Helsinki attractions for a short visit: Ready to make the most of your 3-day Helsinki trip? I’ve got you covered with all the must-see attractions, tours, and quick navigation tips to ensure you soak up the essence of this Nordic capital in no time. Experience the local vibe by hitting a public sauna, just like my friend and I did. Catch the thrill of Pesäpallo—a game that surprisingly bridges the gap between Latinos, Americans and Finns. And don’t miss out on the local culinary wonders. Especially the delicious salmon soup, a personal favorite that captures the city’s flavors!
Join me as I show you the must-visit attractions during a short city break weekend in Helsinki, Finland below:
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Plan Your Helsinki Visit
 Flight |  Stay |  Do |  Drive |
| WayAway | Hotellook | GetYourGuide | Rentalcars.com |
Helsinki Travel Tips
| Money Accepted: | Credit cards are accepted in most places with many ATMs available if you do need cash. | ||
| Safety In Helsinki: | Helsinki, along with Finland as a whole, boasts a notably low crime rate, making it a secure and inviting destination for women travelers to explore. | ||
| Friendly To Tourists/Latinas: | Over the weekend in Helsinki, my friend and I had the pleasure of meeting incredibly friendly locals and as a Latina, experienced firsthand the warm and inclusive nature with which they welcomed individuals from Latino backgrounds. | ||
| Length Of Stay: | To explore Helsinki, I would recommend 2 – 3 days depending on how much you want to explore. |
Helsinki Attractions For A Short Visit Itinerary
| Day-1: Explore Helsinki on your own > Sauna > Dinner & drinks |
| Day-2: Free walking tour > Lunch at Old Market Hall > Pesäpallo match |
| Day-3: Brunch > Helsinki Library Oodi > Island visit |
4 Ways To Travel Around Helsinki
| Bus – Navigating Helsinki is a breeze when you utilize the city’s efficient and cost-effective public transportation system. Download the HSL app to purchase your fare for bus, train, metro, tram and ferry – all with the same app! |
| Walk – Its easy to walk around and check out the sights. Just be sure to dress for the weather or consider doing a Bus/walk combo. |
| Car Rental – Depending on the number in your group and if you will be visiting other cities in Helsinki, consider renting a car. Book your rental. |
| Train – I booked trains using Trainline and they were very reliable and affordable. |
| Fly – If visiting other cities in Finland, check flights using WAYAWAY as Helsinki airport is very easy to navigate and could be a short flight depending what other cities you are visiting such as Lapland. |
7 Helsinki Must Do Activities
Sauna
| Fun fact, many Finn’s were born in Sauna’s in the past and the sauna tradition is an institution in Finland. Helsinki offers some great options to partake in this tradition for yourself and bask in the benefits that sauna can bring. These are the Sauna’s I’d recommend in Helsinki Most Popular – LÖYLY SAUNA Modern and located directly by the seaside. Most Authentic/Historic – KOTIHARJUN SAUNA Only remaining public wood-burning sauna in Helsinki from 1928. Most Budget Friendly – SOMPASAUNA You can’t get more budget friendly than FREE. Learn HOW TO SAUNA IN FINLAND IN 10 EASY STEPS |
Walking Tour
| Commencing at “Senate Square,” on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral this tip-based tour is available daily, offering a comprehensive two-hour exploration of Helsinki’s top highlights. For those pressed on time, I highly recommend this tour. It offers a chance to delve deeper into the country’s history, its people, and provides valuable tips for maximizing your enjoyment of the city during your visit. Check daily Helsinki Free Tour tour times here. |
Pesäpallo
| Latinos love baseball, Americans love baseball and Finnish people have their own unique version of baseball that they love too, pesäpallo. During my visit to Helsinki, I had the unique opportunity to continue to immerse myself in Finnish culture by attending a pivotal pesäpallo match. Pesäpallo, the national sport of Finland, is very similar to American baseball and a HUGE thanks goes to Karri from HAPPY GUIDE HELSINKI who joined us to witnessed firsthand as Roihuttaret, Helsinki’s female pesäpallo team, engaged in a crucial game to secure their position in the Finnish national league. Karri provided valuable insights into the sport, its game play, and shared some fascinating details about Helsinki and Finland. The best guide to this city! When visiting Helsinki, be sure to check out a match. You will certainly be delighted. |
Old Market Hall
| “Gamla Saluhallen” as locals know this by is a in busy marketplace offering traditional Finnish foods, artisanal goods, and local delicacies. Tourists will get the chance to savor authentic Finnish flavors, explore regional crafts, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this well known market regardless of when in the year you visit. Experience this Helsinki city tour with food tasting |
Lasipalatsinaukio
| A funky sculpture you can actually walk on that doubles as a plaza in the center of Helsinki, Lasipalatsi Square. My friend and I were lucky to lie down between our sightseeing of the city and enjoy some afternoon rays during our visit. Combine This Visit With: A visit to Helsinki’s contemporary art museum, “Amos Rex” which is near by. While we weren’t able to enter as it’s under renovation, the collections look amazing from their site. |
Helsinki Library Oodi
| This ultra modern library gives you access to more than just books. Imagine, 3-floors full of high tech gadgets that are available for free including 3-D printing/ sewing stations, sci-fi lounges, work spaces and gamer booths. If that’s not enough, the rooftop will delight you with a beautiful view of Helsinki’s city while you sip on a coffee from their cafe. |
Uspensky Cathedral
| Located in the heart of Helsinki, this Greek Orthodox church offers a stunning example of architecture and breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its steps. |
See More must-visit Helsinki attractions.
Helsinki Food Guide
Exploring Helsinki as a Latina travel blogger, I believe truly experiencing a country involves tasting its local cuisine. My guide, “10 Finnish Treats for Latina Foodies,” offer a simple way to discover the unique tastes of Scandinavia. I especially appreciate Finland’s focus on organic and local ingredients, which adds to the travel experience.
Top 5 Helsinki Eateries…
- KIM Cafe Oy – May look dodgy but this cafe offers excellent vegan options.
- Cafe Regatta – Cozy and traditional red cottage cafe that give countryside vibes.
- Vanha Kauppahalli – This is the old market hall which offers an array of food stalls and a good place to try Finnish food.
- Market Square – If weather is nice, the orange tents at Helsinki’s central seaside outdoor market is another great place to try traditional food at reasonable prices.
- Green Hippo Kallio – Breakfast, brunch, lunch or coffee, this chill cafe has you covered.
Helsinki Attraction Google Map & Guide
This handy Girl Takes Mundo Finland Google map lists the full location of restaurants, attractions, etc. from my time visiting Helsinki. It includes further tips in the notes section too. So, be sure to add this list to your Google Maps.
More Finland Related Travel Content
Discover more about Helsinki and Finland from my Latina travels to this Scandinavian gem using these additional resources.
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