Explore Helsinki in One Day
Helsinki, Finland’s capital, seems impossible to do in only ten hours, but believe us, it is possible. The city offers a unique blend of Scandinavian and Eastern European cultures. This means there is plenty to see and do, like going to a sauna or karaoke. Yes, you read it right. In Finland, especially Helsinki, karaoke is as popular as in Japan. But let’s get back to what to see in Helsinki, which we will explore in this blog post. We arrived in Helsinki via ferry from Estonia and had roughly ten hours to explore it. We planned the best route, and here is how we waddled.
#1: Temppeliaukio Church
Also known as the “Rock Church,” Temppeliaukio Church is a stunningly modern architecture built directly into solid rock. The church’s unique interior has natural light, and the acoustics make it a popular venue for concerts and events.
The architecture is one of the most fascinating aspects of the Temppeliaukio Church. It was designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969. The rough granite walls of the church create a natural and organic atmosphere. Despite its popularity as a tourist site, the Temppeliaukio Church is still an active place of worship. Regular religious services, weddings, and other religious ceremonies are held in the church, adding to its cultural and spiritual significance.
#2: The National Museum of Finland
The National Museum of Finland presents Finnish history from the Stone Age to today through objects and cultural history. Some of the most notable treasures include the Crown of the King of Finland, ancient jewelry, medieval weapons, and archaeological finds from various eras.
The museum’s main hall, known as the Väinämöinen Hall, is named after the central character in the Finnish national epic, “Kalevala.” This grand hall is a breathtaking space with high ceilings and beautiful murals depicting scenes from Finnish mythology.
Check out their website in case you want to visit the inside.
#3: The Parliament House
First of all, let us say it is huge. The building was designed by renowned Finnish architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén and completed in 1931. It represents the architectural style of Classicism, with influences from Greek and Roman architecture. The Parliament House is designed to be accessible and open to the public. Visitors can enter the building and explore certain areas, such as the public gallery in the plenary chamber, where they can witness parliamentary proceedings. Guided tours are also available, providing insights into the building’s history, architecture, and democratic processes. The Parliament House is a symbol of Finnish democracy and political transparency.
#4: Hesperia Park
Hesperia Park is a beautiful green area where there used to be factories and villas. The park includes a 2.2 km recreational path suitable for bikes and various picnics and a range of recreational facilities for all family members and penguins.
#5: Helsinki Central Railway Station
The station was designed by renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1919. The most recognizable feature of the Helsinki Central Railway Station is its clock tower. The tower stands at a height of 48 meters (157 feet) and is adorned with a clock face on each side. The clock tower has become an iconic symbol of Helsinki and serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors. Beneath the station, there is a network of underground passages and tunnels. These passages connect different parts of the station and provide access to nearby buildings and public transportation options. The underground facilities include shops, restaurants, and other amenities for travelers.
#6: Helsinki Railway Square
Helsinki Railway Square is an open square immediately to the east of the Helsinki Central railway station. The square serves as Helsinki’s secondary bus station. The main one is Kamppi Center.
#7: The House of the Estates
The House of the Estates, also known as the Säätytalo, played a crucial role in Finnish history as the meeting place for the Diet of Finland (Finnish parliament) when Finland was a Grand Duchy under Russian rule (1809-1917). It served as a venue for important political discussions and decision-making processes. Apart from that, The House of the Estates holds a special place in Finnish history as it is where the Finnish Declaration of Independence was adopted on December 6, 1917. The declaration marked Finland’s independence from Russia and is celebrated as a national holiday to this day.
#8: Helsinki Cathedral
The Helsinki Cathedral is the most iconic building in the city. We love it has a vast square in front. It was designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel and completed in 1852. The cathedral is known for its striking white exterior, which gives it a majestic and elegant appearance. The white color comes from using white Carrara marble sourced from Italy. The cathedral is accessed via a wide staircase with multiple levels, adding to its grandeur. The staircase is a popular spot for locals and visitors to sit and enjoy the views of the square and the cityscape. It is an active Lutheran church and holds regular religious services. It is also a popular venue for concerts, cultural events, and weddings.
In front of the Helsinki Cathedral is a prominent statue of Emperor Alexander II of Russia. The statue was erected in 1894 as a tribute to the emperor, who granted Finland significant autonomy during his reign.
#9: Market Square
Located in the South Harbour, Market Square is a lively outdoor market offering local Finnish food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It’s a great place to sample some traditional Finnish dishes, such as grilled salmon and reindeer balls. The Market Square is one of the most visited and enjoyable cozy places in Helsinki. You can even buy your souvenirs here. If you buy food and waddle around, beware of the seagulls. We tried the reindeer balls, and they were delicious.
#10: Old Market Hall
The Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) in Helsinki, Finland, is a historic market hall that offers a delightful culinary experience. It was inaugurated in 1889 and has been a bustling hub of food trade ever since. The building itself is considered a significant architectural landmark. It is a paradise for food lovers. You can find here a wide variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, cheeses, spices, and more. It’s a great place to sample traditional Finnish delicacies and local specialties, such as smoked salmon, reindeer meat, and Finnish pastries. It emphasizes local and sustainable food production. Many vendors are small-scale producers from the Helsinki region and nearby areas. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the aromas and flavors of fresh food, creates an inviting and sensory experience for you.
#11: Uspenski Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral is claimed to be the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe and stands as a testament to the Russian influence in Finland. It was built during the Russian rule of Finland in the 19th century. The cathedral features 13 distinctive onion-shaped domes, each topped with a gilded Orthodox cross. It is an active place of worship for the Finnish Orthodox Church. Regular religious services are held here, and visitors are welcome to attend these services or explore the cathedral’s interior during open hours.
#12: Suomenlinna
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna Fortress is a must-see attraction in Helsinki. It’s a series of interconnected islands that have been fortified over the centuries. Take a ferry from Market Square to reach the fortress and explore its museums, historic buildings, and fortifications. Check out our waddle here.
#13: Flatiron House of Helsinki
If you are an architectural fan, then the Flatiron House at Vuorimiehenkatu 4 is for you. It reminded us of the one in New York we saw a few years back.
#14: Kaivopuisto Park
It is one of the oldest and best–known parks in central Helsinki. It was established in the early 19th century and has become a beloved recreational area for locals and visitors. The park is situated along the coastline of the Baltic Sea, offering stunning views of the water and nearby islands. It provides a peaceful and scenic escape from the bustling city center.
Helsinki is a fascinating history, culture, and natural beauty city. Although there are plenty of things to see and do in Helsinki, you can explore the city’s top attractions in just one day. And believe us, one day for Helsinki is enough. Also, if you are a budget traveler, you don’t want to spend more time here.
Enjoy your waddle in Helsinki!
