If you're looking for sightseeing, stunning squares and spectacular scenery, then Helsinki could be your next city break!

This sparkling jewel of a capital city is surrounded by the beautiful Baltic sea. Whether you're a city sightseer or cultural consumer, there is something here for everyone! With its abundance of churches and cathedrals, museums and monuments, and finally, markets and squares, there is a lot here to tick off your bucket list! However, if you're a nature seeker and communing with nature is calling you, then you won't be at a loss either. Its picturesque parks, luscious green forests and extensive coastline will leave you feeling rich in nature's energy.
My Highlights:
The Temppeliaukio Church: also know as The Church of the Rock and Rock Church, this famous landmark is a major sightseeing attraction in Helsinki. This modern, underground church (completed in 1969), was carved directly into rock and has an impressive dome created from copper.
The Sibelius Monument (pictured below): located in Sibelius Park, this stunning sculpture is dedicated to the Finnish composer - Jean Sibelius. Unveiled in 1967, there are two parts: a group of steel pipes resembling that of an organ (in a wave-like movement), along with a bust of Sibelius. This grand monument has beautiful surroundings and is well worth a visit!
Senate Square: this central, popular plaza is lined by some of the most important buildings within the city. Helsinki Cathedral, the University and the Government Palace all overlook this significant square and the statue of Alexander II (which stands in the centre).
The Market Square: sitting on the South Harbour with idyllic sea views, it holds booths selling souvenirs and handicrafts along with numerous food stalls that offer a range of culinary treats. This is the perfect place for a pit stop during a busy day of sightseeing in order to have that well deserved sweet or savoury snack!
A Boat Cruise: being surrounded by sapphire sea means that a boat trip is always necessary! It's a wonderful way to obtain a panoramic view of the city's skyline and appreciate Helsinki's archipelago. You can also catch a ride to the Fortress of Suomenlinna (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Need to knows!
Currency: | The Euro |
Language: | Finnish & Swedish (but English is widely spoken) |
Plug type: | Type F |
Travel: | Helsinki is a common port on many Baltic cruise itineraries. The main airport in Helsinki (Helsinki-Vantaa Airport) is located about 20 km from the city centre and is in easy reach via taxi, bus and train. |
Cash or card? | Both are accepted. I always like to carry some physical currency with me wherever I travel. |
My Experience:

I visited Helsinki as it was one of the ports on the Baltic cruise itinerary. We were only here for one day so it is definitely a capital city that I would love to return to at a later date. As my visit was 'short and sweet', it was essential to cover as many of the key sights possible! Opting for a sightseeing bus was a fantastic way of travelling around quickly and efficiently, especially for any sights that were a little further out. Moreover, even though I was visiting in the summer months, the weather was a little temperamental: with sunshine and sporadic showers throughout the day. Luckily the sun stayed out for my boat cruise, but it was useful to have a mode of transport organised for when the unexpected rain struck!
Helsinki is the only place I have visited in Finland but I would love to come back in the future to explore more of this capital along with the rest of this beautiful and scenic country!

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