Helsinki Travel guide

If you are looking for a Helsinki travel guide because you are visiting Helsinki anytime soon, then you are on the right page. Here we have some amazing information for you to explore Helsinki in depth, as well as some preprepared Finland itineraries that include Helsinki as a destination. We have also showcased some must-do full day tours in Helsinki that are bookable.

The Helsinki travel guide for travelers

☀️ The “Daughter of the Baltic”
- Helsinki proudly wears this title thanks to its stunning location along the Gulf of Finland and its deep maritime history.
🚰 One of the World’s Cleanest Cities
- From air quality to tap water (which is cleaner than bottled!), Helsinki sets the global standard for sustainability and cleanliness.
🏝️ A City on the Sea
- Surrounded by more than 330 islands, Helsinki is a gateway to island-hopping adventures. Don’t miss Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage fortress.
🎨 Design Capital of the World
- Named World Design Capital in 2012, Helsinki boasts a vibrant Design District full of boutiques, studios, and creative flair.
🌅 Midnight Sun & Cozy Winters
- Experience long sunlit days in summer and magical dark winters—perfect for chasing the Northern Lights just a few hours north.
🔥 The Sauna Capital
- There are more saunas than cars in Finland! In Helsinki, try iconic ones like Löyly or Allas Sea Pool for a traditional + modern experience.
🎓 World-Class Education Hub
- Home to leading universities and a globally admired education system, Helsinki is as smart as it is stylish.
🌿 A Green Capital
- Over 30% of Helsinki is covered in parks, forests, and green spaces—ideal for nature lovers and urban explorers alike.
☕ Coffee Capital of the World
- Finns drink more coffee per capita than anyone, and Helsinki’s café scene will make any coffee lover feel right at home.

Amazing things to do in Helsinki

Area	Best For	Highlights
Helsinki City Centre (Kluuvi & Kamppi)	First-time visitors & convenience	Walking distance to top attractions like Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Esplanade Park, shops, restaurants, and transport hubs.
Punavuori (Design District)	Art & design lovers	Known for boutique hotels, galleries, creative cafés, and a vibrant, trendy atmosphere. Great for a stylish, cultural stay.
Katajanokka	Peace & sea views	A quiet residential island with sea-facing hotels. Home to the famous Uspenski Cathedral and close to the Viking Line ferry terminal.
Kallio	Budget travelers & nightlife	A hip, bohemian neighborhood with affordable stays, quirky bars, and vintage shops. Popular with younger travelers.
Toolo	Families & parks	Close to Töölö Bay, Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium, and Sibelius Park. Peaceful yet central with family-friendly hotels.
Helsinki West Harbour (Jätkäsaari)	Cruise travelers	Great for those arriving/departing via cruise ships. New development area with modern hotels and sea views.

Here is the list of some amazing Sauna’s in Helsinki:

Löyly – stylish design sauna by the sea with a restaurant and terrace
Allas Sea Pool – urban spa with saunas and heated seawater pools
Kulttuurisauna – minimalistic, eco-friendly sauna by the waterfront
Sauna Hermanni – traditional local sauna with an old-school vibe
Kotiharjun Sauna – the only remaining public wood-heated sauna in Helsinki
Lähtevä Sauna – a floating sauna experience on the Helsinki waters
Sompasauna – free, open-to-all DIY sauna run by locals, right on the harbor
Uusi Sauna – modern public sauna with restaurant and rooftop terrace
Kaurilan Sauna – atmospheric, wood-heated garden sauna perfect for private bookings
Löyly Lounge – separate lounge area at Löyly, ideal for relaxing post-sauna

Renting a car in Helsinki can be one of the best and most cost-friendly options to explore the city. An author in one of the renowned DMC has written that “You cannot decide if you should rent a car or hire a cab in Helsinki until you know what places you want to visit.” We believe that there are mainly 3 questions you should ask yourself:

Your preferred itinerary
Are you confident in Driving
Current weather conditions

Answers to this question will give you clarity. From the supply side, there is no problem at all and many tourists are renting a car with an international driving license in Helsinki.

Pamela and Makiko enjoying their guided tour of Turku, visiting the historic cathedral and exploring cultural landmarks during their day trip from Helsinki.

Turku tour from Helsinki

Turku, Finland

3 Reviews

from hk$5,720

Aerial view of a cruise ship sailing across the Baltic Sea

Full day Tallinn tour via cruise from Helsinki

Tallinn, Estonia

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from hk$2,420

Aerial view of the charming old town of Porvoo covered in snow during winter

Porvoo tour from Helsinki

Porvoo, Finland

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from hk$5,720

Finland tour with Helsinki as a Destination

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8 days Finland & Norway tour in Winters

Tromsø, Norway

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from hk$36,080

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9 days Finland & Norway tour in Winters

Tromsø, Norway

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10 days Finland & Norway tour

Tromsø, Norway

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Huskies pulling a sled in Rovaniemi Husky Park

8 days Finland tour package with child

Rovaniemi, Finland

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from hk$23,760

We offer a variety of tours in Helsinki, including city tours, cultural experiences, nature adventures, and day trips to nearby attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's landmarks, immersing yourself in Finnish culture, or discovering the natural beauty of Helsinki's surroundings, we have the perfect tour for you.

Booking a tour with us is easy. You can browse our website to explore our range of tours and activities, select the one that interests you, and follow the booking instructions. If you have any questions or need assistance, our friendly team is always here to help. Simply reach out to us via email, phone, or live chat, and we'll be happy to assist you with your booking.

Helsinki is a great destination to visit year-round, with each season offering its own unique attractions and activities. The summer months (June to August) are popular for outdoor activities and festivals, while the winter months (December to February) are ideal for experiencing traditional Finnish winter activities such as ice skating, sledding, and visiting the Christmas markets.