The steps leading up to Helsinki Cathedral are one of the best places to get a sense of this city’s unique atmosphere. Behind you is the majestic white cathedral and directly in front of you the historic Senate Square.Sit awhile and imagine how the scenery changes through the dramatically different seasons.
For a more immediate experience, walk down to the Market Square and enjoy a coffee and donut among all the stands selling seasonal berries, vegetables and fish.
Many of the most popular attractions in Helsinki are great destinations for outings. For example, at the island of Seurasaari you can visit the open-air museum, feed the squirrels and enjoy the nature as you follow the path around the perimeter. The historic wooden Karuna church is also well worth a visit.
Nestled behind Parliament House in the city centre, Temppeliaukio Church is a stunning achievement of modern architecture. Blasted out of the granite bedrock,
it has a breathtaking copper roof that glitters and shines. The church is among the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki, and the atmosphere inside is especially magical during the Christmas season.
Best Hotel Deals
in Helsinki
9.4
Hotel F6 ★★★★
The Senate Square is 400m away
This hotel has an excellent location score of 9.7
9.8
Helsinki
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Tours & Activities
in Helsinki
Top things to do
in Helsinki
Ateneum Art Museum
Ateneum Art Museum houses the largest collections of art in Finland with more than 20,000 works of art from the 1750s to the 1950s.The changing exhibitions are on display on the ground floor and in the exhibition halls on the second floor. Ateneum also organises various workshops, guided tours and other programme. The Ateneum building was designed by the architect Theodor Höijer and it was completed in 1887. Ateneum Art Museum is part of the Finnish National Gallery.
Esplanade Park
Situated in the heart of Helsinki, the Esplanade serves as a promenade for tourists and a place to relax for city residents. The park and the Espa Stage host many popular events, including the Marimekko Fashion Show and raising of the midsummer pole accompanied by folk dancing in June and the Jazz-Espa concert series on weekdays throughout July.
Helsinki Cathedral
The beautiful and historically significant Helsinki Cathedral is an Evangelic Lutheran church, and for many it is the symbol of Helsinki. The church was designed by architect Carl Ludwig Engel in the 19th century as part of the Empire-style-downtown Helsinki area. The cathedral was completed in 1852.
Helsinki Zoo
Helsinki Zoo, known as "Korkeasaari" among Finns, is one of the oldest zoos in the world (founded in 1889). In Helsinki Zoo you'll meet animals from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. Approximately 200 different animal species reside in the Zoo, and there are almost a 1000 different plant species. Protecting endangered species is a heartfelt matter for the zoo.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
Linnanmäki has entertained families since 1950. The amusement park has an enormous selection of fun rides, from ultra scary to more easy-going. The special wooden rollercoaster is over 50-years-old and remains the most popular ride. Linnanmäki also has many arcade halls with the latest games as well as an outdoor stage presenting entertaining performances. Supporting child welfare workover 60 years.
