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 its sophisticated charm and vibrant cultural scene, its beautiful buildings and its many museums and galleries.

Helsinki’s art, architecture, and cultural practices are influenced by both Western and Eastern European traditions, giving it a distinct character and singular charm. Head to Senate Square for a look at the statues and buildings of the city’s best-known public space. You’ll see the imposing Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral as well as Government Palace. Architecture and design fans will notice the work of Carl Ludvig Engel, Eliel Saarinen, and Alvar Aalto all around town. Visit the Helsinki City Museum, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, Aalto House, or the Design Museum to learn about Finnish and Helsinkian design traditions.

History buffs will want to visit the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Built by the Swedish in the 18th century, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a museum, cafés, and even restaurants. To see artifacts from throughout the country’s history, spend a few hours in the National Museum of Finland.

Set aside at least a day to explore the city’s many art museums and galleries. Head to the Ateneum and Sinebrychoff Museums for a collection of classical Finnish and European works. For contemporary art, visit the Kiasma Museum.

Anyone looking to pick up a cool souvenir or a bite to eat should visit Old Market Hall and Market Square. For a cool atmosphere and trendy shops, explore the Design District or walk along the Esplanade. To take a break from the city, catch a ferry to one of the nearby islands. You’ll find historical houses on Seurasaari and Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari.

Helsinki is the cultural and economic hub of Finland and sits on a peninsula at the very south of the country and is surrounded by the waters of the Baltic Sea. It is a Nordic capital with a special charm, offering style, architecture, and a large number of museums and galleries.

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(30 area reviews)

In the heart of Helsinki's Central Business District, Kamppi boasts the largest cinema multiplex, Tennispalatsi, and the modern underground central bus station. Explore Narinkka Square or shop at Kamppi Center.

Kamppi
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Kluuvi

5/5(17 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Helsinki Central Library Oodi and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Kluuvi. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Rautatientori Station or Rautatieasema Station.

Kluuvi
Kauppatori Market Square featuring a fountain, a city and a square or plaza

Etelainen District

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the interesting museums in Etelainen District. Spend some time visiting top spots like Löyly Helsinki, and catch the metro at Länsiterminaali T2 Tram Stop or Eiranranta Tram Stop to see more of the area.

Etelainen District
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Aviapolis

4/5(38 area reviews)

While you're in Aviapolis, take in top sights like Finnish Aviation Museum or Jumbo Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Aviapolis Station or Lentoasema Station.

Aviapolis
Katajanokka showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Dominated by a passenger harbour, Katajanokka boasts the former prison-turned-hotel, Uspenski Cathedral, and Katajanokka Casino. Easily accessible via four bridges, enjoy the area's renovated restaurants and cafés.

Katajanokka
Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki
The price is CA $156 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
CA $156
CA $178 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
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! (1,364 reviews)
"Amazing breakfast! Really like Shrimp sand and smoothie."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Marski by Scandic
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109, Helsinki
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $133 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
CA $133
CA $152 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,638 reviews)
"Quiet & clean stay. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13, Helsinki
The price is CA $169 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
CA $169
CA $192 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,684 reviews)
"Great location and excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 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 Helsinki Cathedral and Sinebrychoff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"AC too cold and uncontrollable."

Reviewed on Jul. 22, 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! (147 reviews)
"My recent stay at Unity Hotel was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by warm, attentive staff who went above and beyond to ensure every aspect of my visit was smooth and comfortable. Whether it was offering local recommendations, handling special requests, or ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 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 Helsinki Cathedral and Esplanadi ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (77 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 Jul. 11, 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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