Helsinki 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Helsinki’s Central Districts

  • Morning: Start your day at the iconic Market Square (Kauppatori), surrounded by beautiful buildings and a bustling atmosphere. Grab some breakfast at Café Regatta or Esplanadi.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the adjacent Old Church Park (Vanha Kirkkopuisto) for a tranquil morning stroll.
  • 10:30 AM: Head to the Finnish National Theatre to admire its stunning architecture. If there are performances, you might be able to catch a glimpse of rehearsals or an actual show from outside the theatre building.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Savoy, known for its elegant setting and traditional Finnish cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Senate Square (Senaatintori), surrounded by historic buildings like the Helsinki Cathedral. Take a photo with the statues of the Founders of Finland.
  • 3:00 PM: Stop by the adjacent Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock and providing an interesting contrast to Helsinki’s more traditional architecture.
  • Evening: For dinner, consider going to Restaurant Kuch or Lappi, both serving delicious Finnish food. For a drink, head to the elegant Hotel Klaus K’s bar or visit one of the many bars in the surrounding streets.

Day 2: Discover Espoo and the Sea

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at Café Esso.
  • 10:00 AM: Head to the Aalto Museum Stadi in Otaniemi, Espoo. It’s a modern art museum located next to the old student union building from when the University of Technology was still separate and had its own students’ union.
  • 12:00 PM: Visit the nearby Museum of Modern Art (KuMa), also housed at Aalto University campus in Otaniemi, Espoo. It has an impressive collection of modern art pieces.
  • 1:30 PM: Have lunch at a local café or restaurant around the Otaniemi area.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Helsinki West Harbour and take a stroll along the seaside. The atmosphere can be very peaceful on a sunny day.
  • Evening: For dinner, go to Restaurant Högfors in Espoo.

Day 3: Explore Söderström District

  • 9:00 AM: Have breakfast at Café Ursula.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Sinebrychoff Art Museum. It’s a significant art museum located near Esplanade Park, showcasing Finnish and international art.
  • 12:00 PM: Take lunch at one of the cafes around the park or try Restaurant Kaarila for some traditional Finnish cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the nearby Temppeliaukio Park. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a concert or event happening here.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Ateneum Art Museum located near Esplanade and Sinebrychoff parks. It’s one of the largest art museums in Finland, featuring Finnish art from the 18th century to the present day.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Vini for some traditional Italian cuisine.

Day 4: Visit Kruunupuisto Park

  • 9:00 AM: Have breakfast at Café Muro or a local bakery near your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Head to the beautiful Kruunupuisto Park, also known as The Crown’s Park. It’s a large urban park featuring several lakes and walking paths.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the adjacent Tivoli amusement park for some fun rides and games.
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Restaurant Muro or try something from one of the food stalls around the park.
  • 2:30 PM: Take a leisurely walk through the park to enjoy its serene atmosphere.
  • Evening: For dinner, head back to Helsinki’s central districts and visit Restaurant Ask for some traditional Finnish cuisine.

Day 5: Last Day in Helsinki

  • 9:00 AM: Have breakfast at Café Uunio or another local café near your hotel.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the Helsinki Market Square one last time before departing. You can do some shopping here if you haven’t already, and pick up some souvenirs to take back home.
  • 11:00 AM: Head over to the nearby Market Hall for a quick bite or snack if needed. It’s a great place to grab something light as you prepare to leave.
  • 12:30 PM: Depart from Helsinki.

Transportation in Helsinki

Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trams. You can buy a reusable public transport card at any of the major stations or tourist information centers. Most places are easily accessible by tram or bus, making it simple to get around without a car.

  • Tram 2: This tram line runs from the Kamppi shopping center in Helsinki’s central district to the Helsinki West Harbour and then into Espoo.
  • Tram 3: This tram goes through many districts of Helsinki and is useful for getting around the city.

Tips

  • Weather: Helsinki can be quite chilly, even during the summer. Bring warm clothing if you’re visiting in June or September.
  • Respect local customs: Finns are known for being reserved, so it’s best not to approach strangers unless they initiate a conversation.
  • Try local cuisine: Finnish food is unique and delicious, with many great restaurants throughout Helsinki.

Accommodation

Helsinki has a wide range of hotels from budget-friendly options like Hotel Anna to luxury establishments such as Hotel Klaus K. Be sure to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Places to Eat

  • Restaurant Savoy: Known for its elegant setting and traditional Finnish cuisine.
  • Restaurant Högfors: Located in Espoo, this restaurant serves delicious modern Finnish food.
  • Restaurant Ask: Offers traditional Finnish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.