Helsinki is an ideal city for a relaxed holiday! Everything is close by in this compact city and you can quickly get from one place to another. There is always something to see and do!
Pick up the best tips for activities and head to maritime Helsinki.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Scandic has several hotels in the best locations in Helsinki
An inspiring hotel that caters to your every need, located at the Helsinki Airport next to terminal and can be reached through a partially covered walkway.
A peaceful hotel next to Helsinki Airport. Convenient parking and a free airport shuttle ensure a convenient stay. The services at the adjacent Aviacongress hotel are also available for hotel guests.
A comfortable hotel in the centre of Helsinki. A cosy place where you can relax, sleep well and enjoy the inspiring atmosphere of the capital.
A relaxed hotel near Helsinki city centre in Töölö. A cosy restaurant, versatile room selection and an indoor pool and relaxation suite on the 9th floor with stunning views.
Refurbished and relaxed hotel in the middle of the bohemian Kallio district with good transport connections and services nearby.
A cosy, modern 11-storey hotel with magnificent views and excellent transport connections near downtown Helsinki.
Striking and award-winning city hotel in the heart of Helsinki offering great atmosphere, chic rooms and superb service with that little extra.
A modern hotel in Hakaniemi in Helsinki with excellent transport connections. It’s easy to explore what the capital has to offer from Hakaniemi.
This stylishly decorated hotel in Hakaniemi, near the centre of Helsinki, has excellent service and a peaceful atmosphere. You can even walk to the city centre from here.
A peaceful hotel next to Helsinki Airport. Convenient parking and a free airport shuttle ensusure an effortless stay. In addition, we offer versatile services and an indoor pool.
An imposing hotel by the sea in the idyllic Katajanokka district, right next to the Market Square and Helsinki city centre. Explore the city on foot or by tram.
A city-centre hotel in Kamppi, the best spot in Helsinki. Quiet rooms, most of which offer superb views over the city. A popular restaurant and rooftop bar.
A modern and peaceful hotel close to excellent transport links, within walking distance of Pasila station, near the Tripla shopping centre and right by Central park.
A unique hotel offering first-class experiences in the heart of Helsinki. The decor of timeless elegance and the beautiful Art Nouveau building, combined with the hotel’s relaxed atmosphere, guarantee a pleasant stay.
Modern urban hotel in a impressive 1920s printing house next to the Old Church Park in Helsinki city centre with an inspiring setting for a relaxed stay.
A prime location in the heart of Helsinki, right next to the central railway station. Modern facilities, cozy rooms, relaxed lobby bar, and inviting breakfast area with a terrace.