Helsinki Attractions - Discover Finland's Capital

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.

 

 

 

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 it was clear to us that we would only get an impression of Helsinki during this time, we booked one Sightseeing tour*. So we wanted to get an overview of the capital Helsinki. It was clear from the start that we wouldn't see everything in one day. The advantage of this tour is that each passenger gets a headset 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 drop off our luggage. At 11.00 a.m. the bus leaves the port for the Helsinki sights.

 

 

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.

 

 

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 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.

 

 

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?

 

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

 

 

 

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Travel Arrangements:

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

Arrival to the Helsinki attractions

For example, book your journey here by flight, bus or train*. Arrival is possible, for example, by ferry or plane. 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*.

Car Rentals:

You can book a rental car here cheaply *

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.

Travel Guide:

For example, buy yours Travel Guide* at Amazon.de.

If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

 

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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