Located on the southern Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is home to some fantastic shopping, gorgeous and plentiful parks and renowned museums that make it a favorite destination for visitors from across the world.
Finnish design is beloved for its bold simplicity, a tradition that’s readily apparent in its stores and boutiques. Stores like Arabia let you outfit your house with beautiful and inventive Finnish dishware, glassware and pottery, while well-known outfitters like Marimekko (a favorite of Jackie O.’s) let you outfit yourself in bold patterns and elegantly simple designs. And when all that shopping works up an appetite, Helsinki’s Kauppatori (Market Square) sates your hunger with traditional Finnish goodies and fresh fruits and vegetables.
One of Helsinki’s biggest attractions are its historic parks and monuments, perfect for long afternoon strolls, or just putting up your feet and people watching. Sibelius Park is a popular destination, as is its Sibelius Monument, meant to honor the great Finnish composer. Esplanade Park is popular for lounging & people-watching, while Viikinlathi Park is considered the birdwatching capital of Helsinki. Panoramas abound in Helsinki, from Kaivopuisto’s (Well Park) sweeping view of the gulf of Finland, to Observatory Hill’s grand vistas.
With established museums like the Helsinki City Museum, and popular newer troves like the Kiasma contemporary art museum, there’s no shortage of culture or history in Helsinki – a fact well-known to visitors of Helsinki’s most popular spot, Suomenlinna. This inhabited sea fortress stretches across six islands in the Gulf of Finland, offering a host of different museums and armaments and sweeping views that aren’t to be missed. Neither are the slew of restaurants and shopping hubs that pepper the city.
So once you’ve booked your flight and picked a hotel, peruse our pages to create an itinerary inspired by fellow travelers who have had their fun in Helsinki.
Close