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How to Spend a Blissful Weekend in Helsinki: The Perfect Itinerary

Of all the mainland Nordic capitals Helsinki is the definitely most underrated one. It has many quirky attractions and a distinct vibe making it a great city to explore in its own right. Having lived in Finland for a decade, we probably spent more than just one weekend in Helsinki. This itinerary includes our recommendations for some of the best things to do in Helsinki. Whether you have 2 days in Helsinki or 3 days in Helsinki, let us help you make the most of it!

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Why You Should Spend a Weekend in Helsinki

With its elegant Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture, green spaces, easy-going attitude, burgeoning food scene, and cutting-edge design Helsinki has a lot to offer and is definitely worth visiting. Helsinki is more a city of experiences rather than things you have to see.

It’s a compact but cultured city geared towards exploration on foot. The city isn’t as touristy as most other capitals in Europe which makes it all the more idyllic for sightseeing.

Helsinki lies on the north coast of the Gulf of Finland and there are more than 300 picturesque islands within the city. One of the things you’ll notice about Helsinki is that the architectural landscape is very dissimilar to the other Nordic capitals and reflects its history with a mix of Swedish and Russian styles.

3 days in Helsinki gives you ample time to see the majority of the city and enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Helsinki isn’t a very big city, so you’ll encounter no difficulty experiencing all the best things to do in Helsinki.

How to Get Around During Your Weekend in Helsinki

Being compact in size, Helsinki is a walkable city and virtually all the must-see sights can be easily navigated on foot. However, you will most likely need to make use of public transport for some of the outer lying attractions.

Helsinki’s efficient public transportation system includes buses, trams, metro, trains, and boats. All public transportation within the Helsinki metropolitan region is coordinated by HSL.

Public transport tickets can be purchased from kiosks (R-kioski), the blue-colored HSL ticket machines, or the HSL app. You can either opt for single tickets or day tickets which allow you to transfer between modes of transport within their validity.

Single tickets cost 2.80 EUR and are valid for 80–110 minutes. Day tickets can be bought for 1-13 days. A day ticket for public transport in Helsinki costs 8 EUR and is valid for 24 hours whereas a 3-day (72 hours) ticket costs 16 EUR.

Pro Tip

If you are using the HSL app, remember to purchase your ticket before the start of your journey. Please make sure you have received the ticket on your phone before boarding public transport.

Keep in mind that buses in Helsinki are always entered through the front door and exited through the middle and rear doors. When getting on the bus, you’ll need to show your ticket to the driver.

Make use of the very useful intermodal Journey Planner for getting around Helsinki with public transport.

If you are in Helsinki between April-October, a great way to get around is on a bicycle. Helsinki is a bike-friendly city and renting a bike is quite easy and cheap. You can find more information about bike rental here.

Avoid using taxis unless it is absolutely necessary as they are very pricey, and you will run a large tab. However, if you wish to travel by taxi you can check out Taksi Helsinki.

Is the Helsinki Card Worth It?

The Helsinki Card is an all-inclusive city card that gives you a complete sightseeing experience and grants you free entry and discounts to more than 30 of the top attractions and museums in Helsinki.

The Helsinki Card also includes unlimited free travel on all the local public transport options (buses, trams, metro, trains, and boats) in the city.

With the Helsinki Card, you also receive many bonuses and discounts on dining, tours, and shopping.

When spending 3 days in Helsinki, I thoroughly recommend investing in the Helsinki Card. It is a great bargain and will save you both money and hassle getting into all the major attractions of the city.

Your 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

For this three-day itinerary to Helsinki, we have decided to give you a good mix of popular sights and off-beat corners.

If you are visiting in the winter, you’ll probably want to spend more time indoors in museums while during the summer the weather should be pleasant enough to explore the city’s green spaces. Depending on your preferences you can put an emphasis on one part or another of this itinerary.

For your convenience, this post includes a free map of the top sights in Helsinki. You can find the addresses of the attractions by clicking on the icons in the map.

We understand that everyone travels at a different pace so feel free to choose the destinations according to your own pace. Below we have compiled a list of the best things to see (or eat) in Helsinki over the course of 3 days:

Day 1 in Helsinki

On your first day in Helsinki, you will explore some of the city’s most popular sights as well as the beatnik district of Kallio. You will be walking for most of the day, although you will probably need to use public transport to go to Kallio.

1. Breakfast

The famous Karl Fazer Cafe is one of the best cafes to have breakfast when spending a weekend in Helsinki. C: dji Phantom 4/shutterstock.com

Kick off your 3 days in Helsinki by treating yourself to breakfast at one of the city’s most popular cafes, the Karl Fazer Cafe. Fazer is a renowned brand in Finland and their chocolate is the most popular Finnish chocolate.

At this cafe, you can try one of their famous chocolate bars along with other sweets, cakes, bakery products, and wash it down with some hot coffee or tea.

2. Helsinki Central Station

The Helsinki Central Station is one of the best places to see when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

The Helsinki Central Station is one of the major landmarks in Helsinki and is one of the most beautiful stations in the world due to its beautiful exterior. It was designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1909, and construction was completed in 1919.

The station is regarded as a tour de force of Art Nouveau architecture in Helsinki, with a blend of Art Deco/Modernist features. 400,000 people pass through the Helsinki Central Station daily making it Finland’s busiest building.

The stunning Helsinki Central Station is one of the must see places to visit when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

The Central Station’s facade is clad in pink Finnish granite and is noteworthy for its green copper details. Its hallmark features are its clock tower and the two pairs of huge statues holding the spherical lamps, which are lit at night-time, on either side of the main entrance.

Fun Fact

The two pairs of giant stone men statues that flank both sides of the entrance are so iconic that they have even been used as animated mascots in railroad ads!

3. Senate Square and National Library of Finland

The Senate Square is one of the must see attractions if you're spending 2 days in Helsinki. C: Dignity 100/shutterstock.com

Helsinki’s imposing Senate square basks in all its neoclassical glory and plays host to a number of tourist attractions, among which are the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the chief building of the University of Helsinki.

The square was rebuilt by the Russians when they took control of Finland after the original square burned down in 1808.

This lavish square was the brainchild of the acclaimed 19th-century architect Carl Ludvig Engel. Senate Square is also the location of the Sederholm House, which is the city’s oldest stone building.

A visit to the National Library of Finland is one of the best things to do when spending 3 days in Helsinki. C: Juliano Galvao Gomes/shutterstock.com

The National Library of Finland lies just off the Senate Square. It is responsible for storing books on Finnish culture and heritage.

Even if you’re not a bibliophile you should quickly pop into the library to admire the magnificently frescoed and marble-columned hall and also seemingly endless shelves of tomes.

The National Library of Finland is free to enter, you can check opening hours here.

4. Helsinki Cathedral

The iconic Helsinki Cathedral is one of the must see places when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

The Helsinki Cathedral is the most recognizable building in the whole of Finland. This classy pearl-white cathedral looms over the Senate Square and is reminiscent of the St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

It is certainly not as grand as other cathedrals in Europe but one of the best ones in the Nordics. Before stepping inside, notice how the sculptures of the twelve apostles guard the city from the roof of the church.

When spending 2 days in Helsinki make sure to visit the interior of the impressive Helsinki Cathedral. C: Xseon/shutterstock.com

The interior is large and airy but simply decorated, consistent with typical Lutheran architecture. There are sculptures of key Lutheran personalities inside the church.

The Helsinki Cathedral is open from 09:00-18:00 (Monday-Saturday) and 11:00-18:00 (Sunday). Free entrance. (Voluntary admission fee of 5 EUR).

Pro Tip

Should you be arriving in the city by boat, make sure to hit the sundeck upon arrival for a stunning view of this beauty! It shines like a beacon and is an absolute must-see!

5. Aleksanterinkatu & Mannerheimintie

A visit to the main shopping street of Aleksanterinkatu is a must when visiting Helsinki for a weekend.

Aleksanterinkatu is Helsinki’s chief commercial street that runs from the Presidential Palace to Mannerheimintie. It is the city’s oldest street and is home to several significant buildings, squares, and statues.

You can do your Helsinki shopping fix here as it is home to numerous fashion stores including the flagship Stockmann department store, the largest such store in the Nordics.

Don't forget to see the ornate Pohjola Insurance building when spending a weekend in Helsinki. C: Kiev.Victor/shutterstock.com

Pro Tip

When you’re walking on Aleksanterinkatu, make sure to check out the Pohjola Insurance Building. This impressive building’s facade is adorned with statues of gargoyles and monsters inspired by Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala.

Mannerheimintie is one of the must see sights when spending 3 days in Helsinki. C: Grisha Bruev/shutterstock.com

At 5.5 km in length, Mannerheimintie is both the longest street in the city as well as Helsinki’s primary street. It is named in honor of the former president, Carl Gustaf Mannerheim.

Because it is so long, the street encompasses various neighborhoods. Mannerheimintie is home to several notable buildings and cultural venues such as the Finnish Parliament Building, the Helsinki Music Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, and Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall.

6. Uspenski Cathedral

The Russian Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral is one of the best sights to see when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

Just a stone’s throw away from the market square, situated on a rock cliff is the exquisite Uspenski Cathedral. The standout feature of the cathedral is its radiant gold onion-shaped domes.

The red brick cathedral was built in 1868 in the Byzantine-Slavonic style and is rumored to be the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.

The bricks used for building the church come from the Bomarsund Fortress in the Åland Islands which was destroyed in the Crimean War! The interior has colorful murals and an intricately gilded and decorated iconostasis making it an architectural antithesis of Helsinki. Simply amazing!

The opening hours of Uspenski Cathedral are Tue – Fri: 09:30 – 16:00, Sat: 10:00 – 15:00, Sun: 12:00 – 15:00. The cathedral is closed during ceremonies and on Mondays. The entrance is free.

7. Kauppatori & Lunch at the Old Market Hall

The Market Square is one of the top sights to visit when spending two days in Helsinki. C: Kiev.Victor/shutterstock.com

The main Market Square (Kauppatori) is situated adjacent to the harbor at the start of Esplanadi Park in central Helsinki. It is an open-air market full of kiosks selling Finnish foods, flowers, souvenirs, and crafts.

All year-round, but especially during the winter months, you can escape the weather by checking out the nearby Old Market Hall which has similar products on offer.

Having lunch at the Old Market Hall is one the top things to do when spending a weekend in Helsinki. C: Popova Valeriya/shutterstock.com

The Old Market Hall has been around since 1889 and many locals do their shopping here. It is a great lunch and snack option. It’s the perfect place to have lunch and try some Finnish favorites like Karelian pie (karjalanpiirakka), bread cheese (leipäjuusto), rye bread (ruisleipä) and vendace (muikku).

You can also find some interesting products here like canned bear, moose, reindeer jerky, and herring which are great souvenirs.

The Old Market Hall is open Mon-Sat from 08:00 – 18:00.

8. Havis Amanda

The iconic Havis Amanda statue is one of the must see attractions when spending three days in Helsinki.

Just beside the Market Square lies the ‘Havis Amanda’, a statue of an adorable nude mermaid who stands on seaweed as she rises from the water, with four fish spouting water at her feet and surrounded by four sea lions.

It was sculpted by the famous Finnish sculptor Ville Vallgren and is one of his Art Nouveau works. According to Vallgren, the sculpture symbolizes the rebirth of Helsinki.

The statue is affectionately known as ‘Manta’ and is typically regarded as an emblem of Helsinki. Every year during Vappu (May Day) celebrations, students from all over Helsinki flock here to celebrate the coming of spring.

Trivia Tidbit

Helsinki is a bilingual city with Finnish and Swedish as its two official languages. The Swedish name for the city is ‘Helsingfors’. Helsinki natives generally refer to the city as ‘stadi’, which itself is derived from Swedish word ‘stad’ meaning city.

9. Kamppi Chapel of Silence

The intriguing Kamppi Chapel of Silence is one of the top free attractions when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

The Kamppi Chapel of Silence is an unusual and intriguing wooden building located in one of the city’s busiest squares. The shiny copper exterior and beehive-shaped design make it stand out.

The double-hull structure keeps the outside noise to a minimum. Even if religion isn’t your thing, take a look inside and get a sense of peace from the bustling city.

The opening hours of the Kamppi Chapel of Silence are Mon-Fri: 8:00 – 20:00, Sat-Sun: 10:00 – 18:00. The entrance is free.

10. Rock Church

A visit to the unique Rock Church is one of the top experiences when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Kirkko) is arguably Finland’s most popular architectural sight. It was designed by two brothers (Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen) in the late 1960s. and its architecture is characteristic of Finnish design.

It lies underground and was carved out of a large block of granite. Piles of boulders hold up a ceiling made of 22 kilometers of copper stripping.

When the sun shines from above through the sunlight windows the rugged, cavernous walls of the interior light up along with the pews and the altar. The church also hosts many concerts on account of its brilliant acoustics.

A visit to the interior of the Rock Church is one of the best things to do on a weekend in Helsinki.

The Rock Church resembles a half-buried spaceship from the outside with its copper dome. To me, it seems as if it would be the perfect hideout for a superhero.

The Rock Church is Jacky’s absolute favorite sight in the whole of Helsinki and she has dragged numerous visitors of ours to the seemingly unimposing house of worship. Being brought up in and out of opulent Catholic churches in Austria, the simple elegance of the church dazzles her over and over again.

The Rock Chuch is open daily but opening hours vary, so check the website before you visit. The entrance costs 5 EUR.

11. Sibelius Monument

Weekend in Helsinki: The impressive Sibelius Monument consisting of hollow steel pipes suspended in mid-air is one of the must-see attractions in Helsinki. C: May_Lana/shutterstock.com

Situated in Sibelius Park lies the Sibelius Monument, a unique structure composed of 600 pipes of various sizes welded together to somewhat resemble an organ. It was built in 1967 by the Finnish artist Eila Hiltunen as a tribute to Finland’s most famous composer, Jean Sibelius.

It was initially poorly received since Sibelius never composed music for organs. To placate the critics, a bust of the composer was added.

The Sibelius Monument is open 24/7.

12. Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium is one of the top attractions to visit when spending 3 days in Helsinki. C: S Kozakiewicz/shutterstock.com

The Olympic Stadium was completed in 1938 to host the Summer Olympics in 1940 which never happened due to WWII. It ultimately played host to the summer Olympics of 1952 and is the largest stadium in the nation, today hosting large concerts and sporting events.

While the Olympic Stadium itself is nothing special, its 72-meter tall tower is a great vantage point for panoramic views over Helsinki.

You can check the opening hours and prices of the Olympic Stadium Tower here.

13. Kallio District

A visit to the trendy Kallio district is one of best things to do when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

Cap off your day by heading to the Kallio district, Helsinki’s nightlife hub. Kallio is a former working-class district that has become a magnet for artists, musicians, and students.

The lively Kallio district was once dominated by sex shops and dive bars, but the onset of gentrification brought a flurry of vintage boutiques, trendy bars, countless coffee shops, and some of the city’s most exciting restaurants.

The district is also home to Kallio Church, a massive 94-meter high edifice adorned with lovely Art Nouveau murals.

Solmu and Bar Loosister would be two bars I would recommend here. Both have a pretty good selection on tap. At Bar Loosister you can also get some hearty burgers.

Foodwise, the two options I would recommend in Kallio are BLINIt, a simple but very good Russian eatery, and Onda, a good multi-cuisine option.

Day 2 in Helsinki

On day two of your weekend in Helsinki, you’re going to take it a little slow. You’ll get to see Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore some of the city’s Art Nouveau architecture, and enjoy a fun activity of your choice.

If you only have two days, you may want to substitute Helsinki Zoo and/or Linnanmäki Amusement Park for a shopping spree in the Design District (see Day 3). Finally, you finish your day with a traditional Finnish sauna.

1. Hearty Finnish Breakfast

Trying a cinnamon bun with coffee is one of the essential Finnish experiences during a weekend in Helsinki.

Start your second day in Helsinki by grabbing breakfast at the historic Cafe Engel. This elegant cafe is located smack in the center of the city and is one of our favorite cafes in Helsinki. You can get traditional Finnish favorites like cinnamon buns and blueberry pies.

2. Suomenlinna Fortress

Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the must see sights when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

I am a history enthusiast who loves historic forts and naturally, Suomenlinna is one of my favorites. It is one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world and is the most significant monument in Finland.

Although Suomenlinna is a very popular tourist attraction, it is actually home to around 900 people who reside in the renovated ramparts and barracks.

A visit to the lovely Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the top things to do when visiting Helsinki for 2 days.

Built in 1748 with the help of the army, this seemingly impregnable fortress was commonly referred to as the ‘Gibraltar of the North’. It had to surrender to the Russians after a siege in 1808, after which Finland was absorbed by the Russian Empire. 

The fort’s history is closely associated with the history of the Baltic Sea and Finland. It is on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites and its architecture, museums, parks, and cafes offer unforgettable experiences.

If you are in Helsinki during the summer and are not short on time, bring your bathing suit – the island has a popular bathing beach!

Suomenlinna is just a 20-minute ferry ride (2.80 EUR one-way, 3.60 EUR round-trip) from the Helsinki Market Square. Depending on the season and the time of day, ferries to Suomenlinna run 1 to 4 times per hour from the morning until the night throughout the year.

Suomenlinna is open all year round and is free to visit but the various museums there charge for entrance.

3. Take a Stroll Around the Various Art Nouveau Districts

Katajanokka is one of the best places to visit when spending 3 days in Helsinki.

Helsinki has the second-largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe after Riga. I love Art Nouveau architecture and it is the facet I love most about Helsinki.

Katajanokka, Kruununhaka, Eira, and Ullanlinna are four places full of classical buildings showcasing Art Nouveau architecture.

The colorful street of Huvilakatu is one of the best places to see Art Nouveau architecture when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

The Art Nouveau architecture in these districts’ neighborhoods is a stark contrast to the mundane architecture you mostly encounter in the city. These are Helsinki’s most charming areas which often go unnoticed by tourists.

I make it a point to take a stroll through these districts each time I’m in Helsinki. Streets like Huvilakatu, Luotsikatu, Kauppiaankatu, Rauhankatu, and Meritullinkatu are full of amazing Jugendstil buildings.

Fun Fact

Speaking of drab architecture, Helsinki was often used as a body double for Moscow and St. Petersburg in American and British films during the Cold War era, including Doctor Zhivago, Gorky Park and Reds.

4. Lunch

Take a break for lunch at Istanbul Grilli, which serves great Turkish food, or at Annapurna, one of Helsinki’s many Nepalese restaurants.

5. Have Fun at Helsinki Zoo & Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Helsinki Zoo is one of the best places to visit with kids when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

These two destinations are best suited for children as well as the young at heart. Helsinki Zoo lies on the island of Korkeasaari which can easily be reached by ferry from the market square.

It was established as early as 1889, which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world, and today features about 150 different animal species.

Although the variety is great and exotic, my favorites are the brown bear and the forest reindeer, both native to Finland. For opening hours and prices check the official website.

Things to do in Helsinki: A visit to the awesome Linnanmäki Amusement Park is one of the best things to do when spending a long weekend in Helsinki. C: gokhanadiller/shutterstock.com

Linnanmäki Amusement Park, on the other hand, is a great place for thrill-seekers. Opened in 1950, this park now has 40 different rides to get your adrenaline going.

It also features the Panorama Tower which provides great views over the city. Linnanmäki is only open from May-October, so check the opening hours on their website before you go.

6. Go For a Refreshing Sauna Visit

A visit to the popular Löyly Sauna is one of the best things to do when spending a weekend in Helsinki. C: Karis48/shutterstock.com

No visit to Helsinki would be complete without visiting a sauna, an essential Finnish experience.

There are a couple of places to go for a sauna experience in Helsinki but the standout one is definitely Löyly. It even featured in Time Magazine’s list of the World’s Greatest Places in 2018.

The sauna is located in the former industrial area of Hernesaari and is housed in a spectacular unique-shaped building. It was inaugurated in 2016 and consists of a public sauna section and a restaurant, joined by a large wooden terrace that faces the Baltic Sea.

Fun Fact

Sauna is the only Finnish word to make it into everyday English. Saunas are such an integral part of Finnish culture that there are approximately 3.3 million saunas in the country, a staggering number considering Finland only has 5.5 million people. There’s even a sauna in all Finnish diplomatic and consular missions around the world!

72 hours in Helsinki gives ample time to experience a traditional Finnish sauna.

In spite of its modern design, Löyly still incorporates enough traditional fare with wood and smoke-burning saunas. In Finnish, the word ‘Löyly’ literally translates to the steam that emanates from the stones when water is thrown on them.

There are 3 different saunas at Löyly but unlike other saunas in Finland, you need to wear a swimsuit in the sauna. Löyly is a trifle more expensive than other public saunas but it has much more to offer. Read all about prices and opening hours on their website.

Other popular saunas in Helsinki include Hermanni, Kotiharjuun and the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall.

7. Traditional Finnish Dinner

Eating reindeer meat is one of the essential things to do when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

When you’re spending a weekend in Helsinki, you definitely ought to try some authentic Finnish cuisine. Finnish cuisine gets a bit of a bad rap and although its variety is limited, it includes some excellent game dishes.

Lappi in central Helsinki is one of the best places for local cuisine and here you can check out Finnish classics like reindeer meat, elk, and smoked salmon soup. Vegetarian options are also available.

Pro Tip

While we’re on the topic of Finnish food, I dare you to go ahead and try the infamous salty licorice (salmiakki) candies and pastilles. Ammonium chloride is added to salmiakki giving it its distinctive saltiness. All Finns are so salmiakki obsessed that you can get everything from salmiakki chocolates to ice cream and doughnuts to even salmiakki prophylactics! If you’re able to eat salmiakki without grimacing or spitting it out outright, you deserve honorary Finnish citizenship!

Day 3 in Helsinki

On this third day of your weekend in Helsinki, you may go as fast or slow as you want. You can spend a whole day in the open-air museum or skip it altogether and stay warm in some of Finland’s best art and history museums.

Budget travelers should check out the city’s newest major cultural venue Oodi and explore the city’s green spaces, particularly in spring!

1. Breakfast

Start your day by having breakfast at the lovely Cafe Ekberg, a popular breakfast and brunch place, that has been in operation since 1852.

2. Seurasaari Open Air Museum

What to see in Helsinki: The traditional wooden cottages of the Seurasaari Open Air Museum are one of the must see sights when spending two days in Helsinki.

The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum was built in 1909 as a means to conserve rural Finnish architecture. Situated on a small island northwest of the city center, it is home to old farmsteads and barns that were brought from all over Finland.

Many of these are log buildings dating back to the 17th century. You’ll also see a manor house, church boats, cabins, farms, storehouses, and an old church.

The staff working here dress in traditional attire and can inform you about life in rural Finland a couple of centuries ago. It offers an intriguing perspective into the customs of a bygone era.

The island is full of forest trails that make it the ideal place for tranquil walks. Seurasaari is home to small beaches and plenty of immaculate green patches that are perfect for picnics.

However, the museum is only open in summer however so check the website for opening hours.

3. Check out the Design District

The stylish Design district is one of the top sights to see when spending a weekend in Helsinki. C: Grisha Bruev/shutterstock.com

Helsinki has gained a reputation lately as a center of design and creativity and much of the credit goes to the Design District.

The district is located in central Helsinki and consists of 25 streets stretching from Mannerheimintie to the harborside antique hall and flea market at Hietalahti. It is home to a motley of fashion stores, antique shops, museums, design hotels, design studios, and art galleries.

The district serves as the perfect place to get acquainted with Finnish design, which is characterized by clean lines and functional objects made simply but with style. Helsinki basked in the international spotlight in 2012 when it was named ‘World Design Capital’.

Marimekko store is one of the top places to visit during 3 days in Helsinki. C: EQRoy/shutterstock.com

You can just do some window shopping here if you don’t want a big hole in your wallet. Jacky is a big fan of Marimekko which focuses on bright colors and engaging patterns.

You can have a look at Arabia and Iittala, two legendary brands that have held a lofty reputation in Finnish society for over a century. Their ceramics and glassware are exquisite and these items definitely make better souvenirs than your average snow globe!

Check out Arela for high-quality cashmere knits, Minna Parikka for whimsical shoes, Lokal for amazing homewares and inspiring designs, Samuji House for muted colors and top-notch fabrics, and Taiga Colors for trendy home products and handbags. The list just goes on and on!

The Design Museum is also located here. The museum building itself is a wonderful example of Neo-Gothic architecture.

The Design Museum is a small museum whose permanent collection features more than 75,000 objects and 125,000 photographs. It showcases the best of Finnish design from everyday items, industrial items, electronics, jewelry, furniture to textile and glassworks.

You can also learn how Finnish design nous emerged from 19th-century farmhouse crafts.

The Design Museum is open daily, you check opening hours here. Entrance to the museum costs 12 EUR.

The Design Museum of Helsinki is one of the must see sights when spending a weekend in Helsinki. C: Grisha Bruev/shutterstock.com

Pro Tip

While you’re in the Design District, make sure to check out the impressive St. John’s Church (Johanneskirkko). It is a Lutheran Church that was built in the 19th century in Gothic Revival style, making it the largest stone church in Finland.

4. Explore Helsinki’s Green Spaces

Kirsikkapuisto is one of the top places to see if you're spending 2 days in Helsinki. C: watermelontart/shutterstock.com

Finns are dedicated nature lovers, and this shows as a third of Helsinki is comprised of green spaces. There are several great parks in the city such as Kaivopuisto Park, Esplanadi Park, and Kaisaniemi Park. Their verdant lawns offer many opportunities to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Should you be traveling to Helsinki in late April or early May, we recommend that you make the trip to the city’s Kirsikkapuisto (Cherry Tree Park) in the district of Roihuvuori. It’s almost as though you have been transported to Japan 😉

5. Lunch

Sushi is a popular choice amongst Finns and there’s no shortage of sushi joints in Helsinki.

6. Ateneum Art Museum

A visit to the excellent Ateneum Art Museum is one of the top things to do when spending 3 days in Helsinki. Popova Valeriya/shutterstock.com

If you want to get a taste of the best of traditional Finnish art, head to the Ateneum Art Museum. In this grand Neoclassical building lies a fine collection of classic and modern Finnish art.

I particularly liked the Kalevala collection, a series of paintings inspired by stories and characters from ancient Finnish folk poems.

There are numerous works of contemporary Finnish artists on display. A small but classy collection of European art from the likes of Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh is on display here as well.

The Ateneum isn’t a stunning museum but it’s the best museum of its kind in Finland. The entrance is 19 EUR, you can check opening hours here.

7. National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland is one of the must see sights when spending a weekend in Helsinki.

Head to the National Museum of Finland to uncover Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present day.

The museum is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. It makes good use of interactive technology to augment historical treasures.

When spending a weekend in Helsinki, the National Museum of Finland is one of the must see attractions.

The permanent exhibitions of the National Museum are divided into six parts. There are many artifacts including religious relics, cultural exhibitions, ethnographic and other significant archaeological finds housed at this museum.

Another interesting aspect is the frescoes on the ceiling arches that illustrate scenes from the Finnish national epic Kalevala, a master creation by Akseli Gallen-Kallela.

Besides permanent exhibitions, the museum has alternating exhibitions throughout the year. The museum makes for a perfect getaway in case of inclement weather.

The National Museum is open Thu – Tue: 11:00 – 18:00 and Wed: 11:00 – 20:00. Free entrance every Friday from 16:00 – 18:00.

8. Central Library Oodi

The Oodi Central Library is one of the best free attractions to see when spending 2 days in Helsinki. C: watermelontart/shutterstock.com

If you don’t have a great affinity for museums or just want to see something else, why not go and check out the Oodi Central Library, the fascinating new addition to the urban fabric of Helsinki. Opened in 2018, it is Finland’s largest and most sumptuous library and lies just a stone’s throw from the Central Station.

Even though it’s technically a library, it’s much more than just a place for borrowing books. Oodi is meant to be a place for socializing and allows visitors to participate in activities like readings, workshops, and special events.

In addition to the 100,000 odd books in its collection, the sleek interiors also feature 3D printers, recording studios, gaming rooms, a small cinema, and other leisure facilities that are all free for the public to use.

There’s also a cafe and restaurant in the building in case you are feeling peckish. I really liked the third floor of the building which showcases a large public balcony where people can meet and have access to views across the city.

As much as was impressed with the interior, I really liked the arching wooden volume in the front building’s facade that creates an entrance canopy.

I strongly recommend you visit this gem that’s already redefining the role of a public library.

The Oodi Central Library is openMon-Fri: 08:00 – 22:00 and Sat-Sun: 10:00 – 20:00.

9. Dinner & Drinks

Cap off your weekend in Helsinki by having dinner at the wonderful restaurant Kannas. If you’re in the mood for something casual, I’d strongly recommend Naughty BRGR, one of the best burger joints I’ve been to.

Helsinki has a couple of great craft beer pubs like Bier-Bier and Tommyknocker if you fancy some chilled suds. The run-of-the-mill beers you normally come across in Finland are very mediocre so check out these places if you want some of the good stuff!

Pro Tip

If you’re planning on purchasing hard liquor in Helsinki, you’ll have to go to one of the Alko stores. Finland has a monopolized market where only the state-run retail Alko stores are permitted to sell hard liquor. Light beers and ciders below 5.5 percent alcohol can be purchased in supermarkets.

Where To Stay in Helsinki?

The best place to stay in Helsinki would be in the city center and in the vicinity. Virtually all of Helsinki’s main attractions can be found here, so it’s a perfect base for sightseeing.

Hostel: Eurohostel, a popular choice for budget-minded travelers looking for someplace close to the city center

Budget: Omena Hotel Lönnrotinkatu, an excellent choice if you’re on the lookout for a frugal, no-frills option in central Helsinki

Mid-range: Hotel Helka, an excellent mid-range choice in central Helsinki

Splurge: Hotel Kämp, undoubtedly Helsinki’s most prestigious hotel and still the benchmark for hotel opulence

Extending Your Stay

Although a weekend in Helsinki is a good amount of time to spend in the city, you may want to stay a little longer to explore more of the country.

Helsinki is a great base for exploring some of Finland’s biggest cities, such as Turku and Tampere. It’s also the perfect springboard to discover Finland’s beautiful nature. After all, Nuuksio National Park is less than an hour away.


Now, what do you think? How would you spend a weekend in Helsinki? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

About Mihir

Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m Mihir, a passionate travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust. My journey across the world is fueled by curiosity and a hunger for unique experiences. As a travel writer, photographer, and adventurer, I’ve explored more than 35 countries, aiming to provide readers with a distinctive glimpse of our diverse world. Join me as I blend captivating storytelling with stunning visuals, guiding you through hidden gems and cultural treasures. Besides traveling, my other loves are my beloved cats, architecture, art, craft beer, classic movies, history, and Australian Rules Football (Go Dons!).

12 thoughts on “How to Spend a Blissful Weekend in Helsinki: The Perfect Itinerary”

  1. As a local, I think your post is great; also, the mention on walking around and in Ullanlinna amidst the Art Nouveau & Jugend architecture is a catch indeed! 🙂

    Although most certainly not a city alike the famous capitals of Central European countries – which, in general, have a much longer history as independent countries than Finland, mind – Helsinki and Finland certainly have their own atmosphere with a compelling history of their own. And of course, Helsinki might very well be a somewhat cold place to visit at any given time of the year, but it is an accessible capital of humane proportions with gems strewn over the city, hidden in plain sight. <3

    Also, something worth mentioning as well is that one can be expected to get by very well in English, with locals eagerly embracing the opportunities to put their generally good language skills to use!

    1. Dear Rosa, thanks for your comment! Helsinki as a travel destination is rather underrated and the rich Jugendstil architecture is definitely its best asset. You’re absolutely right, most Finns, like the rest of the Nordic people, possess excellent English speaking skills.

      – Mihir

  2. Helsinki looks very interesting. I’m never sure about it because my husband has been and didn’t love it and also I want everywhere to be like Sweden/Denmark/Norway and I know Finland’s not Scandi in the same way! I’ve been to Reykjavik and had mixed feelings about it too. Still it’s somewhere I’ll definitely give a try and it sounds like you were on the same page as me too but now you like it!

    1. Hi Caroline and tjanks so much for your comment!
      I completely understand how you feel about Scandinavia and the rest of the Nordics, because yes, I felt absolutely the same way in the beginning. It may sound awful, but it’s mostly about adjusting your expectations :p Finns are very honest and plain people. And their cities show it. Everything is very straightforward, nothing embellished. I think that’s something I learned to appreciate over time 🙂
      Perhaps you could visit Helsinki for 2-3 days in the summer and give it a try!

      Jacky ?

  3. I did nearly everything on your list apart from zoo, amusement park and museums!! Helsinki is a great place and I enjoyed my time there, though it would of been nice to be there when it was a bit warmer!!

    1. Thanks so much for your comment, Clare! I must agree with you, Helsinki is at its best in the summer. But I’m glad you enjoyed it nonetheless ?

      Jacky ?

  4. Thanks for your comment, Jessica!
    Yeah it’s true. The Nordic countries are not on many people’s radar. After all they’re not Rome or London or Paris, haha. Plus they are rather expensive. BUT, coming here is absolutely worth every cent! Hope you will have the chance to visit soon 🙂

    Jacky

  5. Love this! Originally I’ve overlooking the Nordic countries and now I want to go more than ever! So this is a nice teaser on what I hopefully soon experience for myself 🙂

  6. Great stuff! Helsinki seems like one of the most unique and interesting capital cities. I’d love to go there one day.

    1. True! I mean who doesn’t love Reykjavik and Stockholm and Oslo and Copenhagen.. and.. wait.. there’s Helsinki also, haha. I think it gets overlooked quite a bit, but it’s fun in its own right. I love it 🙂

      Jacky

  7. Great post! I love the Nordic countries, but I`ve never been in Finland, and reading posts like this just makes me more excited to go there. Helsinki looks like a great city, and I want to visit every corner. Suomenlinna is definitely something I won`t miss!

    1. Thanks so much for your comment, Tais! 🙂
      I had a feeling you might enjoy this, haha. Actually the first time I ever visited Helsinki I kinda hated it. I came right from Stockholm and at first sight it was a bit of a let down. It is a city which grows on you, I think. Every time I go back I love it a little more 🙂

      Jacky

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