Location: Helsinki
Top Things to do in Helsinki
Top Restaurants in Helsinki
Things to do in Helsinki, Uusimaa: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Sitting on the edge of the Baltic, the modern, cosmopolitan city of Helsinki is the World Design Capital for 2012. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly with high-tech achievements and contemporary trends. Walking tours of the city center show layers of history, while modern architecture and cutting-edge style stake the city's claim to the future. Choose Helsinki during its endless summer days or get adventurous on crisp, snowy winter nights.
Restaurants in Helsinki
1. Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,129 reviews
Reviewed By M6281VPmarks - Scottsdale, United States
Must visit this UNESCO world heritage site of a fortress in Helsinki south harbor across several islands which was built by the Swedes in the 18th and 19th centuries to unsuccessfully prevent Russia from capturing Finland. It is a remarkable piece of engineering, architecture and history. Visit the several museums on the connected islands. There are also fortifications, barracks, residences (people live there full time), church, workshops, shops, cafes and restaurants. You will need at least half a day to visit and will take a 15 minute scenic ferry ride starting at Market Square but the ferry convenienty runs all day starting very early and ending late in the evening because people live there. Children who are into forts and guns will enjoy. Younger children will have the chance to run around to their hearts content.
2. Katajanokka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States
From the Market Square area, you can easily see the large Ferris Wheel. That cape or small peninsula area is known as “Katajanokka.” If it is a nice day, you are rewarded with several interesting sights. Do not miss noticing the famous Presidentinlinna building—painted in bright yellow--is where President Trump and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin meet in 2018. Presidentinlinna is diagonally across the street from Market Square. Walking right of Uspenski Cathedral is a two storied platform which overlooks a large pool. The views take in the entire harbor area. The Uspenski Cathedral—i.e. the red church—dominates the area. Even if it is closed, there is a beautiful high rock area with rewarding views. On a nice day, people gather to capture the sunset. If you go to the left of Uspenski Cathedral along the northside harbor area you are rewarded in seeing a fleet of “Ice Breakers.” This fleet is docked here for the summer. There are several displays by the fleet which fully explains the history and what they do. Finland is the largest producer of “Ice Breakers.” Along the way is a small bridge filled with “lover-locks” and a restaurant with a large anchor and a very large propeller in front of it. Don’t miss the “Mine Monument,” dedicated to all the people who lost their lives due to mines in the Baltic Sea during WW II. If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
3. The Esplanadi Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,775 reviews
Reviewed By OliwaVasicek - Helsinki, Finland
The very heart of central Helsinki and a very evocative park it is. I live nearby and often pass through it on my way to the shops, or just walk down it when the weather is good. Very clean, well manicured, with lots of benches as well as frequent free musical exhibitions on the covered stage at one end.
4. Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,357 reviews
Reviewed By Zuevy
Excellent combination of natural park and wooden building museum. Many historical wooden houses from different parts of Finland. Some of its are unique. Also natural park where you can see squirrels, swans, ducks and some other bitrds in their wild life.
5. Mannerheim Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
Reviewed By Krisse_FI
An old mansion in a prestigious old part of Helsinki filled with a collection of paraphernalia from accross the globe (asian antiques & arts, hunting trophés, and yes, a tiger as a rug), this home of a military leader and 6th president of Finland is fascinating and atmospheric to walk through. The history behind his collections is expertly and engagingly narrated by the fantastic tour guides always showing you around the house when you go there, a truly devoted staff. Highly recommended!
6. Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,859 reviews
Reviewed By Lil0G
This cathedral for me was the most beautiful architecture, the largest orthodox cathedral in Western Europe, the golden Coppola, the contrast of the red brick with the green is amazing, inside is so beautiful too.
7. Hietaniemi Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By TjalleF - London, United Kingdom
The beauty and gracefulness of this cemetary is best expressed either on a cold snow-covered winter day or on a warm sunny summer day. Hietaniemi is open to the public, and has many paths to wander about and discover a plethora of different and often astonishing gravestones from the humblest tombstones to some prominent families' ornate displayes. Don't miss the soldiers' memorial where many fallen heroes rest, and close by are some graves of late presidents of Finland.
8. Old Market Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,043 reviews
Reviewed By MikaelM786
The old original indoor market hall of Helsinki in the southern harbour in city center is a very beuatiful, historical buliding. Still in use as a market for various food, nice cafeterias. Delicious local and international fresh food and dishes, berries, vegetables, fruits, cheese, bread, fish, sandwiches, salads, ice cream etc. Nice and cool in summer time.
9. The National Library of Finland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
Reviewed By IvettCz
It is a very beautiful library both because of its architecture and its impressive collection of books.
10. Johannes Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Lemmus
The twin towers of the church can be seen for miles so it's easy to find. The neo Gothic design is not in keeping with the surrounding area but I found the building very attractive. It's off the beaten path so not swarming with visitors and their selfie sticks (I have a thing about people who just take pictures without ever actually looking at what they are taking pictures of). Inside, it's quite spare as is usual for a Lutheran church. Music was playing (Sibelius - of course!) from somewhere which added to the atmosphere. The entrance door sticks and requires a firm pull - perhaps some of the disappointed reviewers didn't pull hard enough?
