Population 672,000 / 60.1 degrees north

Helsinki, Finland

While the youngest of the Nordic capitals, Helsinki is a fascinating city with a unique blend of Russian, Swedish and Finnish architecture. It is a design hub, with many of the famous brands like Arabia, Marimekko and Iittala located here. 

Fun Facts About Helsinki

Latitude: 60.1 degrees north

Population: 672,000

Hottest month: July

Coldest month: February

Wettest month: October

Windiest month: December

Annual precipitation: 369mm

Helsinki coat-of-arms

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Helsinki

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortress was built by the Swedes in the mid-18th century but almost immediately conquered and rebuilt by the Russians. It was taken by the Finns with independence and today is a preserved site and neighbourhood. 

Helsinki City Museum

The Helsinki City Museum is a free museum located in the oldest building in the downtown area. The museum has interesting artefacts, maps and photographs documenting the history of Helsinki and transition from Swedish to Russian and then Finnish. 

Combo ticket to the Design Museum and Architecture Museum

Helsinki is famous for its design and architecture, so it is recommended to visit the two museums dedicated to both of these. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Walk the Esplanade

The Esplanade is a beautiful park area that was designed by C.L. Engel and opened in 1818. Along the Esplanade you’ll find beautiful shops, cafes and restaurants. 

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Helsinki

Self-Guided Walks

Historic Helsinki City Centre Walking Tour

Follow this self-guided walk around Helsinki’s historic city centre, passing by some of the oldest buildings in the city. 

Historic Helsinki Self-Guided Walking Tour

Helsinki on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Helsinki

Uniquely Helsinki

Here are some things that you must do and try in Helsinki

Helsinki Cahtedral & Senate Square

Helsinki Cathedral is the icon of the city and is located in the historic Senate Square. 

Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral was built as a Russian Orthodox church in 1868 and serves the Finnish Orthodox congregation. 

History of Helsinki

Helsinki is the youngest of the Nordic capitals. The city was founded in 1550 by the Swedish King Gustav Vasa to compete with the Hanseatic merchants over in Tallinn. However, no one really settled here due to the bad harbour conditions.

When Russia annexed Finland as an autonomous grand duchy, a capital closer to St. Petersburg was needed. So, Helsinki became the capital in 1812. The city grew rapidly throughout the 19th century and gained international attention thanks to the 1952 summer olympics. 

Helsinki Today

Today Helsinki is a modern and vibrant capital. Tech and IT are the biggest industries here, though shipbuilding is still important. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Helsinki Airport has flights to practically everywhere in Europe, making it easy to get here. 

Drive: Helsinki is connected to several major European highways, so it’s easy to drive here from other destinations in Finland. 

Train: Helsinki central station has trains to other places in Finland but not international destinations. 

Ferry: Ferries connect Helsinki with Stockholm and Tallinn.  

Getting Around

Helsinki is very walkable. 

It is possible to buy public transportation cards at kiosks or outside the ferry building to Suomenlinna. You can also download the HSL app on your phone and buy tickets there. There is a metro, but visitors will likely stick to the tram network. 

Shops

Recommended to visit:

  • Marimekko
  • Iitalla
  • Arabia
  • Moomin shop in the Forum shopping mall

Stockmann department store was founded in 1862 and is the store to visit in Helsinki. 

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Karl Fazer cafe is home to Finland’s beloved chocolate company. 

The Moomin Cafe is a must as it is themed after the popular Moomin characters. 

Quick Bites

Head to the outdoor Market Square or the indoor Market Hall for a quick bite to eat. 

Reasonable Restaurants

Strindberg cafe is located on the esplanade and has some nice dishes while you people watch. 

Zetor is a uniquely themed “110% Finnish” restaurant. 

High End & Unique Eats

Restaurant Savotta is the traditional Finnish restaurant. 

Places to Stay

Hostels

Eurohostel is located on the peninsula Katajanokka. 

Cabins & B&Bs

Chains & Mid-Range

Glo Art is a fantastic hotel located in the design district. 

High End & Unique Properties

  • Hotel Kamp is the most expensive hotel in town. This is where Sibelius would stay when he was in Helsinki. 
  • Hotel Lilla Roberts is a high-end hotel located a couple blocks from the Esplanade. 
  • Hotel Katajanokka is located in a prison from 1885 that has now been refurbished into this unique hotel. 

All Posts About Helsinki

Helsinki Photo Diary