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Things to do in Helsinki

Finland’s capital takes explorers in with its coastal air, artistic monuments, and modern architecture.

Our most recommended things to do in Helsinki

Helsinki: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

1. Helsinki: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

See the Helsinki tourist attractions that interest you most and avoid wasting time on an organized tour with this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Hop on and off as many times as you like at any of the 22 stops on the itinerary over a 24-hour or 48-hour period. You could choose to admire the unique rock architecture of the Temppeliaukio Church, visit the Parliament House, admire the neoclassical architecture in Senate Square or search for a bargain in Market Square. Enjoy an onboard audio commentary available in 10 languages and avail of excellent views from the top deck of your double-decker bus. Don't worry if the weather isn't great as the bottom deck is completely protected from the elements.

From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

2. From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, lies across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki: an easy day trip by ferry for those keen to experience its medieval charms. Secure your place on the ferry with a convenient crossing time. Cruise across the Gulf, and enjoy up to 10 hours to explore independently. Delve into Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and enjoy the museums, shops, and restaurants. Tickets include entry on board and seating. You can spend your time on board visiting one of the restaurants, shopping at the Traveller Superstore, or enjoying the scenery of the archipelago passing by. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Tallinn D-terminal to the old town, or you can take a taxi from the terminal building. You can also visit different museums like the KUMU art museum or the baroque architecture of the Kadriorg Palace. Depending on the chosen departures you will have up to 10 hours to explore Tallinn.  Upgrade your experience and and book into the Comfort Class or Business Lounge. Comfort Class: • Travel comfortably while enjoying the sea view. The upgrade price includes snacks (with ingredients to make sandwiches), coffee, tea, refreshments, daily newspapers, and free WiFi Business Lounge: • Travel in style and add some luxury to your journey. The upgrade includes food and drinks at the Business Lounge buffet. Newspapers, magazines, and free WiFi available

Helsinki: Evening Archipelago Cruise

3. Helsinki: Evening Archipelago Cruise

Blending nature, historical sights, and Finnish fare, the sightseeing cruise journeys through Helsinki’s extensive archipelago of islands. The boat ventures past UNESCO’s fortress Suomenlinna while you cruise along the waterways and taste local dishes. After departing from Market Square in the city center, the cruise will head towards Helsinki’s historical parts and continue along the capital’s shore to neighboring islands. The voyage will let you contrast the urban landscape with the wilderness of more than 300 islands and 130km of shoreline. This cruise is a chance to go beyond the city center and discover the intricate archipelago of islands and nature reserves. A snippet into the Finnish seaside lifestyle, the island neighborhoods boast summer cottages, groves, boulders, and tiny coves that can be seen along the shore. The tour will then make its way to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous sea fortress of islands bursting with nature and history. Finally, take in the unique sights while you sit back and delight in some local delicacies. Either book a table in advance at the restaurant on board or show up at the bar and cafeteria throughout the cruise without a reservation.

Helsinki Archipelago: Sightseeing Boat Tour

4. Helsinki Archipelago: Sightseeing Boat Tour

Admire the main attractions of Finland's crown jewel on the Historical Helsinki route. Don't miss a beat as your boat weaves through the waterways of the Helsinki archipelago. Bask in the natural beauty, amazing architecture, and clean air of this Scandinavian gem. Depart from one of Helsinki's most famous sights, Market Square, and head out to sea. See famous Unesco World Heritage Sites such as the Fortress of Suomenlinna, as well as the Finnish ice breakers and Korkeasaari Zoo. Listen as your guide tells you stories about many of the most sought-after areas of the city. Enjoy both natural and man-made phenomena during this maritime experience. Enjoy views of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Helsinki, including Eira, Katajanokka, and Kruununhaka. Listen to historical tales of local lore from your guide about all the various hot spots, before the journey ends where it began, at Market Square.

Helsinki: Sightseeing Canal Cruise with Audio Commentary

5. Helsinki: Sightseeing Canal Cruise with Audio Commentary

Head to the water and experience a canal cruise on your visit to Helsinki. Admire the most beautiful shorelines of the city and see many of its top attractions from the comfort of your boat. You’ll pass by the historic Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island, the impressive fleet of icebreakers, and stunning Degerö Canal. On this boat ride you’ll also hear about Helsinki’s fascinating history from commentary that’s provided during the cruise. There will also be information booklets available in 8 other languages. Purchase a refreshing drink, a beer, a glass of sparkling wine, or a cup of coffee, or a pastry in the boat’s cafeteria to enjoy during the cruise.

Helsinki Card City

6. Helsinki Card City

Discover Helsinki the easy and economical way with the Helsinki Card. Save time, money, and energy with a city card that gives you free entry to the city’s main sights, museums, and public transportation options – along with a wide variety of discounts and bonuses. Choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour options. All of the following are free with the Helsinki Card 2023: All year round: • Entry to the city’s major sights and museums; like Amos Rex, Ateneum Art Museum, Design Museum, The National Museum of Finland, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, and much more • Public ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Suomenlinna Museum and Guided Tour • Travel on public transport within Helsinki (zones AB) Seasonal tours: • Panorama Sightseeing by bus (Oct-Apr) • Canal Cruise sightseeing by boat (May-Sep) • 24-Hour Hop On-Hop Off bus tour (May-Sep) • City Highlights sightseeing by boat (May-Sep) In addition, get discounts in restaurants, on a cruise to Tallinn, and other attractions such as Helsinki Zoo, SkyWheel Helsinki, and Flying Cinema Tour of Helsinki.

From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki

7. From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki

Don't miss the opportunity to explore beautiful Helsinki, one of the most liveable cities in Europe. Helsinki lies across the Gulf of Finland from Tallinn: an easy day trip by ferry to stroll around Helsinki’s historical city center and to try local food in cozy nice cafes and restaurants. Secure your place on the ferry with a convenient crossing time. Cruise across the Gulf, and enjoy seven hours to explore Helsinki independently. Tickets include entry on board and seating. You can spend your time on board visiting one of the restaurants, shopping at the Traveller Superstore, or enjoying the scenery of the archipelago passing by. It is about a 10-minute tram ride from the West Harbor Terminal to the city center of Helsinki. Depending on the chosen departure times you will have up to 10 hours to explore the city. Choose to upgrade to comfort class or the business lounge at booking. With comfort class, travel comfortably and enjoy the sea view. The upgrade price includes snacks, coffee, tea, other refreshments, daily newspapers, and free Wi-Fi. Travel in style and luxury in the business lounge, including food and drinks from the exclusive buffet, newspapers, magazines, and free Wi-Fi.

Helsinki City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

8. Helsinki City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket

Explore Helsinki according to your own interests and schedule with a 24 or 48-hour ticket for the open-air, hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus. Take a full loop of the route in just 90 minutes to get an orientation of the city, or jump off at any of the stops to explore the attractions that interest you the most. Drive past the Sibelius Monument, and the imposing Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church). Jump off at the Flea Market or Market Square, and see the buildings built for the 1952 Summer Olympics, including the Olympic Stadium. Your full price ticket entitles you to discounts at participating partners, including cafés, restaurants and shops. Free Wi-Fi is available on-board the bus so you can keep up-to-date with your friends and family back home and make them jealous with social media updates of your experience. In the event of bad weather, the roof of the bus can be swiftly retracted to protect you from the rain. Free rain ponchos are also provided. You can start your tour from any stop along the route. Add on an optional cruise from the Cruise Terminal, and get a different perspective of the city from the water. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Stops: 1. Senate Square/ Helsinki City Museum 2. Olympia Terminal (Silja Line) / Mannerheim Museum 3. Cafe Ursula/ Kaivopuisto Park 4. Compass Square 5. Eira 6. Hernesaari Cruise Terminal (stop in use only on certain cruise ship days) 7. Löyly 8. Flea Market/ Bulevardi/ Sinebrychoff Art Museum 9. Swedish Theater/ Design Museum/ Museum of Finnish Architecture 10. Market Square (departure point for Beautiful Canal Route) 11. Kiasma/ Helsinki Art Museum/ Amos Rex / Central Railway Station 12. Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) 13. Sibelius Monument 14. Olympic Stadium  15. National Opera/ Linnanmäki/ Töölönlahti Bay 16. National Museum/ Parliament House/ Helsinki Music Center 17. Ateneum Art Museum/ Central Railway Station 18. Botanic Garden

Helsinki Card Region

9. Helsinki Card Region

Discover Helsinki in an easy and economical way. The Helsinki Card is the key to a unique Helsinki experience for the individual traveler. With the Helsinki Card Region, you will save time, money, and energy. It gives you free entry to the city's main sights, museums, and public transportation options – along with a wide variety of discounts and bonuses. You can choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour validity. All of the following are free with the Helsinki Card: All year round: • Entry to the city’s major sights and museums; like Amos Rex, Design Museum, The National Museum of Finland, Exhibition Centre WeeGee, Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, and much more • Public ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Suomenlinna Museum and Guided Tour • Travel on public transport within Helsinki ( zones ABC, including the Airport) Seasonal tours: • Panorama sightseeing tour by bus (October - April) • Canal Cruise (May - September)  • City Highlight Cruise (May - September) • F24-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour (May - September) • Discounts in restaurants, cruise to Tallinn and other attractions, such as Helsinki Zoo, SkyWheel Helsinki and Flying Cinema

From Helsinki: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna

10. From Helsinki: Round-Trip Ferry Ticket to Suomenlinna

Frs Finland brings you to the fortress island of Suomenlinna which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the number 1 must see tourist attraction of Finland with its historical sea fortress and lovely museums and restaurants. Vessels leave from Helsinki Market Square, Lyypekinlaituri-pier next to the Old Market Hall. Watch out for our Frs Finland-signs, choose the Suomenlinna-pier and the priority queue. Please note: there is only one queue available at the islands. Many flexible departures per day and snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard. Enjoy a cup of coffee or cold beer on our sun deck and let yourself be pampered by our friendly staff. The duration of the ferry ride is about 20-25 minutes and there are several departures per hour. Exact schedule available at https://www.frs-finland.fi/suomenlinna-lonna/ - Maximum departure frequency from the Market Square and the island: 30 minutes. In addition the restaurant island of Lonna can be visited with the same ferry.

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Frequently asked questions about Helsinki

What top attractions are a must-see in Helsinki?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Helsinki?

The best day trips and excursions from Helsinki are:

Tallinn

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Helsinki?

Other Sightseeing Options in Helsinki

Want to discover all there is to do in Helsinki? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Helsinki

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 2,668 reviews

Très bonne expérience. Traversée effectuée en 2h00 dans un ferry neuf. Bonne prestation. Bateau confortable. Très bon petit déjeuner buffet. Je recommande…

Highly recommend this amazing experience which can be done as a short day trip out of Helsinki. Well organised and a lot of fun!

Servizio ottimo con compagnia navale davvero impeccabile con moltissimi servizi a bordo

Excellent service extraordinary price and elegance of the ships with numerous services

It was a good experience to have a quick day trip to Tallin