes

Guided tour to Helsinki from Tallinn by VIP car with return ferry ticket

This is private guided tour to Helsinki from Tallinn. 3 hours guided sightseeing tour in Helsinki by car, return ferry tickets and all local transfers to/from ferry in Helsinki and Tallinn are included in the price. Helsinki is a modern, pocket-sized European city known for design and high technology. Helsinki’s attractive and unique character comes from its proximity to the sea, as well as its location between the East and the West. We use our creativity and knowledge to adjust the tour according to your interests and preferences, the party size and the weather conditions; so you will get the best of Helsinki Highlights.

Digital Voucher120 minutes

Helsinki Private City Tour

Explore Finland's fascinating capital, Helsinki, where you'll discover a city filled with incredible and memorable sights. A guided city tour is an easy way to get to know Helsinki’s top destinations. Your private guide and driver ensure a pleasant and engaging 2-hour tour of the capital.

Digital Voucher180 minutes

3 hr Helsinki Private Panoramic Tour

Make the most of your Helsinki visit in 3 hours on this private tours that's operated with just you and your party: Enjoy a comprehensive driving tour starting from your hotel. This tour is also available for cruise ship and ferry passengers. Just choose your preferred tour start time and enjoy the sights of the Finnish capital!

Digital Voucher240 minutes

Private VIP Guided Helsinki City Tour

This private guided sightseeing tour takes you through the main parts of the city of Helsinki, avoiding crowds and queues. The tour is specially designed for those who appreciate individual approach, quality information and flexibility. You will be offered the best city guides and vehicles to meet your expectations. Your tour can start from anywhere in the city, including your hotel or other accommodation.

Digital Voucher240 minutes

Helsinki Walking Tour with PRIVATE Professional guide

This PRIVATE WALKING tour lets you cover Finnish capital in depth, with a guide to provide background on the landmarks and the city’s culture. Visit with you a lot of interesting and beautiful places! I assure you will be satisfied with an interesting walk with our professional guide!

Digital Voucher4320 minutes

Helsinki Card City or Region

Discover Helsinki independently with the Helsinki Card. The card is a handy, economical way to make the most of your visit in Helsinki. It is a transport ticket and entrance ticket all in one and has a number of great value reductions and bonuses attached. Don't leave home without one! Helsinki Card CITY and Helsinki Card REGION include all the same benefits, the only difference is the public transport. Helsinki Card CITY is the travel ticket within the zones AB. Helsinki Card REGION is the travel ticket within the zones ABC. Region card includes the train to Helsinki airport.

Why People Love Helsinki, Finland

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Helsinki, Finland

J
Jamal_E
5
Sep 2023
Tallinn Day Trip from Helsinki
La sympathique Jelena est très connaissante et a fourni beaucoup d’informations sur la vielle ville et son histoire. Une bonne balade!

S
Sheldon_T
5
Jul 2024
Tallinn Day Trip from Helsinki
The tour overall is very good. It was raining in the morning and we met our driver at the hotel Kamp (should be in our hotel due to our mistake). There is direct communication via whatapp. The ferry experience is really good and the ferry has many comfortable chairs with many dining and drinking...

W
Walter_L
5
Jul 2024
Tallinn Day Trip from Helsinki
The city is beautiful. The guide was well informed and made visiting the city a well worth while excursion. I saw a plethora of sites and views of the city. The guide gave a great deal of history and detail.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Helsinki

What are some must-see attractions in Helsinki?

Helsinki has many attractions, but some of the must-see ones are the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the Helsinki Cathedral, the Temppeliaukio Church, and the Ateneum Art Museum. The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a great place to explore the history of Finland. The Helsinki Cathedral is a beautiful neoclassical cathedral that is located in the heart of Helsinki. The Temppeliaukio Church is a unique church that is built right into the rock, and the Ateneum Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers.

What are some fun activities to do in Helsinki?

There are many fun activities to do in Helsinki, such as taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands, visiting the Linnanmki amusement park, and going to a traditional Finnish sauna. Taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Helsinki. The Linnanmki amusement park is a great place to have fun with the whole family, and visiting a traditional Finnish sauna is a great way to relax and unwind.

What are some good places to eat in Helsinki?

Helsinki has a vibrant food scene, and there are many good places to eat. Some of the best places to eat in Helsinki are the Savotta restaurant, the Juuri restaurant, and the Fisken p Disken restaurant. The Savotta restaurant serves traditional Finnish cuisine and has a cozy atmosphere, the Juuri restaurant is known for its modern take on Finnish food, and the Fisken p Disken restaurant is a seafood restaurant that serves fresh and delicious seafood.

What are some good bars in Helsinki?

Helsinki has a lively nightlife, and there are many good bars to choose from. Some of the best bars in Helsinki are the Liberty or Death cocktail bar, the Siltanen bar, and the Tenho Restobar. The Liberty or Death cocktail bar is a speakeasy-style bar that serves excellent cocktails, the Siltanen bar is a hipster bar that serves craft beer and has a great atmosphere, and the Tenho Restobar is a bar that serves traditional Finnish food and has a cozy atmosphere.

What are some good museums to visit in Helsinki?

Helsinki has many museums, but some of the best ones are the National Museum of Finland, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Design Museum. The National Museum of Finland is a great place to learn about the history of Finland, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-visit for art lovers, and the Design Museum is a great place to learn about Finnish design.

What are some good outdoor activities to do in Helsinki?

Helsinki has many outdoor activities to choose from, such as hiking in the nearby forests, biking along the waterfront, and kayaking in the archipelago. Hiking in the nearby forests is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Helsinki, biking along the waterfront is a great way to see the city from a different perspective, and kayaking in the archipelago is a great way to explore the islands around Helsinki.

What are some good day trips from Helsinki?

There are many good day trips from Helsinki, such as visiting the medieval town of Porvoo, exploring the Nuuksio National Park, and visiting the Sipoonkorpi National Park. The medieval town of Porvoo is a great place to explore the history of Finland, the Nuuksio National Park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Finland, and the Sipoonkorpi National Park is a great place to go hiking and see the wildlife of Finland.

What is the best time of year to visit Helsinki?

The best time of year to visit Helsinki depends on what you want to do. If you want to experience the long days of summer and enjoy outdoor activities, then the best time to visit is from May to September. If you want to experience the winter wonderland of Helsinki and go skiing or snowboarding, then the best time to visit is from December to March.

What are some good accommodations in Helsinki?

Helsinki has many good accommodations to choose from, such as the Klaus K Hotel, the Hotel St. George Helsinki, and the Scandic Grand Marina. The Klaus K Hotel is a boutique hotel that is located in the heart of Helsinki, the Hotel St. George Helsinki is a luxury hotel that is located in a historic building, and the Scandic Grand Marina is a modern hotel that is located near the waterfront.

What is the transportation system like in Helsinki?

The transportation system in Helsinki is very efficient and easy to use. The best way to get around Helsinki is by using public transportation, such as the metro, buses, and trams. The city also has a bike-sharing system called City Bikes, which is a great way to explore the city on two wheels. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive.