Best Tourist attractions in Finland

Beautiful cathedral both outside and inside. The paintings indoors are quite remarkable even tho the main room seems smaller than from the outside.
Be aware of service times where visiting can be tricky. Also, no photo can be takwn inside.

Awesome zoo with a great variety of animals and amazing indoor and outdoor spaces. Even in the cold of winter I still had a blast! Highly recommend for any tourists or locals who want a fun relaxing day.

If you are visiting Helsinki you def need to go for a nice walk on this island. You take the ferry from Market Square, they departure every 30-40 minutes and you get there in a quick 10-15 mins ride. I went there in winter on a rainy day and the small ice blowing into your face mostly near the King's Gate.
Beautiful little town with nice cafes, bars and restaurants.
I've tried the local soup of the day in one small but lovely place and it was fantastic.

a captivating sea fortress near Helsinki. The island's rich history and charming cafes make it a wonderful destination. Enjoy exploring!

Short ferry ride (20min) and nice to visit for a couple of hours or more. Would I prioritize this over other tourist points in Helsinki: no. I recommend seeing it but not above other things and especially during the winter.
Count about 30min to cross the island on foot and about 3hrs when doing the full tour.

Absolutely stunning in the winter. The colored buildings give a lovely view against the white backdrop. It’s super nice to walk around. I recommend to walk all the way to Kings gate and back. And a great bonus, there’s a supermarket near the ferry stop!

I loved that Cathedral. It's quiet, it's peaceful. The architecture, the interior are amazing. You could feel the previous generations in there if you'd take a several minutes to sit and relax.

Really beautiful way to spend a few hours! A great work around the island seeing some historical points and experiencing some enjoyable views. Also had some coffees from different spots on the island which is always welcome.

A ~20 mins ferry ride to the calm, serene and a wonderful island with breathtaking views!! If you are planning this place in winters, just a warning as it’s a lot to walk and it can get difficult to walk because of the ice.

But I would want to visit this island in summers when I visit Helsinki again!

Peaceful and tranquil.
A place filled with awe! Amazing artistry and well kept. A must visit.

Love the way tourist are asked to pay their respects. No phone conversations, no talking loudly, no head gear and no flash photography. Very simple ways to show respect of other’s culture.

Just love the peace and quiet here. Come in and sit in the chairs provided for a few minutes and just find peace.

A donation is requested at the entrance.

Nice small zoo. Even in winter, we've enjoyed the animals. The biggest surprise were camels - on snow! There are nice inside pavilions to get warm, and near the bear enclosure (no bears for us sadly) is a restaursnt. Get their burger.
There is also a small house with a grill inside and you can have a picnic there, the coal is ready!

This cathedral may look big but the opened area to the public is very limited to only a corner of the entrance. It probably took less than 5 minutes to finish this site as you could not really get up close to see the details. If you are in the area, no harm to go visit for a bit; yet definitely no need to come all the way to visit.

Suomenlinna fortress is one of my favourite places in Finland. Such a beautiful place. The Suomenlinna fortress is located on the coast of Helsinki and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. I loved everything about this place. You can spend a few good hours walking and exploring the sea fortress. It is a must visit for everyone. I highly recommend it. There are a few restaurants and coffee shops. There's no entry fee to the fortress but you'll have to take a ferry from Helsinki to Suomenlinna fortress. The tickets have different options. For example, buy a single ticket or all-day tickets. The good thing about the tickets is that they can be used for any public transport.

My first visit since the major renovation a few years ago, and I have to say it's nice! Upgraded seats, facilities and concessions are top-notch. The fact that you can now move around the whole stadium once past the ticket gates, and not only the section where your seat is located, is a major plus. The stadium still fully retains the spirit of '52.

Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki is the second most popular cathedral in the town. The cathedral's red-brick, Eastern Orthodox architecture is a striking contrast to the surrounding Nordic buildings. Perched atop a hill, it offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Uspenski Cathedral is a must-see destination in Helsinki, and it provides a unique and enriching cultural experience. 🇫🇮

Senate Square Helsinki has a huge market. Lots of diverse foods and non food items to buy.

Out of all the food we had the huge pretzels were the best, so much variety, I had a poppy seed one, if I hadn't eaten before I would have bought another one 😋😋😋😋

The Hop on Hop off bus stops there and the tram runs right next to it as well.
Well worth a look.

Kivinokka Nature Trail is just 300 m long, but it has its charm. It is wheel-chair accessible. Information along the trail is also adapted for vision disabled people, as it has all info in Braille alphabet. The bird watching platform at the end of the trail features splendid views. If you want, you can easily extend your walk into surrounding old forest.

The location of this zoo is second to none that I've ever been to. It is located on an island and the natural terrain is interwoven into the layout of the zoo in a beautiful way. We enjoyed seeing some unique animals too!

A very big stadium with lots of seats in the stands. Also many activities inside the building. I played floor ball but there were many other sports for fun there as well. A must visit place.

Helsinki 2nd famous cathedral. Architecture is influenced by Russian design and it is beautiful made with bricks. It is on small hill so when at above you get good view of near by places. Inside architecture is also good. Can't get enough of bricks color and preservation of the cathedral.
There are few steps to climb before you see the main entrance. There are other ways to come.
Very near to market and some food joints.
It is crowded on most of the days.

Nice stadium in good condition. The museum tells a lot about the history of Finlands sports history.

When there, do not forget to climb the tower for some great views.

Uspenski Cathedral
The cathedral is set upon a hillside on the Katajanokka peninsula overlooking the city. It is next to the Helsinki Skywheel. The Golden Onions can be seen from far distances. Loved the old matador (van) and the young artist who sells his paintings, sketches.

Located on a short climb up the hill, this is a very interesting place to admire the Eastern Orthodox Church architecture from outside and inside. It was quite the experience to experience the grand exterior and interior of the cathedral.

No information boards if you're coming here alone, and the church interior is not all that big, but still okay to visit on your own.

Recommend the experience as entrance into the cathedral is free, unlike other more famous churches in Helsinki.

We visited in autumn, and this island makes for a good half to one day trip from Helsinki. There are many different museums here (you need to pay per entrance if you don't have the Helsinki card), but our personal favourite was the World War 2 submarine and war museums.

There are also historical buildings you can visit, and you can also get scenic views of the sea here. Everything is within Walkable distance, takes about an hour to two to walk non-stop from one end to the other end.

There are also different restaurants here for food if you want to try it out, but nothing caught our eye. We did try an ice cream stall that sold 1 cone for 4.50 euros. As this is a tourist spot, expect things here to be pricey if you're spending money, even the church charges an entrance fee. Otherwise you can also bring your own food and have a picnic here, the King's Gate is quite a good place to sit and chill.

Do check the weather before coming here though, as it was raining when we were here and that somewhat affected our experience as most of the places are unshelthered.

Overall an interesting attraction to visit with different activities. Highly recommended as a half to full day excursion from Helsinki. You can reach this place via a public ferry that departs every 20 minutes from the Market Square.

Went on a Sunday. Beautiful area, but the closest we could get to any animals was around 50 meters. The cows and sheep were hundreds of meters away.

Felt like a step back in time. It's a beautiful stadium. Would love to see an event here.

Avarat näkymät Vanhan kaupungin lahdelle kohti Viikin peltoja, Loppia ja Lammassaarta.
Kivinokan lintulavalta voi katsella lintuja ja tarkkailla luontoa.

Näkövammaisille tehty hyvä 300 metrin polku lintulavalle. Polun vieressä useita sokeain kirjoituksella tehtyjä puiden opastauluja sekä penkkejä levähdystä varten.

Lintulavalla hyvä istuskella penkeillä ja nauttia vaikka retkieväitä.
Suosittelen koko perheelle 👍

It's basically the main square in Helsinki, located next to the most photographed place, the cathedral. Trams stop here. Located near water. A must see.

This is a beautiful and easy spot to stop with your dog or kids, on a bike or by car. It's got a cafe , gardens, farm machinery, and animals.

Great zoo with lots of animals! The tiger was especially active when we went which was exciting! I'd recommend at least 3 hours to see everything - but you could definitely stay longer. We went during a rainy day and found shelter in little huts along our way!

We visited with our 4½ year old daughter. Although she was not much interested in animals but still there was plenty of stuff to do over there. Play areas for kids are very good. Avoid to go on a rainy day as cold winds blows with it which makes kids sick. Otherwise overall very good experience. Highly recommended..do take strollers with you even with a 5 year old

The Cathedral and Senaatintori (Senate Square) in Helsinki are an absolute must see landmark. We've been living in Helsinki but each time I am back to this beautiful city I like to visit these iconic sites. Great location and historical significance and beauty of this place is remarkable.
The Helsinki Cathedral, also known as Tuomiokirkko, stands tall and majestic at the top of a grand staircase, making for a striking visual from afar. As you approache the Cathedral you can see details of its neoclassical design and bright white facade. Exquisite sculptures and columns exude an aura of elegance and timelessness. Inside the Cathedral the vast, vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate paintings, magnificent altar and a serene atmosphere creates a perfect setting for reflection and contemplation. Whether you're religious or not, the Cathedral's sense of history and reverence leaves a profound impact on visitors. Next to the cathedral is the oldest Russian Orthodox church in Helsinki.

Adjacent to the Cathedral, the Senate Square, or Senaatintori, offers open space surrounded by 19th century buildings. The architecture is dominated by the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki's main building, and the National Library of Finland. All buildings were built mostly during the Russian Empire. The city also called second st. Petersbourg. The symmetrical layout and the blend of neoclassical and romantic styles give the square an air of grandiosity and harmony. Climb up the stairs to the Cathedral for great photos. The panoramic view of Helsinki from there was simply breathtaking.
What's more, the area around the Cathedral and Senate Square is a vibrant hub of cultural activities and events. Throughout the year, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals take place, adding to the lively and inviting atmosphere of the place.
The Cathedral and Senate Square are conveniently located within walking distance of other Helsinki attractions, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city. The nearby Esplanade Park, Helsinki Market Square, streets of the city center were you can do some shopping, dining, etc.The Cathedral and Senate Square in Helsinki are amazing buildings that you must see. The Cathedral is so beautiful and grand, both outside and inside. The Senate Square is a big open area with lovely old buildings around it. It's a great place to visit if you like history, architecture, or just want to enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Don't miss out on these famous landmarks when you're in Helsinki!

Very nice place to hangout with family and kids. Nature, small fast food , few animals, fishing, trails around. All in one package.

3 stars for the range of beautiful animals on display but I felt sorry for every single one of them. The terrariums are way to small, especially for the crocodile. Most of the terrariums are decorated with just dusty plastic plants, the drinking/swimming water was very dirty and the animals all looked very bored and some are overweight because they don't have room to move around as they should.

The centerpiece of the square is the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral, a stunning white cathedral with its striking green domes that dominate the skyline. The cathedral's intricate facade and elegant staircase make it a captivating sight from every angle, perfect for photo opportunities and capturing the essence of Helsinki.

You can see animals and enjoy walking in the nearby meadow. There are also some fishing spots that you can try.

Excellent place to spend especially if you love to see country side view.

Fun for the kids and grown ups, and the restaurant Wanha Pehtoori with garden terrace is cozy. Great burgers, well made patty cooked to perfection.

I visited on. Friday at the end of June 2023. Yes, you really should buy your tickets before you get to the ferry terminal, or, get on the bus. Yes, there is a massive civil engineering project going on right now that is effecting what animals are available to be seen. Please, between now and the beginning of 2027, try to check with the zoo for a full listing of what animals are available to be seen and what aren't. The civil engineering project in question is the construction of huge bridge linking the small island the zoo is on to one part of Helsinki so that the tram network can be extended to the island.

The zoo itself is fantastic. Taking the 15 minute ferry ride to the island, as I did takes you passed the docking area of the ice breaker fleet and then as the ferry manoeuvres itself into the dock at the zoo it is possible to get a good look at the beared vulture enclosure and part of the mountain goat enclosure.

There are hills everywhere. The tarmac is smooth and easy to walk on and roll over. The paths are wide and the signposts excellent. The signs, for the animals, are in Finnish, Swedish and English. Yes there is the option to listen to information for some of the bigger animal areas, again in Finnish and English, via the zoo's website and/or the zoo's SoundCloud account.

There are plenty of places to sit, stop, have a sandwich, watch the animals, take a break, whatever you want to.

As both a teaching experience and a conservation experience I rate this zoo very highly indeed. The whole place is, in my opinion, a wonderful experience and I look forward to many more visits over the years.

Thank you Helsinki Zoo, thank you.

A bigger Zoo than I expected from Helsinki. Great location and a wonderful time walking around. Great facilities for kids with changing stations everywhere and (tap) water was possible to get almost everywhere.

Animals had large enclosures and seemed content, though most hid from the gawking humans in their private areas.

Great classic stadium. The Finland national team used it for their international matches. Unfortunately, the pitch was still on the maintenance when I came. Hopefully I will have a chance to watch a football match in this stadium.

This stadion is a functional architecture masterpiece! Worth a visit to see how new functions have been incorporated into a classical 1930s design. It has hosted all kind of celebs, from sport stars to musical prodigies. A fascinating history and victory to the Fins that they have preserved the stadion - against all odds!

It's was nice. Most of the animals that I visited I couldn't see them because they were hiding or sleeping. I recommend visiting at a time where animals are awake and wandering around.

Sehr schön gelegener Platz direkt am Dom. Ein "Muss" in Helsinki. Entspannte Atmosphäre. Rund um tolle Gebäude. Der Dom selbst ist sehr schlicht gehalten innen drin.

We have just visited the tower which offered a nice view over Helsinki, after climbing up with the elevator. But I would rather say, the view is not worth the relative high entry fee.

Outsode this very hustoric and picturesque cathedral, we were treated to a fantastic parade from the Finnish Cadet equivalent. Safe to say, the Finnish kids definitely put up a show. Fantastic!

We visited the zoo in Spring and my 2 year boy enjoyed a lot. The instructions maps to view the animals are spot on and very user friendly. I recommend buying the tickets in advance it is slightly cheaper like in 1 euro. Also theres no queue to entrance. Not many number of species were there but we enjoyed alot.

Visited during the Rammstein world tour. The stadium is large and relatively modern, with numerous bathroom and food and beverage facilities spaced out intermittently. Make sure to walk on further to find free toilets. Space is able to host everything from concerts to football matches, with inner indoor facilities open for booking as well.

Note that due to the lack of actual kitchen space food services tend to be spartan and poor, so eat something before your gig. You'll find beverages, alcoholic and non-alc, to be freely available.

A beautiful square right in the middle of a busy city. Very beautiful square with the oldest building in Helsinki on it. The square is cobbled all around and has great Architectural Buildings around it. The Cathedral is beautiful and not very ornate. A must visit for tourists for sure.

This is a lovely square that is convenient to get to by bus. My only criticism is that we were using a wheelchair for my wife and it was not very friendly for handicapped access. It could be done only with patience and a lot of effort.

Nice place to explore the tropical lizards, birds, spiders, snakes and other strange and exotic creatures from around the world for an hour or more! The kids love it!

Nice place to spend time watch the tigers and baby tigers, lions and snow Leopard was the kids highlights. Signs were in many languages so no issue in understanding what you were looking at. We went in march it was still cold and not all shops/restaurants were open but not as many people there. You can get really close to some of the animals. Monkeys and the tropical areas.

Great and clean zoo when you visiting Helsinki. We just visited the zoo with our 1,5j old toddler. Great and enough baby cleaning rooms! Also pretty unique zoo because he’s located on an island!

Very interesting place. I was exited like a child! So many snakes and varans and lizards. Also crocodiles and turtles. Good place visit with kids. There's one bird who is very excited about kids. We spend two hours there and liked it very much!

Komealla paikalla jylhä pronssiveistos.

Very nice countryside place with animals. Good in summer. For all family with small kids. There is a playground for them. Also good for a picnic. There is a nice cafe in apple tree garden. Place is by the river so you can swim if the weather allows. Very tasteful ice cream.

This place was like a big and fantastic surprise for us! It is located in an ordinary, quite aged, building with the same design inside. But! A collection of reptile is amazing! Large and small snakes, two crocodiles, several turtles, varans and small lizards, even one friendly African bird. We were absolutely delighted! Recommended to all reptile enthusiasts!

It's a nice small farm but nothing special. I would recommend the walk or ride there because the nature is really nice. Perhaps kids would appreciate the farm more than adults. There is a café and an ice cream trailer. The café is very expensive for example a small glass of wine is 9 euros. There are also pic nick tables next to the cafe where you can bring your own drinks and snacks.

Recently visited the area for the first time ever. Even in winter conditions, the paths were relatively easy to walk and one could find useful information on various sights and species. However, I'd suggest adding a few signs to point the way to the giant's kettles (pictured below) since there were none and we had to search for directions on the web.

Beautiful place for a walk.

Great place to walk and ride mountainbikes

Hieno puisto.

Great

Nice view. Take a few beers with you and watch the sunset. Works well at summertime but also at the wintertime...

Finding this reptile house was a pretty cool surprise. Their collection of constrictors, big lizards, and venomous snakes is impressive. I especially loved getting up close to the green & black mambas, gaboon viper, and the alligator monitor lizard. We got lucky and got to watch a live feeding of several of the big lizards. Great learning opportunity for children and families!

For nature lovers and friends

It is a peaceful place to see alot of snakes and other reptiles living on the globe. You can see different species. There are also big spiders. Most of the snakes were just holding their ground and not moving. Almost all terrariums had informative boards in Finnish and English.

Very relaxing place 😊

beautiful place

Makuasia tykkääkö muttei häiritse

If you're a reptile enthusiast, this is the place to go! Super cool, beautiful and rare snakes and lizards. Children will also love it because there are reptiles in any size, color and pattern. There's a chance to see the feeding of reptiles too because we saw the feeding of a reticulated python and a bull snake. It really was like a snake heaven and I can't recommend it enough! Adult ticket: 10€; children ticket (4-17yrs): 8€.

Suomen 75-vuotisjuhlallisuuksien yhteydessä paljastettu Seppo Mannisen teos, joka koostuu kahdesta osasta; Ajan kaari ja Itsenäisyyden liekki. Salon tyylikkäimpiä nähtävyyksiä. Sijaitsee upeassa Sibeliuksenpuistossa.

Nice trails for running with lots rocks and stunning views.

Nice views and a good place to hang out especially in summer.

Strange place in the middle of the city. Lots of mini cottages in the woodd

Great outdoor area

What an surprise to find a zoo in a basement of a residential building. The zoo is aged but well kept and clean. The limelight is on lizards and snakes, but there are a few tropical animals of other types. At first I doubted how happily can these animals live with artificial light, but they actually seem to be in good condition and some of them apparently bred here so I assume the personnels take good care of them. There are some rare animals with less than a hundred species around the world. The hornbill bird is clearly the star of the show, super friendly and active. The zoo is medium size so it’s great for families with children. I suggest they put the info tags a bit lower so it’s easier for children and short people (like me) to read.

A hidden gem in the capital city, opposite to Kalasatama, and close to Herttoniemi. A wide and green area, where you can pick berries in summer or mushrooms in autumn. Nice trails to walk through the trees

Beautiful place