Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki

A seaside capital of design shops, saunas and islands.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
PorvooFinland · Hidden townPorvoo47 kmTallinnEstonia · CityTallinn82 kmPärnuEstonia · Hidden townPärnu200 kmTartuEstonia · CityTartu224 kmCēsisLatvia · Hidden townCēsis318 kmGauja National Park (Sigulda)Latvia · Nature spotGauja National Park (Sigulda)335 kmRigaLatvia · CityRiga361 kmĶemeri Bog BoardwalkLatvia · Nature spotĶemeri Bog Boardwalk366 km

Things to do

2 days in Helsinki

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Market Square and the Uspenski Cathedral.
  2. AfternoonSee the Rock Church and the Oodi library.
  3. EveningTry a sauna with a sea swim at Löyly or Allas Sea Pool.

Day 2

Take a ferry to Suomenlinna or visit Nuuksio National Park.

What to eat

Salmon soup and a cinnamon bun, korvapuusti.

Local tips

Make the most of Helsinki

Beat the crowds

Helsinki is relaxed. The market square is lively in the mornings.

Best photo spot

The white cathedral on Senate Square, and the islands from the ferry.

Getting there

Trains from the airport take about 30 minutes. Trams are easy.

Don't miss nearby

Suomenlinna, a sea fortress on islands, reached by public ferry.

Good to know

Try a public sauna by the sea. The ferry to Suomenlinna is part of public transport.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Helsinki

Our most hidden places around Helsinki: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Helsinki to take with you.

28 km away
84 km away
3.9 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Helsinki

Getting there

  • Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL)17 km away
  • Tallinn Airport (TLL)85 km away
  • Tallinn80 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture, Food, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryFinland

Questions

Helsinki: good to know

Is Helsinki worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns, food and the coast. A seaside capital of design shops, saunas and islands.

How many days do you need in Helsinki?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Helsinki?

You can visit all year. Helsinki is relaxed. The market square is lively in the mornings.

How do you get to Helsinki?

The nearest airport is Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL), about 17 km away. Trains from the airport take about 30 minutes. Trams are easy.

What is there to see near Helsinki?

Nearby hidden places include Porvoo (47 km), Tallinn (82 km) and Pärnu (200 km).

More hidden places in Finland (4)