Helsinki holidays

Nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Finland’s pocket-size capital mixes Scandinavian cool with an earth-first attitude. The best holidays to Helsinki take in the city’s world-class design and art-world excellence as well as its Nordic traditions. Explore renovated museums, island landscapes and a blossoming cafe culture. And whatever you do, don’t leave town without a steamy visit to one of the city’s famous saunas.

Helsinki holiday highlights

Central Library Oodi
Central Library Oodi
© Copyright Thomas Bekker, all rights reserved.

Architecture and design

The city is world-renowned for its design and architecture. Explore the grand white Helsinki Cathedral, built by Carl Ludvig Engel, a symbol of the Empire era. Head to Olympic Stadium, constructed in functionalistic style, to climb the stadium tower and look out over the city. Don’t miss Oodi, Helsinki’s central library, a contemporary architectural masterpiece of wood, glass and steel.

Island adventures

Holidays to Helsinki aren’t complete without a dose of island adventure. Hop on a ferry and explore islands in the Helsinki archipelago — there are over 300 in total. Suomenlinna’s centuries-old fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site and just 20 minutes from the city by boat. For picturesque beaches and birdwatching, visit Pihlajasaari, only 10 minutes away.

Sauna experiences

The best holidays to Helsinki get a little steamy. Nordic sauna experiences are a way of life as both a cleansing ritual and a social ritual that leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. For a good primer on sauna culture, hit up the Loyly, a stylish modern sauna on the waterfront. Or hop over to Kotiharjun Sauna, the last traditional public wood-burning sauna in Helsinki.

Helsinki: Know before you go

Language

Finnish, Swedish

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Helsinki

Weather in Helsinki

March – May: The winter snow sticks around until March, with temperatures warming up come May. Head for Nuuksio National Park to feed reindeer among the wildflowers. Pack a raincoat and layers.

June – August: Mild to warm temps invite you to alternate between sauna and sea, a popular activity during the super-long summer days. Expect occasional rain showers and cool nights.

September – November: Autumn brings frequent rain and strong winds. Hike and bike through golden-brown forests at the start of the season, but prepare for snow and darkness come November.

December – February: Heavy snow and freezing temperatures make thermals and waterproofs essential. Explore the frozen Gulf of Finland on a snowmobile safari, keeping your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights.

Events in Helsinki

Midsummer (June): The summer solstice is a time to eat, drink and connect with nature. Official celebrations take place on Seurasaari island, where a newlywed couple dances the waltz before lighting a bonfire. Don’t forget your flower crown.

Flow Festival (August): A former power plant is the backdrop for this atmospheric music festival. A lineup of global superstars mixed with up-and-coming talent secures its spot on the summer circuit.

Helsinki Baltic Herring Market (October): Helsinki’s fishermen have prepared for winter by showing off their catch here since 1743. Try sustainable herring pickled, fried or wedged between slices of rye bread during this popular local event.

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The best neighbourhoods in Helsinki

Kamppi

Kamppi puts you at the beating heart of Finnish life in Helsinki. It’s well positioned for major attractions and has great transport links. The Kamppi Helsinki shopping district and its multitude of bars and restaurants make this one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Helsinki for convenience and culture.

Good for: Shopping, dining, bars

Kluuvi

Located in downtown Helsinki, the busy cultural and commercial hub of Kluvvi is a few minutes’ walk from Central Station. You’ll be close to key attractions like Helsinki Cathedral and the Ateneum Art Museum. The neighbourhood is full of cafes, bars and shops and has the Finnish National Theatre nearby. For a breath of fresh air, find a bench at Kaisaniemi Park, the city’s oldest public park.

Good for: Cafes, shopping, parks

Kaartinkaupunki

If seaside views are your thing, Kaartinkaupunki’s location between the city centre and the Baltic Sea is a must. Enjoy stunning panoramas across the waterfront and easy access to boat tours. The neighbourhood also has some of the most elegant restaurants for fine dining. Kaartinkaupunki is the best area to stay in Helsinki for its chic boutiques and cafes too.

Good for: Waterfront views, boutiques, restaurants

Things to do in Helsinki

Kauppatori Market Square
Kauppatori Market Square
© Copyright Thomas Bekker, all rights reserved.

Shopping

Shopping in Helsinki has something for everyone. Wander through the Design District and explore Helsinki’s love of design. The streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries and studios. Or head to the Market Square for the internationally famous market, full of local foods, gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Places to eat

Nordic flavours meet global culinary trends at restaurants in Helsinki. Dine on seasonal local produce at zero-waste restaurant, Nolla, where sustainability rules. Splurge on a Michelin-star menu at Restaurant Olo. Or enjoy sweeping views while savouring fresh seafood at the Meripaviljonki floating restaurant.

Take in the culture

The museums in Helsinki are some of the city’s biggest draws. Bone up on local history at the Helsinki City Museum. Visit the Ateneum Art Museum to see works by Gauguin, Van Gogh and Cezanne. Step into the futuristic architecture of Amos Rex to see an eclectic collection of Finnish art. In summer, discover Finnish rural traditions and folk life at the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.

Nightlife

When night falls, this Nordic city buzzes into life. Dance the night away at high-energy clubs like the Milliklubi Bar & Disco in the city centre. Cutting-edge music and quirky cocktails top the bill in the busy bars in the Punavuori district, popular with the trendy crowd. For the bohemian side of nightlife in Helsinki head to Kallio for a more laid-back vibe. 

Free things to do

You won’t have to look far for free things to do in Helsinki. Explore the Winter Garden’s indoor plants and the pretty nearby Rose Garden. Wander the city and tour sights like Senate Square, home to some of Helsinki’s oldest buildings. Or unwind in one of the city’s lush green parks.

Family friendly things to do

Boredom isn’t an option with all the fun things to do with family in Helsinki. Let interactive exhibits spark curiosity in young minds at Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre. For an action-packed afternoon, visit Linnanmaki, the oldest amusement park in Finland. After a busy time exploring, head to Hietaranta Beach (also called Hietsu) to picnic and build sandcastles by the sea.

Plan your holiday to Helsinki

Budget

With sprawling parks, historic markets and plenty of other free attractions, planning a cheap trip to Helsinki is easy. You’ll usually find a morning cappuccino for as little as four euros (€). A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €16 — don’t miss the traditional salmon soup! Round out the day with a local beer for €8.

Day trips from Helsinki

Take the two-hour ferry across the Baltic Sea to the Estonian city of Tallinn, home to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres. Don’t miss the Town Hall Pharmacy, going strong since the Middle Ages and packed with curiosities. Back in Finland, head to Fiskars, a haven for artists with galleries showcasing the best in Finnish design.

Getting around Helsinki

Helsinki is relatively compact, making it easy to walk to attractions. Or you can hire a bike and follow the bike paths. Regular buses, trams, trains and ferries provide services to every corner of the city and beyond. A Helsinki Card gives you free public transport, plus access to attractions — though the digital-only version doesn’t provide transport perks.

FAQs about Helsinki holidays

The warmest month in Helsinki is July, when temperatures peak at 26ºC (79ºF).
Finnish and Swedish are the languages you'll come across most while on a city break in Helsinki.
Plan your Helsinki trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -12ºC (10ºF) is as cold as it gets.
During your trip to Helsinki, you'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your purchases. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
The cost of your city break in Helsinki will differ based on factors like where you're travelling from, when you plan to go, and the type of hotel you choose. Helsinki flights and hotels are usually more expensive during peak times, but you can save money by travelling in the off-season.
Short breaks to Helsinki of three days will give you time to soak up the atmosphere, see the main attractions in the city and enjoy the Finnish culture. But if you’re there for a week, you’ll have more time to explore at your own pace, do a spot of island-hopping and see the surrounding areas.
Helsinki is generally safe to visit, but it's always wise to exercise some caution just as you would in any destination. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas, and keep your valuables out of sight and secure. Also use official transport options whenever you can during your holiday to Helsinki.
To explore the sights in balmy weather, the best time for holidays to Helsinki is in the summer months, from June to mid-September. For winter sports enthusiasts, Finland is typically blessed with snow between November and April, but the days are shorter. September and October are good months for cheap holidays to Helsinki.
The wettest month is July, which receives an average rainfall of 9 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Helsinki trip — there's still loads to do indoors like browsing shops, discovering museums, or enjoying a long lunch.
Helsinki is an excellent location for a holiday. The compact city layout makes it easy to get around on foot or by bike, and it’s got an easy-to-navigate public transport system. With a variety of places to see and activities to do, there really is something for everyone, whether you visit in the summer or the snowy winter months.

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