Top 6 Activities to Do in Helsinki

What to do in Helsinki?

1. Hakaniemi Market

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: First of all, you must set foot in the Hakaniemi market with a thousand flavors! It's an excellent first activity to discover Finland in a convivial and gourmet way. Indeed, it's in these places that you'll find refined dishes representing the country: sweet; salty; creamy; crunchy... There's something for everyone. The market is one of the most lively places in the capital; it's a bit like the heart of the island. In summer, spring, winter, or autumn, there will always be smiling vendors ready to introduce you to their exquisite cuisine. Located on Hakaniemi square and open every day from Monday to Friday, it's an excellent place to spend time with family. Moreover, every Sunday of the month, a fair is organized there: the square is then filled with a warm and jovial aura, delighting young and old!

2. Practice a sports activity

Category: €€/Sports

Description: Did you know that Helsinki is one of the best cities to practice sports? In summer or winter, in team or solo, in nature or in a stadium, you'll have plenty to do! Because that's also what vacations are about, exercising and having the best time possible to release all the tensions accumulated during the work year. How about a charming game of ice hockey? Finland is crazy about hockey, it's the national sport, and almost everyone plays it. If you're not a fan of "sliding" sports, you'll probably enjoy a game of baseball or football on grass. By the way, if you're a sports enthusiast and closely follow the news about it, you quickly must have noticed that Finnish football has been gaining ground in recent years... Watch out France! And if you prefer a more "soft" activity, a traditional family horseback ride will amaze you!

3. Temppeliaukio Church

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Every country has its own history, and every tourist should be interested in it, right? After all, that's also why you made the trip! To learn more about the past to better understand the present. Temppeliaukio Church will be perfect to answer all your questions: a mystical place with an imposing and intimidating character. This immense religious building stands out for its extraordinary architecture which gives it a unique place among the most beautiful monuments in the country. It's actually the result of an architecture competition (yes!) won by the two brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, 63 years ago, in 1961. This Lutheran evangelical church whose creativity exceeds what we could have imagined is carved directly into stone: it's an atypical place, where a nice photo is a must. Its flat dome that rises slightly, without exceeding the surrounding landscape, gives it the appearance of an extraterrestrial vessel. Located east of Heitaniemi cemetery, it's open every day.

4. Suomenlinna Fortress

Category: €€/Sports/Gastronomic

Description: Built in the Helsinki harbor, Suomenlinna fortress is an ancient place dating from the 18th century. And the least we can say is that calling it a "fortress" suits it perfectly! Spanning nearly six islands (yes, you read that right), it's a place built by Finnish and Swedish soldiers. Originally, it was actually supposed to serve as a defensive monument: its purpose was to protect the country's eastern border against Russia. Today, it's primarily a tourist site, around which a guided tour will allow you to learn more about the building. Open every day from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, it's an excellent activity that will allow you to better explore Helsinki in depth, while digging into a tumultuous historical past. Observe carefully the vaults and fortifications of the fortress to learn more about it.

5. A beach day

Category: €€/Sports/Gastronomic

Description: Yes, we know. This surprises you. But know that it's quite possible to go to the beach in Helsinki, especially if you go there in summer. So, bring your swimsuit! If you want to take a little break from your visit to famous monuments and squares, why not go to the small beach of "Kasinonranta," located on Lauttasaari island? Very appreciated by families, it's the perfect place to eat a delicious local dish while engaging in various activities: beach volleyball; beach; playground for children; sandcastles... The site being equipped with showers and toilets, you'll be perfectly comfortable for a day. If you want a quieter place as a couple, why not the beach of "Veijarivuoren Uimaranta," in the south of Lauttasaari island. The ideal place to rest and relax, in complete intimacy and tranquility.

6. Nuuksio National Park

Category: €€/Cultural/Sports

Description: Take a deep breath, and breathe this pure Finnish fresh air! Nuuksio National Park offers a framework that is both idyllic and enchanting: lush forests; large and majestic lakes; unique fauna and flora... It's time to start your favorite playlist and let it play while walking in this sumptuous place. Or why not come read your favorite novel there? Or simply, just stay there contemplating the landscape while enjoying the calm and serenity offered to you. Go to "Nuuksion Kansallispuisto" for a guaranteed moment of relaxation! For our sporty readers, know that you can do beautiful hikes there: lulled by the rustling of tree leaves and the breeze of the wind...