What to do in Helsinki for a Day: A Complete Itinerary

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helsinki for a day — Everything you need to do in Helsinki for day!

If you ever find yourself in Finland I highly recommend spending some time in the capital city of Helsinki. Helsinki happens to be a popular cruise port for European cruise lines and it is also super easy to have a layover in Helsinki with Finnair’s stopover program. If you find yourself in Helsinki for just a day you’ll want to see as much as you can. Here is my advice on what to do in Helsinki for a day.

Most of the items on this itinerary are free, or inexpensive. They are all fairly close together and can be walked by most, but if you’re not feeling up to it there is a great public transportation system in Helsinki and you can also catch a taxi.

Morning

Whether you are coming in from a cruise ship, a hotel, or the airport, I recommend starting downtown near the harbor. This seems to be the epicenter of Helsinki and it is always bustling with activity. Within just a few minute’s walk from the harbor you can find many things to do.

Moomin Cafe

Even the water carafes have Moomin on them.

If you’re in need of breakfast or a warm morning beverage visit the Moomin Cafe. Here you’ll quickly be introduced to Finland’s most beloved cartoon creatures the Moomin. Get used to seeing them, they’re everywhere. Moomin are imaginary trolls that a white, plump and adorable.

moomin cafe helsinki — A coffee with a Moomin touch at the Moomin Cafe, Helsinki.

At the Moomin Cafe, you can get coffee, tea, beverages, pastries, and other finger foods. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the environment is warm and cozy. They have a small gift shop attached as well to pick up Moomin themed gifts.

Suomenlinna Fortress

After breakfast catch a ferry from the harbor to the Island Fortress Suomenlinna. Suomenlinna is a short ferry ride from downtown into the Gulf of Finland. Did I mention that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

suomenlinna island fortress — Suomenlinna Island Fortress now has a lot to see and do.

Work on the fortress was started in 1748 through history it was held by Sweden, Russia, and Finland. The island plays an important part in the history of Helsinki but currently, the island is home to a small community complete with shops, a museum, a toy museum, a school, a church, and more. It is quiet, beautiful, and fun to stroll through.

Suomenlinna Toy Museum, or Suomenlinnan Lelumuseo.

A stop at the toy museum can be fun if you have kids or want to see some of the nostalgic toys from days gone by. They also have a small cafe that serves drinks and amazing cinnamon rolls.

Afternoon

Old Market Hall

When you’re back from Suomenlinna stay on the harbor and look for Old Market Hall. It is a traditional lunch hall that dates back to 1889. The hall has plenty of cafes, bakeries, meat shops, and other goods. This is a nice place to get some Finnish souvenirs as well. Stroll through, but don’t spoil your appetite. In the middle of Old Market Hall is the Restaurant Story.

Restaurant Story

Story, is located in the middle of Old Market Hall serves hearty traditional Finnish dishes. We tried the salmon soup and were impressed with how fresh the salmon was and delicious it made the soup. The cafe is picturesque and is a fun stop midway through the market.

Market Square

It is worth some time to take a walk through market square and see the independent food stalls, artisans, and farmers’ tents. Here you’ll find fresh berries and vegetables, handmade goods, crafts. It is the Helsinki version of a farmers market and it is spectacular.

Finnish Fish Snacks — Finnish Friend Fish Snacks

If you didn’t fill up at Story, there is street food here as well. We were daring and tried some of the local fried fish snacks.

Helsinki City Museum

A short walk from Market Square is the Helsinki City Museum. This is a FREE museum that has exhibits that are focused on the history of Helsinki. It has some very cool interactive exhibits and is worth a visit. It is relatively small and a 45-minute visit here was plenty for us to experience this.

Architecture Walking Tour

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Finland is known for its spectacular design and landmark buildings. On a walking tour of the architectural sights, we happened upon this street in Helsinki which turned out to be one of my favorites. I loved the banners that crisscrossed the sky and the colors of the buildings.⁣ ⁣ #finlandmediaparter⁣ #familytravel #VisitFinland #MyHelsinki #VisitRovaniemi #FeelFinnair ⁣ @FeelFinnair @myhelsinki @VisitRovaniemi⁣ #tortugatraveltribe #finland4families #total_finland #lapland #ig_helsinki #familytrip #finland_photolovers #discoverfinland #loves_finland #finland #visithelsinki #thisisfinland #ourfinland #rovaniemi #finnishmoments #helsinkiofficial #lovelyfinland #travelkids #visitlapland #familytraveltribe #global_beautiful_pictures #igersfinland #igershelsinki #ig_finland

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After you’ve gotten your fill of Helsinki history at the Helsinki City Museum, take a tour of Helsinki architecture. Here are some high places that you’ll be able to see.

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki actually has three cathedrals Lutheran, Orthodox, and Catholic but the one most convenient to our day tour is the Lutheran Cathedral, Helsinki Cathedral. The cathedral is open daily for a self guided tour as long as services aren’t in session. It is beautiful inside and out. Often in the Senate Square, the square just outside the cathedral there are small shops or markets set up as well.

Amos Rex Art Museum

The Amos Rex is a subterranean art museum in Helsinki. Entrance to the museum is around 15€. When we went it happened to be closed, but I’ve heard it is amazing inside. Even if you’re not able to go in, walking around the outside is spectacular. The design is modern and has an almost Dr. Suess feel.

Tempeliaukio Rock Church

Rock Church Helsinki — The inside of the Rock Church in Helsiki.

The Temppeliaukio Church, sometimes called the Rock Church, is a church literally carved in the middle of a huge chunk of granite. The church was designed by brothers and opened in 1969. It has really cool skylights and is truly unique a piece of architecture. The Rock Church has a small fee to enter.

Kamppi Chapel

The Kamppi Chapel is often called the “Silent Chapel” is a place of silence and meditation. It also has a very lovely design is open to the public and is a nice experience. I don’t know that I’ve ever been any place this quiet. As you step inside you’re suddenly able to hear every little move you make. Amid the bustling city you’re able to have a seat in silence and contemplate whatever is on your mind. The chapel welcomes everyone no matter their religion or background.

Evening

Dinner Near the Harbor

When you’re feeling like it is dinner time find a place close to where you are, there are plenty of restaurants around the city, ranging from fast food to sit down casual and of course, fine dining.

We recommend heading back towards Market Square and visiting Salutorget. The restaurant is in an old classic bank that has been converted into a very nice restaurant. The bathrooms are in the basement and you can even see the original vault. It has a lovely mix of Finnish foods, drinks, and desserts. We enjoyed everything we had.

Visit the Oodi Library

Oodi Library Helsinki — The Oodi Library in Helsinki is amazing!

Once you’ve enjoyed dinner, catch a cab, bus, or walk to the public library. Really, the library? Yes! In most places, the public library wouldn’t make my list of places to see, but in Helsinki the library is fantastic. Not only does the Oodi Library have a fabulous design inside and out, but it is also super functional and a part of Helsinki culture.

The interior of the Oodi Library, Helsinki.

People of all ages meet at the library to read, study, chat, and just gather. There is a full cafe, multiple floors with conference rooms, state of the art recording studios, virtual reality studios, reading areas, and of course a huge selection of books and periodicals. I feel like you could spend a whole day here and not be bored, but alas you’re only in Helsinki for a day. The library is open late so you could really finish your day here. Also, it has super-fast wifi too which is nice to check emails or send messages to folks back home.

Here it is…a Helsinki day itinerary. If you need a place to stay for the night look into the Hotel Katajanokka which used to be a prison but has since been converted into a modern hotel.

I hope that you’re able to use the info in this post to decide what to do in Helsinki, Finland. In one day you can see much of the city’s sights. If you end up having more than one day in Helsinki, Finland, take the time to check out this post about 15 fun things for families to do in Helsinki.

Our trip to Finland was hosted by Visit Finland. All opinions are our own.

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