An Introvert's Guide To Helsinki

Helsinki is a city practically designed for introverts to relax and be themselves. Some locals will strike up conversations with strangers but many more Finnish people are naturally quiet and keep to themselves, so while it is possible to meet new people in Helsinki, you can enjoy time alone as well. These are some of the best spots catering to all tastes.

For Art Lovers

Helsinki’s many art museums are perfect for quiet immersion and appreciation of great art. The city has everything from a huge collection of classic art at the Ateneum Museum or the National Museum to contemporary art at Kiasma or Helsinki Contemporary. There are also specialist museums for photography or architecture, smaller galleries or those featuring emerging artists such as Artsi Vantaa, which specialises in graffiti and street art, or the Gallen-Kallela Museum. Street art is also common in Helsinki, particularly in the Kallio district and the Graffiti Wall.

For Foodies

For Literary Introverts

There aren’t any primarily English bookshops in Helsinki, but all but the smallest shops have at least some books in English. The independent bookshops are tailored towards book lovers and invite them to sit and read. Public libraries are also free for visitors to enter. The main library of the University of Helsinki is open to everyone and contains academic texts in multiple fields and a vast digital archive to satisfy anyone’s intellectual curiosity. The National Library is situated in a beautiful building on the Cathedral Square and is also open to the public, yet is bypassed by most tourists. It makes for a perfect location for silent reading or checking out the exhibits.

For Architecture Enthusiasts

Helsinki’s architecture is not to be missed, but you don’t always need to take a walking tour to see it all. Other options are the hop-on hop-off tour bus or even more cost effective is to buy a day travel pass and take either the number 3 or 4 trams, which pass by all the city’s main architectural landmarks. The pass allows you to get on and off the buses, trams, and ferries as many times as you want in a day, so it’s easy to decide upon the buildings you absolutely must see and view them at your own pace.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.