See
Helsinki offers lots to see, do and experience. Discover the city’s fascinating architecture, enjoy its green parks and make the most of the surrounding sea and islands!
The majority of sights in Helsinki are situated conveniently within walking distance of the city centre, so pack a pair of comfortable shoes with you!
If you want to relax your feet for a moment or pick up the pace, Helsinki offers excellent public transportation that will get you fast and easily to outlying sights and attractions.
Use our search engine to find the ideal cultural events for your programme, including everything from opera to concerts.
What to See
Helsinki is a compact and beautiful city that is ideal for seeing on foot. The city also has an excellent public transportation system for getting around and visiting outlying areas.
Senate Square and Market Square - the Heart of Helsinki
The Senate Square and surrounding buildings form a unique and cohesive example of Neo-Classical architecture. The square is decorated by three buildings designed by C. L. Engel between 1822 and 1852: the Cathedral, Council of State and the University of Helsinki.
In the immediate vicinity you will also find the National Library, the Sofiankatu museum street, Esplanade Park and the Market Square. In the summer the Market Square is filled with stalls selling fruits, vegetables and souvenirs. It is also a great place to admire, taste and purchase fresh and smoked fish.
Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress
Built in the 1700s, Suomenlinna is one of the world's largest maritime fortresses and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Built on six islands off the coast of Helsinki, Suomenlinna is today one of the most popular sights in Finland.
Suomenlinna offers an unforgettable experience for all ages, offering museums, special events, idyllic cafes and cosy restaurants. It is a great place for a walk year-round.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park, Sea Life and Helsinki Zoo - Great for the family
Linnanmäki has been the traditional highlight of every Finnish child's summer holiday for the past 50 years. The amusement park offers thrills for the whole family. The rollercoaster is the perennial favourite and is backed up by all the latest rides - at least one new ride every year.
The Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island is another family favourite, featuring exotic animals from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforests. It is a great place in the winter too, as 80 percent of the animals can be seen throughout the year.
Sea Life takes you on a voyage from the tropical oceans to the Arctic Sea, not forgetting the Baltic Sea along the way. The exhibitions present many species whose environments are under threat. As well as seeing live creatures, visitors can also enjoy interactive and educational presentations.
Distinct and impressive churches
The Cathedral of Helsinki is perhaps the most photographed and recognisable building in Finland. Designed by C. L. Engel, the Cathedral celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002.
The Temppeliaukio 'Rock' Church is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions and one of the most respected examples of modern architecture in Helsinki. Quarried out of the natural bedrock, the church has excellent acoustics and is a popular venue for concerts.
Completed in 1868, the Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. With its golden cupolas and redbrick facade, the church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history during the 19th century.
Ateneum and Kiasma - Two worlds of art
The Ateneum Art Museum is the National Gallery of Finland. The nation's largest art collection includes an impressive exhibition of Finnish art from the mid-1700s to the 1960s. The museum's foreign collection features western art from the mid to late-1800s to the 1950s, including works by Van Gogh, Gauguin and Cézanne. Special exhibitions are also arranged.
Kiasma is the controversial and intellectually stimulating Museum of Contemporary Art designed by world-renowned architect Stephen Holl. The museum features art from the 1960s to the present day and includes installations, media art, music and film.