Helsinki Finland 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Helsinki

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kauppahalli Market. Try local delicacies like Karjalanpaisti (Karelian stew) and Munkki (Finnish doughnuts).
  • Visit Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, a unique architectural marvel carved into solid rock.
  • Take a stroll around Senate Square and admire the neoclassical architecture of the Helsinki University and the Lutheran Cathedral.

Afternoon:

  • Visit Suomenlinna, a sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can reach it by a short ferry ride from Market Square.
  • Lunch at Restaurant Havana, located in Suomenlinna, offering traditional Finnish dishes with a modern twist.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the museums on Suomenlinna, like the Powerhouse Museum or the Naval Club Museum.

Evening:

  • Return to the city and visit Esplanadi Park. It’s a perfect spot for people watching.
  • Dinner at Olo, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Finnish cuisine.
  • End your day with a drink at Krog Roba or Tavastia, two iconic Helsinki bars.

Day 2: Nature and Culture

Morning:

  • Start your day early with a visit to the Helsinki Zoo. It’s open from April to October.
  • Head to Seurasaari Open-Air Museum to learn about Finnish folk culture and traditional architecture.
  • Lunch at Seurasaari’s own restaurant. They offer traditional Finnish dishes made with local ingredients.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Design Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. Both are excellent spots to learn about Finnish design and art.
  • Take a relaxing walk at Keskuskenttä Park and enjoy the urban landscape.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Tallbergin Ravintola, a historic restaurant offering traditional Finnish cuisine with a beautiful view of the harbor.
  • End your day with a visit to Lasipalatsi (Glass Palace), where you can find multiple cultural events happening. Check out what’s on at the Bio Rex cinema or the Circus Festival, if it’s the right time of year.

Things to Know:

  • Helsinki’s public transportation is excellent and efficient. The city’s network includes trams, buses, and metros. A travel card covering all public transport can be purchased at any station or kiosk.
  • Finnish people are known for their politeness and respect for personal space. It’s customary to greet people when entering a shop or restaurant.
  • English is widely spoken in Helsinki, but learning a few basic phrases in Finnish can go a long way.
  • Summer nights in Helsinki never get completely dark due to the city’s northern location. This phenomenon, called the ‘White Night’, offers extended hours for exploring the city.
  • Always check the opening times of attractions and restaurants before visiting, as schedules may vary during different seasons or days of the week.