Historic Helsinki Self-Guided Walking Tour
Explore the historic downtown area of Helsinki and see buildings from the Swedish and Russian periods.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
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 Self-Guided Walking Tour
Here’s our self-guided walk for the historic area of Helsinki.
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.
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