Things to Do in Helsinki, Finland in the Summertime! Helsinki Summer Travel Guide

When you live in a place that has long winters, you really have to learn to savour those short summer months, and Finland is a perfect example of that. I recently got to spend a few days revisiting the capital, Helsinki, and one of the first things I noticed was that everyone was outdoors – the cafes were lined with people enjoying their coffees al fresco, friends were meeting for picnics in the park, the Baltic Sea was full of sailboats going out for a day on the water – it was so lively!

I too tried to make the most of my summer visit. My days started early and ended late – it sure helped that the sun was up by 5 a.m. and setting at 9:30 p.m. – but then again, who needs sleep when you have perfect weather and a city waiting to be explored?

The following post is a little city guide for summer in the Finnish capital. I’ve included some of my favourite things to do in Helsinki, as well as some tips on where to eat, where to sleep, and how to get around the city. I hope you’ll find it useful!

What to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Helsinki, Finland

1) Visit Helsinki Cathedral

First things first, you have to drop by Senate Square to have a look at the city’s best-known attraction: Helsinki Cathedral.

This white church with a green dome dominates the skyline, and I think it’s a cool attraction because it’s quite different from other churches you’ll encounter in Europe.

While the typical European church is very elaborate and full of relics, sculptures, and paintings, Helsinki Cathedral is a blank canvas.

The interior is stark white and it has a minimalist feel.

2) Browse the shops in Helsinki’s Design District

Helsinki has a thriving design district where you’ll be able to check out the latest in Scandinavian design.

Iittala is a cool shop if you want to browse ceramics, glassware, and general home interior – everything in here is trendy and innovative.

Then you have Marimekko, the biggest name in Finnish fashion. This brand is known for its bold colours and fun prints, so it’s worth a browse when in Finland.

You seriously can’t walk more than a few blocks without spotting a Marimekko store, so just go in and have a look.

3) Pick up some salty licorice from the Salmiakkikioski

Oh salmiakki…it’s one of those flavours that you either love or hate!

In case you’ve never heard of salmiakki before, it’s a salty black licorice made with ammonium chloride.

To say the taste is repugnant is an understatement, but Sam loves this stuff, so we managed to track down a small kiosk that specializes in salmiakki products – 91 types of salkmiakki to be precise!

Sam ordered himself a salmiakki ice cream, which he enjoyed on the little tables they have set up for customers.

If you’re interested in visiting the Salmiakkikioski, it’s located on the southeast corner of Runeberginkatu and Eteläinen Hesperiankatu, which is just a short walk from the Rock Church.

Keep in mind that this place is only open during the summer months, so don’t bother trekking all the way out here the rest of the year.

4) Go midnight kayaking

One of the highlights of my visit to Helsinki was going kayaking at midnight.

I have been kayaking several times before, but this experience trumped all the former ones!

We met up with the team at Natura Viva at around 9 p.m. when the sun was still up (that’s Finnish summer for you), and we set out just as the sky was starting to turn the most beautiful shades of lavender and pink.

After about an hour and a half of kayaking, we reached a small island where our guides made a little fire and surprised us with a picnic of smoked salmon sandwiches, Karelian pastries, and Karl Fazer chocolates – all under the moonlight!

We spent a solid hour just eating and chatting, and when it was time to go back, we strapped on some headlamps and paddled back to shore.

The whole experience was one of those surreal moments where you just have to pinch yourself – am I really here in Finland, kayaking on the Baltic Sea at midnight?!

5) Go in search of Moomins

How do I describe a Moomin to you?

Let’s see…they are characters from a Finnish fairy tale that was created by Tove Jansson.

They are very plump and white, and in a way, they kind of resemble hippopotamuses. Oh, and they are virtually everywhere in Finland.

I happened to be in Helsinki while the Moomin exhibition was taking place at the Ateneum Art Museum to celebrate 100 years since the birth of the Moomins’ creator, and the Moomins were plastered all over posters, coffee mugs, and postcards.

6) Visit the Kamppi Chapel of Silence

Situated in the heart of Helsinki’s commercial district, the Kamppi Chapel of Silence is meant to provide a quiet retreat in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. 

It’s a very cool building, and the rounded wooden exterior will immediately catch your eye.

The interior of the chapel is very earthy and it makes you feel connected with nature. The walls are made out of wood, and there’s a cluster of pillows on one side of the room which resemble smooth pebbles.

While no services are currently held in the chapel, they do have clergy and social workers on site in case anyone needs to chat about life or get some guidance.

7) Spend an afternoon in Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a sea fortress that was built across 6 islands, which are part of Helsinki’s archipelago.

This is a very popular spot during the summer months, especially on weekends when locals like to escape to the islands for picnics or a bite of food at the many cafes and restaurants.

There are guided tours of Suomenlinna June through August.

8) Grab a bite at Lonna Island

And now let me introduce you to yet another island. Lonna Island is a pretty cool destination because it just opened to the public this summer!

The former military island was used by the Russian Navy to store mines in the 1880s, and then in the 1920s it was used as a base for clearing mines.

Starting this summer, however, ferry lines have started ushering visitors to the little island, where they can enjoy a picnic or join friends for a delicious meal at a restaurant set in the old storage buildings.

There is a great terrace outdoors where lights have been strung across bright pink and red chairs, and it’s the perfect setting for long summer days. Plus the food here is seriously amazing!

I enjoyed some grilled fish with a tapioca pudding and a side of potatoes with dill, and I’m still thinking about that meal today.

Getting to Lonna Island is pretty easy. The JT cruise lines ferries leave from Market Square and stop at the Lonna quay on their way to Suomenlinna.

It costs 7 Euros for a return ticket.

9) Get sweaty in the sauna

I can officially say I have tried Finnish sauna; though I’ll admit it wasn’t your traditional naked sauna since we were sharing with men and women!

But still, I went in there, sat in the room, watched the temperature climb to an intolerable 90 Celsius…and then I ran out gasping for air. Phewww, the heat does take some getting used.

Fun fact: there are an estimated 2 million saunas in a country with a population of 5.3 million Finns!

10) Take a guided bike tour of Helsinki

My first day in the city, I joined Bike Tours Helsinki for a guided tour.

I’ve taken a lot of bike tours in different cities around the world, and they tend to stick to one neighbourhood, however, our guide Karri tried to give us a little taste of everything.

We started out in the centre of Helsinki, where we got to see a bit of the downtown, and then we slowly made our way outside of town, riding along the waterfront, taking detours through embassy-laden neighbourhoods, stopping at the beach, and continuing on through the forest.

I got to see a side of Helsinki that I wouldn’t have found on my own, and it was also cool to see how accessible nature is from the city centre.

11) Visit the carpet-washing docks

Helsinki has a tradition of carpet-washing by the sea, so every summer, people haul their dirty carpets down to these specially built wooden docks, where they scrub away a year’s worth of filth.

The carpets are then left to dry overnight, and the next morning, they roll them up and bring them back home. 

This is one of those cultural things that I haven’t come across anywhere else in the world.

As you can see from the photo above, these docks are also popular hangout spots with swimmers and sunbathers.

12) Go inside the Rock Church

Temppeliaukion, better known as the Rock Church, is one of those attractions that you can’t quite picture in your head until you actually get there.

Basically, the entire building was carved out of solid rock (creating great acoustics, might I add), and the whole concept was considered quite radical when it was first built.

Despite being carved into the rock, however, the building actually feels quite bright.

The ceiling consists of a copper dome surrounded by a skylight, so a lot of natural light filters down into the auditorium.

Bonus: You can even drop by for a service on a Sunday, but you’ll actually have to sit through the whole thing because the church isn’t technically open to visitors who just want to run in and snap a picture.

13) Watch performers at Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park seems to be where everyone comes to hang out. I really liked strolling through here in the afternoons because there was always so much going on – friends enjoying picnics, live musical performances taking place on stage, quirky street performers doing their thing…

And that’s a little taste of how I spent a few days in Helsinki. If you’re still curious about the city, here’s a little city guide that Sam and I shot over the course of our stay.

Hopefully, it’ll give you a better feel of the place and help showcase some of the sights and attractions. (You can find more Finland videos on our YouTube channel.)

 

Where to eat in Helsinki

1) Market Square

When it comes to eating in Helsinki, my go-to place is always Market Square. The market is lined with food stalls and you can get all sorts of traditional Finnish food.

My favourite is the grilled salmon with potatoes and vegetables. At 10 Euros a plate, it’s a very affordable option, plus the portions are large enough to share between 2 people.

Market Square is also a great place to pick up fresh berries for a nice afternoon snack.

2) Dinner in the Sky

On my first day in Helsinki, I was walking from the train station when I noticed a giant crane with a table hanging from it. I had to do a double-take – were those people having lunch in the sky?!

Yes, they were.

Over the past few summers Helsinki has been hosting a unique dining experience where foodies can snag a seat at a 22-seater table and enjoy dinner 40 meters above the city. 

Dinner in the Sky invites world-renowned chefs to cook for a daredevil audience. 

Because this one-of-a-kind event only lasts a few days, tickets are highly coveted, and while I didn’t get to experience this for myself, it’s something I’d love to try in the future!

3) Fafa’s

This was a really great spot for falafel and kebabs. I tried Fafa’s Kebab special with fried eggplant, tabouleh and tzatziki, and it was delicious.

At under 10 Euros, it was a bargain.

4) Cafe Bar 9

This place is a bit of a hipster hangout and it has a very casual feel.

The waiters won’t come to you; you’ll have to go up to the bar and order your drink/meal, and then they’ll bring it to you when it’s ready.

They make nice pasta dishes and it’s also a very budget-friendly spot.

5) Karl Fazer Cafe

Karl Fazer is the biggest name in Finnish chocolate and they even have their own cafe. (Karl was born to a Swiss father, and we all know the Swiss make good chocolates!)

If you’re in the mood for a cup of coffee and a chocolatey dessert, this is the place for you.

It’s one of the best things to do in Helsinki if you have a sweet tooth!

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Hotel Katajanokka

If you’re looking for a quirky hotel with a bit of a dark history, then look no further than Hotel Katajanokka.

This building was once a jail, and while it has been completely renovated, it still retains that prison-like feel. The windows were built high up in order to prevent inmates from climbing out, and the entire property is walled in.

They also have a little restaurant called the Jailbird Cafe where they serve the most spectacular buffet breakfasts. The dishware consists of tin cups and metal plates keeping true to the hotel’s history.

You can read a review of my stay in the jail hotel here.

Radisson Blue Royal Hotel

The Radisson Blu is one of the nicest properties I stayed in during my previous visit to Helsinki.

The hotel is located right across from the main train station, so it’s a very easy location for those who want to be in the heart of the city. I also liked that the rooms are bold in colour with fun pops of fuchsia, teal, and purple.

This is one of those ultra-modern properties where the TV greets you when you walk into the room, and the bathroom mirror has another TV so you can watch the news as you get ready.

You can read a review of my stay at the Radisson Blu here.

Rivoli Hotel Jardin

The Rivoli Hotel has more of a boutique feel. The rooms are bright with a nice touch of Scandinavian design, and the property is located by Esplanade Park.

They also have a beautiful, bright conservatory where you can enjoy breakfast every morning.

Eurohostel

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, then Euro Hostel is one of the highest-rated properties in the city.

They offer dormitory beds, single rooms, twin rooms and triple rooms. The hostel has 2 different room categories budget class “backpacker rooms” and modernized “Eurohostel rooms”, so if you want a bit more comfort then you can upgrade to the second option.

Getting around Helsinki

From the airport – Getting into the city from the airport is super easy. You can either hop aboard the Finnair City Bus, which will get you there in 30 minutes for 6,30 Euros, or alternatively, you can take bus # 61,5 which will get you there in 40 minutes for 5 Euros. Both buses will drop you off in front of the main train station right in the centre of Helsinki.

Bike – Helsinki is very bike-friendly and most streets have separate lanes for bikers. Some hotels offer bikes that you can either borrow or hire for the day, or if you’re looking for something a bit more comprehensive then you can join a guided tour of the city.

Walk – It’s free! Helsinki is quite small for a capital city and it’s really easy to get around on foot. You can pick up a free map of the city at the Visitors Centre, and then head out on your own self-made tour.

Bus / tram / train – Public transportation around the city is quite efficient. You can either get a single ticket (rates vary so check here), or if you’re planning to cover a lot of ground in one day, you can pick up a 1-day pass for 8 Euros.

Helsinki Like a Local: Tips, Unique Experiences & Summer Survival Travel Guide

Embrace Helsinki’s Outdoor Culture

Finns live for summer. After the long, dark winter, locals savor every ray of sunlight, and the city’s outdoor spaces fill up with music, events, and people-watching.

• Pop-up Parks & Summer Terraces: Throughout the city, you’ll find “kesäterassi” (summer terraces)—from rooftop lounges to makeshift bars in parks and even floating on the harbor. Try Allas Sea Pool’s terrace for drinks with a view or join locals at Oodi Library’s rooftop.
• Urban Beaches: Head to Hietaniemi Beach (“Hietsu”) for soft sand and a lively atmosphere, or try the smaller Eiranranta Beach for a quieter swim. Many Finns swim even when the water is still brisk in June.
• Open-Air Events: Check what’s on during your stay. Helsinki’s summer calendar fills with free concerts, film screenings in Esplanade Park, outdoor yoga classes, flea markets (try Hietalahden kirpputori), and festivals covering everything from design to jazz.

Explore the Helsinki Archipelago—More Than Just Suomenlinna

The archipelago is Helsinki’s summer strength. There are over 300 islands, and many are easily reached by public ferry or waterbus.

• Pihlajasaari: Just 10 minutes by ferry from Ruoholahti, this is a local favorite for sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and seaside picnics. There are BBQ spots (bring your own food), a café, and separate nude and regular beaches.
• Vallisaari & Lonna: If you’ve already been to Suomenlinna, hop over to Vallisaari for wild nature trails, history, and art installations, or back to Lonna for a meal and one of the more atmospheric island saunas near Helsinki.
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: Connected to the mainland by a footbridge, Seurasaari is both a park and a museum, showcasing traditional Finnish wooden buildings in a forested island setting.

Why Suomenlinna Looks Like Three Different Eras at Once

Suomenlinna’s construction began in 1748, when Sweden still controlled Finland and needed a fortified naval base to hold the line against Russian expansion. The work was overseen by Swedish admiral Augustin Ehrensvärd, who adapted French military engineer Vauban’s fortification theories to the rocky, scattered geography of the islands. That original layout is still the bones of the place.

What makes a walk through Suomenlinna different from most fortress visits is that it changed hands twice more after that. Russia took it over in 1808, and it passed to independent Finland in the 20th century, with each period leaving its own layer of buildings and modifications behind. That layered history is part of why UNESCO added it to the World Heritage List in 1991 — it’s less a single monument than a record of three different countries building on top of each other’s work.

Unique Helsinki Experiences Off the Beaten Path

• Public Saunas: Go beyond the private hotel or island saunas. Try a classic city sauna like Löyly (architecturally striking, right on the waterfront, sessions generally run in the €19–24 range) or Kotiharjun Sauna (the last wood-fired public sauna in Helsinki).
• Nightless Nights: In June and July, experience the “white nights” when the sun barely dips below the horizon. Stroll the Esplanade, join locals for a midnight picnic, or kayak under the midnight sun.
• Finnish Sisu: Try a sauna-plus-sea-dip combo, even if the water is chilly. It’s a genuinely local ritual, and most people come out of it feeling wide awake.

Finland’s Sauna Culture Has UNESCO Status

In December 2020, UNESCO added Finland’s sauna culture to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity — the country’s first entry on that list. It wasn’t recognition for any single building or bathhouse; it covers the whole practice: heating the stove, throwing water on the rocks, and the customs, stories, and etiquette built up around it over generations.

The scale behind that listing is part of what makes it interesting. Finland has an estimated 3.2 million saunas for a population of roughly 5.6 million, and close to 90 percent of Finns sauna at least once a week. So when a Helsinki local suggests a public sauna, it’s not a novelty they’re pointing you toward — it’s closer to inviting you into a weekly habit.

Shopping Helsinki: Beyond the Design District

Helsinki rewards anyone who likes functional design and independent boutiques.

• Hakaniemi Market Hall: For food souvenirs, handmade crafts, and gifts — rye bread, local honey, sea buckthorn jams, birch-wood utensils.
• Flea Markets & Second-Hand Shops: Finns are serious about recycling. Check out UFF, Fida, and Relove for second-hand Finnish fashion.
• Design House Stockmann: Even without shopping plans, wandering the legendary department store is close to a Helsinki rite of passage. Don’t miss the homeware and Moomin sections.

Helsinki for Foodies: More Local Flavors

Salmon and falafel cover the basics — Helsinki’s food scene is fresh, innovative, and tied closely to Finnish nature.

• Local Berries: In summer, the forests around Helsinki fill with blueberries, lingonberries, and wild strawberries, sold at market stalls and worked into everything from pies to smoothies.
• Foraged Ingredients: Try restaurants like Olo, Grön, or Nolla, where menus lean on wild herbs, mushrooms, and even pine.
• Cinnamon Buns (Korvapuusti): A solid mid-morning snack — try one at Café Esplanad or Fazer Café.
• Ice Cream Kiosks: Finns eat more ice cream per capita than most of Europe. Look for artisanal gelato, or try Jädelino for vegan options.

Getting Around Helsinki—Summer Edition

• HSL App: Download the Helsinki Region Transport app for up-to-date tram, bus, ferry, and metro schedules. You can buy mobile tickets and plan routes in one place.
• City Bikes: Helsinki’s city bike system is great for short rides — pick up or drop off bikes at stations around the city (seasonal, May–October).
• Ferries: Your public transport ticket covers most city ferries, including the one to Suomenlinna, so island-hopping doesn’t cost extra.
• Accessible City: Helsinki is one of Europe’s more accessible capitals — trams are step-free, attractions have ramps, and parks are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.

How to Enjoy Helsinki on a Budget

Scandinavia isn’t cheap, but Helsinki has plenty of free and low-cost activities.

• Free Attractions: Cathedral, Kamppi Chapel, Rock Church (if you attend a service), Oodi Library, Esplanade Park, Seurasaari (island access is free; the museum charges entry), and most outdoor events and concerts in summer.
• Picnics: Supermarkets sell ready-made salads, fresh bread, cheese, and smoked fish — grab supplies and head for a waterfront picnic at Kaivopuisto Park or Töölönlahti Bay.
• Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer weekday “lounas” specials — a main dish, salad bar, and coffee for a fraction of the evening menu price.

Helsinki Summer Survival Tips

• Pack for all weather: Even in July, it can turn chilly or rainy. Layers, a light rain jacket, and a hat for the sun are worth the suitcase space.
• Cash or Card: Finland is mostly cashless — your card will work everywhere, from market stalls to public transport.
• Language: English is widely spoken, but learning a few Finnish words (like “kiitos” for thank you) is always appreciated.
• Tipping: Not required, but rounding up or leaving small change is welcome in cafes and taxis.

Easy Day Trips from Helsinki

With a bit more time, Helsinki is the gateway to more Finnish adventures:

• Porvoo: A charming medieval town with cobblestone streets, red riverside warehouses, and cafes — just an hour away by bus.
• Nuuksio National Park: Hiking, lakes, berry picking, and wildlife spotting, only about 40 minutes from the city.
• Tallinn, Estonia: A roughly 2-hour ferry ride for a day exploring another capital city — don’t forget your passport.

Money & Logistics Basics

Helsinki Summer Events Calendar

Helsinki Summer FAQ: White Nights, Saunas, Islands & Easy Day Trips

When is the best time to visit Helsinki for summer vibes?

June through August. You’ll get long, light-filled days (near “white nights” in June and July), outdoor events, open island ferries, and busy park terraces. Early September is quieter but still pleasant.

What are the must-dos for first-timers?

Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square, the Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), Esplanade Park, a public sauna plus sea dip, Suomenlinna sea fortress, and at least one island meal or picnic — Lonna, Pihlajasaari, or Vallisaari.

How do I make the most of the archipelago without overspending?

Buy an HSL day pass — it covers trams, buses, the metro, and most city ferries, including Suomenlinna. Pack a picnic for Kaivopuisto or one of the islands, and time your visit for golden hour on a shoreline rock.

Which saunas should I try, and what’s the etiquette?

For an architectural experience, book Löyly ahead. For a classic wood-fired sauna, try Kotiharjun Sauna. For an island setting, there’s Lonna Sauna. Etiquette-wise: shower first, sit on a towel, and keep voices low; swimsuits are standard in mixed areas.

Can I do “midnight” activities in summer?

Yes — late-evening kayaking, a harbor stroll under pink skies, or a midnight picnic during white-night weeks are all popular. Trams run late, and ferries have seasonal evening schedules, so check the times on the day.

What’s fun beyond the city center?

Bike the waterfront paths, take a look at the carpet-washing docks, wander the Design District, and detour to Oodi Library’s rooftop for sunset.

Where should I eat for a taste of Finland without overspending?

Market Square stalls for grilled salmon and fresh berries, weekday “lounas” lunch deals, Fafa’s for falafel and kebabs, and Karl Fazer Café for korvapuusti and chocolate.

How do I get around, from the airport and within the city?

From the airport, commuter trains I and P run to Central Station, and the Finnair Bus also serves the center. In town, use the HSL app for trams, metro, buses, and ferries, plus city bikes (May through October). Walking covers most of the center easily.

What should I pack for Helsinki in summer?

Layers, a rain shell, comfortable shoes for cobblestones and boardwalks, swimwear for saunas and the sea, sunglasses, and a small picnic blanket. Even July can turn breezy on the water.

Any uniquely Finnish experiences worth prioritizing?

A sauna-plus-sea-plunge combo, a white-night stroll, sampling Karelian pastries and, if you’re curious, salmiakki, and a ferry hop to a smaller island for a slow afternoon.

What day trips work best from Helsinki?

Porvoo for medieval charm and riverside red warehouses, Nuuksio National Park for lakes and forest trails, and Tallinn, Estonia for a two-capitals-in-a-day trip via a roughly 2-hour ferry.

Is Helsinki card-friendly? Do I need cash or to tip?

Helsinki is largely cashless — cards and mobile pay are the norm, even at kiosks. Tipping isn’t required; rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated for good service.

Have you been to Helsinki?
Are there any other things to do in Helsinki you’d add to this list?