Exploring Helsinki — Fun Things to Do in Finland’s Cool Capital

Originally published on Medium (2024), now updated for Vocal!

Have you ever wondered where Helsinki is? Let me take you on a virtual tour of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming about future adventures, I’ve got you covered with all the best things to do in Helsinki. Let’s dive in and see why this city should be on your travel list!

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Where is Helsinki?

Let’s start by figuring out where we are. Helsinki is in Finland, which is in northern Europe. Picture a place with beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and a mix of modern city life and peaceful nature. That’s Helsinki for you!

What is Helsinki Famous For?

Helsinki is known for its cool design, awesome architecture, and happening cultural scene. It’s also known for being a clean and green city with lots of parks and waterfront areas. Plus, the people here are super friendly, and you’ll find it’s a very safe place to visit. So, is Finland safe to visit? Absolutely yes!

Fun Things to Do in Helsinki

Now, let’s talk about what to do in Helsinki. There are so many fun things to do in this city, whether you’re into history, nature, art, or just exploring new places. Let me introduce some of the highlights you should absolutely not miss!

1. Visit the Helsinki Cathedral

One of the first things you’ll notice about Helsinki is its stunning architecture, and the Helsinki Cathedral is a must-see. This beautiful white church with its green dome is right in the heart of the city at Senate Square. It’s a great place to take some photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

2. Explore Suomenlinna Fortress

Fancy a little adventure? Hop on a ferry and visit Suomenlinna, a historic sea fortress spread across six islands. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and perfect for a day trip. You can explore the old fortifications, picnic in the park, and enjoy stunning views of the Baltic sea.

3. Discover Finnish Design

Helsinki is famous for its design, and the Design District is the place to see it all. Wander around and check out cool shops, galleries, and cafes. Don’t miss the Design Museum to learn about Finland’s design history and see some incredible pieces.

4. Relax at Esplanadi Park

Need a break? Head to Esplanadi Park, a green oasis right in the city center. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or just sitting and people-watching. In the summer, you might catch some live music or street performances too.

5. Visit the Market Square

Right next to Esplanadi Park is the Market Square, or “Kauppatori” as the locals call it. Here, you can explore stalls that offer fresh berries, local crafts, and delicious Finnish food. Try some “lohikeitto,” a delicious salmon soup, or grab a coffee and a pastry called “korvapuusti.” Those are some of my favorite Finnish foods.

6. Check Out the Temppeliaukio Church

This isn’t your average church. The Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is carved directly into solid rock! It’s an incredible place to visit and has amazing acoustics. Sometimes there are concerts that you might want to attend. This church is definitely one of the unique things to see in Helsinki.

7. Experience the Finnish Sauna

You can’t visit Finland without trying a sauna, and Helsinki has some great options. Try the Löyly sauna, which is right on the waterfront and offers both traditional and smoke saunas. It’s a relaxing experience, and you can even take a dip in the sea if you’re feeling brave!

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Best Time to Visit Helsinki

Wondering when to plan your trip? The best time to visit Helsinki depends on what you want to do. Summer (June to August) is perfect for enjoying the parks, outdoor cafes, and festivals. It’s the warmest time, with long days and lots of sunshine. If you’re into winter activities like ice skating and enjoying the Christmas markets, December is a magical time to visit. Plus, you might get to see the Northern Lights if you are also heading to Lapland!

Why Visit Finland?

So, why visit Finland and Helsinki? I think there are so many reasons! Finland is a safe and clean country with friendly people and many unique experiences. Already Helsinki has something for everyone. For example, you may be interested in exploring nature, learning about history, or simply relaxing in a beautiful city. If you want to explore other parts of Finland, Helsinki is a great point to start. And, even nearby countries such as Estonia and Sweden can be visited from Helsinki.

Final Thoughts

I think Helsinki is an awesome place to visit because it has an interesting mix of modern vibes and historical charm. From exploring cool architecture to enjoying beautiful parks and trying out a Finnish sauna, there are so many fun things to do in Helsinki. So, if you’re thinking about your next adventure, why not consider Helsinki, Finland? You won’t be disappointed!

I hope this blog post gives you a great idea of what to see and do in Helsinki. Feel free to drop a comment below if you have any questions or want to share your own tips.

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