The perfect Day-trip to Helsinki

About

Helsinki is a young city by European standards, but what it lacks in medieval history, it makes up for with stunning design, a deep connection to nature, and an easygoing vibe. Founded in 1550 on the Gulf of Finland, it remained a small coastal town for centuries before becoming Finland’s capital in 1812.

What makes Helsinki unique is how effortlessly new and old coexist. Unlike its medieval neighbors like Tallinn or Stockholm, Helsinki’s charm isn’t in ancient castles or cobblestone streets but in its neoclassical elegance, modernist architecture, and laid-back atmosphere. Senate Square, with its grand buildings inspired by St. Petersburg, tells the story of its Russian past, while places like the Oodi Library and Löyly sauna showcase the sleek, functional design Finland is famous for today.

What I loved most about Helsinki was how easygoing and unpretentious it felt. The streets are walkable, the trams are easy to use, with every café seems to have that perfect cozy-but-stylish northern vibe, and public saunas on every corner.

One day isn’t nearly enough for this city, but even on a short visit, Helsinki leaves a wonderful impression—clean, crisp, and completely unforgettable.

Morning

We traveled from Tallinn to Helsinki by ferry with Tallink Silja Line, taking the early morning departure. Having breakfast on board turned out to be a great idea—it gave us time to relax and fuel up for the day ahead. When we arrived at the harbor in Helsinki, we were ready to explore the city. If you want to know how to book a ferry to Helsinki, information is at the end of the blog post.

Since we had booked a free guided tour of Helsinki but still had some time before it started, we decided to explore on our own. We purchased a tram ticket through the HSL app, which cost 3,20€ and is valid for 80 minutes.

Temppeliaukio Church

Our first stop was Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, located in the Töölö neighborhood.

This Lutheran church, completed in 1969, is one of Helsinki’s most unique architectural landmarks. It was carved directly into solid rock, its design is both rugged and elegant, with natural light streaming through the copper dome ceiling. The acoustics inside are said to be exceptional, which makes it a popular venue for concerts.

While the church is undeniably impressive, we found the 8€ entrance fee a bit steep for a quick visit. And we were denied to use the restroom.

Kamppi Chapel

Our next stop was the Kamppi Chapel, a small yet striking wooden structure in the heart of Helsinki. This modern chapel, completed in 2012, is often called the Chapel of Silence because it offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s rushed energy and crowds. From the outside, its curved wooden facade resembles a giant block of cheese, which makes it stand out amidst the surrounding urban landscape. Unlike the Rock Church, entry to Kamppi Chapel is completely free, which makes it a worthwhile stop.

Free Walking Tour of Helsinki

It was time for our free guided tour, which we had booked through GetYourGuide. Using our tram ticket, which was still valid, we headed to our meeting point at Senate Square, in front of the statue of Alexander II.

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, giving us insights into Helsinki’s history, culture, and architecture. He also shared local tales, quirky rumors, and fun facts, and kept us entertained with lighthearted jokes.

Helsinki Cathedral

The first stop on our tour was the Helsinki Cathedral, a stunning neoclassical landmark that dominates Senate Square. Built in the mid-19th century, the cathedral’s white facade and green domes make it one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Originally named St. Nicholas’ Church in honor of the Russian Tsar, it was later renamed after Finland gained independence.

While its exterior is grand and imperialistic, reflecting the architectural influence of the Russian Empire, the interior is surprisingly pure and minimalistic, in line with traditional Lutheran aesthetics.

House of the Estates

After admiring the Helsinki Cathedral, we continued our tour through the historic heart of the city, stopping at the House of the Estates. This impressive neoclassical building was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, the same architect behind the cathedral and many of Helsinki’s most recognizable landmarks. Walking through the city, it became clear how much Engel’s vision shaped Helsinki, his grand, symmetrical buildings give the capital a stately yet harmonious feel, often drawing comparisons to St. Petersburg.

Esplanadi

From there, we made our way down Esplanadi, Helsinki’s most famous boulevard. Lined with elegant shops, cafés, and lush green spaces, it’s a natural gathering place for both locals and visitors. As we strolled, our guide pointed out the Havis Amanda statue, a bronze sculpture of a naked woman rising from the sea, symbolizing Helsinki’s rebirth and connection to the water. Despite some controversy when it was unveiled in 1908, today it’s a beloved city landmark and the centerpiece of Vappu (May Day) celebrations, when students place a cap on her head and the whole city erupts into a massive street party.

The streets of Helsinki

One of the quirkiest things we learned during our walk was about Helsinki’s animal-themed street names. Many streets are named after animals—Bear Street, Wolf Street, Goat Alley, because, back in the day, locals found it easier to remember names based on recognizable creatures rather than abstract words, when literacy wasn’t so common. The most unusual was the Unicorn Street (Yksisarvisenkuja), which stood out among the more traditional wildlife references…

Helsinki Central Station

As we made our way through the city, we passed Helsinki Central Station, an architectural gem designed by Eliel Saarinen. Built in the National Romantic style, Finland’s take on Art Nouveau, the station features an imposing stone facade and is guarded by its iconic lantern-bearing statues, which have become a symbol of the city. The station is a transit hub and also one of Helsinki’s most photographed buildings.

Oodi Library

Our final stop before breaking off from the tour was the Oodi Library, a perfect example of modern Finnish design. More than just a library, Oodi feels like a futuristic community space, filled with reading areas, coworking spots, recording studios, and even a 3D printing lab. The sleek, airy design, with its wave-like wooden facade, makes it one of the most visually striking libraries in the world. Stepping inside, you immediately feel why the Finns take such pride in their public spaces. This wasn’t just an ordinary place for books, but a space designed to inspire creativity and bring people together. We spent some time exploring until our stomachs called for more fuel.

Lunch

Old Market Hall

After wrapping up our walking tour, we realized we were hungry and ready for a proper Finnish meal. Luckily, one of the best places to experience local flavors was just a short walk away. The Old Market Hall, or Vanha Kauppahalli, is Helsinki’s oldest and most famous food market.

Stepping inside, we were greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked bread, smoked fish, and spiced glögi (a Finnish mulled wine often served in winter). The market has been serving locals since 1889, with a charming old-world feel with its wooden stalls and vintage signs.

We wandered through the aisles, taking in the selection of traditional Finnish specialties, fresh seafood, reindeer meat, handmade pastries, and all kinds of local cheeses. I wanted to try the beloved Lohikeitto, or Finnish salmon soup in the SOUP+MORE stall. It was a creamy, comforting dish made with fresh salmon, potatoes, leeks, and dill. Paired with a slice of hearty bread, it was exactly what I needed after a chilly morning of walking around. My husband ordered a loaded baked potato Kumpi Peruna. It was filled with reindeer meat, lingonberries, and other 100 toppings of choice. He was very satisfied with it and full for the whole day.

Afternoon

The Waterfront

After filling up on delicious Finnish food at the Old Market Hall, we decided to take a slow wander along the Helsinki waterfront. The crisp sea air, the sound of seagulls, and the occasional ferry gliding in the distance made for a peaceful walk, even though the winter chill was starting to creep in.

We passed by Allas Sea Pool, a popular spot where locals and visitors alike embrace the Finnish tradition of sauna and cold-water swimming. Even in the middle of winter, we saw people hopping from the warm indoor sauna straight into the outdoor seawater pool, an experience we admired I would have loved to try, not being pregnant! My Italian husband was not so enthusiastic about jumping into icy water…

Right next to it stood the SkyWheel Helsinki, the city’s giant Ferris wheel, which has a unique twist—two of its cabins are a private sauna, where you can take in panoramic views of the city while sweating it out. Only in Finland!

Uspenski Cathedral

From the waterfront, we made our way uphill to Uspenski Cathedral, the striking red-brick Orthodox church that dominates the skyline. This Russian-influenced cathedral, with its golden onion domes and intricate detailing, is one of Helsinki’s most impressive buildings.

Unfortunately, it was Monday, and the cathedral was closed to the public, so we could only admire its beauty from the outside. We would have loved to take a peek inside, but it gives us a reason to return one day.

Going back

By then, we were cold, a little exhausted from walking, and ready to start heading back. We made our way to the ferry terminal and boarded our two-hour ferry back to Tallinn, sinking into our seats as the city lights of Helsinki faded into the distance.

It was a short but memorable visit, one that left us with a deep appreciation for Helsinki’s unique mix of modern and traditional, its deep ties to the sea, and its effortless Nordic charm.

One day was just enough to get a taste, but not nearly enough to fully appreciate everything the city has to offer. Helsinki deserves more time and next time, we’ll come back, slow down, and maybe even brave that sauna and ice swim.

What to do in Helsinki if you have more time?

If you have more time in Helsinki, there’s plenty more to explore beyond the city center. While we only had a day, we quickly realized that Helsinki is a city that rewards slow travel, with so many hidden gems and experiences that deserve more than just a quick visit.

Suomenlinna Fortress

One of the absolute must-sees is Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across several islands just a short ferry ride from the city. Built in the 18th century as a sea fortress, it has played a crucial role in Finnish, Swedish, and Russian history. Today, it’s a fascinating place to explore, with scenic walking trails, old bunkers, cannons, and stunning views of the Baltic Sea. You could easily spend half a day here, soaking in the history, wandering through its charming old buildings, and stopping for a coffee in one of its cozy cafés.

Museums

If you’re into modern art and design, Helsinki has a fantastic museum scene. The Amos Rex Museum is a must for contemporary art lovers, with its futuristic underground exhibition spaces and ever-changing exhibits. Kiasma, Finland’s leading contemporary art museum, offers bold and thought-provoking exhibitions, while Design Museum Helsinki showcases Finland’s rich design history, from Marimekko prints to Alvar Aalto furniture.

Alvar Aalto

And speaking of Alvar Aalto, if you’re an architecture enthusiast, visiting his studio and home is a must. Aalto is one of Finland’s most influential architects, known for his clean, functional designs that still feel warm and organic. His studio, just outside the city center, gives an intimate look at his creative process and how his designs shaped modern Nordic architecture. Being an architect myself, this is something I would like to return to.