20 Unmissable Attractions in Helsinki

Towering over the city are the huge white towers of the Lutheran Cathedral, the icon of the city which features on practically all of its advertising and merchandise.

The former fortress located on a series of islands holds some of Finland’s most important military history and a host of different museums, cafes and buildings from various eras.

A large square flanking the cathedral with a statue of Alexander II in the middle, and a popular place for buskers. Making up the other sides are the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and Sederholm House; the oldest surviving building in central Helsinki dating from 1757.

Many people forget that there is more than one cathedral in Helsinki. The orthodox Uspenski Cathedral is the largest in Europe and is notable for its red brick façade and shining golden onion domes.

This park contains a monument to Finland’s most famous composer Jean Sibelius, which is made to look like a pipe organ. The park is a good central location to relax and listen to some live classical music.

Just off the coast of the Katajanokka district you can see part of the navy fleet of ice breaker ships, designed for sailing through tough Arctic ice, docked for summer maintenance.

Anyone wishing to learn more about Finland’s history or culture should definitely visit the main building of the National Gallery. It contains thousands of paintings and works of art by Finnish artists in a beautiful Victorian building.

The classic wooden buildings of this museum complex have been restored to provide a glimpse into what life was like in pre-industrial Finland.

Located on its own island, this zoo allows you to see many Finnish species such as bears and moose, as well as animals from all over the world including lions, leopards, red pandas and monkeys.

Part of the University of Helsinki, this area has both an outdoor garden and a large greenhouse. It is an ideal place to relax and stroll after a long day.

Next to the Linnanmäki Amusement Park is Sea Life Helsinki, an aquarium full of ocean creatures including sharks, octopi, rays and local Baltic Sea fish.

The National Theatre building is a notable part of Helsinki’s art-nouveau architecture and for being the first Finnish speaking theatre. The statue of novelist Aleksis Kivi at the front pays homage to his part in popularising the Finnish language in literature.

A must visit for any book lovers. The National Library is full not only of millions of books but also stunningly beautiful decoration, the perfect place to spend the afternoon reading.

Another unique modern chapel, this one is located at the entrance to a shopping centre and is intended to provide people with a quiet place to relax, calm themselves and contemplate on a busy day.

This indoor market on the south harbour is not only an important historic site and another beautiful building, but an ideal place to shop for local produce – particularly freshly caught fish from the surrounding ocean.

The former manor home of Marshal Mannerheim is now a museum paying tribute to his life. It includes his medals and hunting trophies among other personal effects.

One of Helsinki’s lesser known art museums, Didrichsen contains mostly contemporary art including works by Picasso, Moore, Edelfelt, Kandinsky and Miró. It also has an outdoor sculptor garden.

The most historically important museum in Finland contains artwork and artefacts ranging all the way from the prehistoric to modern period.

This striking black granite church on the top of the Kallio cliffs is a notable landmark of the Kallio district.