Things to do in Helsinki in 1 Day
Not sure where to visit in Helsinki? This list of Things to do in Helsinki in 1 Day will tell you everything you need to know about the capital of Finland.
Let’s get to to it! Here’s how we spent our 1 day in Helsinki.
What can I see in Helsinki in 1 Day?
The seaside capital of Finland, Helsinki, is quickly becoming a tourist favourite. With its effortless charm, relaxing laid-back atmosphere, forward-thinking architecture and unpretentious vibe, there is plenty to soak in when visiting this cool capital.
We found Helsinki to be a laid-back, effortlessly cool city
We visited Helsinki on route to St Petersburg one summer day, and still managed to fit in lots of interesting things in during our day.
We found the city to be clean, modern, not too crowded and culturally intriguing - especially because of the elements of Russian influence scattered around the city.
So get ready for an action-packed day in the city of Helsinki, Finland! We hope you enjoy your day there.
Senate Square
The first thing you’ll want to do is visit the heart of Helsinki – the Senate Square. The Senate Square is known as the political, religious, scientific and commercial center of the city.
Senate Square in Helsinki is considered the city’s center
You’ll encounter a lot of important buildings in Senate Square, Helsinki
It is here that you can find historical buildings such as the Helsinki Cathedral, Government Palace and the main building of the University of Helsinki. You can also find a statute of Emperor Alexander II located in the middle of the square.
Visiting Senate Square first thing in the morning is an excellent way to get your bearings around the city.
Access: From wherever you are (be it the airport, or another area of Helsinki), you can take the train to the Central Railway Station. Senate Square is about an 850m, 10-minute walk from the station.
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral is perhaps Helsinki’s most recognisable landmark and a symbol of the city. Located on the northern side of Senate Square, the Cathedral was erected in 1852 and was designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel.
Helsinki Cathedral is a symbol of Helsinki city
The Cathedral’s exterior is definitely impressive, and made more dramatic by the fact that it is sits proudly on top of a long set of stairs. The interior is also worth a visit, although we have to say that the exterior’s aesthetic was much more striking than the relatively simple interior.
Statue of Alexander II in front of Helsinki Cathedral
Access: Helsinki Cathedral is located on the northern side of Senate Square. From wherever you are (be it the airport, or another area of Helsinki), you can take the train to the Central Railway Station. Senate Square is about an 850m, 10-minute walk from the station.
On the steps of Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki
Uspenskin Cathedral
The Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali) is another impressive, yet marginally less famous Cathedral in Helsinki. Known as the largest Orthodox Cathedral in Western Europe, the Uspenskin Cathedral is a perfect example how Russian culture has influenced the city of Helsinki.
Uspenskin Cathedral is an example of the Russian influence on Finland
The Cathedral was designed by Russian architect Aleksey Gornostayev during Russia’s rule over Finland in the 19th century. Completed in 1868, the Cathedral is a great place to witness the blended culture of Helsinki.
Uspenskin Cathedral also has an impressive exterior
Access: Uspenskin Cathedral is an about an 11-minute walk from Senate Square. Some of the walk is uphill, but it’s nothing too bad.
Sibelius Park and Monument
The Sibelius Monument was made in honour of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The monument is titled ‘Passio Musicae’, and was designed by artist Eila Hiltunen.
The Sibelius Monument was made in honour of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius
The sculpture is supposed to resemble the wind pipes in an organ, and is made up of 600 steel tubes. The monument was erected in 1967.
The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is titled ‘Passio Musicae’
Access: The most efficient way to get to Sibelius Park is by the city tram.
Using the tram, you can take tram line numbers 10, 4, 4T and 7B to get to Sibelius Monument.
For example, from Uspenskin Cathedral, you can take Tram 4 (Munkkiniemi via Lasipalatsi), ride 9 stop to reach Toolon halli. From Toolon halli, walk 8 minutes to get to Sibelius Monument.
Temppeliaukio Church
Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the ‘Church of the Rock’ or ‘Rock Church’, is a church that has been built directly out of solid rock. The church uses natural light which enters through the center copper dome.
The revolutionary and forward-thinking design was created by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1969.
Tempelliaukio Church is also known as the Church of the Rock or Rock Church
Temppeliaukio Church is a popular stop for both locals and visitors. It has also been frequently used as a concert venue because of its amazing acoustics, perfectly suited for music.
Access: From Sibelius Monument, walk 6 minutes to the bus stop “Tolo sjukhus”, take either buses 14, 18 or 39 and ride the bus to for 3 stops, to stop “Kauppakorkeukoulut”. From that stop, walk 4 minutes to the Church. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
You can also walk for about 20 minutes from Sibelius Monument to the Church if you prefer.
The Tempelliaukio Church (Church of the Rock) was built directly out of solid rock
If you’re in Senate Square, walk 4 minutes to the tram stop “Salutorget”. From there, ride 6 stops to stop “Kauppakorkeakoulut”. Walk about 4 minutes to the Church from there. The journey takes about 16 minutes.
The Tempelliaukio Church in Helsinki is also used as a concert venue
Porvoo Old Town
Get a taste of Finland’s countryside by visiting Porvoo
It would be a shame if you visited Finland and didn’t get a chance to see a little part of their beautiful countryside. That’s why we’ve thrown in the wonderful, charming small city of Porvoo into the mix.
Porvoo, Finland
Porvoo, Finland is an easy 1.5 hour journey from Helsinki
Porvoo is one Finland’s oldest cities. This quaint city features well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th century, as well as its cathedral from the 15th century. The Porvoo Old Town is recognised as one of Finland’s most historically and culturally significant sights.
Porvoo, Finland is a small, charming city
Porvoo, Finland and its colourful buildings
Porvoo, Finland
Not only is Porvoo extremely picturesque, but its tranquil and relaxing nature makes it the perfect stop to have some lunch or coffee. You can also walk around the shops to buy souvenirs and other arts and crafts.
These red storage buildings in Porvoo, Finland have been proposed as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site
The photogenic red wooden storage buildings on the riverside are now a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Access: From Temppeliaukio Church, walk about 9 minutes to Helsinki bus station. Take bus 848 bound for Porvoo via Soderkulla. Ride 33 stops for about 1 hour 7 minutes to stop at “Borga bus station”. Walk about 5 minutes to the Old Town of Porvoo. The whole journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
From Senate Square, take the M1/M2 train bound for Matinkyla from the University of Helsinki station to Kampin metroasema station. From here, walk to Helsinki Bus Station. From Helsinki bus station, take bus 848 bound for Porvoo via Soderkulla. Ride 33 stops for about 1 hour 7 minutes to stop at “Borga bus station”. Walk about 5 minutes to the Old Town of Porvoo. The whole journey takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Porvoo Cathedral
Porvoo Cathedral is a Luthern Church located in Porvoo. The Cathedral was built in the 15th century, although some parts date all the way back to the 13th century.
Porvoo Cathedral is an easy 5 minute walk from the Old Town of Porvoo
The church has been burnt down by fires multiple times – in 1508 by the Danish, and in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by the Russians. Even as recently as 2006, an arsonist burnt down the outer roof. The Cathedral was finally reopened again in 2008.
Porvoo Cathedral has been burnt down several times but has now thankfully been reconstructed and reopened
Access: The Cathedral is about a 5-minute walk from the Old Town of Porvoo.
To return back to Helsinki from Porvoo, there are frequently departing buses (for example, bus number 848) that take about an hour to alight back at Helsinki. Click to find the most up-to-date bus timetables and schedules.
Helsinki buildings
We hope you make the most out of your 1-day visit to Helsinki!
Where to stay in Helsinki
Helsinki offers a plethora of great accommodation options, ranging from inexpensive hotels to fancier ones that come with a bit more of a price tag.
In general, we found the accommodation in Helsinki to be on the expensive side, but not as expensive as the nearby cities of Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Low Range
Mid Range
High Range
Tour or Self-Guided?
When it comes to writing our 1-day itineraries, we’ve designed them in a way so that you can complete them totally self-guided.
Of course, if you want extra information on each attraction, we would highly recommend going on a guided tour.
Viator offers many cool tours you can check out. Some tours you should have a look at are: