The geographical position of the capital of Finland, its small distance from the borders with Russia allow you to travel to the country in a short period of time. At the same time, the question of what to see in Helsinki in one day becomes important, combining a variety of shopping with acquaintance with the sights of the city. To make a plan for exploring the city, you can study the proposed list of its attractions.

How to get from the airport to the center

Helsinki Airport is located in the small town of Vantaa, 20 km from the capital of Finland. He began his work more than 50 years ago, performing the functions of a hub. This is an important passenger transfer point, servicing a large number of flights for various purposes, using modern air navigation equipment. It organizes a comfortable delivery of passengers from the arrival sector to the departure sector.

Numerous service departments operate on the territory of the hub. It is always possible to book a taxi to transfer to Helsinki. You can drive along the Tuusula highway (forty-fifth highway), the Keha highway (fiftieth highway), guided by convenient signs. You can get to the city by buses No. 615, 15A, tram 3T (ticket price 6 €, travel time about 15 minutes). Departure points are stops at the railway station, bus station, located in the mole of Kamppi.

Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Helsinki for 3 570 RUB

Bus station, Kamppi shopping center

The multifunctional complex successfully combines the working conditions of a shopping center and a transport terminal. It arose in 2006, using the building of the old bus station of the city. Thanks to an interesting engineering idea, a landmark of the capital appeared, including an intercity transport terminal, 150 stores for various purposes, residential premises, customer service halls, and a connection to the metro.

The indisputable advantage of the microdistrict is its location near the railway station. The bus terminal with 35 platforms is located on levels E, K (ground floor of the building). There is also a waiting room, a left-luggage office, toilets, ticket offices, and private car parking. You can book a seat at the airport. Six floors of the shopping center are reserved for shopping. And from the equipped terrace of the night club you can admire the beauty of the night city for a long time.

Address of the bus station, shopping center: Urho Kekkosen katu 1.

Chapel of Silence Kamppi

An unusually shaped chapel made of wood according to the requirements of a unique design project appeared in the center of the capital in 2012. Being located in a noisy place in the city center, the interior of the building is a model of silence and tranquility. The chapel does not host regular church events such as funerals and baptisms. Only daily prayers, which can be seen daily from morning to evening (surrounded by unusual black finishes, beautiful ash furniture), are heard in a hall filled with unusual silence.

The facade of the chapel is made in the shape of an egg from curved spruce slats. The design solution with unusual harmony, ergonomics of the external and internal appearance of the chapel creates conditions for secluded meetings, peace, and relaxation in the busiest part of the city. You can enter the chapel through the glass base on Narinkkatori Square.

Admission is free from 7 am to 8 pm. Chapel address: Simonkatu, Helsinki.

Esplanade Park

Helsinki is one of the beautiful, green cities in the northern regions of the planet. On its territory there are more than 50 parks founded in different historical periods of the capital. One of them is the linden Esplanade park in the city center (Kaartinkaupunki district), founded in 1830 according to the idea of the city architect. Walking through the park, you can relax in an old restaurant, visit the Espa summer theater. There are several monuments to famous writers (the author of the Finnish anthem J.L. Runeberg), fountains.

Among them is the Havis Amanda Fountain, recognized as a symbol of Helsinki. It was erected in 1908 in the form of a bronze figure of a girl. The park has long been a favorite place for city residents who come here for recreation and walks. It is often compared to the Champs Elysees in Paris. The territory of the park is located near the embankment, the pier, the Market Square, the Swedish Theater, the Ferris wheel. This increases the desire to take a walk in the park.

Esplanade address: Eteläesplanadi-Pohjoisesplanadi.

Market Square

Stormy life in a calm, unfussy place in the city begins on weekends. The area is filled with a large number of merchants, people who have come for bargains. Moreover, trade takes place on the sea coast in a picturesque place in Finland. The facade of the presidential palace, the mysterious port, the famous bronze fountain called the “Sea Nymph”, the obelisk of the majestic empress with a double-headed eagle look at the square.

Real luck is considered to be a visit to the Market Square during the herring fair, a Christmas market called the Christmas Market themed fair. On the first Fridays of the month, you can see rare American cars on the square and take part in an interesting marathon. The market offers knitwear with northern patterns of ethnic origin, beloved by local residents and guests of the capital.

Souvenirs here are a real sea and you can buy them profitably using the methods of trade. It is necessary to wander around the market carefully, preventing an unexpected attack of bold seagulls.

Address of the Market Square: Kauppatori. It is easy to get to the square by tram 3T, stop Eteläranta.

Senate square

The appearance of the central square of the capital was formed in the 19th century. The classical architectural style of the ensemble is reminiscent of St. Petersburg Square. Almost all the buildings surrounding the square were erected under the guidance of the German architect Engel, who lived in St. Petersburg and Tallinn for a long time. Around the square there are a large number of interesting buildings for academic, church, municipal institutions. The main decoration of the square is the Cathedral.

Every day at 17.49 the melody of its bells and chimes sounds over the square. Because of the snow-white color of its columns, Helsinki is often called the “White Capital of Finland”. In the center of the square stands a statue of Alexander II, surrounded by figures depicting Law, Light, Labor. Thanks to his reforms, Finland became autonomous. The square often hosts festive performances and concerts. At this time, the famous staircase leading to the church becomes an amphitheater.

Assumption Cathedral

The majestic dark red building with green domes attracts the attention of tourists sailing to the southern harbor of the capital. Together with the snow-white Cathedral, the skyline of the capital is adorned by an Orthodox church built around 1868 in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral is crowned with spiers and domes (there are only 13 of them according to the number of apostles), a bell tower.

Miraculous icons are considered shrines of the temple. Among them is the icon of Our Lady of Kozelshchanskaya, which was returned to the temple after theft in 2010. Unfortunately, the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, stolen during the day in 2017, has not yet been found. The interior of the temple features a number of interesting chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Now the residence of the Archbishop of the capital of Finland hosts events available for visiting. It is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Northern and Western Europe.

Cathedral address: Helsinki, st. Kanavakatu, 1. From Tuesday to Friday, visiting is possible from 9.30 to 19. On weekends, the cathedral is open from 10 to 15 hours. You can get to it by trams number 4, 4T. Get off at the “Ritariuone” stop.

Ferris wheel at Allas terrace

The popular attraction of the city was built on the site of the port terminal of Cape Katajanokka. Its height is 50 m, which is higher than the houses of the city and the Ferris wheel located in the Linnanmäki park in Finland. From the highest vantage point on the wheel, you can see the entire city of Helsinki. 300 people can admire its beauty at the same time. They are comfortably accommodated in white and blue cabins, made in the form of old gondolas, equipped with heating and air conditioning.

The duration of the journey on the wheel is (three laps) 15 minutes. Ticket price 12 € for adults and 9 € for children. On the wheel there are expensive cabins for financially wealthy people. They are given the opportunity to ride in a cabin with leather-trimmed furniture, glass floor, champagne for guests.

The cost of a 30 minute journey is estimated at 200 €. Near the wheel there is a comfortable area for recreation and picnics. There are also numerous cafe-terraces protected by glass walls. Even in windy weather until mid-October, you can relax in them, admire the beautiful views of the bay.

Attraction address: Katajanokanlaituri 2 00160. Open from 10 am to 10 pm.

Main railway station

An important transport hub of the city looks like a beautiful architectural ensemble of the Art Nouveau style, created by E. Saarinen in 1914. Acquaintance with any city begins with the station. Maybe that's why the main element of the station's decoration will be remembered first of all – it's a granite arch with stone figures of strong Atlanteans with lanterns in their hands. Their images as a symbol of the railway communication can often be found on billboards in the city.

The station is located in the center of the capital. All major shopping centers, sights are within walking distance from it. Many shops, pharmacies, cafes, bank branches, premises for the provision of personal services to passengers, a tourist center are located in the station building. In the center you can buy a Helsinki card. It provides the right to free access to many attractions, travel by public transport.

This is important when walking around the city on your own in one day. The station has modern platforms for the departure of intercity trains, commuter trains, the entrance to the busiest metro station in Helsinki, Rautatientori.

Ateneum Museum

The famous National Gallery of Fine Arts of the country is named after the goddess Athena (Atheneum), the ancient patroness of crafts and art. The halls of the old building (built around 1887) contain a collection of works from several hundred well-known masters from Finland and other countries. Among the rare works there are paintings by Paul Gauguin, Edgar Degas, Paul Cezanne, Francisco Goya, Chagall, Van Gogh. The exhibition is located on the third floor of the building.

The main exposition is made up of 150 items made by 46 well-known Finnish masters. The exposition, called “Treasury”, contains a collection of coins, silver items, medals, and weapons. The exhibition “Prehistoric Finland” contains archaeological finds that tell about different periods of the country's history. Among the exhibits of the exposition “Land and People” you can learn about the life of the Finns in a small settlement. The thematic focus of the exhibitions is constantly updated.

Located opposite the railway station at the address: Kaivokatu 2. Open from 10 am to 6 pm. The ticket price for adults is 13 €, children under 18 years of age go without payment.

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

An unusual architectural structure resembling a sail is located in the center of Helsinki, next to the Mannerheim monument. It has housed the Museum of Modern Art since 1996. Its archives contain over 4 thousand original exhibits. On their basis, exhibitions are organized, permanent exhibitions are created on all five floors of the building (25 galleries), filled with unusual emotions. This is inherent in the original internal elements, built on the relationship of light with space.

The mood of the interior spaces changes from the direction of the incident rays, emphasizing the main goal of the project: to model the idea of human knowledge, deep peace, used in Zen Buddhism. The word “kiasma” means “partial intersection of the optic nerves.” The architectural execution of the idea is realized by the creation of numerous intersections. Inside, many intricate staircases, passages and corridors were built, resembling narrow labyrinths.

Address: Mannerheiminaukio, 2. Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets for adults cost 15 €, children 12 €.

Temppeliaukio

A popular landmark of the city is not like the usual buildings of churches, decorated with domes, spiers, towers. Even the melodic ringing of bells is created here with the help of musical devices. From the square, the glass dome, based on a frame made of copper wire, is best seen. And if you look at the church from a bird's eye view, the building will resemble the appearance of an alien flying saucer. The interior of the church is carved into the granite rock.

The walls of the hall are made of untreated granite stones, creating an extraordinary acoustic effect. The ceiling resembles a copper disc, illuminated by vertical (180 units) windows between it and the walls. Due to the acoustic properties, the current Lutheran church often hosts concerts of organ, classical music, and metal rock. Church services are held on weekends and holidays.

Attraction address: Lutherinkatu 3. Open from 10 am to 5 pm and according to a special schedule. The ticket price is 10 €.

Monument to Sibelius

The unusual building, opened for viewing by people in 1968, resembles a majestic organ, a frozen picture of the northern lights, a slender birch grove and many other allegories determined by the imagination of the observer. What they have in common is their resemblance to the extraordinary music of Sibellius. A famous man of legend, very popular among the Finns. It seems that the melodies created by the wind in six hundred steel pipes repeat the music created by the great composer.

No less surprising is the fact that a custom project was created, the main part of the complex pipe assembly process was carried out by a woman, Eila Hiltunen. During its existence, rust and corrosion did not appear on the ensemble of pipes. They sing with the sounds of birds, sea breeze, loudly calling to each other during storms. Next to the pipes is a sculpture of Sibelius in the form of a bronze head with a mustache, rich hair, as in the younger years of the composer. The locals love and appreciate the monument.

Located in Sibelius Park at the address: Sibeliuksen puisto Mechelininkatu.

Cafe Regatta

Not far from the famous monument to Sibelius, right on the seashore, there is a pretty small building that attracts the attention of tourists. The house has standard benches and wooden tables. Shelves lined with dishes, a samovar, and candles hang on the walls, similar to a Russian wooden hut. From the small windows of the crowbar there is a beautiful view of the bay.

You can admire it by taking a cozy place at the table, while enjoying delicious pastries, fragrant coffee, hot chocolate. Cinnamon buns, traditional meat pies, are considered especially tasty. The atmosphere of home comfort, formed in a marine style, comes to life in the cafe. It is allowed to bring your beloved four-legged friend to the cafe, which enhances the impression of home warmth.

In the courtyard of the cafe, places are organized for a hearth with living warmth, tables on the shore, and children's entertainment. An unexpected element of the interior of the cafe is a red car VAZ 2104, standing in the yard and causing pleasant nostalgia in the soul of tourists from Russia. The owners of the cafe can provide a boat for those who like to ride around the bay.

The cafe is located at the address: Merikannontie 10. Opening hours from 10 am to 11 pm.

Tori Hotel Tower and Vin Vin Wine Bar

A five-minute walk from the railway station is the famous grand hotel in the city, created in the architectural style of the 20s. It is famous not only for its high-class rooms, but also for its amazing observation deck, located at a height of 65 m. The building is one of the first skyscrapers in Helsinki. Climbing up to the observation deck, located on the 15th floor of the hotel, you can freeze from the delight of panoramic views of the city. Among them are the sparkling domes of the Cathedral, the historic center of the city, the embankment, the famous island of Suomenlinna.

An interesting fact is the opportunity to see the sights not only from the windows of the bar, but also from the premises of the toilet rooms. You can get to the observation deck of the hotel tower using the elevator from 14:00. You can complete your impressions of the city by visiting the old wine bar Vin Vin, located in the city center. Here you can relax, talk about the beautiful city, drink a glass of selected wine from a private producer from old vintages. Among the cozy interior with upholstered furniture, you can enjoy local dishes made from organic potatoes.

Wine bar address: Kalevankatu 6, hotel Yrjönkatu 26.

Hietaniemi beach

Finland does not boast long summers with unbearable heat, which makes enticing beaches the number one destination for vacationers. The water temperature in the area of the beach does not exceed 20 But in any weather, you will definitely want to wander along the shores of the bay, breathe in the unusual sea air. Especially if the beach is located in the center of the year and there are conditions for sports entertainment, recreation with children, a pleasant visit to cafes, restaurants, unforgettable walks during the white nights.

Helsinki has 29 official beaches. Four of them stretch along the banks of the Vantaa River. Hietaniemi Beach was formed on the territory of a former landfill, landfill, sand storage (called hieta).
For a long time they brought it here, getting it from the seabed. Since 1929, the local population began to use the area as a beach.

Now it is a popular place for tourists and local youth. Beach volleyball competitions are held here, there is a golf course, and concerts are held. For small children, various entertainments are organized in the playgrounds. The infrastructure of the recreation area includes all the usual beach amenities. The beach season lasts from June to the end of August.

Beach address: Hiekkarannantie. Admission is free from 10 am to 9 pm.

Islands

The capital of Finland is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Its territory includes a large number of islands filled with their history, interesting places. Traveling and resting on many of them are popular among tourists and local residents. For a long time, the main part of the islands belonged to the military department of Finland, access to them was prohibited.

At the same time, animals, flocks of birds, plants flourished quietly on the islands. Many islands were inhabited and can tell about the life of the Finns, their traditions. Now, trams and boats run to many islands to transport those who want to relax on picnic areas equipped for picnics, organized hiking trails, visiting cozy cafes and restaurants. Among them are the following islands:

Liuskasaari and Uunisaari

On the south side of the city, a few miles from the center and no more than 100 m from the Merisatamanranta promenade, there is an interesting island called Liuskasaari. It has long been considered the birthplace of Finnish sailing. The famous sailing club HSS still operates here, equipped with classic wooden yachts. It hosted individual competitions during the 1952 Olympics. The island is considered an ideal area for organizing picnics, watching the real training of athletes on modern sailing ships.

The island has a cafe, a restaurant, three saunas. A round trip ferry ticket costs 6 €. A beautiful stone bridge connects the island with a small piece of land called Uunisaari Island. It is equipped with beach areas, picnic areas. In winter, you can use a pontoon ferry to get to the island. In summer, the walk to the island along the embankment of Kaivopuisto Park will take only five minutes.

Pihlayasari

Previously, on the island, located near the city center, the rich villas of the wealthy part of the population towered. For example, Villa Hällebo was built in 1883. Now it houses the Pihlajasaari restaurant. The recreation area of the island includes a beach area, about 500 m long, a separate beach for nudists, hidden among the rocky coast.

There is a restaurant, cafe, camping. Paradise for fishermen, the brightest dressing rooms, sauna, peace and quiet create excellent conditions for relaxing on the island. Vacationers are surrounded by trimmed lawns, herds of peacefully grazing sheep and goats. You can come here on a regular boat departing from the seaport embankment or from Ruoholahti. Navigation lasts from May to October.

Suomenlinna

The Swedish name for the island is Sveaborg. The main attraction of the island (Finland) is a fortress built by the Swedes in 1748. As an example of the military architecture of Europe, in 1991 it was included in the UNESCO lists of World Heritage Sites. The fortress is one of the largest naval defense structures in the world. You can see the building along with excursions for an hour (they are held until August 31).

Another interesting attraction of the island is the Vesikko, or submarine, built in 1940. It is among the exhibits of the Military Museum. The island has a Pipe Cafe housed in a beautiful wooden villa perched on a hill. The terrace of the cafe offers an excellent panoramic view of the island. Getting to the island is easy from the market trading platform by ferry. The ticket price is 2.5 €, which is equivalent to the fare in public transport.

Korkeasaari

Ferry service to the island has been carried out since 1865. This made it a popular holiday destination for locals. The flow of foreign tourists to the island was formed after the creation of a zoo on it in 1889, which became a famous world landmark. Brown bears, peacocks, falcons became the first inhabitants in a reliable shelter. Combining the functions of a zoo and a botanical garden, a natural complex has been created with conditions for life, reproduction of many endangered species of animals and plants.

On an area of about 22 hectares, there are 200 species of animals (20 of them are rare, endangered), 1000 varieties of shrubs and flowers. Snow leopards, Asiatic lions, gazelles, Amur tigers, leopards, reindeer, bears, Chilean flamingos have adapted to local conditions and successfully produce offspring. You can visit the zoo at any time of the year, watching with interest how the cubs flounder in snowdrifts. You can come to the island by ferry, bus, walk or ride a bike on a convenient bridge.

Island address: Mustikkamaanpolku 12.

Seurasari

Plunging into the world of Finland's historical past is quite simple: walk along the footbridge to the island located in the western part of the city. Here, at the end of the last century, an open-air museum was created, which houses ancient samples of rural buildings. They brought here, restored houses, windmills, saunas, stables, barns, farms from different parts of Finland. Among the buildings there are buildings of the 17th century, erected without nails. In total, 87 buildings and structures were transported to the island.

There is a rich collection of household items used by a peasant family 100 years ago. There are even church boats stored in sheds. On them, residents went to funerals or solemn events, weddings. In the expositions of the museum you can see yurts made of deerskin, find out by what customs and laws the northern people lived in them. The island often hosts festivities with the participation of folklore ensembles (dances, performances for children).

On Easter and on the day of the summer solstice, the island sparkles with the lights of numerous bonfires. In a small church (the oldest building on the island) wedding ceremonies are held, which have become popular with newlyweds. You can visit the museum all year round from 11 am to 5 pm. The price of the entrance ticket is 9 €. It is easy to get there by bus number 24, coming from Mannerheim Avenue.

Soderskar

People come to the most extreme island of the Gulf of Finland to get a dose of adrenaline from a feeling of loneliness, an unpredictable struggle with the sea elements among the bare rocks polished by the sea winds. Even the bridge leading to the island is one of the most terrible bridges in the world. But a lonely lighthouse and a small house attract attention, I want to know its history and listen to a story about a brave caretaker of an important object. What the lighthouse used to be, providing surveillance of the border with Estonia. Birds now rule the island.

The lighthouse tower is equipped with a hotel with one room (its cost is about 50 €). Under the menacing howl of the wind, reminiscent of a sea hurricane, it is easy to imagine yourself as a lighthouse keeper. Excursions to the island are held regularly. During the stay, you can visit a cafe, a sauna. Under the lighthouse lamp there is a balcony for viewing the sea. You can visit it in calm weather.

You can get to the island by ferry departing from the Market Square at 11 am. The ferry returns at 17.30.

Kaunisaari

The island is one of the most remote land areas in the Sipoo archipelago. This is a stone ridge, located in the open sea. It has become a popular place for fishermen, people who want to get acquainted with the flora and rare fauna of the island. To do this, it is equipped with a nature trail that goes through interesting areas of the island. The island has places for recreation, equipped with a canopy, everything you need for a grill.

There is a restaurant. The island has equipped beaches, many secluded corners near the rocky shores. These are excellent places for fishermen, lovers of a secluded relaxing holiday. You can get to the island by ferry from Vuasaari. The cost of a round-trip ticket is 20 €. From Kotka, you can get to the place by ship.

Where to stay

The sights of Helsinki can be seen in one day, having time on the way back or during a transfer for further travel. Often tourists use the services of one overnight stay in the city. The place of residence is determined by financial capabilities and a plan for exploring the city. It is convenient to stay near the railway station, airport, in a prestigious area of the city close to the main attractions.

Any object of interest (for example, a shopping market) should be within walking distance. At the same time, you need to know that if you use a private car, then it will be difficult to find a parking place. Therefore, when choosing a hotel, you need to find out the issue of parking availability, cost. Near the railway station, the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Helsinki and Holiday Inn Helsinki City Center are of interest. In the airport area, these are Break Sokos Hotel Flamingo and Hilton Helsinki Airport. On the prestigious Esplanade boulevard is Kämp, Hotel Haven.

If during a walk in Helsinki, fatigue sets in, then the hospitable city offers a ride on an old tram. Along with tasting different types of beer, you can continue your acquaintance with the sights of the hospitable city.