Helsinki, Finland 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center

  • Arrival: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the primary airport serving Helsinki. You can reach the city center by train (Airport Train), bus, or taxi.

  • Hotel Check-in: Consider staying at Hotel Kämp, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, or Scandic Hotels for a comfortable stay in the city center.

  • Lunch: Visit Korvapuustit Café for traditional Finnish pastries and coffee.

  • Sightseeing: Start with Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and University of Helsinki. Walk along Mannerheimintie towards Kaivopuisto Park.

  • Evening: Explore the Design District (Kolmio) and enjoy dinner at Olo, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Finnish cuisine.

Day 2: Museums & Sea Fortress

  • Breakfast: Try the buffet at your hotel or visit the popular Kafe Kansanperän.

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Finland and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.

  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Café Regatta, near the museums.

  • Afternoon: Take a ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon exploring the islands.

  • Dinner: Dine at Restaurant Salve, located inside Suomenlinna, offering seafood specialties.

Day 3: Islands & Markets

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel or try a local bakery like Runeberginkatu Kauppahalli (Market Square).

  • Morning: Visit the Suomenlinna Market for fresh produce and handicrafts. Then, take a ferry to Seurasaari Open-Air Museum to learn about Finnish folk culture and architecture.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Restaurant Seurasaari or pack a picnic to enjoy in the park.

  • Afternoon: Head back to the city center and visit the Helsinki Central Library Oodi, then stroll along Esplanadi Park.

  • Dinner: Dine at Savu Restaurant for Finnish barbecue cuisine.

Day 4: Islands & Sauna Experience

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Finnish breakfast at your hotel or visit a local bakery.

  • Morning: Visit Kallio Church, Sibelius Monument, and the Temppeliaukio Rock Church.

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Juuri, offering Nordic cuisine with a focus on wild berries and herbs.

  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Lonna Island, known for its hip cafés, art gallery, and boat rental services. Don’t miss the beautiful view of Helsinki skyline!

  • Dinner: Have dinner at Restaurant Tales or Savu Terassi, both offering grilled dishes and a great atmosphere.

  • Evening: Experience a traditional Finnish sauna at Loyly or Yrjönkatu Sauna, followed by a dip in the Baltic Sea.

Day 5: Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia (optional)

  • Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and check out.

  • Morning: Take a ferry from Helsinki West Harbor to Tallinn, Estonia. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

  • Day in Tallinn: Spend the day exploring Tallinn’s Old Town, Toompea Hill, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the bustling Tallinn Central Market. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Afternoon/Evening: Return to Helsinki by ferry, depending on your departure time. Have dinner at your convenience in Helsinki before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Tips & Important Information:

  • Helsinki Card offers free entry to many attractions and museums, as well as public transportation.
  • Finnish people are known for their polite and reserved nature. Always greet them with a smile and use proper manners.
  • The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.
  • Helsinki’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and waterproof clothing.
  • Respect local customs, especially during Midsummer (June 21-24) and Christmas celebrations.