Helsinki is one of those cities that you don’t really think about as a hustling city. Maybe that’s just me growing up close to NYC, making Helsinki look calm, cool, and collected. (Let’s be honest, that is the general feel for all of Finland.) Don’t let its size fool you though, there are plenty of things to do in Helsinki and a lot of them have the matching price tag that often comes with capital cities. Even though it is an expensive city, there are plenty of cheap and free things to do in Helsinki. You just need to know where and when to go.
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Getting Around Helsinki
Luckily, Helsinki isn’t NYC, and it’s relatively compact making it easy to walk almost everywhere – perfect for saving money! The entire city of Helsinki is around180 km² so rock those comfortable shoes and get out there! If you’re traveling in winter like we did, there is a fantastic tram and bus system making it easy to get around (and warm up for a bit!)
The Helsinki Card
If you’re on a budget, the Helsinki Card (Get Your Guide link) is a great option to save money! You can purchase it in 24, 48, or 72-hour increments depending on how long you have in the city. The 24-hour one starts at around $55. It includes public transportation (including the ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, which we’ll get to), entrance into a variety of sights and museums, and even discounts for dining and shopping! A few of the free things to do in Helsinki on this list are covered by the card.
Senate Square
An icon of the city, Senate Square proudly displays the unique Neoclassical architecture among the buildings. The Helsinki Cathedral is in the center of the square standing tall. You’ll also see the Government Palace, the National Library of Finland, and the University of Helsinki.
The Square and the stairs are usually hustling with people as it’s a central meeting place in the city. I don’t recommend doing it in winter though, the wind made it quite brisk in the open space.
Helsinki Cathedral
While you’re in Senate Square – you have to go into this cathedral. It’s literally a Finnish icon and is gorgeous on the inside and the outside. It’s one of the best free things to do in Helsinki.
The grand building dominates Senate Square, located along the northern side. The blue domes dotted with golden stars with the twelve apostles standing tall along the roof combine to make a sight worth seeing. The inside isn’t as grand as the exterior but is still worth a peek. The highlight of the cathedral is the stunning organ in the back, so don’t forget to turn around.
Travel Tip: At the beginning of January each year, Lux Helsinki lights up the city. Enjoy the outdoor light festival with locals wandering along a route featuring lantern gardens, lasers, and light installations.
National Library of Finland
The National Library of Finland is a stunning piece of architecture that also holds the country’s cultural heritage on over 100 kilometers of shelf space – it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves architecture. Inside, the marble pillars outline the exquisite fresco hall.
Helsinki City Museum
Just off Senate Square, the Helsinki City Museum is a great way to see daily life in Helsinki through the decades. It’s even great for kids.
Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
A Lutheran church in Helsinki’s Töölö district, this was quarried from natural bedrock so both its interior and exterior were created naturally and the rest were designed by the Suomalainen brothers, Timo and Tuomo. When I first saw this, I couldn’t believe my eyes!
Kamppi Chapel (Temple of Silence)
It’s an interesting chapel because it welcomes everyone regardless of their religious beliefs, philosophies, and backgrounds. It’s basically a place of calm if there’s something you need to get away from the noise of the city; but aside from its function, its exterior is absolutely quirky—a perfect example of contemporary architecture!
Kamppi Chapel of Silence is located near the Kamppi Bus Terminal and a subway station, making it an ideal location for a quick break from the noise of the city. The building is soundproof! Even if you don’t stay long, it’s one of the best free things to do in Helsinki!
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
This is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. It’s the center of history in the city and one of the most popular attractions in the city and the whole of Finland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its impressive portrayal of European military architecture.
Entrance to the fortress is free, but you’ll have to pay for the ferry to go to the island (which is covered in the Helsinki Card).
Seurasaari Island & Museums
Another outdoor museum is similar to Suomenlinna. The Seurasaari Open-Air museum closes in the inter. There is plenty of history to learn at Seurasaari! Enjoy walking around the historic houses and coastal forest.
Oodi Library
We visited Oodi Library and to say we were in awe is an understatement. Sure it’s got books, but it also has board games, movies, a recording studio, gaming stations, a photo studio, and even 3D printers! If you want to actually use anything, you’ll have to reserve it ahead of time.
Helsinki University Main Library
If you’re an avid library lover, the Helsinki University Main Library has an impressive architecture. The south windows are a secret spot that features some incredible views of the city.
Finlandia Hall
Designed by Alvar Aalto, a world-renowned Finnish architect, Finlandia Hall is a remarkable place to visit. No tickets are needed to go inside. Be sure to check out the optical illusions on the exterior of the building.
Walk around Töölö Bay (Töölönlahti Bay)
At the back of Finlandia Hall is Töölö Bay. The full name is Töölönlahti Bay, but it’s affectionately called “Töölö.” There is a path around the bay perfect for walking, enjoying a playground, or sitting at a cafe. In the summer, you can get on the water in a kayak. In the winter, you may be able to walk across the ice.
Hietaniemi Cemetery
To pay your respects to famous Finns, head to Hietaniemi Cemetery. You’ll find ‘The Marshall’ Carl Gustaf Emil Mannherheim and Alvar Aalto here.
Helsinki Art Museum (HAM)
The permanent displays at the Helsinki Art Museum are always free, but there is a fee for the special exhibitions.
Sompasauna
This free, volunteer-run sauna is located at the end of a pier. The Sompasauna is a great community experience and a way to meet the locals.
Window Shopping in the Design District
Explore Finland’s design district, the city’s creative core with an energetic atmosphere. The area is full of small businesses and boutiques selling unique products designed by talented local artists. The design district is a grid of 25 streets that encompass over 200 museums, ateliers, boutiques, and galleries. It’s a great way to appreciate the Finnish style.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
You read that correctly – Finland’s oldest theme park is still free to enter. There are over 40 rides. Free admission includes 9 rides. If you want the full experience, you’ll have to get a wristband for €42. It’s located about 3.5km north of Helsinki’s Senate Square. The park is closed between November and April.
Helsinki Railway Square
If you’re traveling to Helsinki via train, there will be a stop at Helsinki Railway Square. During the winter months, the square becomes an outdoor ice skating rink. You can skate around the square or just sit down and watch others skate. There are lots of bars and cafes nearby, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
The Market Square
One of my favorite things to do in ANY city is explore its markets. If you visit Finland during summertime, you will experience the best strawberries and fresher blueberries in the world! You also get to try the local delicacies like salmon, reindeer meat, and moose meat. So if you’re planning to buy something special for your loved ones, I’d suggest going for it! They do allow you to taste them first, so you can be sure they are delicious. The market closes during winter, unfortunately.
Tove Jansson Walk
An icon of Finland is the Moomin, and its author, Tove Jansson, is beloved. On this walk, you can follow her life while taking in the city! Bonus: pop into a Moomin Cafe for a lunch break!
Hietaranta Beach
While visiting a beach in January wasn’t on my list, it would be for a visit during the summer months. There are over 30 public beaches in Helsinki, but Hietaranta is the most famous. Originally a landfill then converted at the beginning of the 20th century, then adopted as a beach in 1929. Nearby you’ll also find a tennis court and mini-golf course!
Hietaniemi Beach
Another beach worth visiting is the cafe-lined Hietaniemi Beach. In the summer, you’ll find locals playing beach volleyball. Since it doesn’t really get dark at night in the summer in Finland, you can take a ‘moonlight’ swim at night!
Upenski Cathedral
Helsinki’s Uspenski Cathedral is a beautiful Orthodox church built in the Russian Byzantine style. It stands out against the backdrop of other Finnish buildings. From its location on a hilltop overlooking the city, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Inside, the church is decorated with magnificent golden mosaics, ornate frescoes, and even a few modern features like LED lighting. A lot of the original architecture remains, while the modern touches give the place a unique feel. There is also a museum dedicated to the history of the church, including items from the time when it was first built.
Parks in Helsinki
Of course, parks are always a great nature break in any city – but Helsinki has plenty of beautiful parks to choose from!
Helsinki Central Park
One of the longest green spaces is Central Park. Running from Laakso, near the city center, almost 10km north to Haltiala and Vantaanjoki, this park is a spectacular way to look at local fauna and flora!
Kaivopuisto Park
This part is one of the oldest parks in Helsinki and is one of the most loved. The city of Helsinki has actually limited the number of concerts and events in the park in order to protect it. Cafe Ursula and Cafe Compass are in Kaviopuisto Park if you want a refreshment or somewhere to sit.
Travel Tip: If you’re traveling in the winter, you’ll see ice skating rinks pop up all over the city. You can bring your own skates or you can rent some for €6 just outside the main train station!
Sibelius Park
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was a Finnish composer and a beloved celebrity in the county. This park is in the Töölö area of Helsinki. You’ll find the Sibelius Monument (below), but also the Cafe Regatta – an adorable cafe right on the water. Enjoy a Finnish cinnamon roll with a coffee or hot chocolate!
Sibelius Monument
Within the Sibelius Park is its icon – the Sibelius monument. The sculpture is a multi-dimensional experience. You can pass inside the monument and listen to the various sounds of the monument. On each organ, you’ll find engravings that add incredible texture and detail to this monument. There’s a reason why this monument is a top tourist destination and one of the best free things to do in Helsinki.
Esplanadi Park
Esplanadi Park is a beautiful place to visit in Helsinki. It’s near Old Market Hill and is nestled comfortably between two of the main shopping streets in Helsinki. There are many different places to go walking around the park, and you can enjoy the greenery and nature while you’re there.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting in October there are two events in Helsinki worth checking out. The Lakritsi & Salmiakki Festival is €13 euros and celebrates licorice and salty licorice (a national obsession). The other is the Helsinki Baltic Herring Festival. Feast on smoked, marinated, or pickled herring right off the boats in the harbor. This festival has been running since 1743!
Museums in Helsinki
Most museums do have a fee to visit, but most of them have a free day to visit. Some are included in the Helsinki City Card. Here are the museums with their free days!
National Museum of Finland
Admission is free on Fridays from 4-6 pm. Learn all about the Finnish sauna and the Finnish Sauna Experience (and the country’s history).
Kiasma Museum
On the first Friday of the month, the Kiasma Museum of Finnish modern art is free.
Amos Rex Museum
Admission is covered if you have the Helsinki Card, but even if you don’t – the lunar landscape in the back is free to explore year-round!
Ateneum
The Finnish National Gallery of Art, the Ateneum, is free for anyone under 18. Adults cost €17 but admission is covered with the Helsinki Card.
Helsinki City Museum
I know I mentioned this in the Senate Square part of the post, but it’s a museum so I wanted to put it in both places. It’s conveniently located and free for everyone! A great way to learn about Helsinki through the years.
Helsinki Art Museum
Worth mentioning again – this is a must-visit for any Moomin fans! It’s free to see the permanent displays, but the special exhibitions incur a small fee.
Travel Tip: If you’re traveling around Finland for a while and love museums, check out the Museum Card. For about €74 you’ll get admission to museums across the country. They also have an app to find a museum near you!
If you have a little money to spare, this walking tour is a great option to see a lot of the city!
Related Finland Posts:
Day Trip from Helsinki to Porvoo
20+ Best Things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland
How to Visit Finland on a Budget
Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloo Review
Map of Free Things to do in Helsinki
Save “Free Things to do in Helsinki” for Later!
I have never been to Helsinki. You certainly have an impressive list of free things to do! I would love to walk the picturesque streets in downtown Helsinki. That ship looks gorgeous!
Great post! I’d love to see the Market Square and Cathedral, and walk the beautiful streets. It’s great to know there are so many free things to do in Helsinki.
Helsinki is one of my favourite cities! You definitely covered a lot of great things to do here – bonus that they’re free.
Quite a fabulous list of free things to do in Helsinki. I did many of these and indeed did by the Helsinki Card. That card saved me loads as I wanted to see lots of the places that charge (Museum, art galleries etc), so your advice to get it is worth it. Luckily I was there in the Summer so walking around the parks and marinas was a delight in the good weather and also made it easier to wander the streets in what is a very walkable city.
That’s awesome! Winter was still walkable but I am really glad I brought my boots haha!
That’s a great round-up of free things to do in Helsinki. It almost makes you wonder if you really do need the Helsinki card, but I guess if you really do see many museums and cultural sites it’s still worth it. I’m sure the time in January when they lit up the city, it makes every brave the cold and snow to come out and enjoy the light installations.
It definitely depends on your interest and length of time staying in Helsinki – it can be a great bargain for museum lovers!
Great tip on the museum card! My friend just moved to Helsinki and I am sending this to her so that she can get to know her new city 🙂
That’s awesome! It’s a beautiful city!
I’d go to Helsinki in the wintertime to get the full experience of the place and I love ice-skating, too. I’m glad you’ve pointed out so many points of interest that the city has to offer. Castles, old buildings, history, but also modern shopping malls and theme parks can keep me engaged for days!
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Free is my favorite travel word! Helsinki was a place I really loved, and would happily go back. I visited in winter so I’d like to go when it’s warmer. Suomenlinna was fantastic, and the cathedrals. Got some great ideas here for next time though.
I am all about free activities when I visit an area! Traveling and exploring a new country doesn’t need to be expensive, some cases like this, you don’t really need to pay to do much in an area. You can do a variety of different things for free!