Finland has a mysterious yet alluring aura from the snowy pictures, deeply ingrained sauna culture, and it being continually ranked the happiest country in the world. Is it romanized or is it all that it is made out to be? Here are the top 8 things to do to in Helsinki to find out.
Is Finland considered Scandinavian or Nordic? Read more here
The country’s capital of Helsinki is the perfect place to start exploring Finland. Whether you visit in the winter or summer, Helsinki has something for everyone. Helsinki is a hip and alternative city with a lively music and art scene.
Finlands population is relatively low at 5.6 million, with the majority residing in Helsinki. The demographics are interesting as they used to be ruled by Sweden and then Russia at various points in history. You will see remnants of this past history through architecture and language.
As for the happiest place in the world? In my time there I saw: a clean city, a transparent government that provided for its citizens, trust among everyone (children were walking the streets alone), and overall an extremely safe place for solo travelers like me. I would say that is a good foundation for happy people.
The national languages are Swedish and Finnish, but most people do speak English. They use euros as their currency.
1. Sweat it out in a Sauna
Several years ago when I discovered Finland’s extensive sauna culture, I already knew I would vibe with it. I mean I made my friends go to a sauna for my bachelorette party.
There are so many saunas to visit – even the ferris wheel has a gondola that is a sauna called Sky Sauna. Previous Finnish politicians would even go to the saunas to make agreements or decisions, which shows how ingrained in the culture it is.
Now, depending how comfortable you are being naked or seeing others naked, research the saunas you go to beforehand to see if bathing suits are optional, but I mean don’t worry about it too much. We all have bodies, just embrace it.
Allas Sea Pool is a sauna I’d highly recommend. It was right in the Market Square area, so there was a lot to do around it. There are five saunas, 2 different pools, an area where you can go into the sea water, a sun bathing area, a cafe, and a restaurant upstairs. It cost around $18 USD for three hours and it was definitely enough time.
Here are a couple others:
–Loyly, a floating sauna experience
–Kulttuurisauna, a locals spot
–Kothiarjun sauna, a locals spot
–Sauna Hermanni, a locals spot
2. Walk around Market Square
Market Square is along the Helsinki waterfront and on the opposite side are some of the government buildings and Embassies. Here you will find typical Finnish and international street food stands, local crafts and handmade goods, bakeries, ferries that will take you to the zoo, Estonia, and more. All along the beautiful coastline, I would say this is a must do area in the city.
3. Go to the Public Libraries
Finland has the most libraries per capita, however they aren’t just places you go to be quiet and read. They are places to meet your friends, do activities, and just have a nice indoor place to hangout.
You can find public libraries all over Helskini, but the most notable one was a one that was a gift from the city. It’s called Helsinki Central Library Oodi and I mean it was incredible. There are three stories where people can come to play video games, chess, chat with friends, rent studio space to produce music, sew, 3D print, and more. There are also two cafes on the first and third floors serving coffee, pastries, and lunch. It was such a dream.
4. Take a Free Walking Tour
One of my favorite things to do in any new city is take a free walking tour. It gives you good historical context for where you are as well as a feel for the layout of city. I suggest Guru Walk, the guides are always local professionals who love their city and show others why.
You can choose your language and see the itinerary of stops you will be walking to. Just remember that while they are technically free, the guides still need to make a salary. So you need to provide them with a tip. It is suggested $10 pp or more if you can. They usually have card readers now, but having cash is always beneficial.
5. Eat Finnish Food and Pastries
Some typical Finnish foods include reindeer, salmon soup, Muikku (lake fish), Karjalanpiirakka (rice pies), Korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls). You can find some of these items in the Market Square area or Old Market Hall which is in the same vicinity.
Coffee culture is also big here. You will see Robert’s Coffee like you see Starbucks in the U.S. They started as a micro coffee roaster in Helsinki and now have expanded significantly across the city and various parts of the world. They started what Helsinki knows now as coffee shop culture. Their inviting and homey spaces will make you want to slow down and feel cozy while you sip on your coffee. Here you can also try some of the local Finnish pastries.
There are also some more upscale Finnish restaurants including Savotta, Anio, and Nokka (this one’s on the Michelin guide this year).
6. Take a Cruise along the Archipelagos – You can also cruise to Estonia
Helsinki itself is actually an Archipelago that consists of over 300 islands, therefore taking a cruise is a great way to explore and see more of the area.
Although keep in mind this is only a summer activity, the cruise season is only from May-September. These are not the same cruises that you would think of in the U.S. as it is usually only 2 hours and fairly simple.
You can choose your own adventure too such as a guided cruise, a canal cruise, a party cruise, evening cruise and more. You usually get served one meal as well, depending on the time you reserve.
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn is only 2 hours and 18 mins from Helsinki via boat and there are three ferry lines that take you there. What a cool way to get to a new country!
7. Go to the Helsinki City Museum
I would say to go check out the National Museum of Finland but it is closed for renovations until 2027. Although the Helsinki City Museum will still give you the taste of the national culture. It is a fairly new museum, opened in 2016 where it takes you through time describing the past of Helsinki through exhibitions, galleries, and decorations.
8. Shop Around the Various Malls and Grocery Stores
I love to go around either a grocery store or a mall in a new country. You can see the different foods, stores, style, and prices which can tell you a lot about a city. Helsinki did not disappoint in this department. There are dozens of different malls and shopping areas around the city. From vintage stores, bookstores, recycled goods, sustainable design, local markets. The grocery stores were usually attached or at the bottom floor of most malls. You can find more on the Helsinki website.
Some of the ones I went to and are close to the city are City Center, Stockmann, and Kamppi .
