Helsinki Finland 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Central Helsinki

  • Accommodation: Stay at Scandic Hotels, centrally located with a variety of options to suit different budgets.

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast at Kaffe Roasio or Kauppahalli Market.

  • Morning: Visit Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and the adjacent University of Helsinki. Then, head to the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, for a unique architectural experience.

  • Lunch: Try local cuisine at Ravintola Teatteri or Café Ursula near the Central Railway Station.

  • Afternoon: Explore design and Finnish culture at the Design Museum, Aalto Museum, and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. Don’t miss the Sibelius Monument, dedicated to Finland’s most famous composer.

  • Dinner: Dine at Olo, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Nordic cuisine, or opt for more casual options like Kotipizza or Gröön.

  • Evening: Take a stroll around the Töölönlahti Bay and observe the sunset before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Sea Fortresses & Island Hopping

  • Breakfast: Grab a bite at your hotel or explore local cafés near Kamppi Shopping Centre.

  • Morning: Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible by ferry from Katajanokka or Ruoholahti. Spend the morning exploring the island’s history and beautiful surroundings.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Restaurant Wiseman’s in Suomenlinna or return to Helsinki for options like Grön, Savotta, or Söderkarleby.

  • Afternoon: Hop on a ferry to visit the island of Seurasaari, home to an open-air museum showcasing Finnish folk art and tradition. Alternatively, explore the hip neighborhoods of Kallio or Käpylä.

  • Dinner: Savor dinner at Restaurant Ask, offering innovative vegetarian cuisine, or experience traditional Finnish food at Salve.

Day 3: Green Helsinki & Linnanmäki Amusement Park

  • Breakfast: Start your day with brunch at Klaus K, or visit a local bakery like Pekka Paalanne.

  • Morning: Visit the Botanic Garden, Helsinki Zoo, or the Natural History Museum of Finland to connect with nature in the city.

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at the nearby Töölön Torppa or Savotta.

  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Linnanmäki Amusement Park for fun and nostalgia. Don’t miss the iconic wooden roller coaster, Rikola.

  • Dinner: Dine at Krog Robataise & Sushibar or Lappi, both offering delicious Japanese cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

  • Breakfast: Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day trip.

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Helsinki’s Tallink Silja terminal to Tallinn, Estonia. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Explore the Old Town (Vanalinn) and its medieval architecture.

  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Tallinn, with options like Restaurant Pegasus or restaurant Rataskaveri Medieval Restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Continue exploring Tallinn’s museums, galleries, and shops before returning to Helsinki by evening ferry.

  • Dinner: Celebrate your last night in Helsinki with a special dinner at Olo or Savotta, or opt for street food from Street Food Carnival Helsinki.

Things to Know:

  1. Finnish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  2. Helsinki’s public transportation system is efficient and user-friendly.
  3. Summer days are long, with the sun setting around 10 PM in June and July.
  4. Cash isn’t always accepted, so it’s best to carry a credit or debit card.
  5. Finland has a strict alcohol policy; remember to check opening hours and age restrictions.