The sights of Helsinki Finland in 1 day
We were traveling on one Enjoyment trip with Tallink Silja ferries from Stockholm via Helsinki to Tallinn and back. For the Helsinki sights we had only planned a day stay. A mistake, as we discovered. Because the city deserves a longer stay. A few hours are not enough. But since our trip has already taken us several weeks Sweden we just didn't have the time. We wanted to get an impression of the city. The ferry from Stockholm arrives in Finland's capital in the morning. In the afternoon we crossed to Tallinn.
Helsinki Card
If you have a day in the city, we recommend buying the City Card. This is available with a validity period of 24, 48 or 72 hours. It allows you to use public transport, enter sights, get discounts on food, shopping and city tours. This allows you to plan your visit to Helsinki according to your interests and wishes. Another advantage is that you save yourself the waiting time when buying entrance tickets. However, since our stay in the city only lasted a few hours, we decided against it and resorted to other offers.
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Capital of Finland: Helsinki
What country is Helsinki in? Helsinki is Finland's capital and metropolis of the country. It is located on the Baltic Sea in the southern part of the country. Helsinki is an ideal stopover on a mini cruise through the Baltic Sea. The capital of Finland is located in the Uusimaa region in the south of the country. It is only separated from Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, by the Baltic Sea. It is the largest city in the country with over 650.000 inhabitants. The Swedes founded the town in 1550 at a time when the region belonged to Sweden. At that time the place was called Helsinge fors. The Russians made it the capital of the Grand Duchy under Russian rule in 1812. The place was only given the name Helsinki in 1819. Since 1917 it has been the capital of Finland.
Sightseeing Helsinki Old Town - How to best discover Finland's capital
We did not have much time on ours Mini cruise through the Baltic Sea with the Tallink Silja Lineto see Helsinki. Helsinki in a day is only possible with preparation. It was therefore important to plan our stay. Our ferry out Stockholm reached the port at 09.55 in the morning, on time according to the timetable. In the afternoon at 16.30 p.m. we were scheduled to continue our journey to Tallinn, 80 kilometers away, on board a ferry with Tallink Silja. What made things a bit tricky was that the ferries use two ports in Helsinki. This meant for us that we still needed time for the transfer during our stay. This is how we solved the sightseeing of Helsinki sights:
Explore Helsinki sights on a city tour
Since we knew that we would only get a glimpse of Helsinki in this time, we booked a city tour. We wanted to get an overview of the capital Helsinki. We knew from the start that we wouldn't see everything in one day. The advantage of this tour is that each passenger gets headphones through which they can hear the explanations of the sights in their own language. A total of 12 languages are offered: Chinese, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and even the Helsinki dialect. The bus was waiting for us right in front of the port terminal, where we still had time to put our luggage in the luggage storage. The bus leaves the port for the Helsinki sights at 11.00 a.m.
Helsinki Sightseeing
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Sightseeing in Helsinki to the sights in Helsinki
We see the Helsinki old town, the port region, the government palace, the town hall, the parliament, the Finlandia Hall and also the opera house. However, there is not much time left to get out on the way to see the Helsinki sights. There are only two stops we make on this trip. We take a look at the Helsinki rock church and the Sibelius monument. Nevertheless, we reach the city center with a little delay around 12.45:XNUMX p.m. This time, however, the bus driver lets us get off in the city center. The port terminal is no longer on his timetable.
From there it's about a fifteen-minute walk to the port terminal, so we still have time for a walk in the city center and at the port basin. We take a lunch break in one of the harbor cafés between the market square and the market halls. This also gives us the opportunity to watch people stroll through the market or around the harbor basin. If you're looking for other restaurants in the city center, we'll give you tips for one culinary visit from Helsinki near the sights.
There are Helsinki city tours with boat tours that last three hours. But that was too long for us. We wanted to have some time for our own activities. We also had to transport our luggage from one ferry port to another after the tour.
Helsinki city tour by boat
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Around 15.00 p.m. we make our way to the harbor basin, where we pick up our luggage. We have to wait for the taxi in front of the port building because at this time there are not always some in front of the building. But there is one in time that will bring us to the West Harbor (approx. 10 minutes drive), where our ferry to Tallinn will eventually leave.
So that you have more opportunity to see the city in detail, we recommend an overnight stay or two in Helsinki. Here you can find hotels near the port.
Helsinki center hotels
- The Scandic Grand Marina Hotel * is located at the harbor basin where the ferries from Stockholm dock. Scandic hotels are common in Scandinavia. We stayed in Stockholm in two of them.
- The Radisson Blu Aleksanteri Hotel * conveniently located for walking to all of the city's attractions. Radisson Blu Hotels offer comfort.
- A hostel in the center is The Yard Concept Hostel *. There are single to multi-bed rooms. However, everyone uses a shared bathroom - not our thing. However, it offers accommodation that does not cost a lot.
- If you are looking for inexpensive accommodation in the city, we recommend this one Hostels.
- Other Hotels in the city center * here. Hotels in downtown Helsinkiwho organize airport transfers can be found here.
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
How do you pack for a short stay in Helsinki?
If you only make a half-day stopover in the capital Helsinki and continue to Tallinn on the same day, then you can temporarily store your large luggage at the port. This belongs in your day luggage:
- It's best to take one City backpack with the things you need during the day.
- Do not forget yours Camera, There is a lot to photograph on this day.
- Practical is also one Rain jacketif it rains on the way, as it was the case with us. Then you save yourself wearing the umbrella and can take pictures in spite of rain.
Which sights in Helsinki are within walking distance?
If you don't want to take a city tour or a boat tour through Helsinki, then these are the Helsinki sights that you can easily reach on foot from the port:
- The cathedral
- The Senate Square
- The Uspensky Cathedral
- The harbor
- The market
- The Tori Quarters
- The Esplanade Park
All others - except Suomenlinna - are a bit further from the harbor. Although they are within walking distance, it takes more time to get there.
Helsinki sightseeing for 1 day
Helsinki Cathedral
Nobody can get past it - Helsinki Cathedral. You can already see its dome when you enter the port by ship. Of the Dom in the Union Gatan 29 is just a stroll from the port. With its portico and domes, it looks impressive when you look up at it from Senate Square. However, the interior of the cathedral is kept simple. In summer, the steps that lead up to the cathedral are a popular meeting point. Many spend their lunchtime with a snack or a book in the sun below Helsinki Cathedral.
Address: Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki
Opening hours: 9: 00-18: 00, June-August - midnight
You can visit the tower using a virtual reality headset (for a fee).
Senate Square Helsinki
The Senate Square is located directly below the cathedral. In the center there is a statue of Alexander II. The square is very large. Administration buildings are grouped around him. On one side of the square is that University Museum. Its permanent exhibition “The Power of Thought” deals with the history of science, teaching and the university.
Senate Square Restaurants - Perfect for a lunch break
You will also find restaurants such as Restaurant Sunn or Restaurant Savotta here. Café Engel is located between the two. This means that the Senate Square is also a place for a lunch break.
The Uspensky Cathedral
More impressive than the cathedral interior, however, is the interior of the Uspensky Cathedral. The church is built in the style of Russia and Byzantium. It originated as a symbol of the Russian rule over Finland. It was inaugurated in 1868.
Address: Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland
Restaurants near the Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki
There are also places to eat near the cathedral. The restaurants Ravintola Nokka or Shelter and the coffee roaster Johan & Nyström. If you want to eat Russian, you can do it in the Bellevue restaurant, which is located at 3 Rahapajankatu Street.
Helsinki harbor - what is there to see
From the Uspenski Cathedral, it takes only minutes to get back to the harbor. A walk around the harbor basin brings you to the market of Helsinki.
Market Halls Helsinki – Taste the specialties of Finland
There is the market with stalls and pavement cafes along the harbor promenade. The market halls are ideal for street food and snacks that are sold at the market stalls. If the weather doesn't cooperate, you can visit the market halls instead.
Address: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
The Tori Quarters - Where Helsinki residents go out
On the other side of the harbor you will reach the city center in the old part of Helsinki. Here the Finns go out. Restaurants, bars and cafes, shops, Helsinki City Museum, City Hall and courtyards with terraces are waiting to be explored.
Esplanade Park - Helsinki Sights perfect for a stroll from Helsinki Harbour
This park, which runs between boulevards, is just a few steps away. This is where the people of Helsinki meet after work. On midsummer there are dance events or jazz concerts.
Restaurants around Esplanade Park
There are places to eat in and around Esplanade Park. The Kappeli café-restaurant, which has been welcoming guests for more than 150 years, is located in the park. Japanese cuisine is available at Kita Esplanadi on Eteläesplanadi Street. These restaurants are located near the park. The Pompier Espa serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 13 p.m. and an a la carte menu from 17 p.m. If you are looking for a place to eat, then you should make a note of the Savoy. You can eat Italian next door at Presto. Asian cuisine is available at Ravintola.
You will also find restaurants along the Pohjoisesplanadi. There is the Café Esplanad. The Strindberg offers a café, a restaurant (1st floor) and a bar. Do you have an appetite for afternoon tea? Then remember the Brasserie Kämp. Or do you want to try Finland's cuisine? You can find them at Ravintola Aino.
The rock church is a Helsinki landmark
The rock church is exceptional. It is also one of the main attractions of Helsinki. This church is built into the granite rock. Such cave churches have existed in Finland since the Middle Ages. This church was completed in 1969. It costs entry.
Address: Rock church, Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Restaurants at the Felsenkirche - No big choice
There are hardly any places to eat near the rock church. Only the Café Cafetoria on Runeberginkatu Street is near the church. There are better ways you can spend your time during a day stay in Helsinki.
The Sibelius Monument - one of the Helsinki landmarks outside the city center
Outside the city center is the monument that commemorates the composer Jean Sibelius. He is one of Finland's composers. His Finlandia as well as the Karelia Suite and the Valse Triste are best known. He composed a total of seven symphonies. The monument is located in the Töölo district, just steps from the sea.
Address: Sibelius Monument, Sibeliuksen puisto, Mechelininkatu, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
Restaurants at the Sibelius Monument - You Eat Better Near Helsinki Sightseeing in the Old Town
There are no places to eat near the Sibelius Monument either. The Café Regatta on the beach is ideal here. The food scene in Helsinki is more varied.
By boat to Suomenlinna, the Sweden Castle - Helsinki sights on the island
The Sea Fortress is not in the city itself, but on an island. This can be reached after a ferry ride from the port. You should definitely take your time for the island. There are museums there that are worth visiting. Guided tours are offered. There are also restaurants and cafes on the island where you can spend an afternoon.
Restaurants on Suomenlinna near Helsinki attractions
On Suomenlinna there are restaurants and cafes near the ferry station where the boats that go from the city center dock. The brewery dates back to the Swedes in the city. Beer plays a role in the restaurant. The Bastion Bistro serves pizzas and burgers. Café Vanille has coffee and cake or soups for when you're hungry.
Book more activities here
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With the exception of the Rock Church, the Sibelius Monument and the island of Suomenlinna, you can explore all Helsinki sights on foot during a short stay. Admittedly, we can't say we know Helsinki. You definitely need more time for this. But we knew that beforehand. We still got an impression of the Helsinki sights, the capital of Finland, its government buildings, the city center and the residential areas on this tour. She made us curious for more. Maybe Finland will be on our travel plan again soon. Who knows?
Learn more:
- How to experience the city in winter, that describes Travelsanne.
Do you like to travel by motorhome to the Helsinki sights?
- You can also take your motorhome with you on the ferry. Or you can fly and then rent a motorhome.
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information here, for example, as well as a selection of booking options here. Rent a motorhome or a camper near you here. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- In Helsinki you can stay at Rastila Camping, Karavaanikatu 4, 00980 Helsinki, Finland. There you can after a day trip in a Dutch Oven or on the portable grill after a day trip. You can also find Dutch oven accessories .
- Practical accessories for the mobile home you can find here.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
Questions and answers about Helsinki attractions
What is special about Helsinki?
It is the capital of Finland. It is located directly on the sea and has a coastline of 100 kilometers. There are also 300 islands in the sea in front of the city. The city definitely offers a lively big city life and at the same time is close to nature.
How many days does it take for Helsinki?
To get a good insight into the city, you should plan at least three days for it. However, if you want to visit the coast, the islands and museums, you need even more time.
Is Helsinki a beautiful city?
There are many Helsinki attractions worth visiting. At the same time, there are numerous places where nature is in close proximity. We also liked the many cafés, bars and restaurants that invite you to take a break.
Does Helsinki have an old town?
There is even a district that bears this name. Vanhakaupunki means “old town”. There, for example, Gustav Vasa founded a new city on the Vantaa River in 1550.
Is Helsinki expensive?
Prices in the city are approximately 1,19 times higher than in Germany. On average, you pay around €36 per day for a hostel. However, the average price for a room in a 3-star hotel is €92 per day.
What to do in Helsinki in winter?
There are different possibilities:
- explore sights
- Ice skating at the main train station
- Take the ferry to Suomenlinna
- Tallinn visit in Estonia
- Warm up in a sauna
- Hiking in the national park
- Try Finnish specialties in the restaurants
Travel ideas for Finland
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival to the Helsinki attractions
Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) You can get there by ferry or plane, for example. Helsinki has an airport. Vantaa Airport is 21 km from the city center. There are also various ferry ports from which the ferry companies' ships leave for the ports on the Baltic Sea. From there you then continue with the rental car.
By ferry to Helsinki sights:
Compare this for example Prices for ferries and departure ports*. (Advertisement)
Car Rentals:
You can book a rental car cheaply here
Accommodation:
Inexpensive hotels for budget travellers* You can find it for example under this link. Are you looking for an inexpensive guesthouse, B&B or a Hotel Helsinki booking also has that to offer.
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Do you know this?
- Packing list winter vacation
- Baltic Sea places for a vacation by the sea
- Get to know Holland from the boat
- Nile cruise
- Visit churches, monasteries, cathedrals
- Cool backpacks for city trips
- Which rain jacket is the best?
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Backpacks for city trips
- Order awning for terrace & balcony
- Finance Holiday - Travel Blogger Tips
Slow Travel Tips You can find it here, for example. Also discover Cities Tips for Slow Travelers.
Source: on-site research. We would definitely like to thank Tallink Silja Line for inviting us to this mini cruise. However, our opinions remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and see caption
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
I have not been to Helsinki yet. You were lucky with the weather right? Looks beautiful.
Hello Eve,
It was not perfect, but we were happy with the weather in Helsinki. It is a manageable city for the capital of Finland. We liked that nature is so close.
Greetings,
Monika
Half a day would probably not be enough for me in a city, even if you have solved this challenge well. I'll look at Helsinki next year, then plan on 2 days. I always need enough time to have breakfast in a nice cafe in the morning and find a great Aussicbt, then makes me such a city trip happy :)
Dear Nicole,
basically I agree with you. We are usually Slow Travelers who spend a lot of time exploring a city or region. Here it was not different. And I am sure that there are also many people who do not stay in Helsinki on such a mini-cruise through the Baltic Sea, but continue on to Tallinn, as we did. On this trip we were already more than three weeks on the way, so the time was not enough for a longer stay.
Best regards,
Monika
A nice summary of the main sights of Helsinki. I especially liked the Uspensky cathedrals and the market halls back then. The rock church unfortunately passed me by. It looks interesting.
Best regards,
Ricarda
Dear Ricarda,
the rock church is just outside the city center. We got on the city tour. This is a very unusual church, built directly in the rocks.
Best regards,
Monika