Helsinki

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Finland
Photo provided by Visit Helsinki

Visit Helsinki for itsrefined charm, vibrant culture, beautiful buildings and many museums andgalleries.

The art, architecture and culture of Helsinkihave all been influenced by both Western and Eastern European traditions, whichgives the city a special character and special charm. Go to Senaatintori(Senate Square) to view the sculptures and buildings. Here you’ll see theimposing Tuomiokirkko (Lutheran Cathedral) and the Valtioneuvoston linna(Governmental Palace). Lovers of architecture and design will recognise theworks by Carl Ludvig Engel, Eliel Saarinen and Alvar Aalto. Visit the HelsinginKaupunginmuseo (City Museum), the Arkkitehtuurimuseo (Museum of FinnishArchitecture), the Aalto-House or the Design Museum to learn about the designtraditions of Helsinki and the rest of Finland.

If you love history you should definitely go to theSuomenlinna. This sea fortress was built in the 18th Century by the Swedes. Itis now on the UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses a museum, cafés and evenrestaurants. If you want to see the ancient treasures of Finland,spend a few hours in the Museovirasto (National Museum).

Spend at least a day exploring the many art museumsand galleries. Go to the Ateneum and the Sinebrychoff for a collection ofclassic Finnish and European works of art. For modern art, visit the KiasmaMuseum.

Find a nice souvenir or a delicious snack at theKauppahalli Vanha (the Old Market Hall) or the Kauppatori. Stroll through theEsplanadi nearby, or explore the Design District for its hip and trendy shops.If you need time away from the city, take a ferry to one of the nearby islands.On Seurasaari you can view historic homes, while on Korkeasaari you can pay avisit to the Helsinki Zoo.

Where to stay in Helsinki

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Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Vironkatu Station or Hallituskatu Station to see more of the city.

Helsinki City Centre
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Kamppi

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

Travellers choose Kamppi for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Kamppi Station or Simonkatu Tram Stop and check out top sights like Kamppi Shopping Center.

Kamppi
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kluuvi

4.5/5(53 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Kluuvi. If sightseeing is on the list, Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Rautatientori Station or Rautatieasema Station to see more of the area.

Kluuvi
Kauppatori showing a city, a fountain and a square or plaza

Etelainen District

4.5/5(72 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Löyly Helsinki and take some time to enjoy the interesting museums during your time in Etelainen District. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop.

Etelainen District
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Pasila

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Pasila. Mall of Tripla is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Pasilan asema Tram Stop or Esterinportti Station to see more of the city.

Pasila
Katajanokka featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. Top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Uspenski Cathedral are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is €123 per night from 19 Sept to 20 Sept
€123
19 Sept - 20 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,393 reviews)
"Amazing breakfast, lovely room, super clean, great location close to centre of Helsinki. Tram station straight outside, 10 min walk fro main station. Will be vision Helsinki in the winter and will stay here again…."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Marski by Scandic
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2, Helsinki, Uusimaa
The price is €140 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€140
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,343 reviews)
Good hotel with some areas for improvements
"Nice rooms, however one of the two rooms we stayed in was distinctly smaller than the other. The blackout blinds were suboptimal with openings on the sides that were hard to fix/plug. The relax area and swimming pool was top notch. We could hear the trams even though we were on floor 7, albeit not ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is €127 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
€127
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,759 reviews)
"Great hotel right next to the rail station."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bob W Helsinki Kamppi

Bob W Helsinki Kamppi

4 out of 5
20 Lönnrotinkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Kauppatori Market Square and Sinebrychoff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
"Good."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Bob W Helsinki Kamppi
Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel

Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel

3.5 out of 5
22 Välimerenkatu, Helsinki
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (153 reviews)
"I recently returned for my second 7-night stay at UNITY Helsinki, and it was just as impressive as the first time. The staff are genuinely kind and welcoming, always ready to help with a smile, which makes the whole experience feel personal and comfortable. The service is consistently excellent, ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Unity Helsinki - A Studio Hotel
Bob W Kaarti

Bob W Kaarti

3 out of 5
Kasarmikatu 40, Helsinki
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Kauppatori Market Square and Esplanadi ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"Great decor and level of cleanliness. Very handy facilities & extras (gym access & laundry room) and staff are responsive. Had a water disruption which was fortunately not too problematic timing, and was resolved reasonably quickly."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Bob W Kaarti
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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