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Things to do in Helsinki, Finland

Finland’s capital takes explorers in with its coastal air, artistic monuments, and modern architecture.

Our most recommended things to do in Helsinki

From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

1. From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, lies across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki: an easy day trip by ferry for those keen to experience its medieval charms. Secure your place on the ferry with a convenient crossing time. Cruise across the Gulf, and enjoy up to 10 hours to explore independently. Delve into Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and enjoy the museums, shops, and restaurants. Tickets include entry on board and seating. You can spend your time on board visiting one of the restaurants, shopping at the Traveller Superstore, or enjoying the scenery of the archipelago passing by. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Tallinn D-terminal to the old town, or you can take a taxi from the terminal building. You can also visit different museums like the KUMU art museum or the baroque architecture of the Kadriorg Palace. Depending on the chosen departures you will have up to 10 hours to explore Tallinn.  Upgrade your experience and and book into the Comfort Class or Business Lounge. Comfort Class: • Travel comfortably while enjoying the sea view. The upgrade price includes snacks (with ingredients to make sandwiches), coffee, tea, refreshments, daily newspapers, and free WiFi Business Lounge: • Travel in style and add some luxury to your journey. The upgrade includes food and drinks at the Business Lounge buffet. Newspapers, magazines, and free WiFi available

From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki

2. From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki

Don't miss the opportunity to explore beautiful Helsinki, one of the most liveable cities in Europe. Helsinki lies across the Gulf of Finland from Tallinn: an easy day trip by ferry to stroll around Helsinki’s historical city center and to try local food in cozy nice cafes and restaurants. Secure your place on the ferry with a convenient crossing time. Cruise across the Gulf, and enjoy seven hours to explore Helsinki independently. Tickets include entry on board and seating. You can spend your time on board visiting one of the restaurants, shopping at the Traveller Superstore, or enjoying the scenery of the archipelago passing by. It is about a 10-minute tram ride from the West Harbor Terminal to the city center of Helsinki. Depending on the chosen departure times you will have up to 10 hours to explore the city. Choose to upgrade to comfort class or the business lounge at booking. With comfort class, travel comfortably and enjoy the sea view. The upgrade price includes snacks, coffee, tea, other refreshments, daily newspapers, and free Wi-Fi. Travel in style and luxury in the business lounge, including food and drinks from the exclusive buffet, newspapers, magazines, and free Wi-Fi.

Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki

3. Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki

If you’re planning a visit to Helsinki, be sure to include a half day for a trip to Nuuksio National Park, located within the boundaries of greater Helsinki. It takes about an hour and a half by public transportation to reach the park from the city center. You’ll be met in the center of Helsinki, and travel by commuter train to Espoo center and then take a local bus to the park entrance. The park is ranked among the top 10 nature attractions in Finland and is a must-see. To get the most from your visit, it’s best to let an experienced guide and professional naturalist lead the way. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the tall coniferous or mixed forest, with trees growing around enormous primeval rocks, in an area that’s rich with mosses and ferns. You’ll come across numerous small forest lakes, and you can stop to enjoy a swim. The forest is inhabited by various animals, including such rare species as the Siberian flying squirrel, found in Europe only in Finland and Estonia. With your biologist guide you’ll trek through the tall forest, learn about the natural features of Finland, enjoy scenic views, and hopefully spot some wildlife.

Helsinki Card City

4. Helsinki Card City

Discover Helsinki the easy and economical way! The Helsinki Card is the key to a unique Helsinki experience for the individual traveler. With the Helsinki Card you can save time, money, and energy. The Helsinki Card gives you free entry to the city’s main sights, museums, and public transportation options – along with a wide variety of discounts and bonuses. You can choose 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour validity. All of the following are free with the Helsinki Card: All year round: • Free Panorama Sightseeing by bus (limited timetable 2021-22)• Free entry to the city’s major sights and museums; like Amos Rex, Design Museum, The National Museum of Finland, and much more• Free ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Suomenlinna Museum and Guided Tour• Free travel on public transport within Helsinki• Discounts in restaurants, cruise to Tallinn and other attractions, such as Helsinki Zoo, SkyWheel Helsinki and Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Summer season (May - September): • Free Canal Route sightseeing by boat• Free 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off bus tour Some of the benefits and discounts: • Finnair city buses (35% off) • Cruise and tour to Tallinn • Leisure activities, swimming, concerts, and more • Sights: Helsinki Zoo, SkyWheel Helsinki, Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki • Shopping • Restaurants (up to 20% off)

Helsinki: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

5. Helsinki: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

See the Helsinki tourist attractions that interest you most and avoid wasting time on an organized tour with this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Hop on and off as many times as you like at any of the 22 stops on the itinerary over a 24-hour or 48-hour period. You could choose to admire the unique rock architecture of the Temppeliaukio Church, visit the Parliament House, admire the neoclassical architecture in Senate Square or search for a bargain in Market Square. Enjoy an onboard audio commentary available in 10 languages and avail of excellent views from the top deck of your double-decker bus. Don't worry if the weather isn't great as the bottom deck is completely protected from the elements.

Helsinki Panorama Coach Tour

6. Helsinki Panorama Coach Tour

Take this popular 1 hour 45 minute sightseeing tour of Helsinki by bus, and get a wide variety of information about Helsinki. The tour includes sound effects and commentary via audioguides in 10 languages. You will see the most interesting parts of Helsinki, including the historical center, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall, and the stunning Opera House. Stop at the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) or at the Sibelius Monument. Listen to a lively narrative in the language of your choice: Chinese, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish or Swedish. It’s a great chance to get your bearings in Helsinki for first-time visitors, and ideal for those who are pressed for time.

Helsinki Airport (HEL): Premium Lounge Entry

7. Helsinki Airport (HEL): Premium Lounge Entry

Relax as you wait for your next flight with pre-booked access to the Plaza Premium Lounge, located at both departures and arrivals at Helsinki Airport. Enjoy an amazing playroom set within a modern and bright lounge ambiance, taste delicious food and drinks, and access the sauna and showers. Located within the landside area in the new Terminal 2, take advantage of the lounge's unique environment for both business and leisure passengers. Make use of the private meeting pods for passengers who require their own dedicated space to work and meet at the airport. Get 3-hour access to the lounge and take a break before or between flights. Unwind with comfortable seating, a live kitchen, a bar, shower rooms, charging stations, complimentary WiFi, and computer workstations.

Helsinki: City Highlights 1.5-Hour Archipelago Cruise

8. Helsinki: City Highlights 1.5-Hour Archipelago Cruise

Get introduced to the urban shorelines of Helsinki on the City Highlights tour. See summer terraces, beach cafés, and beautiful parks during the cruise. Admire both old and new city architecture. Pass by the many residential areas and districts of Helsinki by boat. The route includes popular sights like Suomenlinna, Korkeasaari Zoo and the ice breakers. Along the route, see interesting urban areas like Kaivopuisto park and the classy harbor area of Merisatama. View the city’s diverse architecture like the Jugend buildings of Eira as well as the modern residential districts of Kruunuvuorenranta and Kalasatama. Learn about these sights from recorded commentary via loudspeakers in Finnish, English, German and Swedish. You can buy coffee, ice cream or a Finnish pulla (sweet bun) from the boat café. Enjoy the sea breeze and amazing views on a large sun deck or get cozy inside and admire the views through the boat's big windows.

Helsinki Card Region

9. Helsinki Card Region

Discover Helsinki in an easy and economical way. The Helsinki Card is the key to a unique Helsinki experience for the individual traveler. With the Helsinki Card Region, you will save time, money, and energy. It gives you free entry to the city's main sights, museums, and public transportation options – along with a wide variety of discounts and bonuses. You can choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour validity. All of the following are free with the Helsinki Card: All year round: • Free Panorama Sightseeing by bus (limited timetable 2021-22)• Free entry to the city’s major sights and museums; like Amos Rex, Design Museum, The National Museum of Finland, and much more• Free ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Suomenlinna Museum and Guided Tour• Free travel on public transport within Helsinki• Discounts in restaurants, cruise to Tallinn and other attractions, such as Helsinki Zoo, SkyWheel Helsinki and Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki Summer season: • Free Canal Route sightseeing by boat (May – September) • Free 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour (May - September) Some of the benefits and discounts: • Cruise and tour to Tallinn • Leisure activities, swimming, concerts, and more • Sights: Helsinki Zoo, SkyWheel Helsinki, Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki • Shopping • Restaurants (up to 20% off)

90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route

10. 90-minute Helsinki Boat Sightseeing on Beautiful Canal Route

Head to the water and experience a canal cruise on your visit to Helsinki. Admire the most beautiful shorelines of the city and see many of its top attractions from the comfort of your boat. You’ll pass by the historic Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island, the impressive fleet of icebreakers, and stunning Degerö Canal. On this boat ride you’ll also hear about Helsinki’s fascinating history from commentary that’s provided during the cruise. There will also be information booklets available in 8 other languages. Purchase a refreshing drink, a beer, a glass of sparkling wine, or a cup of coffee, or a pastry in the boat’s cafeteria to enjoy during the cruise.

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Frequently asked questions about Helsinki

What top attractions are a must-see in Helsinki?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Helsinki?

The best day trips and excursions from Helsinki are:

Tallinn

What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Helsinki?

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Helsinki?

Other Sightseeing Options in Helsinki, Finland

Want to discover all there is to do in Helsinki, Finland? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Helsinki

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,668 reviews

I can 100% recommend this tour and the guide. He is very experienced since he is doing the tours since 10 years. For snowy weather with ice on the ground, he knows where to walk and helps you, so you arrive safely. Also, he is a biologist and can explain a lot about the plant and the animals. It was a very nice, relaxing tour with a small group in a beautiful national park. He takes care about the nature :)

The palace is very impressive. There is a lot to see around. My only disappointment is that the audio guide doesn’t explain a lot.

Great trip Everything ran very smoothly I recommend the lounge for a lovely meal and drinks at a one off price

Very informative Comfortable Showed a lot of the sights that we wouldn’t have seen any other way

Streamlined process, comfortable ferry, great visit!