Best things to do in Helsinki: a local’s guide for 2026

What is it? This is Helsinki’s grand parade ground and a dramatic snapshot of the city’s origins. The cathedral, university, and government buildings were all dreamed up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel. He arrived in 1816 planning a short stay, but stayed for the rest of his life; when you’re handed the chance to design an entire capital from scratch, you put your other life plans on hold. Engel never quite warmed to this chilly northern outpost, but his handiwork turned Helsinki into a neoclassical showpiece. 

Why go? To see Helsinki at its most majestic yet surprisingly lived-in. The iconic Helsinki Cathedral rises above the square like a giant white angel, and its massive granite steps serve as the city’s communal living room. In the summer, it's the ultimate spot to soak up the sun; in the morning, a brutal outdoor gym; and in the winter, a high-stakes sledding hill. Climb to the top for the ultimate postcard view, or hang around the cobbles and imagine 19th-century merchants and Russian officials bustling about – minus the selfie sticks. Fun fact: The square’s resemblance to St. Petersburg is so uncanny that Hollywood filmmakers have frequently used it as a stand-in for Russia in Cold War spy thrillers.

Don’t miss: While the cathedral is breathtakingly plain inside, the National Library of Finland right next door is a total showstopper. Engel himself considered its Cupola Hall his finest work, and with its soaring frescoes and endless shelves, it feels like stepping onto a period drama set. Entry is free, just keep your voice to a ‘scholarly hush.’ Afterward, grab a window seat at Café Engel across the square for a coffee with a front-row view of the architect’s legacy.

Nearest tram: Senaatintori (Lines 2, 4, 5, or 7), metro Helsinki University

What is it? Few Unesco World Heritage Sites can be visited for the price of a bus ticket, but Suomenlinna proudly can. There’s no entrance fee to Helsinki’s vast sea fortress – just hop on the ferry using a regular HSL ticket and suddenly you’re on a historic island.

Don’t miss: Make sure you walk all the way to the far end of the island. Waiting there is the King’s Gate – a name that sounds suspiciously like something straight out of Game of Thrones, but is actually the former main entrance to the fortress and still Suomenlinna’s most dramatic spot.

Ferries to Suomenlinna leave from Market Square.

What is it: ​​Right on the city centre’s waterfront, where ferries come and go and seagulls patrol like feathered pickpockets, you’ll find the city’s main Market Square (Kauppatori). These days it’s less about groceries and more about souvenirs – from reindeer pelts to furry hats – but it’s still a must-visit. You’ll know why the moment you catch the unmistakable smell of fish frying in butter. That’s muikku, tiny vendace from Finland’s lakes, served straight from the pan with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of salt.

Why go: The small fish are eaten whole, head and all, the way Finns have been doing for generations. Crisp, savoury, and dangerously moreish, they’re the kind of snack that turns “I’ll just try one” into “I’ve accidentally eaten the whole box.” Just watch out for the gulls – they’ve mastered the art of airborne fish theft.

Don’t miss: The tented old-fashioned coffee stalls along the square, where strong Finnish filter coffee is poured into paper mugs. It’s a timeless Market Square ritual – warming your hands on a steaming cup while the Baltic wind whips through the harbor.

Address: Eteläranta

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 6:30am-6pm, Friday 6:30am-4pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

What is it? Completed in 1868, Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. Its red-brick bulk and golden onion domes rise dramatically above the Market Square, a constant reminder of the era when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. The bricks themselves have a story: they were salvaged from the ruined Bomarsund Fortress in Åland, destroyed during the Crimean War.

Why go? Step inside and the atmosphere shifts instantly – incense, candlelight, and glittering icons fill the lofty interior. The cathedral’s most revered treasure is the Kozelshchyn Mother of God icon, said to be miracle-working. You’ll know it by the jewellery and crosses left in gratitude by worshippers. Watching the faithful sink into fervent prayer before it adds a powerful, human layer to the building’s grandeur.

Don’t miss: The icon comes with a dramatic backstory: it was stolen in 2010 but recovered when the thief – hardly Arsène Lupin material – got greedy, returned to see what else he could swipe, and was promptly caught. As a bonus tip, circle the cathedral hill in the evening; with the city lights flickering below and the harbour stretching out, Uspenski looks just as impressive outside as it does within.

Bonus tip: At the foot of Cathedral Hill, by the sea, you’ll find atmospheric restaurants housed in old red-brick buildings, including Nokka, considered one of the finest Finnish restaurants in the city. 

Address: Pormestarinrinne 1, 00160 Helsinki

Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am-4pm, Saturday 10am–12:30pm; closed on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday

Price: Free

What is it? For decades, Finlandia Hall – architectural legend Alvar Aalto’s final masterpiece – was something you could only admire from the outside, unless you had a ticket to a conference or concert inside. After a major renovation, it now hosts the Finlandia exhibition, bringing Aalto’s architecture, life, and ideas up close for visitors.

Why go? The exhibition is broad and revealing, offering a different angle on Aalto than the Aalto Museum in Jyväskylä. Together they complement each other. At Finlandia Hall, Aalto’s architecture is tied directly to the idea of Finnish identity. The show makes it clear just how deeply Aalto shaped what the world (and Finns themselves) consider 'Finnish design'.  

Don’t miss: After the exhibition, drop by the new Finlandia Café & Wine, naturally furnished with Aalto’s own chairs and lamps. And if you really want to immerse yourself, a handful of Aalto-designed rooms – originally built as living quarters for janitors and staff – can now be booked for an overnight stay.

Nearest metro: Central Railway Station (Rautatientori)

Price: €20 for the exhibition. Entry to the lobby and café of Finlandia Hall is free.

What is it? Forget the image of dusty shelves and 'silence, please' signs. Helsinki’s Central Library Oodi isn’t just a temple of books, it’s a futuristic spaceship of knowledge, boldly taking libraries where no library has gone before.

Why go? Oodi feels more like a cultural hub than a library. The shelves are just the beginning. Inside you’ll find a cinema, music studios, 3D printers, gaming rooms, sewing machines, and even a kitchen for cooking classes. In the lobby you can also borrow a basketball to shoot hoops on the courts right outside. Because why not? Here, slam dunks and crime novels both count as culture.

Don’t miss: At Oodi’s makerspace you can print your own Helsinki-themed tote bag for a fraction of the price souvenir shops charge. Just pick a design from the library’s catalogue and have it pressed onto fabric – prices start from as little as 50 cents. One of the city’s most creative (and cheapest) souvenirs, guaranteed.

Adress: Töölönlahdenkatu 4, 00100 Helsinki

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Friday to Sunday 10am-8pm

Closest metro: Central Railway Station (Rautatientori)

Price: Free

What is it? Helsinki’s most striking church isn’t a spire on the skyline, but a cavern in the bedrock. Blasted into solid granite in 1969 and capped with a massive copper dome, this brutalist masterpiece feels less like a sanctuary and more like a Bond villain’s secret lair.

Why go? To witness how unpolished rock walls and raw granite can feel surprisingly cozy. When it first opened in 1969, many Helsinkians hated it, dismissing it as too raw, too modern, and too weird for a church. Over time, the critics quieted, and the faithful got used to praying inside a Bond villain’s lair. Today, it’s considered the city’s most impressive place of worship—a must-visit for both architecture buffs and tourists looking for Instagram glory. The architect brothers, Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, never again matched this level of brilliance; if they’d been in a band, they’d be remembered as Finland’s ultimate one-hit wonder.

Don’t miss: The acoustics. Because of the jagged, exposed rock surfaces, the sound quality here is world-class. Check the schedule for the church's frequent concerts; hearing a choir inside this monument of rock is a spine-tingling experience that makes a standard concert hall feel a bit pedestrian.

Nearest tram: Sammonkatu (Lines 1 & 2)

What is it? It’s a shimmering, otherworldly wave of over 600 hollow steel pipes that looks like a galactic organ straight out of a Star Wars cantina. Built in 1967 to honor Finland’s national composer, Jean Sibelius, this abstract landmark is more than just a statue – it’s an interactive instrument. Visitors are encouraged to shout, whisper, or drum on the pipes to see what kind of music the steel echoes back.

Why go? To witness a classic Finnish national drama: the journey from pure, unadulterated hatred to hopeless devotion. When sculptor Eila Hiltunen unveiled her abstract design, the public lost its mind. Critics branded it a ‘metallic monstrosity’ and fumed that it didn't actually look like the legendary composer. One particularly dedicated hater even mailed the artist a ‘gift’ from their own backyard – and let’s just say it wasn't a bouquet of flowers. Today, however, the fury has faded, and it stands as the city’s most beloved piece of public art.

Don’t miss: Once you’ve finished making a racket at the monument, head down to the water’s edge to Cafe Regatta. This tiny, charismatic red shack is the ultimate Helsinki vibe – perfect for a coffee and a traditional cinnamon bun (korvapuusti), or for roasting a sausage over the open fire like a true local. If you’re feeling restless, you can rent a kayak right next to the cafe and paddle out to explore the stunning Seurasaarenselkä seascape.

Nearest bus: Sibeliuksen puisto (Lines 24, 25 or 500)

What is it? Helsinki Central is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau and one of the world’s most stunning station buildings. After a major face-lift, it has finally shed its ‘commuters only’ skin to become a full-service lifestyle hub. It’s no longer just a place to catch a train; it’s a destination for culture, cocktails, and soaring views.

Why go? You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the station's new life. Start outside with the obligatory selfie between The Lantern Carriers – the four colossal stone giants who have guarded the entrance since 1914. Once inside, head to Restaurant Taulu for a dose of high art with your drink. Dominating the wall is Eero Järnefelt’s legendary mural of Koli, Finland’s most famous national landscape. It’s arguably the most impressive backdrop for a cocktail in the city. If you’re after a pint, hit up the Clock Tower Brewery (Kellotorni) or the stylish La Komia bar. For a quick cultural fix, the second floor houses the Finnish People’s Museum, a charming ‘micro-museum’ with rotating exhibits that are usually free to enter. And yes, you can even stay the night here – though not in the old-school Interrail sense of sleeping on a station bench. Instead, check into the stylish Scandic Grand Central Helsinki, set right inside the station itself.

Don’t miss The ultimate insider move is the newly opened Clock Tower. Previously off-limits for decades, you can now join a guided tour to climb the atmospheric, winding stairs. Along the way, you’ll hear the station’s juiciest stories – and possibly start wondering if Helsinki has its own Quasimodo lurking somewhere in the shadows. (No confirmed sightings… yet.) At the top, you’ll get the most central 360-degree view of Helsinki. It’s a perfect vantage point in the very heart of the city.

Nearest metro: Railway Station

What is it: Visiting a public sauna isn’t just something to try in Finland – it’s the thing to do. Step into the heat and you’ll be closer to the Finnish state of mind than anywhere else. At traditional spots like Kotiharjun sauna, the rule is simple: swimsuits stay at the door. Men and women bathe separately.

Why go? This is a sauna in its purest form: steam, heat, and humanity. No one’s staring; everyone’s sweating. You slip into a rhythm of heating up, cooling down, and heading back in again. It’s both social and deeply relaxing– and you may even find yourself sharing life stories with strangers. For reasons no one quite understands, Finns – usually reserved to the point of silence – become surprisingly chatty when sweating naked with strangers. Friendships have been forged, deals struck, and life stories spilled on those wooden benches. 

Don’t miss: On Thursdays and Fridays, a traditional washer is in attendance. In her care, it feels as though time has slipped back to childhood and you are once again being gently bathed by your parents. You emerge with a refreshed body and a heart at ease.

Address: Harjutorinkatu 1, 00500 Helsinki

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 2pm–8pm (bathtime until 9:30pm)

Nearest metro: Sörnäinen

Price: €16, professional washing €14 

What is it? Not ready to strip? Head to Löyly, a modern sauna complex that looks straight out of the pages of Architectural Digest. Here, swimsuits are expected in the mixed saunas, and the vibe is more chic spa than gritty tradition.

Why go? You get the essential Finnish cycle of hot steam and icy plunge to the sea, but in a more accessible package than in the traditional saunas. You won’t feel out of place, as many of the visitors here are international guests just like you. It’s the easy way to tick 'Finnish sauna' off your list without baring it all.

Don’t miss: After a few sauna rounds and icy dips, head to Löyly’s restaurant for seasonal Nordic flavours with a sustainable edge. Or just grab a cocktail and sprawl on the terrace, feeling like a film star – until you remember you’re fresh out of the shower and without the make-up.

Address: Hernesaarenranta, 400150 Helsinki

Opening hours: Monday to Thrusday 12am-10pm, Friday 1pm-11pm, Saturday 9am-11am & 1pm-11pm, Sunday 11am-9pm

Nearest public transportation: Tram station Eiranranta, tram 6T

Price: €26, the price includes a towel, seat cover, plus shampoo and shower gel

What is it? Seurasaari Open-Air Museum has welcomed its newest historic building: an authentic Finnish summer cottage from 1953, standing among the island’s mostly centuries-old wooden buildings. Relocated to Seurasaari for visitors to explore, it offers a more modern chapter of Finnish history.

Why we love it? This little cottage is a reminder that history isn’t only something that happened centuries ago – it’s still being made today. Originally moved from Hyvinkää to Seurasaari, the cabin offers a glimpse into the Finnish way of spending free time, a lifestyle that became increasingly popular after the Second World War.

For travellers, it’s a rare chance to experience a slice of Finland’s nature-focused cottage culture without leaving Helsinki. Inside, the cottage is packed with nostalgic details familiar to many Finns: a classic shampoo bottle, a brightly coloured raincoat and a cassette player broadcasting the marine weather forecast: ‘West to northwest wind 8-12 metres per second. Weakening overnight. Fog in places. Visibility mostly good.’

Today, Finland has around half a million holiday homes, most of them by the sea or lakeside. Hopefully the Finnish summer cottage tradition will remain a living part of everyday life and not end up as something people can only encounter in a museum under the title ‘Finland’s Last Summer Cottage’. That would feel like a pretty dystopian future.

Time Out tip: There aren’t many public barbecue spots close to central Helsinki, but Seurasaari has one. The free-to-use grilling area is located near the middle of the island beside Seurasaari Summer Theatre. The city supplies the firewood, but the sausages are still on you. Even in Finland, the welfare state has its limits.

What is it? Finland’s premier stage for world-class opera and ballet, located in a sleek, modern landmark on the banks of Töölönlahti bay. Don't let the ‘National’ title intimidate you: this is an accessible, high-tech cultural powerhouse where the productions are grand and the language barrier is non-existent.

Why we love it? The programming here is brilliantly fearless. Alongside the heavy-hitting classics, they consistently premiere the most exciting contemporary works in the industry. 2026 has already been a standout year with the haunting Morgonstjärnan (based on Karl Ove Knausgård’s novel) and a gritty, operatic take on the Dogme 95 film Festen. The momentum continues into autumn with the acclaimed (R)evolution of Steve Jobs and a dark, decadent Dracula ballet. Best of all? Every opera features English surtitles, making it incredibly easy to follow the drama. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the upcoming Handmaid’s Tale, it’s the most anticipated ticket in town for the spring 2027 season.

Time Out tip: Turn a night at the opera into a full-blown event with a pre-show dinner. You don't have to wander far: directly across the street are two great spots. Choose Aperte for sleek, modern plates or Carelia for a timeless French experience in a stunning former apothecary. It’s also worth checking out the Helsinki Opera Summer Festival, held at the Aleksanteri Theatre between late August and early September.

What is it? A 1960s architectural utopia just a quick metro ride from the city center. Tapiola was designed as a ‘garden city,’ but it feels more like a mid-century vision of the future. The crown jewel is the Futuro House at EMMA (Espoo Museum of Modern Art) – a bright yellow, flying saucer–shaped holiday home designed in 1968 that looks ready to lift off from the museum's deck.

Why go? To lean into Finland’s quiet fascination with the extraterrestrial. To outsiders, the Finnish language sounds like it arrived from another planet, so you might as well see where the ‘locals’ live. While you can't move into the Futuro House, you can step inside and imagine a retro-futuristic life in a cabin designed for small green men. Afterward, head to the nearby Tapiola Church – a stark, uncompromising slab of concrete brutalism that will force you to decide once and for all if you're a fan of ‘ugly-cool’ architecture.

Don’t miss: The museum itself. EMMA is housed in the WeeGee building, a former printing house that is a masterpiece of industrial design in its own right. After exploring the UFO, wander through the museum's vast, light-filled spaces to see world-class modern art and the WeeGee’s other museums, including the Finnish Museum of Horology and Jewellery.

Nearest metro: Tapiola (Follow signs for the WeeGee-talo)

What is it? Helsinki is home to more than 600 Art Nouveau (or Jugend Style) buildings – second only to Riga in sheer numbers. They’re like storybooks turned into stone and brick, brimming with castle towers, arched gateways, and playful reliefs featuring owls, trolls, and even dragons.

Why go? For the most enchanting cluster, head to Katajanokka, just behind Uspenski Cathedral. Here, art nouveau blocks form a remarkably unified whole. Look out for Luotsikatu 4, childhood home of artist Tove Jansson, and Luotsikatu 1, whose turrets are said to have inspired her Moomin tales. The prettiest art nouveau street? Huvilakatu in Eira, with its pastel façades and toy-like charm. And for sheer decorative extravagance, nothing beats the Pohjola Insurance building on Aleksanterinkatu 44, its façade crawling with fantastical creatures (fitting, perhaps, for a company selling protection against every imaginable threat).

Don’t miss: The interiors of most the buildings aren’t open to the public, but you can peek inside one at Robert’s Coffee Jugend on the Esplanade. The exterior is empire style, but step through the doors and it’s pure art nouveau fantasy – a soaring space of curves, carvings, and stained glass that feels almost too grand for a latte.

Address: Robert's Coffee Jugend, Pohjois-Esplanadi 19, 00100

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-7p, Sunday 10am-6pm

Nearest metro: Helsingin yliopisto

What is it? The museum of contemporary art Kiasma looms over central Helsinki like a giant steel whale. Inside, staircases jut out in unexpected directions and sliding metal doors open on their own, creating the feel of an Escher-like art labyrinth where space seems to fold endlessly back on itself.

Why go? Kiasma is Finland’s leading stage for wild, provocative, and thought-provoking art – the kind that sometimes makes you wonder, 'is that art or just a mop bucket?' Rotating exhibitions showcase both Finnish and international names, and the museum hasn’t shied away from controversy. Case in point: the Tom of Finland exhibition, which filled its galleries with the world’s most famous Finnish gay icon’s unapologetic leather fantasies.

Don’t miss: Downstairs, Kiasma Theatre stages live performances that are current, experimental, and often wonderfully odd. Many shows are in English too.

Read more on Helsinki's best museums.

Address: Mannerheiminaukio 2

Opening hours: Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm

Nearest metro: Kamppi and Central Railway Station

Price: €22

What is it? Yrjönkadun uimahalli is Finland’s oldest public swimming hall – and arguably its most beautiful. Opened in 1928, this Art Deco gem feels more like stepping into a grand European spa than your average municipal pool. Think vaulted ceilings, striped changing cabins, wrought-iron balconies and a serene turquoise pool at the centre of it all.

Unlike most swimming pools, the experience here is delightfully slow-paced. Visitors traditionally swim nude in gender-separated shifts (though swimsuits are allowed on mixed-gender days), and the whole ritual leans heavily into relaxation. Beyond the main pool, there are saunas, steam rooms and even private cabins where you can lounge between dips.

Why we love it: There’s nowhere else in Helsinki quite like it. Yrjönkadun uimahalli captures that uniquely Finnish balance of functionality and quiet luxury: it’s public, affordable and wonderfully unpretentious, yet still feels deeply atmospheric.

We love the sense of stepping back in time. The architecture alone is worth the visit, especially in winter when the warm, humid air fogs up the historic windows and the city outside disappears completely. It’s also one of the rare places in Helsinki where you’re encouraged to slow down properly. Nobody rushes here. People read newspapers in bathrobes, take long sauna breaks and float lazily under the soft yellow lights.

For travellers wanting a genuine slice of Finnish bathing culture without heading into the wilderness, this is as authentic as it gets.

Time Out tip: If you want the full time-travel experience, book one of the private upstairs cabins for an extra fee – perfect for lounging in peace between swims and sauna sessions. In September 2026, the long-awaited restaurant Uimasalonki will open on the upper floor of the swimming hall.

What is it? Forget the polished (and pricey) cocktail dens of downtown – when it comes to bar-hopping, Kallio is where Helsinki really lets its hair down. This is the city’s bohemian heart, crammed with quirky bars that are as unpretentious as they are original.

Why go? There’s no gloomy autumn day that a Kallio bar crawl can’t fix. Start at the pocket-sized Kuuttila Bar, where chili-spiked shots and cocktails are guaranteed to shake off the chill. Next, play a round of ping-pong at Limbo Bar and soak up the theatrical atmosphere at Struts. End the night in techno territory at Post Bar – or, if the line’s too long, head next door to Club Kaiku, a retro-futurist industrial haunt for heavy techno.

Don’t miss: Kallio’s cult classic is Sirdie, a tiny pub that’s been pulling pints since 1966. The décor hasn’t changed much since those days, and yes, the old-school jukebox is still there, loaded with Finnish hits ready to soundtrack your beer.

Read more on Helsinki's best bars.

What is it? Wedged between Kallio and Pasila, Vallila is staking its claim as Helsinki’s hippest quarter. The neighbourhood’s DNA is pure working-class: tram depots, machine shops, textile factories. Today those same brick halls echo with DJs, espresso machines, and the clink of wine glasses, while still keeping just enough grit to feel real.

Why go? On the surface, Vallila is all concrete and industry. But peel it back and you’ll discover a softer, almost storybook side. Puu-Vallila, a cluster of early-1900s wooden houses, hides behind the traffic of Mäkelänkatu. Here pastel walls, picket fences, and winding lanes create an urban village atmosphere. And tucked right into it sits Pikku-Vallila, a pocket-sized bar with a cult following – some say the cosiest spot in the city.

Don’t miss: Plot out your day like a local: linger over breakfast at The Folks Hotel before wandering through Puu-Vallila’s crooked lanes toward Helsingin kahvipaahtimo for a perfect cup of cappuccino. Refuel with a Portuguese lunch at Wave of Flavors, then lose an afternoon at Super Bario, where cocktails meet arcade nostalgia inside the old Konepaja foundry. For dinner, book a table at Plein, a Bib Gourmand darling, and slide next door for natural wine at Bar Petiit. When the night refuses to end, there’s only one destination: Ääniwalli, still the raw and roaring heart of Helsinki’s underground.

What is it? Hidden in an old village next to the Helsinki airport, Kahvitupa Laurentius nails the weekend brunch game with an Italian spread that ticks every box: food, atmosphere, and charm. The setting is a century-old wooden house, and yes, the gelato is made fresh on site every single day, which explains its dangerously silky texture.

Why go? I first heard about it from my wife’s Italian colleague. After one visit, my son refuses to go anywhere else for brunch. Hard to argue: think melt-in-your-mouth antipasti, lasagna, and pizza, all in from-scratch portions that make even the greyest Helsinki day feel like a holiday. The kicker? Brunch starts with a glass of prosecco (no, that’s not why my son insists on coming back).

Don't Miss: Make time for the neighboring medieval stone church of St. Lawrence, completed in 1460 and the oldest building in the Helsinki region. Its interiors were rebuilt in the late 19th century in a neo-Gothic style, creating an unusual blend: genuine medieval architecture fused with the Romantic era’s idealized vision of the Middle Ages. The result looks tailor-made for a fantasy film – where one of King Arthur’s knights, on his quest for the Holy Grail, stumbles across Väinämöinen, Finland’s mythical sage.

Address: Kirkkotie 47, 01510

Opening hours: The Brunch starts at noon on Saturdays and Sundays, reservations recommended 

Nearest bus stop: Easiest to reach by car or taxi from the airport, but buses from the city centre get you there too

Price: €38

What is it? Töölönlahti is a nearly round bay right in the heart of Helsinki, with just a narrow opening crossed by a railway bridge, making it a 2.2-kilometre natural loop for walkers and joggers. 

Why go? This is central Helsinki’s classic walking and running route. Around the bay's shores rise some of the city’s most impressive cultural landmarks: Oodi Central Library, the Music Centre, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, and the National Opera. Jog past joggers in Lycra and parents pushing strollers, stop to watch swans gliding across the water. The parkland around the bay also hides cafés and shady spots that beg you to linger, making Töölönlahti less of an exercise track and more of a living room in the middle of the city.

Don’t miss: On the eastern hill, grab a coffee in one of the old wooden villas and enjoy the view. From here you can also spot Alvar Aalto’s playful trick of perspective: stark white Finlandia Hall lines up with the Rapunzel-like tower of the National Museum as if they were part of the same building.

What is it? On the north edge of Töölönlahti Bay, right by the Olympic Stadium, rises a glasshouse straight out of a Victorian novel. Opened in 1893, the Winter Garden is a lush little paradise where you could almost believe you’ve landed on the equator.

Why go? Stepping inside feels like a magic trick: the freezing wind and sleet vanish, replaced by giant cacti, koi ponds, and a riot of blooms. It’s free, it’s warm, and it’s wonderfully atmospheric. Locals come here to breathe in the humid tropical air, read, sketch or simply thaw their toes under the palms while snow whirls outside.

Don’t miss: In summer, more than 200 varieties of roses burst into bloom out front. In winter, the leafy side room indoors makes a perfect picnic spot, with plenty of chairs and small tables for unpacking your own snacks.

Address: Hammarskjöldintie 1 A, 00250 Helsinki

Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday 10am-4pm, closed on Fridays

Nearest tram stop: Kaupunginpuutarha, trams 1,3 and 8

Price: Free

What is it? Once upon a time, ships were wood, men were iron, and clothes were built to last. That’s the philosophy at Play it again, Sam, a vintage store in Kruununhaka that refuses to stock anything made after the 1970s – because, according to founder Arja Könönen, nothing durable has been made since.

Why go? Every piece here feels like it carries a story, making the shop closer to a museum than a boutique. In fact, actual museums have bought items from its racks for their collections. Step inside, browse slowly, and you might just walk out with a century-old coat still in pristine condition.

Don’t miss: Play it again, Sam also rents out tuxedos and vintage gowns. Need an authentic 1920s dress for a themed party? No problem, you’ll find it here.

Read more on Helsinki's second-hand stores.

Address: Rauhankatu 2, 00170 Helsinki

Opening hours: Monday to Friday noon to 6pm, Saturday noon to 3pm, closed on Sundays

Nearest metro: Helsingin yliopisto

Dinosaurs at Heureka

What is it? More than 20 life-size dinosaurs move and roar through Evolution of Dinosaurs, Heureka science centre’s latest exhibition – including, of course, the undisputed star of the show: Tyrannosaurus rex.

Why we love it: Heureka has hosted dinosaur exhibitions before, but this time the models were made specifically for the science centre. Finnish palaeontology experts helped shape both the choice of species and the kinds of dinosaur behaviour on display. One particularly fun scene shows two dinosaurs fighting in a way that strongly recalls The Fighting Capercaillies, Ferdinand von Wright’s famous 19th-century Finnish painting of two grouse locked in combat. The resemblance is probably no accident: the exhibition also reminds visitors that the age of the dinosaurs never entirely ended, as their story continues in the birds we see today.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss Heureka’s revamped planetarium while you’re there. Its projection system makes it one of Europe’s brightest and most detailed immersive environments, and Heart of the Forest takes visitors on an atmospheric journey through the Finnish wilderness.

What is it? Kappeli, in Esplanadi Park, is one of Helsinki’s most historic restaurants, with a story stretching back to its founding in 1867. You can experience this grand old icon at a reasonable price by heading to the café for a fish soup lunch.

Why go? Kappeli’s fish soup is a true classic, letting you kill two birds with one stone on a visit to Helsinki: experience the iconic Kappeli in Esplanadi Park and fill up on some seriously good salmon soup. The salty salmon soup is made with cream, and despite the fancy surroundings, it tastes like something a finnish granny might make. The crowd is a real mix, with everyone from tourists to suited-up lunch diners passing through Kappeli. The soup is served until 19:00 in Kappeli’s café, so head through the door and turn left!

Time Out tip: In summer, the Espa Stage opposite Kappeli hosts free performances almost every day. Grab a seat on the terrace, listen to the performances and watch the comings and goings on the Esplanadi.

Address: Eteläesplanadi 1
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 10:00-23:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-24:00 and Sun 10:00-22:00
Expect to pay: soup on weekdays until 19:00 €16.90

What is it? Linnanmäki’s wooden roller coaster is like a thrilling ride 75 years back in time. While the technology has been updated, the cars and the pace are the same as in 1951, when Vuoristorata opened.

Why we love it? While other amusement parks compete to build the fastest and wildest rollercoasters, Linnanmäki’s best-loved ride puts its faith in wood and gravity. Built for the 1952 Olympics, this wooden rollercoaster is a real rarity: it is one of just six in the world still operated by a brakemaster standing at the back of the train. The ride is perfect: fast enough to make you scream, but not so intense it brings your lunch back up. Because a person is in control, no two rides are the same. The trembling and creaking of the wooden structure adds an extra thrill.

Time Out tip: Every seat is excellent, but for the maximum dose of adrenaline, head for the front row, where you’ll get that genuine ‘floating in mid-air’ feeling on the drops. If you’re planning to film a video, keep a white-knuckle grip on your camera; this classic’s jolts and speed are much wilder than they look from the ground.