Itineraries for Your Trip to Helsinki
2 Days in Helsinki for First Timers
When I was a kid and my Finnish cousins came to visit, they would tell me all about Finland’s fairy-tale landscapes with its winter snow, herds of wild reindeer, and twinkling northern lights. The first stop for most travelers, though, is Helsinki, and it turns out that the laid-back, effortlessly cool capital is equally worth your time. With two days in Helsinki, you’ll need to plan your sightseeing itinerary carefully to take in all the highlights—including a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and enjoy some quintessential Finnish experiences. Here are a few ideas for how to spend two days in Helsinki.
Temperatures plummet in Helsinki over winter, so pack some thermal layers and wrap up warm.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a ferry ride to Suomenlinna Fortress.
Many of the must-see attractions in Helsinki are close enough to explore on foot, so kick off your first day with a guided walking tour. Spend your morning visiting the landmarks of Senate Square, peek inside Helsinki Cathedral, and stroll through Esplanadi Park, then visit the unforgettable Rock Church of Temppeliaukio.
The city has more than 80 museums to choose from, and a Helsinki Card provides admission to most of them alongside many of the other attractions included in this 2-day Helsinki itinerary. Pick two or three to focus on this afternoon, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Ateneum Art Museum, or the National Museum of Finland.
Make the most of your first time in Helsinki by sampling as many traditional Finnish specialties as you can—a guided tasting tour is a great way to start. This evening, follow your guide to local foodie haunts such as the Market Square and the Old Market Hall, and tuck into reindeer stew, salmon soup, and Finnish meatballs.
A boat cruise is another one of the best things to do in Helsinki for first timers, affording magnificent views of the coastal city and the Helsinki archipelago. On day two, ride the ferry to the UNESCO–listed Suomenlinna Fortress, enjoy a self-guided visit of the historic site, then stop at the unique island restaurant of Lonna.
After a busy couple of days of sightseeing, there’s no better way to relax than treating yourself to a traditional Finnish sauna. Combine relaxation with an authentic local experience at one of Helsinki’s most popular urban saunas (Kotiharjun and Löyly are my favorites) or splash out on a luxury private sauna cruise.
Helsinki is even more atmospheric by night, and a tuk-tuk tour is a fun way to admire the city landmarks after dark. Pass by the striking Sibelius Monument, see the castle-inspired Uspenski Cathedral, and marvel at the impressively illuminated Central Library Oodi.
