Top 10 attractions in Helsinki
Helsinki, city with 317 islands and 122km of coastline has a lot to offer, here are my top 10 attractions in Helsinki.
Helsinki Cathedral ( Tuomiokirkko)
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.
Oodi library
Oodi is Helsinki’s 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.
Rock church ( Temppeliaukion kirkko)
Temppeliaukio church is situated in the heart of Helsinki, at the end of Fredrikinkatu. Excavated directly into solid rock, it is an architectural gem designed by the two brothers Suomalainen and erected in 1969. The church hall is covered with a dome, lined with 22 kilometres of copper and supported on the rock walls by reinforced concrete beams. The dome has 180 skylights, through which the natural light is let in throughout the year. The interior walls are of rugged rock and rubble and an ice-age crevice serves as the altarpiece. Due to its excellent acoustics the church is a popular venue for concerts and has hosted up to 400 concerts a single year.
Temppeliaukio Church is open for visits close to 365 days per year. Please see the accurate opening hours for the day of your visit on www.temppeliaukiochurch.fi/en
Suomenlinna
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.
The fortress was shaped by three historic eras when it helped to defend first Sweden, then Russia and ultimately Finland. There are six kilometres of walls, 100 cannons, exciting tunnels, and beautiful parks. There are also museums, guided tours, events and restaurants in Suomenlinna.
Private guided tours of the fortress, in several languages, can be booked in advance (guidebooking@suomenlinnatours.com). Public guided tours in English are announced in the events calendar on the Suomenlinna webpages.
The fortress is easily accessed all year by public transport (HSL) ferry from the Market Square (daily) or the HSL maintenance ferry from Katajanokka (on weekdays). The travelling time is approx. 15 minutes. During the summer season 2025 also a water bus connection by FRS Finlands from the Market Square to Lonna, via Lonna.
Old market hall and market 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.
The Market Square or Kauppatori is one of the most visit and enjoyable cosy places in Helsinki.
The Market Square is the spot for freshly cooked foods, cafes, meat, fruit, fish- especially herring during its season, or even reindeer sausages. There are tables and chairs to relax and enjoy meals. But that’s only from the edible stalls.
The market offers a variety of services, souvenirs, dolls, fur, crafts and clothing. Perfect for strolling, Kauppatori is open air and just beside the marina, with gusts of sea breeze coming off the ocean.
You will find the Market Square at the east end of the Esplanadi Boulevard, near the Senate Square.
Finlandia Hall
Finlandia Hall ( designed by Alvar Aalto) opened its doors on begin of January 2025, following three years of renovation. The renovated Finlandia Hall offers a wider range of services than before, from a restaurant and wine café to accommodation, exhibition space and a design shop. For the first time in its history, the renovated Finlandia Hall is open not only to congress and event visitors but also to all city residents and tourists as a shared, everyday leisure destination and experience venue.
Sibelius monument
The Sibelius Monument by Eila Hiltunen is dedicated to the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). The monument is located in Sibelius Park in the Töölö district of Helsinki.
Allas pool
Allas Pool is a lively meeting place that combines urban culture, relaxing by the water and live music.
It is located right next to the Market Square, surrounded by the sea, offering a place where you can forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it’s a refreshing morning swim, a relaxing sauna session, a memorable concert or a dinner in a seaside atmosphere, every moment is a chance to take a breath and enjoy life.
National library
The National Library of Finland is a cultural heritage organisation that is open to all and provides nationwide services to citizens, scientific communities and other societal operators.
We secure the availability of cultural heritage published in Finland or relating to Finland as well as transmit and produce information content for research, studies, citizens and the society.