Is Helsinki worth visiting as a stopover to Europe? After visiting Helsinki in Finland, I can highly recommend setting aside a few days to explore this fascinating city.
When you visit Helsinki, you will find a city framed by a scenic harbour studded by islands and filled with neoclassical architectural treasures. Wide character filled esplanades lead you to a bustling Market Square, a place to buy souvenirs and try local delicacies while admiring the harbour views.
Why Stay In Helsinki?
Why is Helsinki worth visiting? The city of Helsinki is a hub for Finnair which has flights to destinations across the world. Like many, we had previously transited through Helsinki Airport on our way to other cities in Europe.
As the plane descended into Helsinki, a landscape of forests and lakes stretched out before us. This brief glimpse of the beauty of Finland was enough to convince us to spend a few days in Helsinki and we were not disappointed.
Are you planning your trip to Helsinki last minute?
Be sure to book your accommodation and tours ahead of time to ensure availability!
Here are our top recommendations for tours in and around Helsinki:
Here are our top picks for places to stay at Helsinki:
Best Helsinki Hotels
Is Helsinki worth visiting for accommodation? You will find a broad selection of Helsinki accommodation to choose from. There is a style for every budget including apartments, hotels, and hostel accommodation Helsinki.
Click here for Helsinki accommodation options
Marski by Scandic Hotel
Our top choice for the best place to stay in Helsinki is the Marski by Scandic, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Helsinki.
The Marski by Scandic is in the perfect location, a short walk from the railway station and close to local attractions. The Esplanadi Park, Market Square and the harbour are just steps from the hotel and the area is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars.
Click here for Marski by Scandic reviews & prices
Helsinki 2 Days Itinerary
Two days in Helsinki allows you to get a quick overview of the city and its history. This can be done by either exploring independently or by taking a tour. Whichever you choose, do not forget to save some time for shopping and trying the local cuisine in a streetside restaurant.
If you plan to discover the delights of Helsinki independently read further for more travel tips and destination suggestions.
If you want to save time getting to know Helsinki by taking a tour, here are our recommendations for a 2 Day Helsinki Itinerary.
- Walking Tour of Helsinki
- Helsinki to Suomenlinna Cruise & Tour
- Helsinki Food Tour
Walking Tour of Historic Helsinki
Learn about the Finnish way of life, their history and culture on a walking tour of Helsinki. Here you will begin to understand how Russia played a large part in the Helsinki you see today and why place names are both in Swedish and Finnish.
Along the way, visit the Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanadi, the Allas Sea Pool, Central Library Oodi, Market Square and more.
Click here for a Helsinki Walking Tour
Helsinki to Suomenlinna Cruise & Tour
This tour will have you taking the ferry across to Suomenlinna fortress. Along the way you will see stunning sea views of Helsinki and picturesque island scenery.
Once you disembark you will be taken on a guided tour of Suomenlinna. The sea fortress of Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Finland has a history of occupation, and this striking island fortress tells a history of how Suomenlinna served in the defence of Sweden, Russia, and Finland.
Click here to cruise Helsinki harbour
Helsinki Food Tour
Is Helsinki worth visiting if you are a foodie? The best way to answer that question is to visit Helsinki’s gastronomic hotspots on a Helsinki food tour. This tour allows you to sample a variety of Finnish delicacies while discovering a rich food history which includes Swedish and Russian influences.
Here is your chance to eat and drink like a local when you try reindeer meet and toast your trip to Helsinki with a Finnish beverage.
Click here for a Helsinki Food Tour
Helsinki Itinerary 3 Days
Staying 3 days in Helsinki will have you enjoying a variety of activities within Helsinki and time to visit other destinations further afield.
We recommend three tours, a Helsinki walking and cruise tour, a hiking tour to Nuuksio National Park and a cruise to the Medieval Old Town of Tallinn in the neighbouring country of Estonia.
- Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour
- Go Hiking in Nuuksio National Park
- Cruise from Helsinki to the Medieval Old Town of Tallinn in Estonia
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour
This tour combines Helsinki city highlights with a ferry cruise to Suomenlinna sea fortress. Visit such places as Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanadi Park and Old Market Hall before taking the scenic ferry ride across to Suomenlinna.
Once on Suomenlinna take a guided tour to discover the intriguing history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Click here for Helsinki and Suomenlinna sightseeing tour
Hiking in Nuuksio National Park
Is Helsinki worth visiting for the adventure traveller? Finland is famous for its natural beauty and one of the best ways to experience it is to visit Nuuksio National Park.
Your tour guide will show you the plants and wildlife native to the park. As you hike you will forage for food and see the crystal-clear waters of the forest lakes.
Click here for Hiking in Nuuksio National Park tour
Visit Historic Tallin in Estonia
This tour comes with a hotel pickup in Helsinki and includes the round-trip ferry and guided tour of Tallinn in the neighbouring country of Estonia.
The ferry cruise takes you across the Gulf of Finland to the Medieval Old Town of Tallinn which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the places visited in Tallinn include Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Danish King’s Garden and Tallinn Town Hall.
Click here for a Tallinn Day tour
Independent Travel – Places to see in Helsinki
Is Helsinki worth visiting if you are an independent traveller? If you are wondering what to visit in Helsinki, you will find a good range of attractions and activities within the city centre.
When you visit Finland, it is important to keep in mind that place names are written in both Swedish and Finnish which can be confusing when you first arrive. The use of the Swedish language harks back to the days when Finland was under Swedish rule.
Our guide to Helsinki will show you some of the most famous landmarks in a city renowned for its Nordic beauty.
The Suomenlinna Island Ferry & Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Taking the ferry to the fortress on Suomenlinna Island is the perfect way to see the panoramic views of the city and the islands that dot the South Harbour of Helsinki.
As you make your way to Suomenlinna you will pass small islands with charming wooden houses built in the traditional Finnish style.
Click here for Suomenlinna Island ferry tickets
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
One of the best ways to learn about Finland’s complicated history is to visit Suomenlinna Fortress on Suomenlinna Island.
Upon arrival to this intriguing UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be greeted by a collection of fortress buildings, garrison barracks, churches, museums, and homes built over a history that began in 1748 and continues to this day.
The building of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress began during the Swedish era between 1748 and 1808. During the Russian era, the island continued to be modernised gaining a hospital and Church. In 1918, after Finland’s declaration of independence the island became a prisoner of war camp as Finland descended into Civil War.
On a visit to Suomenlinna you can explore the buildings on the island and imagine what life would have been like during these challenging times.
Helsinki Market Square
Helsinki Market Square sits on the foreshore of South Harbour. Here you can enjoy views of the harbour while trying local delicacies or shopping for souvenirs and local arts & crafts.
Helsinki Cathedral
The majesty of Helsinki Cathedral can be seen as you enter South Harbour. This striking church was completed in 1852 and shines bright white against the horizon. Sunlight catches the glint of the golden stars that decorate the green domes of the corner towers.
The Helsinki Cathedral looks down over the beautiful neoclassical buildings of Senaatintori (Senate Square).
Helsinki Central Railway Station
Standing proud at the entrance of Helsinki Central Railway Station are the Lyhdynkantajat, the Lantern Bearers. These impressive statues hold large spherical lights that illuminate the railway station at night.
The Lyhdynkantajat were designed by Emil Wikstrom and were completed in 1914. If you are taking the train from the airport into Helsinki, make sure to look for them as you exit the train station.
Esplanade Park Helsinki
During spring and summer, Esplanadi is the place to visit in Helsinki to soak up the sunshine and admire the colourful flowers of the park gardens. This picturesque park is often a venue for open air concerts and is adorned with a collection of statues and fountains.
Esplanadi is framed by streets lined with shops and restaurants. The park stretches from the Svenska Teatern (Swedish Theatre) down to Helsinki Market Square and the South Harbour of Helsinki.
Allas Sea Pool Helsinki
The Allas Sea Pool is a popular place for locals and visitors to enjoy the warm water pool, sea water pool, saunas, cafes, and restaurants that overlook stunning views of the South Harbour islands.
You will need a ticket for entry to the pool and you can hire a towel if you do not have one of your own. If you do not want to swim, another way to see the Allas Sea Pool is from the Suomenlinna Island ferry to Helsinki.
Helsinki Central Library Oodi
You may wonder why I have a library on my list of places to visit in Helsinki, but it is a must to see. The futuristic design of the Helsinki Central Library Oodi houses private workrooms, music studios, games rooms and is the place to enjoy a coffee between attractions.
Beyond Helsinki
Helsinki is a stepping stone to destinations across Finland and nearby Nordic countries. You will find good flight and train connections to popular tourist spots such as Rovaniemi, the home of Santa’s Village in the Arctic Circle or historic Turku, the oldest town in Finland.
Helsinki also has a good ferry system which can take you to neighbouring Tallinn in Estonia or visit a host of European countries with direct flights with Finnair from Helsinki.
Click here for tours to Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi Lapland
Helsinki Finland to Tallinn in Estonia
A Tallinn cruise leaves Helsinki with a cruise time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Estonia Helsinki ferry. Tallinn’s Medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Helsinki.
Click here for Helsinki to Tallinn ferry tickets
Getting from Helsinki Airport to Helsinki
There are a variety of transport options for getting from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Helsinki. The airport is 20km from Helsinki city centre. Transport options include private hotel transfers, train, bus, and taxi.
Private Transfer from Helsinki Airport to Helsinki
By far the most hassle-free way to get from the airport to the city is by taking a private airport to hotel transfer.
Click here for private hotel transfers
Car Rental from Helsinki Airport
Car rental from Helsinki Airport is a great option especially if you are an independent traveller wishing to get out of the city to explore more of Finland.
Click here for car rental Helsinki
Train from Helsinki Airport
Another way to get into Helsinki is to take the Helsinki Airport train. Just follow the signs to the train station and pay for your ticket at one of the ticket machines on the platform.
Note that station names are in both Finnish and Swedish. The train ride from the airport into Helsinki takes around 30 minutes.
Bus from Helsinki Airport
The bus from Helsinki Airport to Helsinki leaves from outside the arrivals hall. Take bus route 600 to make the 40-minute journey from the airport into Helsinki city centre.
Helsinki – Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Helsinki is during spring and summer when the days are longer and the chance of sunny days increase. Arriving in Helsinki during spring and summer allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the lakes and hiking trails of the National Parks.
If you are visiting Helsinki during autumn get ready to see a vibrant display of colour as autumn foliage decorate the National Parks. Helsinki in winter may be cold but it is the perfect time to visit the Christmas Markets.
Is Helsinki Expensive for Tourists?
The euro is the currency of Helsinki Finland. A visit to Helsinki can be more expensive than other European capitals. You will find that the price of food, accommodation and attractions can run a little steep depending on your style of travel.
A few ways to save money in Helsinki is to explore on your own, buy snacks at the supermarket and stay at hostels.
Last Words on Is Helsinki Worth Visiting?
There you have it, is Helsinki worth visiting? After our trip to Helsinki, I can highly recommend staying at least two days in the city.
A stopover in Helsinki gives you the chance to revive after a long-haul flight and see one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
We fell in love with Helsinki, in fact, our visit only made us more curious to see more of Finland. Have you visited Helsinki Finland? What was your favourite attraction or activity?
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