Less popular than its neighbour Sweden, Finland is nonetheless full of wonders to discover, and the city of Helsinki, the country's capital, is one of them.

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by Swedish King Gustav I Vasa as a trading port. For several centuries, it remained a small town under Swedish rule.

In 1809, Finland came under Russian control and, in 1812, Tsar Alexander I made Helsinki the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland, which kickstarted its development.

Finland gained independence in 1917. After the wars against the USSR, the city modernised rapidly and established itself as a dynamic European capital, known today for its quality of life and sustainable urban planning.

Thanks to its proximity to the sea, its surrounding nature and its cultural richness, Helsinki is the perfect destination for a complete stay of a few days.

As we loved our time in the capital, here are our suggestions so you don't miss a thing.

1 - The must-sees

If you're passing through in a whirlwind, here is a condensed selection of the spots you absolutely must not miss.

• Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral: Built in the

  

  19th century (1830–1852) under Russian rule, it represents the neoclassical style inspired by Saint Petersburg. Its large central dome and white facades dominate Senate Square and make it unmissable even from any point in the city. Known as one of the most iconic symbols of the Finnish capital, it is today a Lutheran place of worship and a major tourist attraction. While its interior is rather understated, don't miss climbing the steps that lead up to the cathedral to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view over the centre of Helsinki.

  

• Uspenski Cathedral: The main Orthodox church in Finland and one of the many symbols of the city's Russian past. Inaugurated in 1868, it is built in red brick in a neo-Byzantine style. Its golden domes and its position on a

  hill in the Katajanokka district make it very visible in the urban landscape. It stands today as a testament to the period when Finland was a Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire. For the price of an entry ticket, step inside and admire the gilding and period paintings.

• Helsinki Central Station: It is one of the buildings

  

  most iconic buildings in the Finnish capital. Inaugurated in 1919 and designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, it is a masterpiece of the Nordic Art Nouveau style (Jugendstil). Straight out of a George Orwell novel, its pink granite facade, its large clock tower and the famous statues holding luminous globes at the entrance make it a recognisable symbol of the city. Still very busy, it is today the country's main railway hub and an unmissable stopping point for visitors.

• The South Harbour (Kauppatori): Particularly lively with its open-air market, its ferries and its excursion boats to the archipelago. The city's South Harbour is a must-visit spot to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Both commercial and tourist-oriented, the harbour contributes greatly to Helsinki's maritime and open identity..

• The Old Market Hall (Kauppahalli): It is an iconic location situated on the edge of the south harbour of the capital

  

  Finnish capital. Inaugurated in 1889, it is renowned for its authentic and welcoming atmosphere, where you can discover a wide variety of local products: fresh fish, meats, cheeses, artisan breads, and Finnish specialities such as smoked salmon and reindeer stew. The small stalls and cafés inside create a blend of tradition and modernity, making the market a must-stop for both locals and tourists. It is also the perfect place to sample local gastronomy while admiring the historic architecture of the hall.

• A cruise in the archipelago: Setting off to discover the Helsinki archipelago is an ideal experience to explore the natural beauty of Finland and its unique marine environment. The archipelago is made up of hundreds of small islands, some uninhabited, others home to picturesque villages. During a cruise, you can admire historic lighthouses, colourful wooden houses and forests bordering the Baltic Sea, all while enjoying the fresh air and the calm waters. An essential moment of disconnection during your visit to the capital.

• The electricity meters: Yes, you read that right the communal electricity meters in Helsinki are attractions in their own right. Covered by street painters and local artists, these open-air works of art bring a touch of cheerfulness to the streets of the capital. So enjoy a stroll through the city to discover these curious little gems.

  

2 - To extend your stay

If you have a little more time on your hands, don't worry — you're far from running out of things to do in Helsinki!

• Suomenlinna: A maritime fortress built from 1748 on an archipelago facing Helsinki. Built by Sweden to protect itself from Russia, it later came under Russian control before becoming Finnish after independence in 1917. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna is today one of the most visited tourist sites in Finland. It features ramparts, museums, tunnels, as well as a small inhabited district. Accessible by ferry from the centre of Helsinki, it also offers beautiful walks along the seaside. It is an activity not to be missed if you have a good half day to dedicate to it.

  

• Oodi Central Library: Built in 2018, the library is a symbol of contemporary Finnish architecture. More than just a library, it is a modern public space with reading rooms, studios, coworking spaces and a magnificent panoramic view over the city.

  

• The Kamppi Chapel: Nicknamed the "Chapel of Silence", it is a modern wooden place of contemplation located in the heart of the lively Kamppi district, which will offer a moment of peace and serenity to your day.

• Saunas: The sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture and in Helsinki, there is something for everyone: from traditional wooden saunas by the water's edge to modern urban saunas with views over the Baltic Sea. Locals go regularly to relax, socialise, and enjoy the health benefits the intense heat followed by a plunge into cold water stimulates circulation and cleanses the body. Among the most iconic saunas is Löyly, a wooden design complex on the waterfront that combines contemporary architecture with Finnish tradition. It is open to the public and offers an authentic experience, with the possibility of relaxing on the outdoor terraces.

3 - To make the pleasure last

Do you still have time ahead of you? No problem, we have what you need. Helsinki has many museums, something to please everyone.

• Kaapelitehdas: This former industrial site converted into a large cultural center now houses exhibitions, artists' workshops, museums and events.

• Helsinki SkyWheel: Helsinki's Ferris wheel, located on Kauppatori square, offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the Baltic Sea. With a clear sky, you may have the chance to admire the first islands of the Finnish archipelago.

• Amos Rex: Famous for its futuristic domes integrated into the public square, if your curiosity leads you through the doors of this building, you'll discover a museum of modern and experimental art.

• HAM Helsinki Art Museum: This modern art museum presents all kinds of contemporary works and installations within its walls as well as in the city's public spaces.

• Kiasma: Also dedicated to contemporary art, this museum offers a fine exhibition dedicated to Finnish artists. If contemporary art isn't your cup of tea, we still recommend going to admire its bold building, which is an architectural work of art in itself.

• The Designmuseo: As its name suggests, the design museum showcases Finnish design (furniture, architecture, everyday objects), reflecting this globally recognised tradition.

• The Sinebrychoff Museum: This art museum specialises in old European masters from the Renaissance to the 19th century. This impressive collection, acquired from several donors, is now displayed in a former 19th-century manor house.

We hope you found what you were looking for in this selection and that you'll enjoy your stay as much as we did. For those who are still undecided, we hope these suggestions will have motivated you to take the plunge for your next holiday!