WHAT TO DO IN HELSINKI?
No matter what your preference is, Helsinki has something to offer to you. Whether your a nature lover, foodie or into sports, music, art or culture – you can find interesting things in Helsinki. Here we introduce you few things to do in and around Helsinki while you are here.
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CULTURE
NATURE
Don't let anyone tell you zoos and amusement parks are just for children!
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The main attraction of the Korkeasaari Zoo are the big cats, but it's also great for getting to know animals native to Finland. If you're lucky or plan your visit ahead, you will also get to see the animals being fed!
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When arriving in Helsinki by train, of the first things you see after the Pasila station is the Linnanmäki amusement park. The park has 43 attractions, and the only Sea Life Aquarium in the Nordic Countries. You can walk around the park free of charge, so why not go for a stroll and enjoy some ice cream on a sunny day?
FOR THE CHILD AT HEART
PARKS
Helsinki has a lot of parks, even in the busy centre. Our favourite, The Old Curch Park, is located just around the block from the hostel. It has a gruesome history as a cemetary, but nowadays it's a popular place for hanging out amongst the locals.
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SHOPPING
The centre of Helsinki is dominated by two big shopping centres, Kamppi and Forum, and two big department stores, Sokos and Stockmann. However, big chain stores are not all the city has to offer, and little novelty shops can be found everywhere. Whether you're after old vinyls, Finnish design or collectible comic books, Helsinki has you covered.
Finland is known for its forests and clean nature, and even in the capital those two aren't far away.
For those who don't want to spend their whole day in the woods, we recommend a visit to the islands in front of Helsinki, especially the recently opened island of Vallisaari. The former military island is full of stories and untouched nature. Just don't stray from the path!
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For those looking for an adventure, the National Parks of Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi are the places to visit. Sipoonkorpi is smaller and more remote, but perfect if you want to have some peace and quite. Nuuksio is more popular, and the Narture Centre Haltia gives you a great look into the Finnish flora and fauna.
Helsinki has a lot of museums for you to visit, with the most popular ones being Ateneum and Kiasma. Ateneum has a great collection of Finnish classics, like Ferdinard von Wright and Akseli Gallen-Kallela. If classical art isn't your thing, Kiasma, the museum of modern art, is definitely worth checking out for it's architecture alone!
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For those into military history, nature or picnics, the island if Suomenlinna is definitely worth a visit. Located just in front of Helsinki, the island is a popular place to visit amongst locals and tourists alike, and also houses a museum of the island's history. While youre there, why not try a beer from the island's own brewery.
