Things to Do

Things to Do in Finland

There are few countries in the world like Finland. The country is home to countless natural parks, striking historical landmarks, and colorful cultural atmosphere that are ready to amaze every traveler. We listed some of these things you can do in Finland below and if you would like to know more about the country, you can check our detailed Finland Travel Guide.

• Explore Senate Square: Senate Square is probably the best place to start your Helsinki trip since the square is closely located to Helsinki’s most popular attractions such as Helsinki Cathedral or the Government Palace and is an amazing sight to explore on its own. The square and its surrounding buildings exhibit fascinating examples of neoclassical architecture with many local restaurants, cafés, and shops you can enjoy.
• Visit Iconic Helsinki Cathedral: Helsinki Cathedral is the iconic symbol of the city and was built to honor Russian Tsar Nicholas I in the mid-19^th The cathedral has a distinctive architectural style that attracts millions of visitors every year.
• Marvel at Temppeliaukio Church: There are many unconventional landmarks in Helsinki and Temppeliaukio Church is surely one of them. The church is one of the most beautifully designed places to visit in Helsinki with superior architecture.
• Discover Market Square: Market Square is the most famous market in Helsinki that should be on your must-visit list. There are many local vendors in Market Square that sell various handicrafts, household items, sweet treats, fresh goods, and authentic Finland souvenirs.
• Enjoy Suomenlinna’s Sceneries: Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage listed sea fortress that is situated on one of the many islands in Helsinki. The fortress was built in 1748 by Sweden as a maritime base, and then captured by Russia in 1808, and ultimately by independent Finland in 1917. Today, Suomenlinna is one of the most interesting places in Helsinki to visit and is easily accessible by ferries leave from the Market Square all year long.
• Walk at Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden: Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden is a spectacular attraction to visit in Helsinki that offers a unique experience in every season of the year. The garden is home to the world’s biggest seed as well as an amazing orchid collection.

You can visit our detailed Helsinki Travel Guide to learn more about Helsinki and its impressive attractions.

Accommodation

Finland attracts a growing number of international tourists every year and offers a wide range of accommodation options to its visitors ranging from luxury hotels to affordable backpacker hostels, especially in its capital and most influential city Helsinki.

If you are in Helsinki for the first time and planning to explore its must-visit attractions thoroughly, it is recommended for you to stay in hotels located around the “Kamppi” neighborhood. In the neighborhood, you will be staying a walking distance away from some Helsinki’s popular attractions such as Kamppi Chapel or Ateneum and engage with the everyday life of colorful Helsinki.

If you are visiting Finland to enjoy its beautiful archipelagos and Baltic Sea sceneries you can stay in hotels located in the Naantali district, 14 kilometers west of Turku. The district has many great hotels that offer spectacular natural sceneries as well as top-notch Fin saunas.

We would love to help you organize your trip to Finland and you can book a hotel easily through our website.

Airports

We use Helsinki Airport for our flights in Finland. 

Helsinki Airport

Helsinki Airport (HEL) is located 20 kilometers away from the city center. You can get to the city center from Helsinki Airport with public bus, train, taxi, and rental car. There are many public bus lines available in Helsinki Airport both day and night with varying routes. Public bus line 415 has the fastest route to Helsinki city center and the trip approximately takes 40 minutes.

Useful Information

We listed some useful side notes about Finland for you right below.

Things to Know Before Visiting Finland

• Finnish and Swedish are the official languages in Finland. Swedish is widely spoken in some coastal areas in Finland down to south around Helsinki, Turku, and Vaasa to the west.
• Most locals in Finland can speak and understand English well.
• Finland is a part of the European Union and uses the euro as currency.
• It is possible to pay with your credit or debit card in almost any shop in Finland.
• Finland is an expensive country to visit with higher accommodation, food, and sightseeing expenses in comparison to other popular European destinations.
• Most stores in Finland charge their customers for plastic bags to encourage recycling and reduce waste.
• While packing for your Finland trip, keep in mind that Finland is one of the coldest countries to be in during winters.
• Finland is one of the safest countries in the world with very low petty and violent crime rates.
• Finland has a well-connected and convenient public transport system and it is recommended for you to obtain a travelers’ card to enjoy its attractions thoroughly with reduced transportation costs.
• Finland is the most coffee consuming country in the world so expect to have many coffee parties with the locals in various amazing cafés.
• Tap water is drinkable in Finland since it is clean and fresh.

Essential Numbers

Country Code: +358

Helsinki Airport Number: +358 200 14636

Official Tourism Information Number for Helsinki: +358 9 3101 3300

Emergency Number: 112