Things to do and see in Helsinki

14 June 2021

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Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.

 

Helsinki, the capital of Finland with over half a million residents, is situated on the Baltic Sea. It offers a lot to see, do and experience around the year – notably its unique design culture, futuristic architecture, exciting gastronomy and superlative shopping experience. Helsinki is the melting pot of the East and West, and it will entice you to slow down and soak in the allure.

Amos Rex

Amos Rex Helsinki

Amos Rex is an art museum where the past, present and future meet. The iconic Functionalist Lasipalatsi (glass palace) and the new gallery spaces under its undulating square provide 10 000 m2 for unique experiences both under- and aboveground and on the silver screen of Bio Rex. Generation 2020, on view 12 Feb-23 Aug 2020, presents young art that is on the rise. Dive into Ancient Egyptian Art and Culture in the Egypt of Glory exhibition 9 Oct 2020-28 Mar 2021.

 

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Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is one of ten cathedral churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. It is the main church of the Diocese of Helsinki and the Helsinki Cathedral Parish, but for many people it is also a symbol of all Helsinki. The Cathedral is a place of silence, a church where people come together for divine service, but it is also a venue for church concerts. The Cathedral is part of the Empire-style centre of Helsinki designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel.

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The Finnish Museum of Photography K1

Suomen valokuvataiteen museo K1-The Finnish Museum of Photography K1

K1- the world through photography. The Finnish Museum of Photography’s new exhibition space K1 opens on August 20th 2020. K1 is located in the lowest floor of Kämp Galleria. In its exhibitions K1 presents the work of the most interesting international artists and the most thought provoking Finnish artists. K1 caters not only aesthetic but also intellectual pleasures. K1 offers a high quality experience in art, social gathering and Nordic kitchen.

 

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Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Helsinki

Suomenlinna is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland and a fascinating destination to explore. There are 6 kilometers of wall, over 100 cannons, exciting tunnels, museums, guided tours, cafés and restaurants. The ferry ride itself is a fun experience, allowing you to see and photograph Helsinki from the sea. Suomenlinna attracts visitors of all ages. The fortress is easily accessed by ferry from the Helsinki Market Square all year round. Around 800 people live in Suomenlinna.

 

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Ateneum Art Museum

Ateneum Art Museum Helsinki

Ateneum is Finland’s best-known art museum and the home of Finnish art. The well-loved works in Ateneum’s collection cover the period from the 19th century to Modernism. The museum’s hugely popular special exhibitions of Finnish and international art open up new perspectives into the past and the present. Reconnect with your old favourites and fall in love with new ones. Our doors in the heart of Helsinki city centre are open just for you. Welcome!

 

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Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church Helsinki

Excavated directly into solid rock, Temppeliaukio Church is situated in the heart of Helsinki. Because of its architecture it’s one of the main attractions in Helsinki. The rock walls, copper dome and skylight windows create a unique atmosphere inside the church hall. Due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts. The church welcomes you every day, please check the homepage for details. The entrance fee is 4€, children visit for free.

 

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The National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland Helsinki

Housed in a magnificent Jugend building, the museum presents the largest permanent exhibition of archaeology in the country and introduces visitors to Finnish life before industrialisation.

 

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Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral Helsinki

Completed in 1868 in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.

 

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Tori Quarters

Tori Quarters Helsinki

Visit Tori Quarters in the historical centre of Helsinki to discover the heart of the old town meeting the new buzz of the city. The historical buildings of Tori Quarters, used for administration offices for over 40 years, are now being renovated, opening up new spaces for new businesses and Helsinki-dwellers and travellers alike. In the area you find a growing number of cafés, restaurants, design boutiques, craft shops, creative sector companies and renewed public space. The Tori Quarters project also coproduces events, rents out empty spaces to interesting pop ups and events and acts as an enabler for new urban culture.

 

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  • Location: Unioninkatu-Sofiankatu-Katariinankatu-Helenankatu, Helsinki
  • Website: www.torikorttelit.fi

Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Linnanmäki Amusement Park Helsinki

Linnanmäki is the most popular amusement park in Finland and has the biggest selection of rides in Northern Europe. Come and experience the world-attraction Taiga, a double-launch coaster which will take you upside down four times per ride! The entrance to the park is free.

 

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Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool Helsinki

Allas Sea Pool, located a stone’s throw away from the Helsinki market square, proudly stands in one of the best locations in the city. Open every day of the week all year round, Allas offers traditional Finnish saunas, a heated pool (+27°C/ 80,5°F), a sea water pool reflecting the temperature of the Baltic sea and a kid’s pool during the summer season. The café, restaurant and terraces complete the offer and invite you to enjoy the good life by the sea.

 

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Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Helsinki

Seurasaari is a popular museum island that shows how Finns lived from the 1600s to the 1900s. The beautiful walking paths around the island are popular all year round.

 

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Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Helsinki

Kiasma breaks the barriers of traditional art museums with exhibitions that provoke and invite debate. The building itself is a work of art.

 

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  • Location: Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki
  • Website: www.kiasma.fi

Helsinki City Museum

Helsinki City Museum

The Helsinki City Museum is the world’s only museum focusing on Helsinki. Personal experiences and everyday life of people in Helsinki are highlighted and reflected in the museum’s items and photographs. A candy wrapper, a squeaky steel spring bed and a photo of a suburb home are precious treasures in the museum. The City Museum is located in the oldest blocks of the city near the Senate Square. In the museum, everyone has the opportunity to fall in love with Helsinki. Always free entrance.

 

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Didrichsen Art Museum

Didrichsen Art Museum Helsinki

The Didrichsen Art Museum, situated on Kuusisaari island on the western side of Helsinki, is a place where art and architecture meet with nature. The modernist building, designed by architect Viljo Revell, used to be the home of art collectors Marie-Louise and Gunnar Didrichsen. Changing exhibitions varying from Finnish to international art, a unique collection of Pre-Columbian and Oriental art and a sculpture park by the sea.

 

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Löyly

Löyly Helsinki

Löyly, an urban oasis occupying a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront, offers a warm welcome and many delights for locals and visitors alike. On a beautiful summer’s day, the sunny terrace is the place to be. Restaurant and saunas are open daily throughout the year.

 

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Kunsthalle Helsinki

Kunsthalle Helsinki

Kunsthalle Helsinki is a non-profit exhibition space founded in 1928 and a beautiful example of 1920’s classicism. Presenting annually 5-7 major exhibitions and special events, the main focus of the exhibition programme lies in contemporary art.

Restaurant Finnjävel is located in the south western wing of the Kunsthalle. Focusing on Finnish ingredients and Finnish cooking methods, Finnjävel delves into the past in order to create the future of Finnish cuisine.

 

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Helsinki City Theatre

Helsinki City Theatre

The City Theatre’s extensive repertoire includes domestic and foreign dramas; comedies; musicals; productions by its own dance group, the Helsinki Dance Company; children’s plays and plays in Swedish on the stage of the bilingual theatre, Lilla Teatern.

 

Useful Info:

  • Location: Eläintarhantie 5, 00530 Helsinki
  • Website: www.hkt.fi

Seurasaari Island

Seurasaari Island Helsinki

Seurasaari Island, which was established as a folk park over 120 years ago, is one of the cultural attractions that the City of Helsinki offers for tourists. The park also features an open-air museum with 87 historical wooden buildings from different parts of Finland. Seurasaari form a splendid natural venue for organising traditional festivals and events. One of the oldest events in Seurasaari is Midsummer Bonfires.

 

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Espoo’s islands and archipelago

Espoo's islands and archipelago Helsinki

Espoo’s lovely islands are within easy reach from Helsinki. In summer, a ferry service will take you to outdoor recreation islands such as Iso Vasikkasaari with an island restaurant. In the mainland, enjoy Espoo’s 40 km long Waterfront Walkway. There are places to stop for a bite to eat and drink, and you can try swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, a RIB ride or wakeboarding. During cold winters the frozen sea offers the perfect setting for skiing, snowshoe walking and ice fishing.

 

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The Finnish Aviation Museum

The Finnish Aviation Museum Helsinki

The Finnish Aviation Museum is an exciting visiting destination for the whole family, located in the heart of the Aviapolis area in Vantaa. Our collections include dozens of aircraft related to the history of Finnish aviation. We are a treasure chest of aeronautical information, offering something new for everyone, whether you’re a devoted airplane aficionado or a novice. Fly with us!

 

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Vantaa City Museum

Vantaa City Museum Helsinki

Vantaa City Museum’s temporary exhibitions present the versatile history of the area. The museum is situated along excellent means of communication, in Tikkurila station area, in the old railway station. Admission free!

 

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Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall Helsinki

Finlandia Hall is one of the most iconic buildings designed by world-renowned Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, and was planned from the ground up for visitors and a wide range of events. In addition to his overall vision for the building, Aalto designed many of its details, such as the lights and door handles, creating something very unique in the process. Finlandia Hall is a dynamic, multipurpose venue located in the centre of Helsinki. Whatever the occasion- whether it’s a concert, a meeting, or one of the many other events- there’s always something happening at Finlandia Hall.

 

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Ainola – The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius

Ainola - The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius Helsinki

In Ainola, you can learn about the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and his family in the setting of his home and garden. Ainola is located close to Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää. The villa was designed by architect Lars Sonck and it was the home of Jean Sibelius from 1904. The composer needed the peace for his creative endeavours and Jean and Aino Sibelius lived at Ainola until the end of their lives and their grave is located in the southern part of the garden, in the shade of the grand fir trees. Ainola museum has been open to the public since 1974.

 

Useful Info:

  • Location: Ainolankatu, 04400 Järvenpää
  • Website: www.ainola.fi

Helsinki Art Museum HAM

Helsinki Art Museum HAM

HAM, officially the Helsinki Art Museum, looks after an art collection that belongs to the people of Helsinki, which includes over 9,000 individual works of art. HAM maintains and accrues this art collection, which also includes the city’s public artworks. In its domestic and international exhibitions held at Tennis Palace, HAM showcases modern and contemporary art.

 

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