Helsinki is a unique and diverse city, where interesting history meets contemporary Scandinavian style – a city whose urban cosmopolitan lifestyle exists in perfect harmony with nature. Helsinki has something for everyone!
Helsinki is a compact and lovely city that offers visitors an endless number of possibilities. Even if you are staying in Helsinki for a short time you can easily have a quick look at the main attractions. Here is our guide for spending three hours or six hours wandering around Helsinki, which is also a great city to visit with children.
If you are interested in going outside of Helsinki to see a more rural side of Finland, you can take a daytrip for example to charming Porvoo with its beautiful wooden old town.
Photo: Nichlas Sjöblom
Helsinki is a city of design
Design is a factor deep-rooted in the urban lifestyle of Helsinki making it the perfect destination for design shopping and design culture.
Design District
Located in the centre of Helsinki, the Design District Helsinki is an area full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, trend-setters and so much more to satisfy even the most demanding of tastes.
Tori Quarters
The historical centre of Helsinki is where the heart of the old town meets the new buzz of the city. The historical buildings of the Tori quarters open up new spaces for businesses, and brings together craftsmen of many trades to provide interesting products that cannot be found elsewhere. Located right next to the sea between the Market Square and Senate Square it is also worth visiting for the sights.
Food in Helsinki
In just a short time Helsinki has developed into the home of delectable food. “New Nordic Cuisine” has taken over the scene and found a truly receptive audience among the trendy small restaurants that have been established in recent years by up and coming chefs.
Old Market Hall
Old Market Hall has served its customers since 1889. Come and enjoy the ambience and the extensive range of merchants.
Food Helsinki? HEL YEAH! Food brochure
Find about Helsinki’s food culture and current trends with tips and special themes. The brochure’s map presents the city’s food offerings in five districts and along three tram routes.
Urban Nature
Urban nature is around wherever you go in Helsinki. The sea is very close by and there are several parks and recreational areas within the city. For ultimate relaxation you should try one of Helsinki’s many saunas. You can find cozy traditional saunas all around Helsinki. Go ahead, step in and enjoy the sauna steam!
Löyly
Sauna bathing is an essential part of Finnish culture and national identity. Relax in three different saunas or enjoy some drinks and snacks at the restaurant. Löyly offers exceptional architecture in a unique location on a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront.
Allas Sea Pool
Enjoy several saunas, swimming pools and a café in one of the best locations in the city right in the heart of Helsinki at Allas Sea Pool.
More information: