Things to do in Helsinki

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Temppeliaukio Church

Temppeliaukio Church, also known as Temppeliaukio Church, is located in the Temppeliaukio Square in the center of Helsinki. Designed by the architect brothers Suomalainen, it is one of the few churches in the world built into solid rock and a must-see attraction in Helsinki. Historical background Temppeliaukio Church was designed by the Suomalainen brothers and completed in 1969. As early as the 1930s, a church design competition was held here but was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. After the war, the brothers' proposal won the public competition, ultimately turning the blueprint into this rock-embedded building. The beauty of architecture When you stand outside the church, what catches your eye is a massive rock, with no visible spire or bell tower typical of most churches. You might not even notice the church's presence, as only a light blue copper dome over 20 m in diameter is exposed atop the rock. This is because the church was built inside a giant rock—the rock was hollowed out, and a glass ceiling was constructed above to allow natural light, while the church's outer walls are the rock itself. The church entrance is designed as a tunnel, with its inner walls still made of the original rock. The entire church resembles a landed UFO, creating a very peculiar sight. The roof features a dome design supported by a hundred radial beams, with transparent glass inlays that allow natural light to illuminate the space, making it hard to tell you're inside a rock. The church can accommodate hundreds of people. It holds services on Sundays and is also a popular venue for local weddings, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Additionally, thanks to the echo effect of the rock walls, the church boasts excellent acoustics, making it a frequent choice for concerts.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, located on the inner side of the Helsinki Bay, was a former military fortress and was included in the World Heritage List by the local authorities UNESCO in 1991. In the early 18th century, Finland was still under the rule of the Swedes. The Swedes decided to build forts on six islands off the coast of Helsinki. Construction of Suomenlinna began in 1748 under the command of Swedish commander Alan Swader, initially named Sveaborg. In 1808, the Russian army surrounded it and took over the island directly. Until 1918, it was renamed Suomenlinna, and until now, it is the place where Finnish troops are stationed.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Oodi Helsinki Central Library

Oodi Helsinki Central Library is located in the heart of Helsinki, on one side of the Civic Square next to the Parliament House, and was designed by the Finnish architecture firm ALA Architects. The name Oodi means ode, and of its three floors, only the top floor is dedicated to books and reading; the entire building is more like an urban living room that incorporates reading, creation, and gathering. Each of the three floors has its own appeal: the ground floor continues the bustle of the square outside and features a cinema, a multi-purpose hall, a restaurant, and quick book lending and return services; the middle floor is a space for hands-on activities and creation, equipped with makerspaces and equipment open to the public; the top floor is an open reading area where a large collection of books is displayed under a wavy ceiling. The children's reading area is also located here, and the Citizens' Balcony on the side offers a view of the city center. The entire building is designed as a "habitable bridge": two massive steel arches span over 100 meters, supporting a wavy wooden shell that creates an open, column-free public space on the ground floor, allowing you to feel the sense of openness as the square extends into the interior upon entering. The double-spiral staircase connecting the floors is also a distinctive architectural element of the library.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral is the cathedral of the Finnish Orthodox Church. Perched on a hillside on the Katajanokka peninsula in Helsinki, overlooking the South Harbour, it is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Northern Europe. The church was built in the 1860s and designed by Russian architect Aleksey Gornostayev. It was modeled after a 16th-century church near Moscow, and the hundreds of thousands of red bricks used for the walls were taken from the Bomarsund fortress, which was destroyed during the Crimean War. The deep red brick walls, paired with gold-and-green onion domes, stand out strikingly against the bay. The 13 domes symbolize Jesus and the 12 apostles, and the crosses on the spires all face east. A plaque commemorating Tsar Alexander II is embedded on the back of the church—he was the ruler of Finland when the church was built. The name "Uspenski" is derived from Old Church Slavonic and means "Dormition." Every year in mid-August, a grand festive service is held here for the Feast of the Dormition. Stepping inside, the light is serene. The central dome is supported by four granite pillars, and the dome and vaults are adorned with religious paintings. The golden iconostasis, cascading chandeliers, and numerous ancient icons create a rich Orthodox Byzantine atmosphere. It faces the elegant, whiteHelsinki Cathedralacross the water. The red and white structures form a classic Helsinki cityscape. The church remains a place of worship for local Orthodox believers today.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Helsinki Cathedral

Located in front of Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral is one of Helsinki's most well-known buildings. Its green dome is very striking, and this magnificent white building with a green roof can be seen from anywhere in the city center, which is why it is also known as the "White Church." Historical background The church was designed by German architect C.L. Engel. It is located more than 80 m above sea level and can be seen at a glance from the sea. The cathedral is a famous building in Helsinki and holds a special place in the hearts of Finns. Therefore, Finnish couples hope to hold their weddings here, and for this, they even need to book a year and a half in advance. Architectural beauty The magnificent building contains many exquisite murals and sculptures. In winter, heavy snow covers the square in front of the church, and warm lights turn on, making the whole church look sacred. Whenever the church bells ring, the entire square falls silent, and many tourists quietly experience this precious moment of inner peace that only religion can bring. Events and celebrations The graduation ceremony of the University of Helsinki, one of the best universities in Northern Europe, is also held here every year. Organ recitals and concerts are held here every Sunday evening.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Senate Square

Senate Square is located in the heart of Helsinki's old town, where the surrounding blocks still retain the city's early overall layout. Most of the neoclassical buildings surrounding the square were designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel. On the high terrace to the north stands Helsinki Cathedral with its white walls and dark green domes. The main building of the University of Helsinki is on the west side, and the Government Palace on the east side was built in 1822 and once served as the office of the Senate of Finland, from which the square derives its name. The Sederholm House in the southeast corner has stood in this neighborhood for two and a half centuries. In the center of the square stands a bronze statue of Alexander II, completed in 1894, with figures symbolizing law, culture, and the peasantry surrounding the base. Standing on the broad steps in front of the cathedral to overlook the entire stone-paved square is a favorite photo spot for visitors.

No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Finland

Sibelius Park

Sibelius Park is located in the northwest of Helsinki. It was built in 1945 to commemorate the 80th birthday of Jean Sibelius, the father of Finnish music. The park's main attraction is the Sibelius Monument, designed by sculptor Eila Hiltunen: hundreds of stainless steel pipes are welded in a wave-like pattern to form an abstract array several meters high, titled "Passio Musicae," which looks like a giant pipe organ from a distance. It is a great place to relax, with lush trees that are refreshing under the blue sky and white clouds. One side of the green space extends to a small bay, making it quite pleasant to sit on the lawn in the evening to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the sunset.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Finland

SkyWheel Helsinki

SkyWheel HelsinkiAlso known as the Eye of Finland, it is located in the South Harbor of Helsinki's city center and serves as a major highlight of this Nordic city. As a modern attraction, it offers visitors a unique perspective to admire Helsinki's urban scenery and the magnificent views of the Baltic Sea. The Ferris wheel stands approximately 40 meters tall, featuring 30 comfortable observation cabins, including a unique sauna cabin that combines traditional Finnish culture with modern entertainment. As visitors ascend slowly, they can enjoy panoramic views of Helsinki's iconic landmarks such as Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki Cathedral, and the bustling downtown district. Whether by day or night, the cityscape is mesmerizing, especially in winter when the snowscape and twinkling lights create a truly distinctive atmosphere. Beyond sightseeing, the area around the Ferris wheel is vibrant. The nearby market square and harbor offer a variety of shopping and dining options, where visitors can enjoy authentic Finnish cuisine and fresh seafood. Additionally, cultural activities and festive events near the Ferris wheel provide more entertainment choices for visitors. SkyWheel HelsinkiMore than just a tourist attraction, it's a place where people can feel the city's pulse. Both visitors and locals can find moments of joy and relaxation here, enjoying the unique charm of Helsinki.

No. 1 of Activities in Helsinki

Museums in Helsinki

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Finland

Havis Amanda

The Baltic Daughter Statue, also known as the Bronze Statue of Amanda, is located next to the flower market in the open-air market in Helsinki, Finland. It is a bronze statue of a girl. Historical background The statue was first constructed in Paris in 1906, and in 1908 the bronze statue was transported to Helsinki and placed in its current location. Designer Ville Vallgren said that the image of a young girl emerging from the sea symbolizes the birth of Helsinki. Since then, this simple statue has become a symbol of Helsinki. The beauty of the sculpture This bronze maiden is named Amanda, and she is surrounded by four sea lions in a fountain. She rests her cheek in one hand and stares silently at the Gulf of Finland, so people affectionately call her "Daughter of the Baltic Sea". Festival Celebration Every year on May 1st, the Vappu Festival, Finnish high school and college students will hold a grand Vappu carnival next to the Amanda statue. It is a traditional Finnish festival that cannot be missed.