What are the main sights of Helsinki to see in 1 or 2 days? Where to go with children and what route to build? Where to visit with children and what to do with them? Consider excursion programs in Russian, prices for the best tours with fascinating guides, draw up a map. We will compile a guide to the most interesting and beautiful places in the city.
The capital of Finland is located on the shores of the cool Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. Northern architecture, fresh air and unique landscapes have made it an excellent tourist destination, as this amazing city carries a maritime charm. Despite the fact that it is quite large in terms of the number of inhabitants, you can see the main sights in a few days.
What to see in Helsinki on your own?
For the convenience of visitors, there is the Helsinki Card system, which makes it possible to visit many city museums and attractions for free, use public transport and receive a number of discounts in shops. You can buy it on a specialized Internet portal.
- Finnish National Opera... The main musical theater of Finland sets itself serious tasks for the development of modern theatrical art. Therefore, not only its architecture is amazing, but also brilliant performances.
- National Theater... A fabulous building in a national-romantic style, more reminiscent of an ancient castle, is the oldest professional theater in Finland. It was founded in 1872 and continues to operate ever since.
- Parliament... The administrative building of the Finnish Parliament was built in the style of neoclassicism, modernism and functionalism. Monuments to the presidents of Finland have been erected near it.
- Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Nicholas). The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland was rebuilt in the neoclassical style back in the 19th century. It is a functioning cathedral to this day.
- Modern Art Museum Kiasma... It is one of the most visited museums in both Helsinki and Finland. It dates back to 1998 and updates the exhibition every year. Working hours: Wed-Fri 10: 00-20: 30, Tue 10: 00-17: 00, Sat-Sun 10: 00-18: 00.
These and other unusual places attract the attention of tourists from all over the world and deserve your visit.
Sights of Helsinki on the map
Prices for excursions in Helsinki
Roughly, excursions in Helsinki in Russian last about 2 hours, so even those guests who have little time to get to know the capital of Finland will be able to make several informative and useful walks in a day with a Russian-speaking guide.
- "The Finnish Top 10 is the best in and about Helsinki." This excursion focuses on ten of the most important sights, famous Finns and national dishes. Price - € 20 per person.
- "Little Finland". The excursion takes place outside the city on the territory where the monuments of architecture made of wood are still preserved. It also includes a visit to a reindeer farm and a Viking legend. Cost - € 88 participation.
- "Secrets of Old Helsinki". During the walk, guests will visit the oldest district of the city and see the first city buildings from the 17th century. The cost is € 88.
- "The most interesting things about Helsinki." An experienced guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the city and introduce you to the architectural monuments and the history of the founding of the Finnish capital. Price - € 96 for participation.
There are other excursions related to history, famous people of the city, art, local cuisine and much more. For example, a one-day excursion from St. Petersburg to Helsinki costs about 1600 rubles.
Where to go with children?
There are also interesting places in the center of Helsinki and the surrounding area where you can spend time with your child, and you cannot leave them without a visit.
- Helsinki Zoo. Located on the island, the zoo brings to the attention of kids and their parents over 1000 species of plants and 150 species of animals. It was founded in 1889 and therefore is considered one of the oldest zoos in the world. The season starts on May 1, from the mainland to the island you need to get by ferry. Prices: children under 4 years old - free, children 4-17 years old - € 6, adults - € 12, students and pensioners - € 8.
- Sea fortress "Suomenlinna". It is a bastion fortification system founded in 1748 to protect Helsinki (Helsingfors) from the sea. You can get there by ferry, which is part of the public transport service. Ticket price: € 7. In the presence of the above "Helsinki card" and travel, and visits to museums are free.
- Linnanmäki amusement park. In the park, among more than 40 attractions, about 10 of them work free of charge for kids. In addition, Linnanmäki donates part of the money earned to charity work to protect children. Working hours: from 11:00 to 21:00. Free admission. Entertainment prices start at € 4 (coupons).
- Open Air Museum Island on Seurasaari Island. It is a popular place for a relaxing tourist holiday because it has a national park. The administrative building was built in the Scandinavian style. The island is famous for its tame animals such as squirrels and raccoon dogs.
In general, almost a third of the area of the capital of Finland consists of open areas and parks, and there are also about 70 different museums. The tourist season is from mid-June to mid-August.
When visiting the city during this period, it is worthwhile to take care of hotel accommodation or renting accommodation from the owners in advance, in any case, we advise you to always have the RoomGuru application on your smartphone, and be sure to check out other applications for tourists.
What to see in Helsinki in 1 day?
For those who travel on their own and decided not to involve a guide in their own vacation, there is also something to see in Helsinki in one day.
- Monument to Sibelius. The monument is dedicated to the most famous Finnish musician Jan Sibelius. It is a metal pipe organ ensemble that is the most visited tourist destination in Helsinki.
- Kamppi Chapel of Silence. An unusual architectural structure made of wood that appeared in the capital of Finland in 2012. The main hall is 11.5 m high.
- The hotel is a prison. Situated on the Katajanokka Peninsula, the former 19th century prison has now become a cozy place for tourists who want to feel the atmosphere of the former captivity. Although the former cells have already been converted into comfortable rooms, the corridors still retain their flavor. Approximate price: from 9461 rubles. up to RUB 24203 (Based on average rate for a standard room).
- Sakura park Kirsikkapuisto. A place for those looking for a place to walk in Helsinki in the evening. Sakuras bloom in spring, so for tourists who come at this time of the year, a walk in the park will become a real paradise.
- The panoramic restaurant "Haykaranpesya" at a height of 76 m. Even the tower itself is this unusual establishment already worth a visit. A table in the restaurant must be booked in advance.
- Church in the rock - Temppeliaukio. The Lutheran Church is located almost in the center of the city. The interior space was carved into the rock, and the roof was made of a glass dome through which natural light penetrates.
- Observation deck at Helsinki airport. It opened in 2012 and is open in the summer for free from 7:00 to 22:00 for everyone.
Wondering where to go from Helsinki by car? Renting a car at the airport for a few days' vacation in the Finnish capital will open up a different view of the city and its surroundings. You can rent a car using Economybokings, a search engine compares prices among all companies.
Only 20 km from the capital is the city of Espoo, founded in 1458 and surrounded by almost untouched forests - part of the Nuuksio National Park, this is where we advise you to come on your own by car first thing. In winter, the city becomes a center for skiing. So not only Helsinki, but also the suburbs are very interesting as a vacation spot, especially if you decide to book a country villa with a group of friends or family.
Walking route around the city on foot and by car
Life hack for a budget vacation:
Let's note a few practical tips that help to save on flights, looking for accommodation and other situations:
- With the search for housing, you can solve the issue on Booking:
- It is more convenient to search for air tickets through Aviasales, the service is good because it finds inexpensive tickets even among low-cost airlines, this is beneficial, especially when flying between European cities. Here you can also rent a car profitably to explore popular objects on your own.
- Everything about the cost of recreation in the capital in summer and winter, food prices, food, where to go, tickets and other aspects of a vacation for independent travel.
