Must-See Attractions in Helsinki to Discover the Best of Finland’s Capital

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland. It is the largest city and port in Finland and located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland in the southern region of the Nordic country.

Here is one of my curated lists of some must-see attractions that you should not miss whilst visiting Helsinki. There is more to come.

Senate Square and Cathedral

The Senate Square represents the soul of the city. If you are interested in architecture, you will enjoy the assemblage of neoclassic buildings that surround the Senate Square. The grand White Cathedral overlooks the Square, majestic, yet an example of minimalism and simplicity in architecture which give the Cathedral its iconic and unique beauty.

Suomenlinna

This is one of my favourite places in Helsinki, and one close to my heart due to how it is linked to my personal story. Anyway, This ancient sea fortress is one of the largest in the world and it’s included in the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Suomenlinna is an island, and you can take a local ferry ride from Kauppatori (the Market Square) to Suomenlinna.

The ride takes only 15 minutes. You can buy a single or return ticket from the ticket machine right before taking the ferry or you can have a free ride if you have purchased a Helsinki Card. Be aware that there is a tourist ferry that will charge you a premium price for the same ride, it’s up to you if you want to choose the tourist ferry rather than the local one used by the locals.

National History Museum

The National History Museum is a fine example of the National Romantic style. Inside you can take a walk through Finnish history going through prehistoric to modern times. Very interesting if you appreciate history and the romantic architecture style.

Ateneum Art Museum

The Ateneum is the oldest art museum in Finland dating back from 1887 when the building was completed. The Ateneum houses many national treasures and interesting exhibitions. There is also a café-restaurant that is worth the visit.

Museum of contemporary Art Kiasma

Locally known simply as Kiasma, the medium is housed in an extraordinary structure and is located right in the city centre, very close to the railway station. There is a nice café-restaurant on the ground floor where you can also go if you want to take a break from your city tour.

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

This is one of the most fascinating sites I have seen in the world. The Temppeliaukio Church, known as the Rock Church, is constructed into solid rock with unfinished granite walls and a rolled copper roof. It’s really unique. The free concerts here are especially beautiful due to the acoustics of the place. A place you must see.

Uspenski Cathedral

The Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It is an impressive, red brick structure with 13 golden cupolas and exquisite interior. This is interesting to visit after visiting the White Cathedral. Contrasting the two makes for good conversation when you are enjoying dinner later in the city.

Sauna and Public Sauna

Sauna has become an international concept. However, real sauna can only be experienced in Finland, its country of origin. Sauna in embedded in the Finnish culture with a sauna built in every house and block of flats in Finland. In Finland, most people have sauna at least once a week.

There are more saunas than cars in Finland. Cities like Helsinki have public saunas that can be used by anyone such as Kotiharjun sauna and Arla. You can also ask your hotel or AirBnb, where there will certainly be a sauna you can use.