During a recent visit to Helsinki, the Finnish capital, I experienced firsthand how even sub-zero temperatures couldn’t deter the city’s vibrant energy.
On Finnish Independence Day, the streets were adorned with flags proudly on display, despite the minus 20 degrees Celsius weather.
It was a public holiday, yet the city remained active, with people braving the cold in layers of clothing to explore the best sights.
Starting my day at 9am, I wandered through the quiet streets, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere.
As lunchtime approached, the life of the city began to awaken, with locals and tourists alike Googling the best things to do.
Whether you’re bundled up against the temperature or strolling through the urban landscape, Helsinki offers endless opportunities for adventure, and there’s no better time than a cold day to embrace everything this city has to offer.
1. Visit the Helsinki Cathedral
The Helsinki Cathedral, with its stunning green dome and towering presence, is undeniably one of Finland’s best-known landmarks and a must-see attraction.
Built between 1830 and 1852 in neoclassical style, it serves as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I, the Grand Duke of Finland during the Russian rule.
Located in the heart of the city, the cathedral is a popular site for tour groups and tourists alike, with a large flight of stairs leading up to it from the square below.
Whether you arrive early in the morning for a peaceful photo or in the late afternoon when the vibe is more relaxed, it’s always worth the visit.
While the church is open daily with free admission, a €5 donation is encouraged to help preserve this iconic piece of Finnish history.
Inside, the traditional gold and jewels add to its grandeur, and you can also wander down the road opposite the cathedral, where it peeks out from the surrounding buildings, offering a fresh perspective on this breathtaking site.
2. Experience a Finnish Sauna
No visit to Helsinki is complete without experiencing a Finnish sauna, an integral part of the country’s sauna culture.
One of the most architecturally stunning places to visit is Löyly, a public sauna located near the Baltic Sea.
For just €19 per person, you can spend 2.5 hours enjoying three different types of saunas, including a traditional smoke sauna and infrared saunas.
After relaxing in the sauna, you can swim in the gym pool or take a refreshing plunge into the Baltic to cool off before retreating to the deck to enjoy a warm drink.
The mixed-sex sauna offers a unique opportunity to relax side by side with other bathers, all wrapped in towels, before rinsing off in the shower rooms.
For a more traditional sauna experience, you can visit Kotiharjun Sauna or Sauna Hermanni, both offering wood-heated saunas that provide a truly authentic feel.
If you’re in the city during the winter, it’s the perfect way to embrace the cold, especially with a quick dip in the water followed by the warmth of the sauna.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the experience is one of pure joy, and the relaxation it provides will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Helsinki’s sauna scene, including places like Allas Sea Pool or Katajanokanlaituri, offers something for everyone, from water lovers to those seeking quiet reflection.
Don’t miss out on this essential part of Finnish life!
3. Explore Suomenlinna Fortress
A can’t-miss place on any Helsinki itinerary is Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a picturesque island just a short ferry ride from Market Square.
Built in the 18th century by Sweden to protect Finland, the fortress is one of Finland’s most famous structures.
The 15-20 minute boat journey offers stunning views, especially in the winter months when the surrounding waters are covered in sheets of ice.
When you get to the island, you can visit ancient sites and eat at places like Restaurant Suomenlinna Brewery, Bastion Bistro, and Viaporin Deli & Cafe.
With 800 people living and working there, it’s a vibrant community year-round. The island is accessible to all, with amenities for those with mobility impairment, including accessible toilets.
There’s a small entrance fee, but the experience of this beautiful, historical island is well worth it.
4. Visit the Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church)
One of Helsinki’s most popular tourist attractions, the Rock Church (or Temppeliaukio Church) is a unique church built directly into a solid rock face.
Completed in 1969, the church’s rugged rocky walls and stunning copper dome roof are visually striking and make it one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in the Nordic region.
Located in the heart of the city, at Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, it’s nestled in the leafy Etu-Töölö district, providing a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
The interior is beautifully lit by thin row skylight windows, creating a serene environment perfect for reflection or photography.
With an entrance fee of €4, or included with the Helsinki Card, visitors can explore this architectural marvel, with the added bonus of free unlimited public transport within Zones A and B.
If you’re lucky enough, you might even catch a concert, as the church is renowned for its great acoustics.
You can also climb the rocks outside to get a great view of the church and the surrounding area.
For those looking to buy tickets in advance, it’s easy to do so online, saving you time when you get there.
Whether you’re visiting as part of a tour or simply wandering the area, the Church of the Rock is worth a look and a great place to spend some time in Helsinki.
5. Lux Helsinki Light Festival
If you’re visiting Helsinki in January and looking for a little light during the long dark nights, the Lux Helsinki Light Festival is an exciting event to experience.
Since it started in 2009, this winter festival has illuminated the city with stunning colorful light displays that stretch across a few kilometers of urban space, transforming the streets and landmarks into a vibrant, magical spectacle.
The festival, which takes place from January 6–11, 2026, is free of charge and changes from year to year, offering fresh and exciting ways to enjoy the city.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Helsinki during the winter.
6. Ice Skating in Helsinki
If you’re in Helsinki during the winter, ice skating is one of the best things to do.
With plenty of places to go ice skating, the city offers several popular favorites like Oulunkylä Sports Park, Käpylä Sports Park, and Pukinmäki Sports Park, where you can enjoy skating on a hockey rink or simply glide across the ice.
Many of these locations, such as Lassila Sports Park, are free to access, and some even have cozy cafes where you can warm up afterwards.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just looking for a fun winter activity, ice skating in Helsinki is a perfect way to embrace the cold and enjoy the season.
7. Take a Day Trip to Porvoo
Last but not least on the list of the best things to do in Helsinki is taking a day trip to Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest and most charming towns.
Just a short journey from the city, Porvoo is well worth the trip, whether you’re visiting for the day or adding it to a 1-week Finland itinerary.
Known for its quaint cobbled streets and brightly coloured wooden buildings, the town exudes a Medieval charm that has made it one of Finland’s most famous destinations.
It’s Finland’s second-oldest city, with around 50,000 residents, and offers a rich cultural experience, including traditional food, the Old Wooden Town, and the iconic Runebergintorta, a delicious treat named after the poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg’s wife.
If you’re looking to learn more about Porvoo’s history and culture, consider a top-rated 5-hour guided tour that offers insights into its past, or visit on your own by bus for a more independent adventure.
The National Urban Park and Fiskars village, home to over 200 artists, are great spots to explore, while Restaurant Salt offers a nice meal with local flavors.
Whether you’re strolling through the charming streets in summer or experiencing the wintry beauty of this small town, Porvoo is a surprisingly large gem with plenty to see and do.
With its accessibility from Helsinki, it’s an excellent option for anyone seeking a gorgeous getaway from the city.
8. Shop at the Kauppatori Market
One of Helsinki’s most famous markets is the Kauppatori Market, located at the south harbour near the end of Esplanade Park.
This bustling market offers a wide range of traditional food and beautiful fresh produce, from lingonberries to hearty Finnish food like meatballs and fries (though some might say they’re a bit super unhealthy).
You’ll also find souvenirs and homemade crafts, perfect for taking a piece of Helsinki home with you.
On my visit, a friendly local man recognized us from our previous day at the market and handed us free jam donuts, a thoughtful gesture that made the experience even more memorable.
Whether you’re on a holiday or just passing through, the market’s warm atmosphere and vibrant selection of goods are a must-see.
9. Visit the Sibelius Monument (Cultural Landmarks)
When exploring Helsinki, you cannot miss the Sibelius monument, a tribute to the legendary Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius, located in Sibelius Park within the Töölö district of Finland’s capital city.
Unveiled September 1967, this remarkable piece of art features an extraordinary organ pipe resemblance that pays homage to one of the great masters of Finnish culture.
The installation consists of 600 hollow steel pipes that weigh 24 tonnes, and even at first glance, it appears utterly surreal.
I personally found that walking underneath the structure and taking a moment to look up offers a particularly interesting view, giving you a sense of scale and artistry few other monuments can match.
Nearby, Helsinki’s charm continues with its famous statues, including Havis Amanda and the equestrian statue of Marshal Mannerheim, which add a historic dimension to your visit.
As one of the top things to do in the city, the intriguing Sibelius Monument is free to visit, and I highly recommend visiting it at the same time you stop by Café Regatta.
Seeing this famous, best-known composers’ memorial in person creates a lasting impression of the city’s rich cultural heritage and makes Helsinki feel alive in a unique, unforgettable way.
10. Check out the National Museum of Finland
When exploring Helsinki, a visit to the National Museum is a must.
This museum offers a fantastic array of permanent exhibitions and revolving exhibitions that provide insight into the history of Finland, from the Stone Age to the present day.
It’s a great place to start your time in the city if you’re eager to learn about Finland’s unique heritage and its development as a Nordic land.
The museum’s wealth of exhibitions makes it well worth it, and if you’re visiting on a Friday, you can enjoy free admission between 4pm and 6pm.
Otherwise, entry costs €15, and given the museum’s importance, it’s one of the best things to do in Helsinki.
Conclusion
Helsinki is a city where history, culture, and modern urban life blend seamlessly, offering endless opportunities for exploration regardless of the season.
From iconic landmarks like the Helsinki Cathedral and the Sibelius Monument to immersive experiences such as a Finnish sauna or a scenic ferry ride to Suomenlinna Fortress, there’s something for every traveler.
The city’s vibrant festivals, bustling markets, and nearby charming towns like Porvoo add layers of charm and adventure.
Whether you’re wandering through the quiet streets on a crisp winter morning, skating at a local park, or sampling traditional Finnish treats, Helsinki invites you to embrace its unique character and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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