Sini & Pat
Things To Do in Helsinki
1. Suomenlinna - The Seafortress of Helsinki
1. Suomenlinna - The Seafortress of Helsinki: The fortress of Suomenlinna is one of Finland’s most popular sights. It is only a very short ferry crossing away from Helsinki. This base for the archipelago fleet was originally built midway through the 18th century, when Finland was part of the Swedish kingdom. In 1991, Suomenlinna was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suomenlinna is accessible only by water. A ferry service runs from the Market Square to Suomenlinna and during the summer, a water bus service to Suomenlinna is also available. The trip to Suomenlinna takes 15–20 minutes and offers magnificent views of Helsinki and the surroundings from the sea.
2. Helsinki Cathedral
The Cathedral, by Carl Ludvig Engel, rising on the northern side of the Senate Square is part of Helsinki's Empire era centre and a landmark for those arriving by sea. It has become the symbol of the whole of Helsinki. Earlier called St. Nicholas Church and Great Cathedral, the current main church of the Helsinki Diocese was completed in 1852. Sculptures of the twelve apostles guard the city from the roof of the church. Enjoy a cup of coffee and Pulla (Finnish pastry) or lunch at Cafe Engel, an iconic coffee house in Senate Square, directly opposite Helsinki Cathedral. The building in which Café Engel is located is one of the oldest in Helsinki. The ground floor was built in 1765 in the place of an old pipe factory. The architect is unknown. In the 1830´s two floors were added and Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840) designed the facade.
3. Helsinki Market Square
At the central square you’ll find charming market stands that sell a wide variety of items. Try pan-fried Muikku (Traditional Finnish Vendace), moose and reindeer meat, salmon soup and rye bread! Shop local arts and crafts.
4. Esplanade Park
The popular Esplanade Park, fondly referred to as "Espa" among locals, is the most famous park in Finland and the green heart of Helsinki. People come here to see and be seen, to listen to music and watch performances, and to enjoy picnics. The park was originally planned by the principle architect of Helsinki, Carl Ludvig Engel. The park is characterized by an architectonic style with its straight tree-lined alleys and flowerbeds. The rows of linden trees on either side of the park create a hall-like space. At the Market Square end of the park lies one of the most historic restaurants in Helsinki, Kappeli, built in 1867 and designed by architect Hampus Dahlström (1829-1882). Opposite Kappeli is Espa Stage, which offers concerts all through summer, from the beginning of May to the end of August.
5. Hop on Trams #2 and #4!
Feeling a little unsure about navigating yourself? No problem – simply hop aboard a tram. It’s a convenient and cost-effective way of getting around. Tram #2 will take you to most of the iconic tourist destinations in the city, while Tram #4 is all about the views.
6. Ullanlinna Neighborhood
Only two blocks in length, many think of Huvilakatu as the most beautiful and picturesque street in the city. The street starts at the corner of Tehtaankatu around the corner from the Eira Medical Centre and ends on the sunny Merikatu near the water. The pastel-hued stone art nouveau houses with their towers and bay windows attract eager photographers in every weather. Korkeavuorenkatu is lined with shops, bistros, delis, and cafés and is only a few minutes' walking distance from the downtown area. At the other end of the street, you can reach the seashore in a matter of minutes. Merisatamanranta is a length of shoreline that looks out over several nearby islands. It is popular for a stroll or a jog and seaside cafés can be found here at regular intervals.
7. Löyly - A Unique Sauna Restaurant
Löyly, an urban oasis occupying a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront, offers a warm welcome and many delights for locals and visitors alike. On a beautiful summer’s day, our terrace is the place to be and our saunas are available daily. Take a dip in the Baltic Sea and enjoy relaxing wooden sauna's after. The restaurant serves traditional Scandinavian food and drinks!
8. Ateneum - Finnish National Gallery
Ateneum is an art museum and one of the three museums forming the Finnish National Gallery. It is located in the centre of Helsinki on the south side of Rautatientori square close to Helsinki Central railway station. It has the biggest collections of classical art in Finland.
9. Fazer Café
Fazer Café Kluuvikatu 3 has been in the heart of Helsinki ever since its founding in 1891. It is far more than a café; it is also a delicacy shop for outstandingly delicious treats. Karl Fazer’s advice to his descendants was Carpe Diem–seize the day when opportunities present themselves, but be well prepared for doing so. Karl was always a step ahead of his time, and we continue to honour that heritage.
10. Hesperia Park
As its name suggests, the Hesperia Park is a long avenue in Helsinki with a park in the center, located right next to the port. In this street are some of the most beautiful and elegant buildings of the city and it's a popular hangout for the citizens of Helsinki during the weekends. It's full of shops, bars with live music and spaces to relax and lie down to chill out. If you want to enjoy the landscape, see the urbanite life and walk for a while, this is your place.
11. Helsinki Central Library Oodi - Not just a library
Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a living meeting place at Kansalaistori square, right at the heart of Helsinki. Oodi complements the cultural and media hub formed by Helsinki Music Centre, Finlandia Hall, Sanoma House and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. Oodi is a non-commercial, urban public space that is open to all, right opposite the Parliament Building. Oodi provides its users with knowledge, new skills and stories, and is an easy place to access for learning, story immersion, work and relaxation. It is a library of a new era, a living and functional meeting place open for all.