Sights

Most of the sights in Helsinki are within walking distance of the city centre. Trams also offer a handy means of transport around town.

The Senate Square and the Market Square are the heart of Helsinki. The Senate Square and its surroundings form a perfect neoclassical whole, which is dominated by three buildings designed by C.L. Engel: The Cathedral, the Government Palace and the main building of the University.

In the immediate vicinity of the square you will also find the National Library of Finland, the Sofiankatu Street Museum, the Esplanade Park and the Market Square, which throngs with people in the summer. Here you can buy vegetables, fruit and souvenirs. Fishmongers also tie up their boats in the harbour.

The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, which was built in the 18th century, is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical fortress is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. In the summer the island offers an idyllic setting for a picnic, sunbathing or swimming in the sea.

Linnanmäki, Sea Life Helsinki and the Helsinki Zoo in Korkeasaari are the most popular sites for families (see Helsinki for children).

Famous churches

Designed by C.L. Engel more than 150 years ago, Helsinki Cathedral is possibly the most photographed and best-known building in Finland.

The Temppeliaukio Church is one of the most popular sights in Finland and one of the most appreciated examples of modern architecture in Helsinki. Excavated inside a rock, the acoustics of the church make it an excellent concert hall.

Completed in 1968, the Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. A representative of the Russian Byzantine tradition, it stands witness to the impact of the Slavonic culture in Finland.

Ateneum and Kiasma – art in two ways

The Ateneum Art Museum is the National Gallery of Finland. It houses the largest art collection in the country, covering the history of Finnish art from the 1750s to the 1960s. The museum’s international collection includes Western art from late 19th century until the 1950s. The museum also arranges special exhibitions. The architecturally impressive Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma displays art from the 1960s to the present day.