Travel Keyring

Helsinki travel guide

Finland

Basics

CountryFinland

Time zoneEurope/Helsinki

CurrencyEUR

Official language(s)Finnish

Public transportation is well-developed, so make sure to check the routes in advance.

Places to visit

Ateneum Art Museum

The flagship museum of the Finnish National Gallery, with a broad collection of Finnish classics and 19th–20th century European art.

LocationKaivokatu 2, Helsinki

Nearest stationHelsinki Central Station

HoursTue–Sun 10:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIt is an easy stop from the central station, and booking ahead helps for popular exhibitions.

Kaivopuisto Park

One of Helsinki’s best-known seaside parks, popular for walks, picnics, and city views.

LocationKaivopuisto, Helsinki

Nearest stationKaivopuisto tram stop

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipSunset walks along the shore are especially nice; bring an extra layer if it is windy.

Helsinki Market Square

A harborfront market square where you can browse local food, souvenirs, and ferries in one lively stop.

LocationEteläranta, Helsinki

Nearest stationKauppatori tram stop

HoursOpen daily; hours vary by stall

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGo in the morning for the best market atmosphere, and combine it with nearby ferry piers in summer.

National Museum of Finland

A major museum presenting Finnish history and cultural heritage in one place.

LocationMannerheimintie 34, Helsinki

Nearest stationHelsinki Central Station

HoursTue–Sun 11:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipEasy to reach from the city center and a good indoor option in winter.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Helsinki’s most famous amusement park, great for families and evening strolls with city views.

LocationTivolikuja 1, Helsinki

Nearest stationLinnanmäki

HoursVaries by season

AdmissionFree entry, rides extra

Travel tipOpening days and hours vary by season, so check ahead.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage sea fortress combining walks, museums, and coastal views.

LocationSuomenlinna, Helsinki

Nearest stationHSL Suomenlinna ferry

HoursOpen all day

AdmissionFree

Travel tipTake the ferry and dress warmly, as it can be windy on the island.

Töölö Bay

A beautiful park and lake where nature meets the city.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipA great spot for walking or cycling.

Pihlajasaari

A small island famous for its recreational area, featuring beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

Hours10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGreat for picnics if you visit during summer.

Helsinki Cathedral

An iconic architectural landmark in Helsinki, designed in neo-gothic style by architect Carl Ludwig Engel.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipYou can get a panoramic view of Helsinki city from the cathedral's viewpoint.

Senate Square

A beautiful square located in the heart of Helsinki, surrounded by classical architecture and historic buildings.

HoursOpen 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipTake pictures and enjoy coffee at nearby cafes.

Museum of Contemporary Art

A place showcasing Finnish contemporary art with various exhibitions and programs.

Hours10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission€12

Travel tipIf there's a specific installation you'd like to see, consider booking in advance.

Food to try

Savotta

A restaurant for traditional Finnish dishes, popular for salmon and reindeer meat.

LocationAleksanterinkatu 22, Helsinki

Nearest stationKauppatori

HoursDaily 11:00–22:00

AdmissionMain dishes about €20–35

Travel tipReservations are a smart choice during the high season.

Finlandia Restaurant

A great restaurant to enjoy traditional Finnish food.

Hours12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Admission€25

Travel tipIt's recommended to visit before lunchtime.

Events

Helsinki Design Week

A major design festival highlighting Nordic design, architecture, and the creative industries through exhibitions, talks, and pop-ups.

WhenEvery September

LocationHelsinki, various venues

Nearest stationVaries by venue

HoursAnnual event; main program in early autumn

AdmissionVaries by event

Travel tipIt takes place at multiple city venues, so planning your route in advance is helpful.

Flow Festival

Helsinki’s signature music and art festival, combining diverse live acts with food stalls.

WhenEvery year around August

LocationVenue varies by year, near central Helsinki

Nearest stationHelsingin päärautatieasema

HoursSummer weekend

AdmissionPaid, ticket prices vary

Travel tipIt is very popular and often sells out early, so check tickets soon.

LUX Helsinki

A winter light festival that turns downtown buildings and landmarks into large-scale light art installations.

WhenEvery year in early January

LocationDowntown area, Helsinki

Nearest stationRautatientori

HoursEvening hours in winter

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit after sunset for the best experience, and dress warmly.

Helsinki Book Fair

One of the largest book and publishing events in the Nordics, featuring author talks and new releases.

WhenEvery year around October

LocationMessukeskus, Helsinki

Nearest stationPasila

HoursUsually in October, during exhibition dates

AdmissionPaid, separate ticket required

Travel tipWeekends are very busy, so a weekday visit may be more comfortable.

Helsinki Art Exhibition

An annual event showcasing works by Finnish and international artists.

WhenEvery October

Travel tipIt's good to prepare in advance for this.

Subway lines

15 Keilaniemi (M) – Itäkeskus (M)M1 Vuosaari–KivenlahtiM2 Mellunmäki–Tapiola

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

See all travel guides