Helsinki RECOMMENDATIONS See all
3 Days in Helsinki: Suggested Itineraries
Written by Viator, August 2010
Day 1: Helsinki's Sightseeing
Start with a morning of Helsinki highlights, including Tuomiokirkko, or Helsinki Cathedral, whose Russian-influenced neo-classical columns and proud green domes make it the city’s best-known landmark. It watches over elegant Senate Square, home to important government and university buildings. Your route will also take you past the Presidential Palace, City Hall and the clean Scandinavian lines of Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. Not forgetting one of the city’s unique sights: Temppeliaukio, a church burrowed into rock and topped with a copper dome.
Day 2: Helsinki's Islands
It’s hard to resist the lure of the water and Helsinki’s numerous islands. A mighty Baltic fortress makes the island of Suomenlinna a stand-out, and a monument to Finland’s troubled relations with Russia. Inside the World Heritage-listed fortifications you’ll find restaurants as well as exhibition and performance spaces; outside you’ll find parks with stunning views of the gulf. The fortress was designed by a Swedish military officer whose fine 18th century residence is preserved as Ehrensvärd Museum on adjacent Susisaari island, along with a World War II submarine. Alternatively, head to the island of Seurasaari, where an open-air museum displays rugged wood cabins, stately mansions and other housing styles from all over the country.
Day 3: Helsinki Museums
Scandinavian style and ingenuity is admired the world over; trace the evolution of this rigorous aesthetic at the Design Museum. Finnish fine arts may be less known, but a visit to the Ateneum will show you what you’ve been missing. Follow this with the nearby Kiasma Museum whose contemporary collection is housed in a superb modern building which follows a long, graceful curve. Finish up with the history of the Finnish capital itself in the Helsinki City Museum, which also incorporates a whole preserved street detailing various stages in the city’s development.
Tours & Tickets
Helsinki Sightseeing Tour
See the beauty of this stunning Nordic city on an introductory sightseeing tour with live commentary from your knowledgable guide. A great way to get ... Read more
Location:
Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 105 minutes (approx.)
Helsinki Audio City Tour
Choose from 12 languages on this Self-guided Helsinki Audio City Tour. The tour takes in the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical center ... Read more
Location:
Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
See all 3 Days in Helsinki: Suggested Itineraries Tours & Tickets
