Location: Helsinki
Top Things to do in Helsinki
Top Restaurants in Helsinki
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Sitting on the edge of the Baltic, the modern, cosmopolitan city of Helsinki is the World Design Capital for 2012. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly with high-tech achievements and contemporary trends. Walking tours of the city center show layers of history, while modern architecture and cutting-edge style stake the city's claim to the future. Choose Helsinki during its endless summer days or get adventurous on crisp, snowy winter nights.
Restaurants in Helsinki
1. Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,129 reviews
Reviewed By M6281VPmarks - Scottsdale, United States
Must visit this UNESCO world heritage site of a fortress in Helsinki south harbor across several islands which was built by the Swedes in the 18th and 19th centuries to unsuccessfully prevent Russia from capturing Finland. It is a remarkable piece of engineering, architecture and history. Visit the several museums on the connected islands. There are also fortifications, barracks, residences (people live there full time), church, workshops, shops, cafes and restaurants. You will need at least half a day to visit and will take a 15 minute scenic ferry ride starting at Market Square but the ferry convenienty runs all day starting very early and ending late in the evening because people live there. Children who are into forts and guns will enjoy. Younger children will have the chance to run around to their hearts content.
2. Katajanokka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States
From the Market Square area, you can easily see the large Ferris Wheel. That cape or small peninsula area is known as “Katajanokka.” If it is a nice day, you are rewarded with several interesting sights. Do not miss noticing the famous Presidentinlinna building—painted in bright yellow--is where President Trump and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin meet in 2018. Presidentinlinna is diagonally across the street from Market Square. Walking right of Uspenski Cathedral is a two storied platform which overlooks a large pool. The views take in the entire harbor area. The Uspenski Cathedral—i.e. the red church—dominates the area. Even if it is closed, there is a beautiful high rock area with rewarding views. On a nice day, people gather to capture the sunset. If you go to the left of Uspenski Cathedral along the northside harbor area you are rewarded in seeing a fleet of “Ice Breakers.” This fleet is docked here for the summer. There are several displays by the fleet which fully explains the history and what they do. Finland is the largest producer of “Ice Breakers.” Along the way is a small bridge filled with “lover-locks” and a restaurant with a large anchor and a very large propeller in front of it. Don’t miss the “Mine Monument,” dedicated to all the people who lost their lives due to mines in the Baltic Sea during WW II. If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
3. The Esplanadi Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,775 reviews
Reviewed By OliwaVasicek - Helsinki, Finland
The very heart of central Helsinki and a very evocative park it is. I live nearby and often pass through it on my way to the shops, or just walk down it when the weather is good. Very clean, well manicured, with lots of benches as well as frequent free musical exhibitions on the covered stage at one end.
4. Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,357 reviews
Reviewed By Zuevy
Excellent combination of natural park and wooden building museum. Many historical wooden houses from different parts of Finland. Some of its are unique. Also natural park where you can see squirrels, swans, ducks and some other bitrds in their wild life.
5. Kaivopuisto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Martin-nitraM - Stockholm, Sweden
At the southern tip of Helsinki, next to the embassy area, and only a short walk from the city center, you find this beautiful park. You get a great view of the islands and the sea, and there are many places where you can grab an icecream cone. Wait a minute, I’m thinking about the summer! The view is stunning also in the winter, but then you will be fighting against a wind that chills you to the bone. Be warned!
6. Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 516 reviews
Reviewed By ZzandTt - Kuwait City, Kuwait
Do not miss this museum. Excellent displays. We went with two kids (8 and 5). It was perfect. The information about various ecosystems was super informative.
7. Old Market Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,043 reviews
Reviewed By MikaelM786
The old original indoor market hall of Helsinki in the southern harbour in city center is a very beuatiful, historical buliding. Still in use as a market for various food, nice cafeterias. Delicious local and international fresh food and dishes, berries, vegetables, fruits, cheese, bread, fish, sandwiches, salads, ice cream etc. Nice and cool in summer time.
8. Johannes Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Lemmus
The twin towers of the church can be seen for miles so it's easy to find. The neo Gothic design is not in keeping with the surrounding area but I found the building very attractive. It's off the beaten path so not swarming with visitors and their selfie sticks (I have a thing about people who just take pictures without ever actually looking at what they are taking pictures of). Inside, it's quite spare as is usual for a Lutheran church. Music was playing (Sibelius - of course!) from somewhere which added to the atmosphere. The entrance door sticks and requires a firm pull - perhaps some of the disappointed reviewers didn't pull hard enough?
9. Unique Lapland Helsinki Winter World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Experience the winter and snow in the middle at any time of the year!Unique Lapland has brought the wonderful Lapland winter into the city of Helsinki. Snowy antics are available in any weather: igloos, ice sculptures, toboggan hill, kick-sledding and tandem skiing.Everything is built indoors of a huge sports hall using snow and ice. Our weather forecast of the day is always -3 degrees Celsius, no wind, steady weather conditions.
Reviewed By gudandadam - Sheffield, United Kingdom
We visited Winter World for the day as part of our cruise excursion and we loved every minute of it. Winter World provide you with all the gear to ensure you are not cold and a free shot of flavoured vodka upon arrival from the Ice Bar. Our ticket included a husky sled ride - which we didn’t realise - and this was fantastic! The dogs were so lovely, and super excited to run, and the experience was great! There are lots of other activities to do also and the ice slide is fabulous! We had an hour here as part of our day and we loved every second of it!
10. Helsinki Tram System
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,758 reviews
Reviewed By jennifermA5114KN - Bangor, United States
This was my main mode of transport around Helsinki. To me it makes no sense whatsoever to do a Hop On Hop Off Tour bus, when this is far more economical, and easy to use. Service is fast and frequent, and the best part is that you can purchase your tickets and passes right on your phone with the Helsinki public transport app. I wish every city would do that- it was nice having a ticket machine right in my pocket. I noticed that everything was fast and smooth because the authorities expected that everyone had bought a ticket, so there were no barriers or slow downs trying to tap in or out like you must do with other city transit systems. The honor system really speeds things up. Trams were clean and tidy for the most part, although sometimes I'd encounter a spilled beer on the floor. If I wasn't sure what I wanted to do just then, sometimes I'd get on a tram and just ride it until I decided to get off.
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