If you only have 1 Day in Helsinki, here is how you can get the best of Helsinki in just 24 hours! All the links open in Google Maps.
One of the things that makes Helsinki special is its compact city center. Many of the city’s top attractions are located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore without needing extensive transportation.
Helsinki is also celebrated for its walkability. Wide, pedestrian-friendly streets and scenic seaside pathways allow you to soak in the city’s atmosphere at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll encounter both vibrant markets and peaceful parks, creating a delightful balance of energy and tranquility.
1 Day in Helsinki: What to Do
Stop 1: Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral
Start your day at Senate Square (Senaatintori), the heart of Helsinki’s historic center. Surrounded by neoclassical architecture, this square is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. The highlight here is the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, with its towering white facade and green domes that dominate the skyline.
Take some time to admire the cathedral’s stunning exterior and snap a few photos from different angles—it’s a must for any traveler’s photo album.
If you have a few minutes, step inside to experience the serene interior, which contrasts its grand exterior with minimalist elegance. Sometimes, the entrance is free!
Walk to the top of the stairs and turn around!
Spend about 30 minutes exploring the square and its surroundings. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings make this area perfect for a leisurely stroll.
You’ll also find statues and monuments, including the statue of Alexander II, which adds to the square’s historical significance.
Café Engel on Senate Square
After soaking in the atmosphere, stop by Café Engel, located just steps from the cathedral. Want to know an interesting fact? Carl Ludvig Engel was a German architect whose most noted work can be found in Helsinki! The cathedral is only one of its artworks.
Stop 2: Market Square and Old Market Hall
Next, head to Market Square (Kauppatori), just a few minutes away.
Market Square hosts one of Helsinki’s liveliest outdoor markets located right by the harbor. Here, you’ll find stalls offering a variety of Finnish delicacies, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
💡 Be sure to try some local specialties like freshly prepared salmon soup, Finnish pastries (like karjalanpiirakka), or berries when they’re in season. The vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the waterfront make this a must-visit spot.
From the square, take a short walk to the historic Old Market Hall (Wanha Kauppahalli), a beloved indoor market that has been serving Helsinki residents since 1889.
Inside, you’ll find an array of gourmet foods, from artisanal chocolates to smoked fish, as well as cozy cafes perfect for a quick coffee break while enjoying a multisensorial experience. It’s also a great place to pick up unique souvenirs, such as Finnish tea blends or handcrafted kitchen items.
Spend about 45 minutes to an hour between Market Square and Old Market Hall, taking time to soak in the sights, sample local treats, and shop for mementos. You can decide to have lunch here or at the next stop.
Stop 3: Katajanokka and Uspenski Cathedral
From Market Square, make your way to the Katajanokka district, an area known for its unique blend of historic charm and modern architecture.
It will take about 10 minutes to walk through Market Square to reach Katajanokka, where the unmistakable red Uspenski Cathedral is situated on top of a hill.
The Uspenski Cathedral is a stunning example of Eastern Orthodox architecture and one of Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a hill, the cathedral offers breathtaking views of the city and harbor.
Admire the cathedral’s striking red-brick exterior and golden onion domes, which contrast beautifully with the surrounding cityscape.
The entrance might be free! Inside, you’ll find stunning intricate frescoes, gilded icons, and a serene atmosphere that reflects its religious significance. Explore the cathedral and enjoy the views from the hilltop!
After visiting the cathedral, take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding Art Nouveau district of Katajanokka. The area is filled with beautifully preserved buildings featuring ornate facades and unique architectural details, making it a delight for architecture enthusiasts and photographers alike.
💡 If you’re feeling hungry, just walk along the seaside on Kanavaranta. The redbrick buildings along the walkable seaside host numerous restaurants, wine bars and cafés offering modern Finnish cuisine.
Stop 4: Suomenlinna – The Sea Fortress
The next stop is Suomenlinna, the sea fortress.
To reach Suomenlinna you will need to take a ferry from the Market Hall harbour. If you have a daily HSL ticket, you are good to go!
Even single HSL tickets include the ferry ride to Suomenlinna!
There is no entrance fee to the fortress. Visitors only have to pay for the crossing to Suomenlinna and back.
After a short ferry ride (approximately 15 minutes) from Market Square, you will reach Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Helsinki’s most famous attractions.
This historic fortress, spread across six interconnected islands, offers a fascinating blend of military history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.
You can easily spend between 1 and 3 hours exploring Suomenlinna.
Start with a walk along the fortress walls to enjoy panoramic views of the Baltic Sea. You may want to check out a few cool spots:
- The Suomenlinna Museum provides insights into the site’s history and significance.
- The Military Museum of Manège showcases Finland’s wars during its period of independence, frontline illustrations, and the life of soldiers in Finland and elsewhere.
- The Vesikko Submarine Museum is a unique highlight! The submarine Vesikko is an authentic and rare memorial from World War II. You can walk inside the submarine!
If you prefer the open air, stroll through the island’s charming paths and take in the lush greenery and picturesque buildings. Just make sure you bring adequate clothing and footwear as it might be windy and slippery.
Suomenlinna is also home to several art galleries, craft shops, and historic landmarks, such as the King’s Gate.
💡Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the sea or stop at one of the island’s quaint restaurants for a relaxing lunch. Popular options include Café Samovarbar and Bastion Bistro, where you can savor Finnish flavors.
Afterward, head back to the harbor to catch the ferry back to Market Square.
Stop 5: Allas Sea Pool
Wrap up your day with a truly Finnish experience at Allas Sea Pool, a modern outdoor spa complex located right by the harbor.
This urban oasis offers a unique way to unwind, with heated pools, a seawater pool, and traditional Finnish saunas.
Spend about 1 or 2 hours here enjoying a refreshing dip while taking in stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the Helsinki skyline.
Soak in this unique Finnish experience!
If you’re feeling hungry after your swim, visit the on-site Allas Café & Bistro, which serves fresh, locally inspired dishes with a fantastic waterfront view.
It’s the perfect spot to wind down and reflect on your day before heading back to your accommodation.
If you feel excited, head to the following restaurants and bars to end your evening on a culinary note.
1 Day in Helsinki – Food & Drinks
Restaurants Nearby
The area around Senate Square (Senaatintori) offers dining with a side of history. Here are some local spots that blend Finnish flavors with stunning surroundings:
Picture yourself dining at Savotta, where traditional Finnish dishes come with a dash of nostalgia. The rustic interior, decorated with vintage items, sets the perfect scene for trying local specialties like reindeer or Baltic herring.
For modern Nordic cuisine, Restaurant Olo provides fine dining literally on Market Square.
On the other side, on Senaatintori, Restaurant Brasa is a great addition to the Helsinki food scene with a front-row seat to the Helsinki Cathedral. The seasonal menu here celebrates Finnish ingredients with a contemporary twist.
Remember that Senate Square is just a 5-minute walk from the Market Square (Kauppatori), making it an ideal stop after a sauna at Allas Sea Pool.
💡 We suggest to book ahead for a window seat.
Bars Nearby
Feeling fancy? Liberty or Death might be your spot. Tucked away in a historic cellar near the square, this intimate cocktail bar mixes classic and innovative drinks with a speakeasy vibe. The skilled bartenders here take their craft seriously.
It’s up to you to find the entrance!
If luck is not on your side, we suggest you try Bar Blanda on Senaatintori. Professional bartenders will craft your cocktails with unique blends.
Looking for something more local? Several pubs along Aleksanterinkatu (the main street running from Senate Square) offer Finnish beers and lonkero (traditional Finnish long drink) in a casual setting.
💡 Local tip: Bars near Senate Square tend to be quieter on weeknights, making them perfect for conversation. If you’re visiting during the summer, you might catch some bars setting up outdoor seating with views of the cathedral.
Note: Many bars in central Helsinki come alive after 9 PM, though opening hours may vary seasonally.