10 tips for a holiday in Helsinki

Pick up the best tips for activities and head to maritime Helsinki.

1. A city full of sights and events

Helsinki’s most iconic landmark is the Helsinki Cathedral, located at Senate Square. The cathedral is surrounded by other grand neoclassical buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, such as the Government Palace and the University of Helsinki’s main building.

The city offers plenty to see and explore, including the Ateneum Art Museum, the Oodi Central Library, and the Amos Rex Museum. Did you know that as a Scandic Friends member, you get 50% off exhibition tickets to Amos Rex?

2. A great urban landscape

The architecture alone is worth admiring – Helsinki’s streets are lined with beautiful buildings, especially in the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style, found in neighbourhoods like Ullanlinna and Katajanokka.

You’ll also spot works by renowned Finnish architects like Alvar Aalto and Eliel Saarinen. One example is the stunning Scandic Grand Central Helsinki hotel, located at the historic railway station.

3. Inviting islands

Hop on a ferry and head to one of Helsinki’s many islands – Suomenlinna, Vallisaari, Lonna, Uunisaari or Pihlajasaari. You can visit Seurasaari, Suomenlinna, and Uunisaari year-round, while the others are perfect summer destinations. Many islands also offer kiosks, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food with a sea view.

The Suomenlinna ferry is a great way to experience Helsinki from the sea – it runs all year round. In spring and summer, why not pack a picnic from the market or your hotel and enjoy it on one of the city’s scenic islands?

4. Excellent shopping opportunities

Relove, Pramesh Khanal / Visit Helsinki

No visit to Helsinki is complete without a bit of shopping. The city centre is home to shopping centres, department stores, and the famous Design District, featuring both Finnish design and international brands. Helsinki is also a second-hand paradise, with many vintage shops and flea markets near the centre. Try Relove (pictured), Moody Monday, Fasaani Antik & Vintage or Punavuoren Patina.

5. Maritime Helsinki

The seaside sauna Löyly (pictured) is a unique restaurant and sauna complex where Finnish happiness, sauna tradition, and stunning sea views come together. Enjoy the gentle heat of the wood-heated saunas and take a refreshing dip in the sea.

Helsinki boasts over 130 km of coastline and offers beautiful walking and cycling routes along the shores. The seaside Allas Sea Pool provides a year-round opportunity to swim in pools right in the heart of the city. Nearby, the SkyWheel by Market Square takes you to new heights with breathtaking views over the city and archipelago.

6. Helsinki parks

When summer arrives, Helsinki comes alive with green parks, blooming streets, and outdoor activities. Sunny days are perfect for exploring Central Park’s nature trails, walking around Töölönlahti Bay, or enjoying a coffee on the terraces of Café Regatta or Café Ursula.

In May, cherry blossoms bloom in Roihuvuori’s cherry tree park, where the traditional Hanami festival is celebrated. Töölönlahti and Kaivopuisto also host outdoor fitness classes and yoga sessions – a refreshing way to welcome the new season.

7. City tour on a tram

Get a day pass and hop on a tram to explore the city your way. Here are some top tram lines for visitors:

Line 2 – Classic sights This route passes major landmarks such as the Central Railway Station, Senate Square, and Market Square, plus the charming districts of Ullanlinna and Töölö.

Line 6 – Design & trendy areas Perfect for design and culture lovers – explore Punavuori, the Design District, and Kallio, full of boutiques and trendy cafés.

Line 4 – For architecture enthusiasts Takes you to Jugend-style Katajanokka and onward to Töölö, where you’ll find the Opera House and Finlandia Hall.

Lines 7 and 9 are handy for harbour travellers, while Line 3 offers a wide loop around various neighbourhoods.

8. A holiday for the whole family

Helsinki offers numerous activities that are suitable for all ages. Head to the speedy rides in Linnanmäki, see the wild animals in Korkeasaari zoo, or dive into the underwater world at Sea Life. There are 60 public playgrounds in Helsinki where children can have fun.

9. Delicacies from the markets or market hall

Helsinki has several lively markets, outdoor terraces, and market halls full of treats. At Market Square, stalls sell not only traditional Finnish snacks but also crafts and souvenirs.

The city’s market halls are perfect for lunch or a coffee break. The Old Market Hall is one of the city’s most famous and oldest – located right next to Market Square. Other major market halls include the Hakaniemi Market Hall and the Hietalahti Market Hall.

10. A plan for a rainy day

No cultural capital experience is complete without a visit to one of Helsinki’s many theatres – from major venues to smaller stages. The city is also home to over 80 museums. In addition to the well-known Ateneum (pictured) and Kiasma, you’ll find museums focused on design, architecture, science, history, and art.

And if you’re not in the mood for culture? Try one of these instead:

• A tasting tour of the market halls
• Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
• A film night at the cosy Riviera or other local cinemas
• Shopping for vintage, second-hand treasures, or design
• Enjoying room service in your hotel’s comfy bed

Accommodation in Helsinki

Scandic has several hotels in the best locations in Helsinki