What to do in helsinki?
Helsinki, a city I never really thought of visiting until this year. While visiting northern Europe has been high on my bucket list for quite some time now, Finland was not really a priority on that list. Amidst the buzz about Norway and Sweden, Finland often remains overlooked. But after a few days of staying there I can confidently say that this is a hidden gem waiting to be explored! It is a small city and therefore it might just be the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway or a city trip.
I spend a few days in Helsinki in early October to visit my sister who is doing her study abroad there. In the days I was there she acted as my tour guide and I was able to gather quite a few amazing spots that you have to check out. So, what to do in Helsinki? Follow along as I’ll guide you through the highlights of the city!
First things first, let’s get the main attraction out of the way. Yes, you should visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral! It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and for good reason. The cathedral itself is absolutely stunning but the surroundings are also spectacular. Walk up the steps to the cathedral and enjoy a nice view over Senate Square and the city. The cathedral stands high over the city centre which gives the place a powerful feeling. If you want to check out the inside of the cathedral you can, it’s free! However, I found that the inside of the cathedral was not very special. The interior is very simple and there’s not much too look at. If you want to, definitely have a look inside but if you’re in a rush you won’t miss much if you skip it. But don’t skip seeing the cathedral from the outside, it’s one of the best things to see in the city!
Very close to the cathedral is the cutest café I’ve seen on my trip. It’s called Ihana Kahvila Baari and it’s one of the best stops when you just want to take a little break from wandering around the city all day. The interior is super cozy and both the drinks and foods are delicious! There are some pastries to have with your coffee, some sandwiches and quiches if you are in for a little something more. All the food is made freshly each day and in our case, was being taken out of the oven right when we ordered. Definitely make a stop here while you decide what to see in Helsinki next!
P.S. Make sure to try the cinnamon rolls! They are a finnish delicacy and soooo delicious :)
After your morning stop, make your way towards the water to board the ferry to Suomenlinna (you can take the ferry with most public transport tickets!). Suomenlinna is an incredibly beautiful little island just off the coast of Helsinki and definitely a must on your list of things to do in Helsinki. The island is a world heritage site and its construction began in the mid-18th century, when it served as a military barrier between the sea and Helsinki. Nowadays, you can walk around the island and find a fortress, cannons, museums and restaurants in the midst of incredible scenery. Keep in mind that the island is also home to around 800 residents, so be respectful to them! This was one of my personal highlights of the city and I definitely recommend taking the time to see this place!
When you get back from Suomenlinna, I suspect you might be craving a late lunch. Not to worry, because right at the harbour is Helsinki’s market square. Stroll through the little tents to find everything from full plates of food to little souvenirs to take home. An amazing spot to have some lunch by the water.
During lunch, you have probably already spotted a giant red cathedral atop a hill. This is your next destination! This is the Uspenskin cathedral and it is the main orthodox church in Finland. In contrast to the Helsinki cathedral, this one has a spectacular interior and I urge you to go inside to check it out. Take a little stroll around the cathedral and take in all the sights. This is truly a piece of incredible architecture inside and out! To me, this one might even beat the Helsinki cathedral. It’s just that spectacular.
There are a few options as to how to spend the rest of the afternoon until dinnertime. You could go see the beautiful Finnish café regatta. Have a hot chocolate and some reindeer quiche by the waterside and walk through the park that surrounds it. You could go visit the Swedish and/or Finnish theatre. Both are stunning buildings! Or you could visit the national library where you can do anything from rent books to cook to play in a rehearsal studio with your band or print something onto a t-shirt. The options there are endless and I was amazed at how much this public facility just offers for free.
Me and my sister at the adorable cafe regatta :)
P.S. there’s only four tables inside but if the weather’s not too bad they also have a huge terrace!
Lastly, I would like to leave you with a dinner recommendation. Please don’t be shocked when I say this but, it’s in the central station. Sounds crazy, I thought the same thing. Who gets quality food in a train station? But located in an old station hall is Olivia, an amazing Italian restaurant. Lights have been hung through the old station hall and even though the place is massive, this makes it feel cozy. They have decently priced cocktails and the food is a-ma-zing! It’s just a really special location to sit down and recap the day. Besides, if you only had this one day and you need to take the train back to the airport, you’re already right next to it!
All in all I hope you enjoy my recommendations for this awesome city. I hope I have answered your ‘what to do in Helsinki?’ question and if you have any other tips or places you want to share please leave them in the comments. I would love to hear from you!