Top 15 sights in Helsinki

Helsinki Biennial -pavilion at Lyypekinlaituri

Oodi is Helsinki's new Central Library and a living meeting place in the city centre on the Kansalaistori Square. Oodi is a venue for events, a house of reading and a diverse urban experience. It will provide its users with knowledge, new skills and stories, and will be an easy place to access for learning, story immersion, work and relaxation. Oodi is a library of a new era, a living and functional meeting place open for all.

1. Oodi, Helsinki Central Library

Amos Rex is an art museum where the past, present and future meet.

2. Amos Rex

The Helsinki Olympic Stadion, built in 1938, was designed in functionalistic style by the architects Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti. 

3. Helsinki Olympic Stadium

The Cathedral, by Carl Ludvig Engel, rising on the northern side of the Senate Square is the stage of national and academic festive services and one of the most popular tourist sights. The church 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. 

Exhibitions at the Crypt (Kirkkokatu 18), in summer also a souvenir shop Cathedral Shop.

4. Helsinki Cathedral

The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel (1778-1840): Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland. A statue of Alexander II (1894) stands in the middle of the Senate Square. 

Helsinki Cathedral is arguably Finland's most famous and photographed building. The oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House located on the southeast corner of the square. Today the building hosts the Helsinki City Museum. The Esplanade park and the Market Square are just a block away.

The Senate Square also hosts a sound installation called the Sound of the Senate Square. It is a modern version of the European glockenspiel and can be heard every day at 17.49 as it travels from one building to the next. The composition runs for 5 minutes 18 seconds and is composed by Harri Viitanen and Jyrki Alakuijala.

5. Senate Square

The Old Market Hall in Helsinki has served its customers since 1889. 

Merchants sell all sorts of cheese, fish, shellfish, vegetable, fruit and cakes to spices, coffee and tea. They are also more than happy to help with any special orders.

Here you can also find the smallest Alko shop for wines and beverages, as well as cafe's and restaurants.

6. Old Market Hall

Helsinki Zoo is home to more than 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species that show the diversity of nature. Helsinki Zoo is one of the few zoos located on an island. The zoo was established in 1889 which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Helsinki Zoo also participates in the work to protect the habitats in the original homes of the various species. The rhino sign will take you to the animals that belong to the zoos' shared protection programme. On the island you'll also find a souvenir shop and cafés & restaurants.

7. Helsinki Zoo

The world famous composer Jean Sibelius' (1865-1957) monument by Eila Hiltunen is located at the Sibelius park. It was unveiled 7 September 1967. The Sibelius Monument, resembling organ pipes, is made of welded steel with over 600 pipes and with the bust of the composer on one side. The monument is one of Helsinki's most popular statues and one of the most well-known tourist attractions.

8. Sibelius Monument

Löyly is a public sauna and restaurant complex in Hernesaari district on the southern tip of Helsinki. The complex includes a traditional Finnish smoke sauna and two other wood-heated saunas, a year-round terrace and a restaurant. The saunas offer direct access to the outdoor seating area and the sea, where it is possible to enjoy a refreshing swim, all year round. There are separate changing rooms and shower facilities for men and women but as the saunas and other public areas are mixed, it means that customers are respectfully asked to wear swimming costumes at all times.

The restaurant, favoring ecological and locally produced ingredients, offers lunch, dinner and brunch on Saturdays.

9. Löyly

Suomenlinna sea fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site located on the coast of Helsinki, and also a suburb of Helsinki with around 800 residents.

10. Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Located at the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also heated café tents where you can comfortably have a steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. The Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, one of the oldest ongoing event traditions in Finland, is arranged here every October. It has been held since 1743.

There's a ferry connection to Suomenlinna Fortress island from the Market Square year round, and in summer it is possible to catch eg. a ferry to Korkeasaari Zoo, hop on one of the archipelago sightseeing cruises or take a boat trip to Porvoo.

The Stone of the Empress', in the middle of the Market Square, is the oldest public memorial in Helsinki. It was erected to commemorate the Empress Alexandra's (the German-born wife of Nicholas I), first visit to Helsinki.

On the west side of the Market Square, close to the Esplanade park, stands the Havis Amanda fountain, by Ville Vallgren (1908), one of  the best known statues in Helsinki.

11. Market Square

Temppeliaukio Church is a major sight in Helsinki: an architectural gem, a world famous concert venue and an active Lutheran church.

12. Temppeliaukio Church

The Seurasaari island provides a nice setting for outdoor recreation, sun worshippers and walkers. The tame ducks, swans and geese swarming around the bridge welcome everybody. Having crossed the white wooden bridge a visitor can't help running into the happy little squirrels of the island.

13. Seurasaari Island

Linnanmäki Amusement Park has entertained fun loving people since 1950.

14. Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Allas Sea Pool is a marine spa and an oasis of urban culture right at the heart of the city.

15. Allas Sea Pool

Summer is the perfect time to get the most out of Helsinki. It is also maybe the best time to get most out of Helsinkians - long days and white summer nights make people live like there is no tomorrow. The little islands and rocky beaches, tranquil jogging routes along the seaside, sunny summer terraces and cafes...they all come to life during the beautiful and magical summer months. 

Top reasons to visit Helsinki in summer

In winters Helsinki goes through a magical transformation. This is the time to wander through the streets, whilst wrapped up in something warm and visit all the fairs and treats that the city puts together for this season especially!

Best ways to experience winter in Helsinki

Experience Helsinki saunas

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You can always find unique things to see in Helsinki! Just in one day, you can enjoy city's archipelago, go sightseeing and visit Helsinki's best attractions.
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