Alpha Flight Guru Travel Blog
12.3.2015

Top Attractions in Helsinki, Finland

Posted By AFG Team
Cheap business class flights to Finland

Experience the best attractions in Finland’s capital when you take a cheap business class flight to Helsinki or discounted first class flight to Helsinki. Alpha Flight Guru reviews Helsinki’s top attractions.

Aleksanterinkatu – This is Helsinki’s main street. Here you’ll find shops, cafés, restaurants, and Stockmann department store. Located near Senate Square, this street offers access to the University of Helsinki, the Ritarihuone, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Nordea Bank. It’s especially picturesque during the holidays.

Ateneum Art Museum – This is the largest collection of art in Finland with more than 20,000 pieces from the 1750s to the 1950s. The building was completed in 1887. The changing exhibitions are on display on the ground floor and in the exhibition halls on the second floor. Take a guided tour to explore this museum. Ateneum Art Museum is part of the Finnish National Gallery.

Esplanade Park – Located in central Helsinki, Esplanade Park serves as a boardwalk for visitors and a favorite spot to relax for locals. The park hosts many popular events, including fashion shows and concerts, throughout the year.

Helsinki Cathedral – Considered the symbol of Helsinki, this beautiful historical landmark is an Evangelic Lutheran church. Located in downtown Helsinki, construction of the cathedral was completed in 1852.

Helsinki Zoo - Established in 1889, Helsinki Zoo Korkeasaari is one of the world’s oldest zoos. It houses approximately 200 different animal species from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. Plus, there are nearly 1,000 different plant species. The zoo’s terrain is very hilly, so plan accordingly. Tours by car are possible on Thursdays before 10am if you contact customer service in advance.

Linnanmäki Amusement Park - Since 1950, this has been one of Finland’s most popular theme parks. It offers a variety of attractions like roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, octopus spinner, pendulum rides, river rafting, bumper cars, water rides, and more. Linnanmäki also has arcade halls, a glass maze, a motion cinema, a funhouse, and an outdoor stage for live performances. Ticket prices are based on height. The park also connects to the Sea Life Centre, a new marine attraction that offers modern glass displays, aquariums, and a view of sea life featuring various underwater species. If you visit in October, make sure to experience the Carnival of Lights.

Market Square - Located in the South Harbor just steps away from Esplanade Park and Senate Square, Market Square is Helsinki’s most famous market. The booths here sell food, clothing, jewelry, artwork, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Plus, there’s a heated café tent where you can enjoy a warm beverage.

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma – As part of the Finnish National Gallery, the primary role of this museum is to educate the public on contemporary art and elevate the status of art in Finland. The main focus is on Finnish contemporary art. The collection is displayed in annually changing thematic exhibitions.

National Museum of Finland – This museum showcases Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present day. The collection has been established throughout more than 200 years. On the third floor, Vintti is an interactive exhibition for children to study the history of Finland and its culture. Adults can participate as well. There’s a café inside year-round and an outdoor café in the summer. Guided tours by request.

Olympic Stadium – This stadium was built in 1938, and the Olympic Games were held in Helsinki in 1952. Today, it hosts national and international sporting events and outdoor concerts. At the top of the Stadium Tower, there are panoramic views of central Helsinki. Tickets for the tower can be purchased at the stadium in the tower’s lobby. Plus, there’s a restaurant onsite.

Senate Square - The square’s most prominent buildings are Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland. They were designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852. On the southeast corner of the square, you’ll find the oldest stone building in Helsinki, the Sederholm House. Senate Square also hosts a sound installation called the Sound of the Senate Square, which can be heard every day. Additional attractions include snow sculptures, art displays, festivals, and concerts.

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum – This museum showcases Finnish housing and Finnish folk tradition from the 18th to the 20th century. Tour guides wear national costumes to lead visitors through cottages and salons of the past. For onsite dining, try Restaurant Seurasaari or Café Antin Kaffeliiteri. For souvenirs, there’s a gift shop.

Sibelius Monument – Located in Sibelius Park, this monument honors world famous composer Jean Sibelius. It was unveiled in 1967. Designed by Eila Hiltunen, the monument resembles organ pipes and is made of welded steel. It features a bust of Sibelius on one side. It is considered one of Helsinki’s most popular statues and one of the most recognized tourist attractions.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress – As one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world, Suomenlinna is a very popular attraction in Finland. The Visitor Centre and Suomenlinna Museum are located in in the middle of the fortress. Daily guided tours in the summer in English, Finnish, Russian, and Swedish, and on Saturdays and Sundays in the winter in English and Russian. There’s a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops onsite. Suomenlinna is open year-round. To get there, take a ferry through Helsinki City Transportation or a waterbus from the pier at Market Square.

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) – This unique church’s interior walls were created from natural bedrock. It opened in 1969 and is now a popular concert venue. It is located in the district of Toolo and visited by approximately half a million tourists each year.

If you missed our previous posts about Finland, catch up now with 5 Best Hotels in Helsinki, Finland, Finland Travel Tips, 5 Ways to See the Northern Lights in Finland, Top Items to Pack for Finland in Winter, and Best Food in Finland for Travelers.