Helsinki: Northern Harmony Between Granite and Glass

On the shores of the Baltic Sea, where wind, light and islands meet, Helsinki reveals its own kind of Scandinavian charm. Grand neoclassical cathedrals stand shoulder to shoulder with bold, modern designer buildings, and parks, cliffs and seaside stretches bring nature right into the heart of the city. The Finnish capital has a character all its own: reserved yet warm, with a quiet sense of order, beauty and calm running through everything. In summer, the sun barely dips below the horizon, and in winter, snowy days give the streets a soft glow, with the seaside saunas adding their own kind of coziness to the mix. This is a place where art, design and nature seem to move as one.

How I Decided to Go There 🇫🇮

The Nordic countries have always been a soft spot of mine, and Helsinki had been on my radar for quite a while. It was only a matter of time before I visited, I was just waiting for the right moment. On top of that, over the years people had often asked me why I’d never traveled anywhere alone and when I finally would. Many of my friends had done it themselves and told me it was a pretty different, and pretty great, experience. I was a bit skeptical about it, but I still wanted to give solo travel a try. About a week before my sister passed away, I’d decided to take my first solo trip, to Valencia. I’d even bought the ticket and booked the hotel. Sadly, that trip never happened.

But fate knew what it was doing, and a few months later I already had a plan for where and when my first solo trip would be. There were some public holidays in early September, so I combined them with a trip to Finland and Estonia. I decided to visit Helsinki first for a few days, then take the ferry across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn, spend a day or two there, and head back home. I did it, and I have to admit, honestly, that trip was incredible, because for the first time I was somewhere completely on my own, and I had an amazing time. So I can’t wait to share this incredible adventure with you, the one called Helsinki.

Language and Communication 🔠

Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, used in administration, education and public services. Even street signs appear in both languages. The reason for this goes back to Finland’s historical ties with Sweden. From the 13th century until the early 19th century, around 600 years, Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. Throughout that long period, Swedish was the main language of administration, education, the courts and culture, while Finnish was spoken mainly by the rural population and held no official status. After 1809, Finland came under the rule of the Russian Empire as an autonomous Grand Duchy, but Swedish remained the language of the elite and of government. During the 19th century, amid a national revival, a movement emerged calling for Finnish to be recognized as an equal language. In 1863, Finnish gained official status alongside Swedish, and after independence was declared in 1917, this bilingual arrangement was written into Finland’s Constitution.

Today, Finnish (suomi) is the mother tongue of about 92% of the population and dominates most regions of the country. It belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family, which is why it differs so much from most European languages, its grammar is complex, and its words share no common root with Germanic or Romance languages. Swedish (svenska) is the mother tongue of around 5% of residents (mainly in coastal areas and the Åland Islands) and belongs to the Scandinavian language family, making it closer to Norwegian and Danish. Beyond the official languages, in the northern region of Lapland, the local Sami people also speak Sami languages. These hold a special status and are used in schools and local administration in certain municipalities. The good news for you as a traveler is that almost all Finns speak excellent English, especially in the cities and tourist areas. So even if you don’t know a word of Finnish, you’ll get by just fine 😊

Safety 🆘

When it comes to safety and security, the Finnish capital gives off a real sense of calm. Crime is extremely low, and violent incidents are rare, especially in the central areas and tourist zones. The city is well lit, clean and orderly, which adds to that feeling of ease even late in the evening. You won’t find big crowds of tourists here either, and that same sense of calm follows you down every street.

What Is the Standard of Living 💰

Helsinki is one of the cities with the highest standard of living in Europe: modern, orderly and safe, but also expensive compared with most other capitals. Prices for food, transport and accommodation are high, though the quality matches that. Lunch at an ordinary restaurant costs around 15 to 20 euros, a monthly transport pass runs 60 to 70 euros, and a night in a mid-range hotel around 100 to 150 euros.

Locals earn high average incomes, which is reflected in the prices, but the city delivers excellent public services, cleanliness, security and calm, all things visitors notice right away. Despite the higher costs, Helsinki wins you over with its order, coziness and Scandinavian comfort, which make your stay a real pleasure.

Currency and Payment Methods 💵

The official currency in Finland is the euro (€), and all the prices you’ll see in shops, restaurants and online already include VAT. Helsinki is a modern, digital city where paying in cash is becoming increasingly rare, so it’s best for visitors to rely mainly on cards and mobile payments.

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard and others) are accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants and museums to taxis and even small kiosks. Contactless payment is widespread, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay work smoothly across all the major chains, supermarkets and public transport.

Still, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash just in case, especially if you’re planning to visit smaller markets or more remote spots. Finns rarely use 1 and 2 cent coins, so amounts are often rounded to the nearest 5 cents. In Helsinki, you’ll notice that almost everything is designed to be fast, easy and secure, payments included. This is a city where you can literally see every sight without ever taking your wallet out of your pocket. Over my 4 days there, I only had to pay in cash once, to buy a fridge magnet as a souvenir, and that was because the seller’s card terminal happened to be down.

Public Transport 🚊 and Airport Transfer ✈️

Before we get into public transport in Helsinki, here’s a tip if you’re planning to see a good chunk of the city’s sights and use transport while you’re there, get yourself a Helsinki Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours. With this card, you get unlimited access to public transport in zones A and B, free entry to quite a few museums and discounts on some attractions, unlimited free rides on the hop-on hop-off buses, as well as free entry to the museums on Suomenlinna Island and its guided tours. I got the 72 hour version myself, and I’ll admit, it saved me quite a bit on entrance fees.

Public Transport 🚌

Public transport in Helsinki is convenient, fast and extremely well organized, one of the reasons the city is so pleasant to explore. The network includes trams, buses, the metro, commuter trains and ferries, all running on a shared ticketing system. Fares are charged by zone, and visitors most often use zones A, B and C, which cover the city center and the airport.

The easiest way to get around is through the HSL (Helsinki Region Transport) app, where you can buy digital tickets and plan your routes. Tickets are also sold at machines on stops, and you can pay directly with a bank card on buses and trams. A single ticket for zones AB costs around 3.10 €, while day passes and multi-day passes (from 1 to 7 days) are especially convenient and good value for visitors.

One of the best things about Helsinki is that a lot of the main sights sit close together and can easily be covered on foot. That means as you wander through the city, you can take in most of the highlights without needing to rely much on public transport.

Airport Transfer ✈️

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) sits about 17 kilometers north of the city center and is excellently connected by public transport, which makes getting into town quick, easy and completely hassle-free, even on late arrivals. The most convenient way to reach the center is on commuter trains I and P, which leave from the underground station right beneath the airport terminals. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day, and the ride to Helsinki’s Central Station takes around 30 minutes. You’ll need a ticket for zones ABC, which costs about 4.60 euros and is valid for 90 minutes, during which time it also covers transfers onto other public transport lines. Tickets can be bought from machines at the airport, through the HSL app, or at the ticket counters. Once you reach Central Station, getting to any part of the city from there is easy, whether by metro, tram, bus or on foot.

If you prefer the bus, you can take line 600, which also connects the airport with Central Station. The ride takes around 40 minutes and uses the same ABC zone ticket, with stops located right in front of the terminals. Taxis are also a handy option, especially if you’re arriving late in the evening or carrying more luggage. They’ll get you into the center in about 30 minutes, with fares typically running between 35 and 50 euros, and nearly all of them accept card and contactless payment. For those traveling in a group or looking for a bit more comfort, there are also pre-booked private transfers, shuttles and rideshare services available at the terminal parking areas.

⚓ Пристанища и фериботи

Helsinki is a major maritime hub in Northern Europe, connecting Scandinavia with the Baltic. The city has several large passenger terminals, from which ferries depart daily to neighboring capitals and islands. The most popular routes run to Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden) and St. Petersburg (Russia, whenever those lines resume), with seasonal connections to the Åland Islands added in summer.

The main passenger terminals are West Terminal 1 and 2 (Länsisatama), South Harbor (Eteläsatama) and Katajanokka Terminal, each served by different ferry operators. It was from Katajanokka Terminal that I set sail for Tallinn myself, an exciting ferry crossing with Viking Line that takes around two and a half hours and offers beautiful views over the coast of the Gulf of Finland, as long as the fog stays away.

Ferry routes from Helsinki are convenient, fast and often cheaper than flying, with many of them also offering the option to bring your car along. The city makes an ideal starting point for short getaways to the northern capitals, with a cup of coffee on board and the sea breeze in your hair, the Baltic feels that much closer and a little more magical.

Where to Stay 🏡

Helsinki offers a wide range of accommodation, from modern designer hotels and boutique guesthouses to hostels and apartments to fit every budget. Most hotels follow that clean Scandinavian minimalist style, spotless, comfortable and with breakfast included, and their locations tend to be convenient for exploring the city on foot or by public transport.

During my stay, I checked into the Radisson RED Helsinki and came away really happy, both with the conditions and the location. The hotel is modern, cozy and has a youthful energy to it, with spacious, stylishly furnished rooms. It sits in a great spot too, close to the center and within easy reach of the main sights and transport links. A quiet neighborhood, yet just a step away from everything you’d want to see in Helsinki, a solid home base for a city adventure.

For more budget friendly options, Helsinki also has plenty of clean, modern hostels, as well as rental apartments, particularly well suited for longer stays or trips with friends.

Kamppi: the heart of modern Helsinki, central, lively and with excellent access to every type of transport. This is where you’ll find the Central Bus Station and the Kamppi metro station, along with several tram lines connecting the area to every corner of the city. It’s also within easy walking distance of Central Station, which makes it a great base for visitors.

Kallio: a more artsy, laid-back neighborhood, known for its youthful vibe, bars, vintage shops and street art. It’s just a few tram stops from the center of Helsinki and easily reached via lines 3, 6 and 9, which stop at Hakaniemi. A great pick for travelers looking for a more creative, offbeat side of the city.

Punavuori: a stylish, modern neighborhood near the waterfront, packed with designer boutiques, galleries, cozy cafés and Scandinavian restaurants. It’s easily reached by trams 1, 3 and 6, with the Eiran sairaala and Iso Roobertinkatu stops dropping you right in the heart of the area. Calm yet lively and artistic all at once, a great fit for anyone into design and good food.

Where to Eat 🍗

The culinary scene in Helsinki is varied and reflects that Finnish spirit, simple, clean and built around local ingredients. Traditional Finnish cooking often features fish, game, wild berries and mushrooms, with dishes that are hearty and full of flavor. Among the most popular specialties are smoked salmon (savulohi), reindeer meat (poronkäristys), Finnish fish soup (lohikeitto), dark rye bread (ruisleipä) and everyone’s favorite cinnamon rolls (korvapuusti), which pair perfectly with a cup of coffee.

During my stay in the city, I had dinner at Ravintola Kolme Kruunua, one of the oldest and most authentic spots in Helsinki. The food was tasty and well prepared, though I wasn’t particularly impressed by the service. The system here works a bit differently, you go up to the bar, pick what you want to eat and drink, pay on the spot, and only then does your order get served to you. That can catch some visitors off guard if they’re used to classic table service.

Overall, Helsinki has plenty of restaurants, bistros, street food stalls and modern food hall centers offering everything from Nordic fine dining to international cuisine. The best advice I can give is to wander the city and find your own spot to eat, because the tastiest discoveries are often the ones you stumble upon by chance.

What to See in Helsinki 🗺

I had two and a half days to get to know Helsinki, and it turned out to be more than enough time to fall for this orderly, harmonious city. I spent half a day on a trip to the charming medieval town of Porvoo, and another half day on a ferry ride out to the historic sea fortress of Suomenlinna, tucked away in the Baltic Sea. The sights in Helsinki are quick and easy to take in, but they leave memories that stay with you long after you’re back home, buildings of granite and glass, cozy squares, cathedrals and museums that carry the spirit of the North.

Let’s not waste any time, let’s go explore them.

Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko)

At the heart of Senate Square rises Helsinki Cathedral, one of Finland’s most recognizable landmarks and a true symbol of the capital. Built in the 19th century in neoclassical style, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, the cathedral stands out with its snow white façade, majestic columns and striking green dome, visible for kilometers around. It was originally named “St. Nicholas” in honor of Russian Emperor Nicholas I, but after Finland declared independence in 1917 it was renamed “Suurkirkko” (the Great Church), and only took on its current name in 1959, when the Diocese of Helsinki was established.

Its five domes are decorated with gold stars, glinting against the northern sky, while the broad staircase leading up to the entrance gives the whole building a real sense of monumentality. The interior is clean lined, bright and calm, very much in that Lutheran spirit, no excess, but plenty of space and harmony. The cathedral often hosts concerts, exhibitions and important national ceremonies, and the square in front of it is a favorite meeting spot for locals and visitors alike.

A curious fact: during the turbulent revolutionary events of 1917, a group of anarchists managed to seize the cathedral for a single night, and decades later, the building found itself in the Hollywood spotlight when Tom Cruise scaled its façade in a scene from “Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol.”

Unfortunately, during my visit both the square and the cathedral itself were under renovation, so I didn’t get to enjoy their full splendor, but even hidden behind the scaffolding, it remained an impressive sight, well worth admiring.

Senate Square (Senaatintori)

Senate Square is the heart of historic Helsinki and one of the city’s most striking spots. Laid out in the 19th century, designed by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel, the square is a textbook example of neoclassical architecture and a symbol of Finland’s old capital. Rising above it is the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, its white façades and green domes dominating the entire city skyline.

Around the square stand the buildings of the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki and the National Library, all built in a matching style that gives the whole place an almost imperial feel.

At the center stands a bronze statue of Russian Emperor Alexander II, a reminder of the era when Finland was an autonomous part of the Russian Empire. Interestingly, even though he was a Russian ruler, Finns still call him the “good tsar,” since it was he who restored the country’s own parliament and expanded Finnish autonomy. That’s likely why the statue survived unscathed even during the turbulent revolution of 1917, when a crowd of Russian soldiers and civilians tried to tear it down. Today, Senate Square is a favorite spot for strolling, concerts and festive events, and in winter it’s home to the city’s big Christmas tree.

The Sederholm House (Sederholmin talo)

The Sederholm House stands out among the beautiful buildings of Senate Square, the oldest surviving house in Helsinki, built back in 1757. It once served as the home and trading office of the wealthy merchant Johan Sederholm, and it carries the atmosphere of the old town, back when Helsinki was still a small port settlement.

Interestingly, over the years the building has housed a surprising mix of things, from a tobacco factory and a girls’ school to a bakery and even a city court, before it finally became a museum. Today it’s part of the Helsinki City Museum and houses the charming children’s exhibition “Children’s Town” (Lasten kaupunki), a place where the youngest visitors can dive into history through play. In its historic rooms, kids get to dress up as little 18th century citizens, peek into old-time classrooms and get to know old Helsinki in a fun, hands-on way. There’s no entrance fee, and anyone can walk in, and even I, as one grown up kid, found it pretty fun to step inside and take a look around 🙂

Esplanadi Park (Esplanadi)

Set right in the heart of Helsinki, Esplanadi Park is one of the city’s best loved and liveliest spots. It was written into Helsinki’s urban plan back in 1812 and opened to the public in 1818, designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel, and it stretches between the two main boulevards, Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplanadi, linking Senate Square with the waterfront. Locals and visitors alike come here to relax among the pretty tree lined paths, flower beds and street musicians, who give the whole place a relaxed, artistic feel.

In summer, the park fills up with people enjoying ice cream, picnics or just the sunshine, and in winter it’s cozily lit up and just as charming. At its center stands the statue of national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the very first public monument in Helsinki, whose unveiling in 1885 turned into a genuine national event, with over 20,000 Finns in attendance. Around it sit some of the city’s finest restaurants and cafés.

The Old Market Hall (Vanha kauppahalli)

The Old Market Hall is one of Helsinki’s most charming spots and a real paradise for anyone into culinary adventures. It sits right by South Harbor and has been open since 1889, making it the oldest covered market in the city. Interestingly, construction actually began a year earlier, but a delay in cement deliveries pushed the opening back by exactly a year. The building has a distinctive reddish brown brick façade and a romantic atmosphere where time seems to stand still.

Inside, you’ll find small stalls and shops where local producers sell Finnish specialties, smoked salmon, elk meat, an assortment of cheeses, rye bread, forest berry jams and handmade chocolates. It’s also home to the smallest alcohol shop (Alko) in all of Finland, a fun little curiosity for visitors. The smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls mixes with the scent of spices and seafood, and the friendly vendors are always happy to share stories about their products. This is the place to get a real taste of Finland, in its most easygoing form.

That’s actually where I had lunch, a bagel (a round bread roll with a hole in the middle) with chicken and salad, simple, but incredibly tasty, made with fresh ingredients. The Old Market Hall is a bit of a food lover’s journey that brings you closer to the soul of Finnish cuisine. Small in size, maybe, but the place is full of charm and makes for a great pause between sightseeing stops.

Central Market Square (Kauppatori)

Among the most colorful, lively spots in Helsinki is Kauppatori, an open air market right on the waterfront in the city’s south harbor. Here, the stalls overflow with local delicacies like smoked salmon, fresh seafood, Finnish cheeses, berries and homemade pastries, while the smell of freshly made fish soup drifts through the air. Beyond the food, you’ll also find souvenirs, handmade items in wood, wool and leather, along with warm scarves and gloves, a nod to Finland’s harsh but cozy climate.

The market is a favorite spot for both tourists and locals, who come here to soak up the sea breeze and the relaxed atmosphere. Ferries to Suomenlinna Island also depart right from Kauppatori, making it a perfect starting point for a day trip out to sea. I’m not usually one for stalls and markets, but strolling among the colorful stands by the water was surprisingly pleasant, and it really pulled me into the Finnish spirit.

The SkyWheel Helsinki

One of the most eye catching attractions by Helsinki’s harbor is the SkyWheel Helsinki, an impressive Ferris wheel that lifts visitors 40 meters above the sea. From the top, a panoramic view opens up over the whole city: the gleaming cathedral domes, the islands, the colorful buildings along the waterfront and the endless waters of the Baltic Sea. The cabins are enclosed, heated and air conditioned, so the ride stays enjoyable year round, even on the coldest winter days.

Each rotation takes about 10 to 12 minutes and gives you plenty of time for incredible photos, especially around sunset, when the sky turns pink and gold. SkyWheel also has a luxury VIP cabin with leather seats and champagne, perfect for special occasions or romantic moments. It sits right in the heart of the city, in the Katajanokka area, just a few minutes’ walk from Senate Square and the cathedral. The mix of sea breeze, height and the slow, steady turning gives you the sense that time briefly stops.

SkyWheel Helsinki opened in 2014 and has 30 cabins, including one fully glass VIP cabin with a leather interior. Each standard cabin holds up to 6 people, while the VIP cabin holds up to 4. The wheel runs year round and keeps turning even in the snow, an experience well worth trying at least once.

A fun fact: one of SkyWheel Helsinki’s cabins has been converted into a mini sauna, making it the only revolving sauna in the world.

You can grab your tickets here:

Uspenski Cathedral (Uspenskin katedraali)

Perched on a rocky hill above Helsinki’s harbor, Uspenski Cathedral is one of the city’s most striking, recognizable buildings. It was built in 1868 as a symbol of Russian influence in Finland and is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. Its architecture draws on the Byzantine style, with 13 gold domes, red brick façades and richly decorated arches that shine beautifully against the blue sky and sea. A curious fact: nearly 700,000 of the bricks used in its construction came from the ruined fortress of Bomarsund on the Åland Islands, torn down by British and French forces during the Crimean War.

The interior is just as impressive, with golden iconostases, chandeliers, wood carvings and a heavy scent of incense filling the space. The cathedral is named after the Dormition of the Mother of God and remains an active church to this day, with regular services still held there. From the terrace in front of the entrance, a beautiful panorama opens up over the harbor and the center of Helsinki, making it a favorite spot for worshippers and visitors alike. Though it echoes the city’s past under the Russian Empire, Uspenski today is very much part of Helsinki’s identity and one of its most photogenic landmarks.

Helsinki Central Railway Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema)

One of the most striking buildings in Helsinki is the Central Railway Station, Helsingin päärautatieasema, right in the heart of the city and a true architectural landmark. Built in 1919, designed by the celebrated Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, it stands out with its granite façade, art nouveau touches and the iconic stone figures holding glowing globes that guard the entrance.

More than 200,000 passengers pass through it every day, making it one of the busiest spots in Finland. A curious fact: back in 1926, a train with faulty brakes crashed straight into the station wall, scattering its cargo of blueberries all across the platforms, luckily, without injuring anyone. Inside, you’ll find modern halls, shops, cafés and direct connections to the metro, trams and trains to the airport. Beyond being a transport hub, the station is also a symbol of Helsinki, a place where the city’s historic atmosphere meets the pulse of modern life.

Ateneum Art Museum (Ateneumin taidemuseo)

One of Helsinki’s cultural treasures is the Ateneum Art Museum, the most important museum of classical fine art in Finland.

Housed in an elegant neo-Renaissance building from 1887, right next to Central Station, the museum holds Finland’s richest collection of art, spanning from the 19th century Golden Age all the way to contemporary works. Among the exhibits, you’ll find masterpieces by celebrated Finnish artists like Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Eero Järnefelt and Hugo Simberg, alongside works by European greats such as Van Gogh, Rodin and Gauguin. A curious fact: when Van Gogh’s painting “Street in Auvers-sur-Oise” entered the collection in 1903, the Ateneum became the first museum in the world to own one of his works.

You can check opening hours and ticket prices on the museum’s official website.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (saarilinnoitus Suomenlinna)

Suomenlinna is one of Helsinki’s most remarkable, iconic destinations, a sea fortress spread across six small connected islands in the Baltic Sea, just a few kilometers from the city’s shore. Built in the 18th century by the Swedes under the name Sveaborg (“the Swedish Fortress”), it was conceived as a formidable line of defense against the advancing Russian Empire.

Later, when Finland fell under Russian rule, the fortress passed into Russian hands. Finland declared independence in 1917, and in May 1918 the fortress officially took on its new name, Suomenlinna (“the Finnish Fortress”), a symbol of national identity and independence. A curious fact: the fortress’s history even inspired American writer George R.R. Martin (author of “Game of Thrones”), who wrote a short story about its capture back when he was a student.

Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited landmarks in all of Finland.

Suomenlinna Church: A Lighthouse and a Temple in One ⛪

Among the island’s most interesting sights is Suomenlinna Church (Suomenlinnan kirkko), built in 1854 as an Orthodox church during the era of Russian rule. Later, after Finland’s independence, it was converted into a Lutheran church, and to this day it still serves as a spiritual center for the small island community.

Interestingly, its tower serves a double purpose: it’s fitted with a powerful lighthouse that guides ships across the Baltic Sea and acts as an important navigation point for vessels arriving in Helsinki. The light signal flashes in Morse code for the letter “H,” standing for Helsinki. Another interesting detail is the church bell, cast in Moscow in 1885, weighing nearly 6,700 kilograms and the largest in all of Finland. The interior is simple and calm, in typical Scandinavian style, creating a striking contrast with the massive stone walls of the fortress surrounding it.

The Museums of Suomenlinna: A Meeting with History 🖼

Suomenlinna is a genuine living open air museum, but beyond its old bastions and tunnels, it’s also home to several specialized exhibitions. The Suomenlinna Museum is the island’s main museum and offers a panoramic walk through the centuries, from the fortress’s construction in 1748 right up to the present day. Here you can see weapons, uniforms, models of the fortifications and old maps, along with a short film that tells the fortress’s fascinating story in several languages.

A few minutes’ walk away, you’ll find the Ehrensvärd Museum, set in the former home of Swedish commander Augustin Ehrensvärd, the architect and founder of the fortress. The museum recreates the life of 18th century officers through authentic furniture, everyday objects and portraits that reveal the human side of military history. In front of it stands the monument to Ehrensvärd himself, placed above his grave and adorned with a cannon and a bronze laurel wreath, a tribute to the man who laid the foundations of this sea guardian. Interestingly, the tombstone itself is shaped like a galleon, the silhouette of an 18th century warship, and it’s so striking that both kids and adults often can’t resist climbing on it, despite the guides’ warnings.

Vesikko Submarine: A Dive into Naval History ⚓

One of the island’s most unusual attractions is the submarine Vesikko (Sukellusvene Vesikko), a small World War II era submarine that’s now been turned into a museum. Built in 1933 in Turku, originally for German purposes as a way around the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles, it was bought by the Finnish navy in 1936 and remains the only surviving submarine of its type in the country. During the war, it managed to sink the Soviet cargo ship Vyborg, its sole combat victory.

Stepping inside is a real adventure, the space is tight and authentically preserved, and the exhibits tell the story of life for sailors underwater and Finland’s role in the naval battles of the time. For many visitors, Vesikko is one of the most memorable experiences on the island, since it quite literally pulls you straight into history.

How to Get to Suomenlinna 🚢

Getting to Suomenlinna is easy and enjoyable by ferry, which departs from Kauppatori (Market Square) in the center of Helsinki. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and the ticket is a standard city ticket for zones AB (around 3.10 euros), also valid for the rest of the city’s public transport.

In summer, there are also extra water taxis stopping at several of the islands, but the regular ferry remains the most convenient and scenic way to reach the fortress. In winter, the connection runs daily too, with the boats cutting straight through the ice, an experience that’s exciting in its own right. During colder winters, the ice in the bay can grow thicker than 40 centimeters, and the sound of it cracking beneath the hull turns into a real winter adventure for passengers.

Kamppi Chapel of Silence (Kampin kappeli)

Tucked into the middle of Helsinki’s bustling center, on Narinkka Square in the Kamppi district, sits the Kamppi Chapel of Silence, one of the most unusual, inspiring spots in the city. Built in 2012, the chapel stands out for its avant-garde design of smooth, curved wood and the soft light that filters into its interior.

Even though it sits in the busiest shopping district, absolute calm reigns inside, there are no liturgies or services here, the space exists purely for solitude, reflection and peace. The Kamppi Chapel is a symbol of the Finnish understanding of spirituality: unobtrusive, minimalist and deeply personal. For many visitors, it feels like a small island of calm amid the noise of the city, and one of Helsinki’s most striking contemporary landmarks.

Amos Rex Museum of Contemporary Art

One of Helsinki’s most unusual, striking cultural landmarks is the Amos Rex museum of contemporary art. Built underground, right next to Lasipalatsi Square, it catches your eye even from the outside, with its futuristic domes rising from the pavement like waves of concrete and glass.

Interestingly, the domes actually cover the site of a former bus station, and visitors are free to climb up and slide down them, the square above the museum is just as much part of the experience as the exhibitions below.

Inside, the spaces feel like another universe, minimalist yet full of light and life, hosting experimental exhibitions, interactive installations and multimedia projects by artists from around the world. Amos Rex doesn’t just display art, it turns it into an experience, a place where the viewer becomes part of the exhibition itself. The museum is a favorite among locals and tourists alike and a great example of Helsinki’s bold, innovative spirit.

You can check opening hours and ticket prices on the museum’s official website.

Parliament House of Finland (Eduskunta)

Among Helsinki’s most imposing buildings is the Parliament House of Finland, a symbol of Finnish democracy and statehood. It sits on a hill in the central part of the city and impresses with its monumental neoclassical façade of red granite, designed by architect J.S. Sirén and opened in 1931.

Its style is clean and austere, with a colonnade of 14 tall Corinthian columns that emphasize the strength and stability of the institution. A curious fact: the old “paternoster” elevators are still in use inside, continuously moving cabins without doors that you step onto and off while they’re in motion. Inside, you’ll find the plenary hall, committee rooms and the offices of members of parliament, with much of the interior preserved in its original art deco style. Visitors can view the building from outside, and guided tours are available with advance registration. Even just seeing it from the street, the building carries a sense of respect, order and quiet strength, qualities that reflect Finland itself.

Rock Church (Temppeliaukion kirkko)

The Rock Church is one of Helsinki’s most unusual, striking landmarks, a place that seems to blend the raw power of nature with Finland’s pursuit of harmony and beauty. Built directly into the heart of a granite outcrop, this Lutheran church opened in 1969 and immediately became an architectural masterpiece.

Instead of demolishing the rock, the architects worked it right into the interior, the walls are rough natural stone, and the ceiling is covered in over 20 kilometers of copper wire, giving off a warm, golden glow. The huge dome and excellent acoustics make the space a favorite not just for services, but for concerts and cultural events too. Interestingly, the church has no real bells, the sound that rings out from its outer walls is actually a recording, played through speakers. During the day, the church fills with soft natural light streaming in through the glazed ring beneath the dome, and the feeling inside is both calm and majestic. A visit here is brief, but it stays with you long after.

Helsinki Central Library Oodi (Helsingin keskustakirjasto Oodi)

One of the places that left the biggest impression on me in Helsinki was the Helsinki Central Library Oodi.

Sitting right across from Parliament, this modern building of wood, glass and steel is a true architectural gem and a symbol of Finland’s love for knowledge and culture. Interestingly, it was conceived as a kind of gift to the nation, opening on December 5, 2018, just a day before the 101st anniversary of Finnish independence, chosen from among 544 designs submitted from around the world in an international competition. Oodi isn’t just a library, it’s a multifunctional cultural center, inside you’ll find reading and study areas, exhibition spaces, recording studios, screening rooms, even 3D printers and a cozy café with a view over the city.

The library’s striking wave shaped façade and bright, open spaces make it feel as if the books themselves breathe alongside their visitors. Finns call Oodi a “temple of knowledge for everyone,” and it fully lives up to that name, everyone is welcome here, whether they come to study, create or simply dream. My own personal dream is that one day my books will sit among these inspiring shelves too, alongside the works that tell the world through their words.

Sibelius Monument (Sibeliuksen muistomerkki)

Among Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks is the Sibelius Monument, located in Sibelius Park in the Töölö district. It’s dedicated to Jean Sibelius, Finland’s most celebrated composer and a national cultural icon.

The monument is an impressive structure made of over 600 hollow steel pipes, resembling an organ, rising like waves of music toward the sky. Created by sculptor Eila Hiltunen, it was unveiled in 1967 and has since become one of the most photographed spots in the city. Interestingly, the original abstract design sparked such heated debate among Finns that the sculptor decided to add a realistic bust of the composer next to the main structure, to calm the critics. The spot carries a real sense of calm and grandeur, perfect for a short stop where you can sit on a bench and take in the quiet around you.

There are certainly more interesting places in Helsinki worth seeing and visiting, but sadly, my time only stretched to these. This visit to the Finnish capital left a lasting mark on me, because with its warmth and hospitality, Helsinki showed me there’s nothing scary about traveling alone. Quite the opposite, it turned out to be one of the most wonderful, exciting adventures of my life. It helped me realize that sometimes all you need is yourself to see that life is beautiful… And that, just like on foggy mornings here in Helsinki, at some point the fog lifts and the sun lights up the sky again.