The 10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Helsinki
Helsinki is famous for its pastel-coloured Art Nouveau buildings and world-class modern design. From cafés and churches to amazing architecture and interior design, here are the 10 most Instagrammable spots in Helsinki!
1. The Senate Square
Building, Cathedral
Surrounded by pastel-coloured and yellow brick buildings, the Senate Square is the jewel of Helsinki’s architecture. Designed by the German architect C.L. Engel, the Senate Square hosts the Helsinki University main building, the National Library, and the bright, white Helsinki Cathedral with its turquoise domes – probably the most photographed sight in the city centre.
2. Artek Helsinki
Shop
For Instagrammers interested in interior design, Artek’s flagship store in the city centre of Helsinki is the place to visit. Located opposite Helsinki’s historic department store called Stockmann, Artek has a vast collection of interior goodies. Here, you will find everything from fashionable golden lamps and pink sofas to several classics, such as Alvar Aalto’s wooden chairs.
3. Suomenlinna
Archaeological site, Building, Natural Feature, Church, Historical Landmark
5. Temppeliaukio Church Helsinki
Church
One of Finland’s most intriguing architectural features is the Temppeliaukio Church, which is built inside solid rock. Plans to build the church began in the 1930s, but the site was only completed in 1969. Temppeliaukio Church is designed by architects and brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. There is a copper dome surrounded by a skylight, allowing natural light to flood inside. The church also has great acoustics due to its practically unworked rock walls. Half a million people visit the church yearly, making it one of Helsinki’s most visited attractions.
6. Huvilakatu
Building
For picture-perfect Insta-architecture, head to Huvilakatu in Helsinki’s Ullanlinna district. The 320-metre-long street was built between 1906 and 1910 and has stayed almost intact ever since. In Huvilakatu, a row of tall Art Nouveau buildings clad in pastel colours offer some pretty amazing material for Instagram images.
7. Kaisa-talo
Library
Built in 2012, Helsinki University’s main library, Kaisa-talo (Kaisa House), is an architecture lover’s dream not only for the building’s architectural features, but also because the view from its windows offer perfect opportunities for some serious Instagramming. Just remember that this is a University Library, which means reading is pretty serious, and no nonsense noise is allowed!
8. Sibelius Monument
Building, Memorial
The Sibelius Monument in Töölö district’s Sibelius Park was very photogenic even before the times of Instagram. Designed by Eila Hiltunen, the monument commemorates Finland’s most famous composer, Jean Sibelius. Aiming to capture the essence of Sibelius’ music, the structure consists of a series of more than 600 hollow steel pipes that form a wave-like pattern.
9. Uspenski Cathedral
Church
Helsinki’s Uspenski Cathedral dates back to the 1860s when Finland was governed by Russia. It is the main cathedral of the Finnish Orthodox Church in the diocese of Helsinki, and the cathedral is also said to be the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. The red brick cathedral with turquoise domes is free to enter. Point to the ceiling and you will get some stunning Instagram images.
10. Central Railway Station Helsinki
Building
These two men carved in majestic stone are Finnish icons and located at Helsinki’s Central Railway Station. Designed by the world-famous sculptor and Art Nouveau master Eliel Saarinen, the statues now symbolise the whole of Finnish railway system, which is due to a successful appearance in recent TV commercials.
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.