Helsinki Travel Planner: Top 10 local favourites

1. Picnic at the historic fortress

Suomenlinna sea fortress is not on the first place by accident. It is THE place to visit. It’s a sea fortress built on an island in 1748 and it’s a place which both tourists and locals love to visit. If you want to do Suomenlinna as a local, grab your picnic basket and some refreshing beer or wine bottles with you. Don’t forget to take some strawberries – my own absolute must!

Getting to Suomenlinna is easy: just take a ferry from Kauppatori market which is located in the centre of Helsinki. Just buy a normal HSL (the local public transportation) single ticket for 2,90 € to get there. In the summer time they go frequently so no need to check the timetables in advance. (Be prepared to queue at peak hours!)

2. Take a deep breath at Allas Sea Pool & Skywheel

Allas Sea Pool is a unique experience to have right in the heart of Helsinki! It consists of 3 swimming pools which float above the sea! There is one normal pool, one sea pool and one pool for kids. Inside you can indulge yourself with some sauna. Allas Sea Pool also has a café with an amazing view!

Next to Allas Sea Pool there is Skywheel which is the “London Eye” of Helsinki. Easy if you wish to combine these two activities together. They are located next to Kauppatori market so you can get there just by walking.

Allas Sea Pool and Skywheel are right next to each other.

3. Sun, sauna and ”vitamin sea” on Hernesaaren ranta

Löyly is must-experience! It’s a very popular spot to go to among locals especially in the summer. Basically Löyly consists of sauna and a fine restaurant. It’s located next to the sea so you can dip yourself in the sea if the sauna gets too hot for you. If you don’t dare to swim you can just go outside to sit for a while and cool down. Löyly also has a beautiful terrace with a spectacular view so don’t miss it!

Löyly is located in Hernesaari which is within walking distance from the city center but the walk takes about 30 minutes. You can also get there by bus 14 and you can take it from the Kamppi station.

Löyly is THE place for locals and visitors to enjoy sauna with a view!

4. Dive in the magnificent Yrjönkatu swimming hall

The most beautiful swimming hall in Helsinki (and possibly in Finland) is located in Yrjönkatu. It was built in 1928 and is a real hidden gem in Helsinki. Even all the locals don’t know the existence of this wonderful swimming hall. If you want to enjoy swimming and sauna bathing go and explore this old swimming hall. This swimming hall is easy to reach since it’s right in the centre of Helsinki. Address for the swimming hall is Yrjönkatu 21b, 00120 Helsinki and it costs 5,50 € for adults.

5. Slow down next to the sail boats

Mattolaituri is one of many sea side terrace bars of Helsinki. It’s not the newest and shiniest but it’s one of the most iconic spots to kick back and look at different boats float past while sipping on a refreshing drink. Next to the bar is a jetty for cleaning carpets which in Finnish is called Mattolaituri.

Just behind Mattolaituri is Ullanlinna park. It’s the park that explodes with Finns every May Day. On other days though, it’s a quiet spot to lie down and chill.

Relax with the boats floating by the docks of Helsinki.

6. Too relaxing? Head to Linnanmäki

Linnanmäki is the amusement park just off the immediate centre of Helsinki. Entrance is free of charge so don’t hesitate to visit! In Linnanmäki you can buy single tickets for the rides or a whole day ticket.  If you are not fond of crazy rides then make sure to at least get on the Panorama sightseeing tower. It’s a lift that takes you up in the air and you will have a perfect view over the entire Helsinki. And it’s FREE of charge!

7. Shop at the Nordics’ largest shopping mall

Itis is the paradise for all the shopaholics! It’s the biggest shopping centre of the Nordic countries. It consists of 150 shops and 20 restaurants. The shops are mostly affordable ones so if you’re looking for Gucci and the likes, stick to the city centre’s Kluuvi district.

Itis is located 25 minutes from the centre of Helsinki. The absolutely best and easiest to get there is by subway! One way ticket is 2,90 € if you buy it from the machine and the ticket is valid for 1 hour. Stop at Itäkeskus and you’ve basically arrived to Itis when you exit the station.

8. Enjoy the greenery at Seurasaari

Seurasaari is a beautiful island that is full of nature and with good luck flying squirrels. There is also a beautiful feeling of history since there are houses preserved from the 17th-19th century. You can either book a guided tour around the island or just wander by yourself. There isn’t any entrance fee so it is wonderful peaceful place to visit in the capital.

Nature is always close in Helsinki!

9. Rest your legs on the stairs of Tuomiokirkko church

Tuomiokirkko church is the main sight of Helsinki! It’s not only the place for tourists to take photos but also locals love to have a small picnic there on the stairs. Buy strawberries from the Kauppatori market and head towards the big white building. This is my personal tradition and absolute favourite! I go there several times every summer!

The landmark of Finland’s capital city – Helsinki Cathedral. Spot the people sitting on the stairs!

Traditional must-have ice cream on the stairs of the Helsinki Cathedral.

10. Island hideout

Tervasaari is a hidden gem in Helsinki as it is a bit off the main attractions. It’s another small island with a tiny beach and swimming area. There’s also a restaurant but I highly suggest doing a picnic here, too! Tervasaari island hosts a great 360 degree view Helsinki centre’s eastern sea front. If you look carefully, you can even see the bonus tip below!

Bonus Tip

Ihana Kahvila, literally Wonderful Café can be troublesome to get to. It’s hidden behind an industrial area and it seems like an eternity to walk there but the prize is worth the trouble. This little café is at the edge of Sompasaari and is actually inside a construction container surrounded by hammocks, bean bags and of course regular chairs and tables. It won’t be around for long as new construction sites will force it to close down. So go now before it’s too late!

Combine two wonderful cities and read my tips to the capital city of Estonia, Tallinn!