Helsinki Finland 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Helsinki, Finland

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

  • Accommodation: Kämp Collection Hotel Kämp or GLO Hotel Klaus Kuru (Centrally located hotels with excellent services)
  • Check-in and freshen up.

Afternoon

  • Transportation: Helsinki’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to navigate. Consider buying a HSL Travel Card for unlimited travel during your stay.

Evening

  • Dinner at: Olo - A fine dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
  • Sightseeing: Stroll around the city center, visiting Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, and the Sibelius Monument.

Day 2: Exploring the Design District

Morning

  • Breakfast at: Fabrique Bakery - Enjoy a traditional Finnish pastry with your coffee.
  • Visit: The Design District (Kampin Keskus), home to many unique boutiques, galleries, and cafes showcasing Finnish design. Don’t miss the Museum of Finnish Architecture.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at: Harry Mac’s - A popular burger joint with a fun atmosphere.
  • Visit: The National Museum of Finland and learn about the country’s rich history.

Evening

  • Dinner at: Telakkaravintola Kuudes Linja - A historic seafood restaurant with a great atmosphere.
  • Sightseeing: Take a walk along the Esplanadi Park and enjoy the city views from the top of the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (you can take a ferry to get there).

Day 3: Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

  • Transportation: Take a ferry from Helsinki’s Market Square to Tallinn, Estonia. The journey takes around 2 hours each way.
  • Sightseeing: Explore Tallinn’s Old Town (Vanalinn), visit Toompea Hill, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
  • Lunch: Enjoy Estonian cuisine in Tallinn’s Old Town.
  • Return to Helsinki and relax for the evening.

Day 4: Exploring Espoo (Nearby City)

Morning

  • Transportation: Take a short train ride to Espoo, home to several tech companies like Nokia and Rovio (Angry Birds).
  • Visit: The Malls of Espoo - Shopping centers with a variety of stores and eateries. Don’t miss the futuristic Mall of Tripla.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at: Restaurant Taito - A modern Finnish restaurant in Espoo.
  • Visit: The Nuuksio National Park for hiking and nature exploration.

Evening

Day 5: Relaxing Day in Helsinki

Morning

  • Breakfast at: Baker & Kitchen - A cozy café with a variety of breakfast options.
  • Visit: The Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square, and the adjacent Old Market Hall for shopping and tasting local delicacies.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at: Phaidon - A trendy restaurant serving creative dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Visit: The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma or the Ateneum Art Museum.

Evening

  • Dinner at: Talko - A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a tasting menu of Finnish cuisine.
  • Sightseeing: Take a sunset stroll around the Töölönlahti Bay and enjoy the city lights.

Day 6: Island Hopping

Morning

  • Breakfast at: Your hotel or try a local café.
  • Transportation: Take a ferry to Suomenlinna Islands from Market Square. Spend the day exploring the islands, including the Sea Fortress and the Seaplane Harbor Museum.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at: Seurasaari Restaurant - Located in Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, enjoy a meal with a view of the islands.
  • Visit: The island of Lonna for a drink or dinner at Restaurant Lonna (reservations recommended).

Evening

Day 7: Last Day in Helsinki & Departure

Morning

  • Breakfast at: Your favorite café from your stay.
  • Sightseeing: Visit any attractions you may have missed or revisit your favorites.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at: Pirccini - A cozy, family-run restaurant in the Kallio district.
  • Last-minute shopping for souvenirs or anything you might have missed.

Evening

  • Farewell Dinner at: Oraia - A high-end restaurant with a great atmosphere and stunning views of the city.