Helsinki 7 Day Itinerary

Seven-Day Itinerary for Exploring Helsinki

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Kämp, a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Helsinki. For budget travelers, consider Hostel Menneassalo-Kotka or Hostel Suomenlinna.

  • Arrival: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is the main international airport in Helsinki. You can get to the city center by train (Finnair City Bus), taxi, or rental car.

Day 2: Explore Central Helsinki

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast at Ravintola Kansalaisetti.

  • Sightseeing: Visit the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and Helsinki Cathedral. Stroll along Mannerheimintie towards Kaivopuisto Park and enjoy the views of the sea.

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Kauppahalli Market, where you can find a variety of local foods.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Design Museum, Ateneum Art Museum, or Museum of Coronation Throne.

  • Dinner: Dine at Olo for a high-end dining experience.

Day 3: Explore Esplanadi and Surroundings

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at one of the cafes along Esplanadi Park, such as Espresso House.

  • Sightseeing: Visit the National Museum of Finland, Sibelius Monument, and Mannerheim Museum.

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Grön, a popular vegan restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Esplanade, visit the Helsinki Music Centre, or relax at one of the city’s saunas (e.g., Löyly).

  • Dinner: Dine at Telavana for some authentic Ethiopian cuisine.

Day 4: Visit Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

  • Breakfast: Start your day early with breakfast at your accommodation or grab something quick on the go.

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the morning exploring the sea fortress.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at one of the restaurants on Suomenlinna (e.g., Restaurant Piper).

  • Afternoon: In the afternoon, visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum to learn about Finnish folk culture and history.

  • Dinner: Return to the city center and dine at Ravintola Savoy for an elegant dining experience.

Day 5: Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

  • Breakfast: Start your day early with breakfast at your accommodation.

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia (approximately 2 hours). Spend the morning exploring the Old Town of Tallinn.

  • Lunch: Have lunch in Tallinn at Phaidon, offering a variety of Estonian dishes.

  • Afternoon: Continue exploring Tallinn, visit Toompea Hill, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Tallinn TV Tower.

  • Dinner: Return to Helsinki and dine at Tavastia for some traditional Finnish food.

Day 6: Relax and Explore More

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at one of Helsinki’s many cafes (e.g., Kahvila Korjaamo).

  • Sightseeing: Visit the Helsinki Art Museum (HAM), Finnish National Theatre, or Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church).

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Baker & Kitchen for some tasty sandwiches and pastries.

  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring more of Helsinki, perhaps visiting the Linnanmäki Amusement Park or the National Library of Finland.

  • Dinner: Dine at Kokko for a unique dining experience that combines Finnish and Japanese cuisines.

Day 7: Farewell Helsinki

  • Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or one of the cafes in the city center.

  • Departure: Depending on your departure time, you may have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing before heading to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for your journey home.

Transportation

Helsinki has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro (called Metro Helsinki). Tickets can be purchased at any Metro station or through the HSL mobile app.

Tips

  • Remember to try sauna during your stay! It’s a quintessential Finnish experience.
  • Dress in layers as temperatures can vary throughout the day and between indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Helsinki is generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Finland uses the Euro currency (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments or vending machines.
  • Enjoy your time in Helsinki and don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations! They are usually happy to help.