Things to do in Helsinki

Best Things to do in Helsinki

Planning a trip and wondering about the top things to do in Helsinki? From historic landmarks to modern experiences, the city offers something for every traveller, making it a perfect getaway in 2026.

With over 357 activities in Helsinki, there is plenty to explore. Visit some of the most popular tourist attractions in , including iconic sites, vibrant neighbourhoods and cultural hubs. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets, sampling local delicacies or relaxing at scenic spots, every corner has something new to discover.

With experiences starting at INR 265, it’s never been easier to plan your perfect trip. Make the most of your visit to Helsinki in January and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Best Things to Do in Helsinki for Every Traveller

About Helsinki

Helsinki is a city that feels both calm and energetic at the same time. Modern design sits next to historic cathedrals, wide streets lead you to the sea, and neighbourhood cafés give you a sense of daily life. It’s a place where the city and the water meet in a way that feels natural.

Some of the most popular spots include Senate Square, the Helsinki Cathedral, and the busy Market Square by the harbour. You’ll also find museums, saunas, and quiet islands just a short ferry ride away.

No matter when you visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Helsinki. Winters bring frozen seas and cosy indoor spaces, while summers fill the city with festivals and long days. Even in March, when the snow is still around, there are unique ways to explore the city.

Unique Experiences

Half-Day Nature Adventure to Nuuksio National Park

Step into the forest without fuss: this easy nature escape includes train or bus into the park, a guided hike through Finnish woods and past frozen lakes, and time to breathe away from the city buzz. This makes your list of things to do in Helsinki feel fresh with real forest, real quiet, no urban polish needed.

• Where: Starts at Helsinki Central Station (meeting spot by the Aleksis Kivi statue)
• Pricing: It starts from INR 7,400 per person
• Timing: 5 hours total; departs around 8:50 AM, returning early afternoon
• When to Visit: Year-round, with winter hikes offering a peaceful, snowy setting

Hiking Tour in Nuuksio with Campfire Lunch

You’ll hike through wooded trails, pause lakeside for a fire-roasted lunch (mushroom soup, snacks brought by the guide), and soak up the calm. A grounded version of things to do in Helsinki that brings you closer to nature’s softer side.

• Where: Pickup from central Helsinki; heads into Nuuksio National Park
• Pricing: It starts from INR 9,700 per person
• Timing: 4 hours 30 minutes in total; starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, when forest paths are easy to walk and light stays long

Archipelago Excursion with Lunch & Nature Walks

You get out past the city, into a quieter stretch of the archipelago, hike along the shore, simple lunch by the water, and explore patches of forest. It’s a gentle way into the wild, naturally grounded in things to do in Helsinki.

• Where: Departs from central Helsinki (meeting point confirmed on booking)
• Pricing: It starts from INR 12,100 per person
• Timing: About 5 hours total; starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: May through September, when weather suits time outdoors and lunch feels fresh

Top Attractions in Helsinki

Senate Square (Senaatintori)

This grand square sits at Helsinki’s heart, surrounded by stately buildings, including the Helsinginkirkko and the Government Palace. It’s quiet, open, and one of the most straightforward things to do in Helsinki you'll find. This square is one of those fun things to do in Helsinki when you want something simple, historic, and unforced.

• Where: Central Helsinki, right by the cathedral
• Pricing: Free to wander around
• Timing: Always open; it's a public square that you can visit any time of day. Buildings around it generally open between 10 AM and 6 PM, with earlier closing in winter
• When to Visit: Morning or early evening for better light and fewer people

Helsinki Cathedral

Sitting at the top of Senate Square, this white landmark feels like a symbol of the city itself. You can walk in and look around, or just admire the building’s clean lines from the outside. This stands out among things to do in Helsinki, especially if you’re after a clear sense of local architecture.

• Where: Senate Square
• Pricing: It starts from INR 750 per person
• Timing: Open most of the year: Monday–Saturday 9 AM–6 PM, Sundays from 11 AM–6 PM. Summer hours run slightly shorter, midweek until 5 PM, Fridays until 2 PM, with free entry evening times
• When to Visit: Spring through summer for warm light and open access to the crypt if available

Market Square (Kauppatori)

This lively waterfront market is open-air, full of colour, and one of Helsinki’s busiest spots. You can stroll around, grab a snack, or ride the ferry to Suomenlinna. It’s a relaxed and truly local option among things to do in Helsinki this weekend, especially when you want steady energy without the lines.

• Where: By the harbour, at the end of the Esplanadi
• Pricing: Free to browse
• Timing: Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–6 PM, Saturday until 4 PM, Sunday from 10 AM–5 PM
• When to Visit: Summer for stalls and snacks; winter still works if you want to warm up in the cafe tents

Sightseeing Tours

Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour

You’ll explore the city’s highlights like parks, historic streets, and market square, then hop a ferry to Suomenlinna for a guided walk through the fortress and its courtyards. A strong option when you want to tick off things to do in Helsinki and get a sense of the city's layout in one outing.

• Where: Departs from central Helsinki
• Pricing: It starts from INR 14,000 per person
• Timing: 5 hours approx; tour starts at 10:00 AM
• When to Visit: April through October, when ferry crossings are regular and the fortress paths are clear

Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio-Guided Bus Tour

You ride in a coach equipped with audio commentary in multiple languages. It stops at main spots, like the cathedral, Senate Square, the opera, and Sibelius Monument. This is a relaxed way to cover more things to do in Helsinki without wearing yourself out walking.

• Where: Starts at Senate Square near the Cathedral
• Pricing: It starts from INR 3,800 per person
• Timing: 1 hour 45 minutes; slots available at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
• When to Visit: Any time of year, most comfortable in spring through autumn

Day Trips

Porvoo tour from Helsinki or Vantaa

You head out to Porvoo and wander its well-preserved Old Town with a guide, then get free time to explore cafés, shops, and cobblestone streets. This hits several best things to do in Helsinki when you want a mix of city and small-town charm.

• Where: Departs from Helsinki
• Pricing: It starts from INR 11,500 per person
• Timing: Around 4 to 5 hours total; tour starts at 9:00 AM
• When to Visit: May through October, when the town is most walkable

National Park Hike & Finnish Smoke Sauna Experience

Start with a forest hike in Sipoonkorpi National Park, enjoy a campfire lunch by the lake, then unwind in a traditional smoke sauna before a quick dip. This is one of the more unusual things to do in Helsinki with a day devoted to forest, fire, and traditions.

• Where: Escorted transfer from Helsinki
• Pricing: It starts from INR 17,400 per person
• Timing: About 6 hours and 30 minutes total; tour starts at 11:00 AM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, when the path and sauna are comfortable to use

Boat Tours

Helsinki Canal Cruise

You board a comfortable sightseeing boat and float out to sea. You pass historic coastal spots, Suomenlinna, icebreakers, and hear a little history along the way. A calm ride, perfect for checking off things to do in Helsinki with something quieter in the mix.

• Where: Central Helsinki harbour
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,900 per person
• Timing: 1 hour 30 minutes; slots available from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, ideal for clear water and views

Sightseeing Cruise in Archipelago of Helsinki

You get a outing on a 1.5 hours cruise. The trip includes gliding past Helsinki archipelago, taking in incredible views or just hanging out on deck among the islands. When you’re after something a little more exciting, this one ranks among things to do in Helsinki with space and pace.

• Where: Departs from Helsinki harbour
• Pricing: It starts from INR 2,800 per person
• Timing: 1 hours and 30 minutes; slots available from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• When to Visit: Spring through autumn, when you can be outside comfortably

Getting Around

• Trams: The tram lines run right through the centre and cover many main spots, including Senate Square and the harbour. They’re the simplest way to link several Helsinki tourist attractions in one day.
• Metro: The metro is small compared to other cities but useful. It takes you east to the suburbs and to the ferry point for the islands. If you’ve got a list of things to do in Helsinki this weekend, the metro can cut down your time.
• Buses: Cover areas the tram and metro don’t reach. They’re helpful if you’re heading out to the zoo or for local neighbourhood visits.
• Ferries: To reach the islands like Suomenlinna, ferries are quick and run often. They’re also an easy way to add a bit of variety while working through your things to do in Helsinki list.
• Cycling: The city has marked bike lanes and is fairly flat, making cycling a solid option. A ride along the waterfront is one of the more fun things to do in Helsinki if the weather holds.
• Walking: Most central attractions are close together, so you can walk between them. Market Square, the cathedral, and the waterfront sit within minutes of each other.

Traveller Tips

• Dress smart for the season: Winters are cold enough that you’ll need layers, gloves, and a hat. In summer, evenings can still feel cool near the water. If you’re planning Helsinki winter things to do, pack gear that lets you enjoy both indoor and outdoor stops.


• Plan around daylight: In summer, the light lasts long into the night. In winter, it’s gone by mid-afternoon. This affects how you map out the things to do in Helsinki each day—use mornings and early afternoons for outdoor stops and evenings for indoor visits.


• Look beyond the centre: While Senate Square and Market Square are obvious picks, don’t skip neighbourhoods like Kallio or Töölö. Spending a few hours in local cafés or parks adds variety to your top 10 things to do in Helsinki in winter or summer lists.


• Try the sauna culture: Saunas aren’t just a tourist activity, they’re part of daily life here. Joining locals at a public sauna is one of the most authentic activities you can try in the city.


• Check weekend events: From flea markets at Hietalahti to small concerts and food fairs, the weekends are packed. You’ll always find interesting things to do in Helsinki this weekend that don’t appear in standard guides.