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Things to do in
Helsinki

Finland’s capital takes explorers in with its coastal air, artistic monuments, and modern architecture.

Our most recommended things to do in Helsinki

From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

1. From Helsinki: Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, lies across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki: an easy day trip by ferry for those keen to experience its medieval charms. Secure your place on the ferry with a convenient crossing time. Cruise across the Gulf, and enjoy up to 10 hours to explore independently. Delve into Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and enjoy the museums, shops, and restaurants. Tickets include entry on board and seating. You can spend your time on board visiting one of the restaurants, shopping at the Traveller Superstore, or enjoying the scenery of the archipelago passing by. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Tallinn D-terminal to the old town, or you can take a taxi from the terminal building. You can also visit different museums like the KUMU art museum or the baroque architecture of the Kadriorg Palace. Depending on the chosen departures you will have up to 10 hours to explore Tallinn.  Upgrade your experience and and book into the Comfort Class or Business Lounge. Comfort Class: • Travel comfortably while enjoying the sea view. The upgrade price includes snacks (with ingredients to make sandwiches), coffee, tea, refreshments, daily newspapers, and free WiFi Business Lounge: • Travel in style and add some luxury to your journey. The upgrade includes food and drinks at the Business Lounge buffet. Newspapers, magazines, and free WiFi available

From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki

2. From Tallinn: Return Day Trip Ferry Transfer to Helsinki

Don't miss the opportunity to explore beautiful Helsinki, one of the most liveable cities in Europe. Helsinki lies across the Gulf of Finland from Tallinn: an easy day trip by ferry to stroll around Helsinki’s historical city center and to try local food in cozy nice cafes and restaurants. Secure your place on the ferry with a convenient crossing time. Cruise across the Gulf, and enjoy seven hours to explore Helsinki independently. Tickets include entry on board and seating. You can spend your time on board visiting one of the restaurants, shopping at the Traveller Superstore, or enjoying the scenery of the archipelago passing by. It is about a 10-minute tram ride from the West Harbor Terminal to the city center of Helsinki. Depending on the chosen departure times you will have up to 10 hours to explore the city. Choose to upgrade to comfort class or the business lounge at booking. With comfort class, travel comfortably and enjoy the sea view. The upgrade price includes snacks, coffee, tea, other refreshments, daily newspapers, and free Wi-Fi. Travel in style and luxury in the business lounge, including food and drinks from the exclusive buffet, newspapers, magazines, and free Wi-Fi.

Helsinki: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

3. Helsinki: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

See the Helsinki tourist attractions that interest you most and avoid wasting time on an organized tour with this hop-on hop-off bus tour. Hop on and off as many times as you like at any of the stops on the itinerary over a 24-hour or 48-hour period. You could choose to admire the unique rock architecture of the Temppeliaukio Church, visit the Parliament House, admire the neoclassical architecture in Senate Square or search for a bargain in Market Square. Enjoy an onboard audio commentary available in 10 languages and avail of excellent views from the top deck of your double-decker bus. Don't worry if the weather isn't great as the bottom deck is completely protected from the elements.

Helsinki: Sightseeing Canal Cruise with Audio Commentary

4. Helsinki: Sightseeing Canal Cruise with Audio Commentary

Head to the water and experience a canal cruise on your visit to Helsinki. Admire the most beautiful shorelines of the city and see many of its top attractions from the comfort of your boat. You’ll pass by the historic Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress, the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari Island, the impressive fleet of icebreakers, and stunning Degerö Canal. On this boat ride you’ll also hear about Helsinki’s fascinating history from commentary that’s provided during the cruise. There will also be information booklets available in 8 other languages. Purchase a refreshing drink, a beer, a glass of sparkling wine, or a cup of coffee, or a pastry in the boat’s cafeteria to enjoy during the cruise.

Helsinki: Evening Archipelago Cruise

5. Helsinki: Evening Archipelago Cruise

Blending nature, historical sights, and Finnish fare, the sightseeing cruise journeys through Helsinki’s extensive archipelago of islands. The boat ventures past UNESCO’s fortress Suomenlinna while you cruise along the waterways and taste local dishes. After departing from Market Square in the city center, the cruise will head towards Helsinki’s historical parts and continue along the capital’s shore to neighboring islands. The voyage will let you contrast the urban landscape with the wilderness of more than 300 islands and 130km of shoreline. This cruise is a chance to go beyond the city center and discover the intricate archipelago of islands and nature reserves. A snippet into the Finnish seaside lifestyle, the island neighborhoods boast summer cottages, groves, boulders, and tiny coves that can be seen along the shore. The tour will then make its way to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous sea fortress of islands bursting with nature and history. Refreshing drinks are available during the tour from the bar. Sundeck seats included in the ticket are non-covered space outdoors. Finally, take in the unique sights while you sit back and delight in some local delicacies. Book a table in advance, table booking is subject to availability.

Helsinki Archipelago: Sightseeing Boat Tour

6. Helsinki Archipelago: Sightseeing Boat Tour

Admire the main attractions of Finland's crown jewel on the Historical Helsinki route. Don't miss a beat as your boat weaves through the waterways of the Helsinki archipelago. Bask in the natural beauty, amazing architecture, and clean air of this Scandinavian gem. Depart from one of Helsinki's most famous sights, Market Square, and head out to sea. See famous Unesco World Heritage Sites such as the Fortress of Suomenlinna, as well as the Finnish ice breakers and Korkeasaari Zoo. Listen as your guide tells you stories about many of the most sought-after areas of the city. Enjoy both natural and man-made phenomena during this maritime experience. Enjoy views of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Helsinki, including Eira, Katajanokka, and Kruununhaka. Listen to historical tales of local lore from your guide about all the various hot spots, before the journey ends where it began, at Market Square.

From Stockholm: Overnight Cruise to Helsinki with Breakfast

7. From Stockholm: Overnight Cruise to Helsinki with Breakfast

Travel from Stockholm to Helsinki overnight by ship and enjoy not only the two cities but also a relaxing time onboard. Leave Stockholm in the afternoon, check into your comfortable private sea-view cabin, and make the most of your time onboard. Take advantage of the breakfast buffet, which is included in the price. Dine at the Grand Buffet or one of the à la carte restaurants. Browse through the shops offering global and local brands, listen to the singer-songwriter in the Pub, watch the evening show in the Starlight Palace or sing karaoke. Relax in the sauna and afterward, drink a fancy cocktail at the bar.  Arrive in Helsinki well-rested the next morning. If you wish to travel back, you can book trip back as another product. You can also book dinner as an add-on.

From Stockholm: 3-Day Return Cruise to Helsinki & Breakfast

8. From Stockholm: 3-Day Return Cruise to Helsinki & Breakfast

Travel from Stockholm to Helsinki and back by ship. Enjoy 2 cities and plenty of time to relax onboard. Day 1: Depart in the afternoon and check into your comfortable sea-view cabin. While onboard, take advantage of the various dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Book ahead the dinner buffet and end the night with cocktails and live music or karaoke in the pub. Day 2: Take advantage of the breakfast buffet, included in the price, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. Arrive in Helsinki in mid-morning and enjoy about 6 hours to explore the city on your own before departing back to Stockholm in the late afternoon. Unwind from your day of touring with a visit to the sauna. Day 3: Have a buffet breakfast while sailing through the archipelago on your way back to Stockholm. Arrive back in Stockholm in the morning. You can choose between two different cabin options: The classic sea-view cabin is a high-class, 11m2 cabin for up to 4 persons with air conditioning, TV, shower, bathroom, and hairdryer. The lower beds can be converted into a double bed. A breakfast buffet on both mornings is included. The deluxe option offers an elegant and spacious 14 m2 sea-view cabin for 2 persons with an extra bed for a child under 17 years. The deluxe cabin has a double bed (separable), air conditioning, flat screen TV, shower, toilet, hairdryer, trouser press, and complimentary refreshments in the minibar. A special breakfast served in Tavoláta restaurant, is also included.

Helsinki: Tallinn Guided Day Tour with Ferry Crossing

9. Helsinki: Tallinn Guided Day Tour with Ferry Crossing

Cross the Gulf of Finland by ferry and join a guided city tour of Tallinn on a day tour from Helsinki. Step back to medieval times in Old Town, and see past Russian influences in the architecture of Aleksander Nevski Cathedral and Kadriog Park. After an easy 2-hour ferry crossing from Finland to Estonia, you will be met at the port by your guide. Your guided city tour will take in all the major sites of Tallinn, followed by some free time to explore at your own pace. The most popular destination in Tallinn is Old Town, an area which has maintained its medieval character and charm to this day. Stroll the cobblestone streets, walk through ivy-covered Viru Gate and explore the gothic Town Hall. On Toompea Hill discover the perfectly pink Toompea Castle, built in the 13th century, now home to Estonia's parliament. Directly across from the castle is Aleksander Nevski Cathedral. This striking Russian Orthodox-style cathedral with onion bulb domes will certainly capture your attention. For a dose of nature, the beautiful gardens at Kadriog Park beckon visitors to Tallinn. With geometric flower beds, Japanese garden and a lovely swan pond, there is plenty to delight the senses for all ages. At the end of the day you will return to the port for your ferry trip back to Helsinki where your tour ends but memories will remain.

Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki

10. Nuuksio National Park: Half-Day Trip from Helsinki

If you’re planning a visit to Helsinki, be sure to include a half day for a trip to Nuuksio National Park, located within the boundaries of greater Helsinki. It takes about an hour and a half by public transportation to reach the park from the city center. You’ll be met in the center of Helsinki, and travel by commuter train to Espoo center and then take a local bus to the park entrance. The park is ranked among the top 10 nature attractions in Finland and is a must-see. To get the most from your visit, it’s best to let an experienced guide and professional naturalist lead the way. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the tall coniferous or mixed forest, with trees growing around enormous primeval rocks, in an area that’s rich with mosses and ferns. You’ll come across numerous small forest lakes, and you can stop to enjoy a swim. The forest is inhabited by various animals, including such rare species as the Siberian flying squirrel, found in Europe only in Finland and Estonia. With your biologist guide you’ll trek through the tall forest, learn about the natural features of Finland, enjoy scenic views, and hopefully spot some wildlife.

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Frequently asked questions about Helsinki

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Helsinki?

The best day trips and excursions from Helsinki are:

Tallinn

Other Sightseeing Options in Helsinki

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What people are saying about Helsinki

Overall rating

4.6
(2,668 reviews)

Jeff was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide! He made sure we were all comfortable with the hike and guided us along during the walk to the archipelago! Porkkalanniemi is a beautiful and scenic site, lots to walk around and explore at your own speed. We were served delicious soup and dessert, made by our guide, it was truly the best. I would recommend this trip if you are in Helsinki even for a short time. Thanks very much Jeff from Dhana Hanna and Lorna

It was a great day and David made sure my parents who are not very fit managed the whole walk! He was very attentive making sure to show the best route/path forward as it was a bit icy. The highlight was walking on the frozen lake! He was also very well prepared with alternative footwear for any weather!

Lovely and knowledgeable guide. Explained the history of the city and the traditional food we were tasting. Would definitely recommend!

Perfect tour to see the most important sights, and just good with 1h45 min. Learnt a lot through the audio guide too.

Loved my time with David and the other guests. Loved walking on the frozen lake, and learning about the flora.