Things to Do in Helsinki : Ultimate Attractions, Activities & Travel Guide

• Cultural Attractions: World-class museums, the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Fortress, and Finnish design hubs.
• Nature & Outdoor Fun: Parks, islands, and kayaking across Helsinki’s scenic archipelago.
• Sauna & Wellness: Experience authentic Finnish sauna culture by the sea.
• Best Time of the Year to visit: May to September to have fun in the outdoors, December to March to enjoy snowy days.
• Average Budget: INR 7500-14,000 per day, per person, depending on activities.

Explore Suomenlinna Sea Fortress with Family

Exploring Suomenlinna is one of the top things to do in Helsinki with family. This fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on six islands linked through bridges. It will suit place for picnics, history tours and sea views. 

• Top Attractions: King’s Gate, Suomenlinna Museum, Artillery sites
• Getting There: 15-minute ferry from Market Square
• Entry Fee: Free (Museum INR 450–900)

Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the fortress lawns overlooking the Baltic.

Visit Helsinki Zoo & Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Kids and adults alike will enjoy these two iconic attractions. The Helsinki Zoo (Korkeasaari) houses animals from the Arctic and tropical zones, while Linnanmäki Park thrills with roller coasters and family rides.

• Entry Fee: Zoo INR 1,250–2,000 | Amusement Park rides INR 900–3,600

Tip: Go during the summer to have special nighttime light shows and family offers.

Discover the Natural History Museum

The museum has three floors where the various species of Finland have been displayed. The third floor has a prehistoric exhibition of the spectacular dinosaurs, which are also educational and popular with families.

• Entry Price: INR 1,080
• Best For: Children interested in dinosaurs and nature
• Duration: 2-3 hours

Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Baltic Sea

One of the most adventurous things to do in Helsinki is kayaking. Explore Helsinki’s hidden coves and nearby islands on a kayak or SUP. Perfect for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, this activity combines exercise with stunning coastal views.  

• Top Spots: Mustikkamaa, Töölönlahti Bay, Vuosaari
• Cost: INR 2,250–3,600 per hour  (includes equipment)

Tip: Book a guided sunset kayaking tour for unforgettable city-skyline views.
 

Cycling Around Helsinki’s Scenic Coastal Trails

The picturesque shoreline of Helsinki and wide bike lanes make it easy and enjoyable to explore the city. Explore the picturesque shoreline, green parks, and broad bike lanes of Helsinki on a cycle. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families seeking active sightseeing.

• Top Routes: Kaivopuisto coastal path, Töölö Bay circuit, Central Park trails
• Cost:  INR 450 per day for city bikes
• Highlight: Cycle under the midnight sun in summer for long daylight rides.
   

Winter Adventures: Ice Skating, Skiing & Aurora Hunting

During winter, Helsinki experiences heavy snow, turning into a snowy playground. Try skiing at Paloheinan Park or ice skating around Central Station. The winters in Helsinki are just brutally cold, and the sea is frequently frozen, and the icebreakers cut paths through the harbour. 

Popular Activities:

• Ice swimming after sauna
• Christmas markets
• Aurora hunting (March is best for northern lights)
• Ice skating
• Winter walking tours

Cost: INR 900–4,500 depending on the activity

Archipelago Boat Tours in Helsinki

There are boat tours navigating around Suomenlinna and displaying most of Helsinki's shore and the islands surrounding it. The tours operate between April and September or October. Tours are also good sources for learning fascinating tales about the capital of Finland that visitors wouldn't otherwise know.

• Price Range: INR 2,250-3,600 per person
• Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours

Highlights: Helsinki coastline views, island hopping, sea fortress sights

Experience Authentic Finnish Saunas

It is listed among the romantic and relaxing must-do activities in Helsinki for couples. There is the option of traditional and modern seaside saunas, where couples can relax and take a cool dip in the Baltic. The final public sauna, Kotiharjun Sauna, is a wood-heated public sauna which is attractive with its roll of snow in winter. Loyly boasts of award-winning architecture, seaside views, and year-round ice swimming. 

• Price Range: INR 450-2,340
• Sauna Type: Traditional wood-burning, Modern design, Public pool

Tip: Visit at sunset for sea views and a cosy post-sauna dinner.
 

Sunset Cruises & Island Hopping

Take a romantic evening cruise through Helsinki’s archipelago or visit smaller islands like Vallisaari and Pihlajasaari. Perfect for couples seeking scenic views and tranquil waters. This is a must-add to your Finland honeymoon packages. 

• Cost: INR 2,700–5,400 per person
• Highlight: Watch the city skyline glow as the sun sets over the Baltic.
  
   

Explore Helsinki Design District Together

Enter into the creative core of Helsinki at the design district. Explore Finnish minimalism, contemporary art and boutique fashion as you stroll through the galleries, artisan shops and small cafes. Ideal among couples to have a romantic time.

• Top Spots: Design Museum, Marimekko, Lokal Gallery
• Entry Fee: Free (Museum INR 1,080)

Tip: Combine your visit with dinner at a Nordic fine-dining restaurant nearby.

Stay at Waterfront Hotels & Spas

The luxury hotels in Helsinki provide a global service and wellness experience. Enjoy international standards of service, Arctic spa treatments, sauna-based treatments, and suites with a view of the sea. Relax in the centre of the city or the Baltic and have a memory to forget.

• Top Hotels: Hotel Kämp, Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, St. George Helsinki
• Price: INR 22,500–45,000 per night

Fine Dining & Private Tours

Savouring high-end Nordic cuisine in the finest restaurants of Helsinki, or booking a private cultural and architecture tour, is a perfect way to get a tailor-made experience. Perfect for luxury travellers seeking sophistication, local flavours, and exclusive insights into the city’s art and modernism. 

• Top Restaurants: Olo, Savoy, and Palace Helsinki
• Cost: INR 9,000–18,000 per person

Visit Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square for Free

The Cathedral of Helsinki is the largest structure that has a white neoclassical structure. This Lutheran church was built in 1852 and attracts large crowds daily. The cathedral offers free entry. Climb the steps for beautiful harbour views. Senate Square hosts seasonal markets and cultural events throughout the year.

• Best Spots: Cathedral interior, Senate Square, Presidential Palace nearby
• Entry Price: Free

Tips: Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photographs without crowds.

Discover Local Markets & Street Food in Helsinki

Visiting the markets of Helsinki can be considered one of the best cultural things to do. Kauppatori (Market Square) buzzes year-round with fresh berries, fish, and Finnish pastries. Visit Old Market Hall or Hakaniemi Market to sample local delicacies like salmon soup, reindeer sausages, and Karelian pies.

• Average Meal Cost: INR 900–2,250

Tip: Try Finnish coffee and cinnamon buns (korvapuusti) at Café Regatta for under €10.
 

• Buy the Helsinki Card: Free visit to 30+ attractions and public transport.
• Carry Layers: Weather changes quickly, even in summer.
• Make Payments without contact: It accepts Cards as well as mobile payments.
• Tram and Ferries: Both scenic and cheap.
• Respect Nature: Clean up the places people visit and abide by environmentally friendly patronage.

No matter whether you want to explore the history of sea fortresses or to have a sauna,  the things to do in Helsinki are guaranteed to be an adventurous, cultural, and relaxing experience. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or solo, the Finnish capital offers experiences that leave lasting memories.  Book at least 3-5 days to explore the main attractions in Helsinki without any hurry, like kayaking during summer and ice skating during winter. Customise your Helsinki tour packages from Pickyourtrail to enjoy a seamless, unforgettable Nordic journey.