Your guide to Helsinki / Things to do if you only have 24/48 hours in Helsinki
Only 24-48 hours in Helsinki
The abundance of restaurants, pubs and entertainment attractions found in Helsinki could easily fill a long trip without ever running out of things to do. But, if you are short on time, you can fill your trip with a few of the best destinations and things to do in Helsinki in a day. Check out a few things you will want to fit into your literary if you have only 24-48 hours in Helsinki.
Cruises in the Helsinki Archipelago
With over 300 islands and 100 kilometers of shoreline, you can see the sparkling maritime life of Helsinki on a summertime archipelago cruise. The boats all depart from Market Square, and you can enjoy the lovely weather with a glass of wine, brunch, lunch or dinner, depending on which cruise you book. You can hear about the history of the area while taking in the sights. All archipelago cruises run throughout the summer, from May to September.
Get the Best Views in the City Centre
SkyWheel Helsinki, Katajanokanlaituri 2
Allas Sea Pool, Katajanokanlaituri 2a
The city centre, especially around Senate Square, is great for architecture buffs. The whole area offers fantastic views of Neoclassical architecture. You can spot the majestic Uspenski Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Western Europe.
Another way to take in the views is to take a ride on the SkyWheel Helsinki. This 40-metre-high Ferris wheel is right by the Market Square, and you can enjoy 360-degree vistas all year-round. You can add some luxury to your ride by getting the Veuve Clicquot VIP experience with champagne and music.
Also, not so far from the Market Square is the Allas Sea Pool, an urban spa that includes saunas, freshwater and saltwater pools, and wellness facilities. You can visit any time of year to take a relaxing swim or even simply enjoy the view of the city and the sea from the spa terrace.
Cycling in Helsinki
Summer is a truly beautiful time to visit Helsinki, and the city makes it even easier to enjoy the area with over 2,500 city bikes, 150 bike stations and over 1,200 kilometers of bike paths. You can buy a bike pass for a day, week or even a whole season. Because everything is so easily navigable, your standard rental pass includes up to 30 minutes of bike use without any extra charge. You can rent your bike for a longer amount of time if you want, of course.
Go Museum-Hopping
The National Museum of Finland, Mannerheimintie
The Finnish Museum of Photography, Kaapelitehdas, Tallberginkatu
The Museum of Finnish Architecture, Kasarmikatu
Suomenlinna Museum, Suomenlinna
There are a handful of museums that are worth exploring while spending one day in Helsinki. While 24 hours in Helsinki might not be enough to visit them all, you can choose a few top ones that interest you the most. The National Museum of Finland offers you an educational background of the country that includes exhibits and Civil War time attraction. The museum paints a clear picture of the unique history of Finland.
The Finnish Museum of Photography is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy capturing the perfect image or taking in the beauty of some of the world's best photographers, you are sure to have a great time walking through the museum which is home to over 3.7 million photographs.
Other great museums worth visiting during your 24/48 hour trip include the Museum of Finnish Architecture and the Suomenlinna Museum. You will find it relatively easy to get around Helsinki with the public transportation system. You can buy a Helsinki transport card which gives you access to the cities' trams, metro, trains and ferry.
Go Island-Hopping
A nice summertime day trip within Helsinki is to visit the area islands Lonna, Vallisaari and Suomenlinna. Buy a ticket for the JT-Line's ferry route, and you can visit three beautiful destinations in one go. On Lonna, you can take in a nice lunch or enjoy one of the best sunsets in the city. Vallisaari is best-known for its hiking, and Suomenlinna, also known as the Sea Fortress of Helsinki, is a must-visit attraction. The original architecture of the exhibit began during the 18th Century when Finland was still apart of the Swedish Kingdom. The fortress today acts as an Instagram-worthy backdrop for travellers and Helsinki locals alike.
Go Shopping at Market Square
If you want to spend 48 hours in Helsinki among the locals, then you will definitely want to check out the Market Square. This cultural hub of shopping, dining and entertainment will give you a quick taste of the best of Helsinki. The Market Square sits on the waterfront at the harbour and often hosts special city events. Shopping is one of the most popular activities at the Market Square.
You can buy fresh fish, arts, crafts, bakery items, food and souvenirs to remember your trip with. If you are in a rush to get to your next destination, you could even fill up on food items at the Market Square. The Market Square is open year-round and many locals enjoy drinking a cup of hot coffee underneath one of the heated tents.
Enjoy the Best Finnish Cuisines
If you only have a few hours in Helsinki, then you will want to choose restaurants that give you a taste of authentic Finnish foods. KuuKuu is a modern-Finnish restaurant with fresh, high-quality ingredients. On a warm evening, request a table on the terrace that overlooks the city of Helsinki. The menu changes daily based on the availability of ingredients, but you can't go wrong with any of the fresh seafood dishes.
At Konstan Möljä, you can enjoy Finnish cuisine in a buffet format. They serve fish and Coastal Karelian meat dishes with filling sides like the Mushroom Salad and the Egg Butter. Most of the dishes on the buffet are also lactose and gluten-free. Make sure you leave room for one of the unforgettable dessert choices like the Blueberry Pie or the Breadcrumb Crowned Cheese dish.
Fuel Up on Finnish Coffee
Kaffa Roastery, Pursimiehenkatu
Good Life Coffee, Kolmas linja
You might be surprised to learn that Finland is one of the top coffee consumers in the world. Not only do a lot of Finnish people value their coffee, but they also understand how to make a good cup of it. One great coffee option is Kaffa Roastery. This award-winning coffee shop is often known for testing the limits and stretching their coffee offerings. They also offer guests a fully transparent menu, so you know exactly where your coffee beans and ingredients are sourced from.
Good Life Coffee is another option. Careful chemistry goes into the creation of each cup of coffee. They also serve a large collection of fresh bakery items, each of which pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee.
Buy Unique Fashions
Helsinki is a fabulous destination if you're shopping for designer goods on your trip. The main shopping streets are right in the city centre, Aleksanterinkatu and Esplanade. While you're strolling along these scenic streets, you can find iconic brands like Marimekko, Iittala & Arabia, Artek, Minna Parikka and Makia. Be sure to leave room in your luggage for all of your purchases.
Appreciate the Local Architecture
The National Museum of Finland, Mannerheimintie
Yrjonkatu Swimming Pool, Yrjönkatu
The Ateneum Art Museum, Kaivokatu
Temppeliaukion Church, Lutherinkatu
Some of the world's top architects have designed the most impressive buildings that line the streets in Helsinki. You could easily fill a few hours of your 24-hour trip by taking a stroll down the impressively designed streets. The National Museum is both a historical destination and will also delight visitors who appreciate romanticism architecture. The Yrjonkatu Swimming Pool is another interesting building to visit. First opened in 1928, you can recognise the Nordic Classicism Architecture.
Other notable buildings worth visiting include the Ateneum Art Museum and the Temppeliaukion Church, a church that dates back to 1961 and is built with granite bedrock.
Get a Good Night of Sleep at Helsinki's Best Hotels
After your fun-filled trip to Helsinki, you are going to be tired. Make sure you complete your night at one of the most accommodating and amenity-filled hotels in Helsinki.
If you want to see Helsinki in 24 hours, or can spare 48 hours, you will want to fill your time with the cities' best destinations. Whether you explore the history of Finland at one of the museums or try a cup of authentic Finnish coffee, you are sure to have a great time.