Helsinki Tourism

Previously the home of Baron Gustav Mannerheim, this museum depicts the conquests of the celebrated Field Marshall. Though he never owned the place, he rented it from chocolate mogul Karl Fazer until his death. Entry includes an hour long informative guided tour, based on the life and expeditions of Mannerheim.

Designed by Timo and TomoSuomalaikinen in 1969, the Temppeliaukion remains one of Helsinki’s major tourist attractions. This church is based on the Finnish ideals of spirituality found in nature, which are carved in stones. There are regular concerts held owing to the amazing acoustics.

This chalk-white Neo-classical Lutheran cathedral is located in Senaatintori. Created to serve as a reminder of God’s superiority over mortals, the high winding stairs today have become a lover’s haven. The interior has very little ornamentation significant of the phrase, “Less is more” with three statues of the Reformation heroes, Luther, Melanchthon and Mikael Agricola.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 15 minute ferry ride from the Kauppatori(market square). Originally built by the Swedes in the mid 18th century as ‘Sveaborg’, the “Fortress of Finland” is a cultural landmark which is set on a cluster of islands connected by bridges. 

This Park hosts a magnificent steel sculpture sculpted by artist, EliaHiltunen in honour of legendary Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The innovative abstract structure was made in a way so that it truly reflects the genius of the composer. And what better poetic justice is there than the fact that the hollow stainless-steel pipes create its own music against the air.

The harsh climate and the paucity of fresh herbs during the non-summer months have played a crucial role in shaping Finnish cuisine. Hence the dependence on certain ingredients like potatoes, dark rye breads, dairy products and turnips. Another aspect of Finnish culture is the strong influences of Swedish, German and Russian cuisines. Finnish cuisine as a whole is very similar to Swedish cuisine, barring the fact that Finnish people desire their food a little less sweet than their counterparts in general. Fish and meat play crucial roles in the traditional Finnish recipes in the west while the use of mushrooms and vegetables are exemplary in the east. 

Here are some of the best restaurants in Helsinki specializing Finnish cuisine:

• Kuu
• Olo
• A21 Dining
• Savoy
• Demo
• HietalahdenKauppahali –variety of food stalls and eateries
• Savotta
• Zetor
• Salve

If you are willing to experience a hipster hangout, Siltanen is the ideal place to go for. It is also the best meet up place. From foods to drinks to nice music, all you will get over here.

This twin bar is a great place for spending time. Though Moskova is a Russian themed bar with the Soviet influences, but the Corona calls for the largest collection of pool tables and beers.

This is the best rock club in Finland. It has top rate artists performing on most nights of the week. It was for the last 20 yaers that the rock club have propagated Fiinish rock music with concerts and gigs.

Helsinki is considered as the ideal destination for shopping. If you are a shopaholic, visit the best malls and markets to explore the best. Some of the most popular shopping destinations of Helsinki are as follows:

• Kamppi shopping centre
• Galleria Esplanad
• Market Square
• IT IS shopping centre
• Sokos Department Store
• Stockmann Department Store

This is a great opportunity for Helsinki virgins to get familiar with city. These tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides, and one gets to savour the beauty of the city in a holistic manner.

This card is your gate-pass to the major attractions in Helsinki. This card comes with an extensive guidebook including list of attractions and a map that is easy to understand. It empowers you to have an independent tour of Helsinki without having to depend on anyone else. With free travel on trams, metro, buses, train and boats to the island, and free entry to all major attractions that the city has to offer, the card is a must-have for every traveller.

Finished in 1989, the curvaceous and quirky Kiasma is the embodiment of Finnish modernism. Designed by Steven Holl, the Kiasma is host to a series of striking contemporary pieces of art both Finnish and from all over the world. If you are an art-buff, this where you need to head to.

During the winter, the railway square turns into this dynamic outdoor ice-skating area, this attracts visitors from afar.

A three hour paddling excursion in  Rantapuisto hotel on Vuosaari, this is the chance to channel the adrenaline buff in you. There are options for beginners as well. So hope on a kayak and have a whale of a time.

The Arena military museum is a must watch for the visitors. You will get to see a huge collection of valuable, historical documents, ancient weapons, and many other interesting exhibits. Young visitors can even attend the special lectures and they can participate in te military battles and learn several facts about mediaval Fiinish troops. 

This is considered as a sight that is a must watch for the tourists. Built in the year 1757, the house is located in the historic district of Helsinki. 

Enjoy a beautiful shore excursion and soak in the beauty of the Nordic coastline on a cruise-ship in Helsinki. This is probably one of the best ways to identify with the culture of Helsinki, especially for novice visitors with extremely knowledgeable sessions conducted by your tour guide.

This traditional public wood-sauna is a dying breed with the advent of shared saunas in apartments. Established in 1928 in Kallio, this place offers you a massage and a scrub-down along with a classic sauna experience.

This Island is separated from the mainland by a narrow canal, just east of the kauppatori. The canal itself makes for beautiful leisurely walks.  The beauty of this place is immense with picturesque cravings turrets at plenty. The southern part of the island is bustling with activity with a major ferry terminal, and is a stark contrast to the serene northern part where the Foreign Ministry is located overlooking the functioning ice-breaking fleet. The western part has the Orthodox cathedral towering over the once warehouses that have now been converted into tempting restaurants and bars.

This museum is an amalgamation of smaller museums scattered all over the city. Along with the free entry, what these museums have in common is the fact that they focus on one aspect of the past or present of the city. The main museum just off Senaatintori is the most sought-after one among the museums. The impressive collection of artefacts and photos depict accurately the colourful past of Helsinki, its transition from Swedish hands to Russian and now where it stands at present.