Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square
Helsinki’s postcard landmark: a gleaming white neoclassical cathedral with green domes presiding over the grand Senate Square. Free to enter and often hosting classical concerts.
Helsinki
Oodi Central Library
Helsinki’s award-winning central library, an architectural showpiece of curving timber and glass that functions as a free public living room, with reading terraces, workshops and city views.
Market Square (Kauppatori)
Helsinki’s waterfront market square by the harbour, with stalls selling berries, produce, crafts and fried whitefish (muikku) snacks, and ferries to Suomenlinna leaving from the quay.
Plein
Named Helsinki’s best restaurant by Time Out for 2026, an understated, stylish spot in Vallila serving a well-priced set dinner in a warm, neighbourhood-living-room setting.
The Alley
A buzzy, well-reviewed restaurant in the trendy Kallio district, high on Helsinki’s 2026 best-of lists for its confident modern cooking and relaxed vibe.
Gron
A Michelin-starred restaurant serving a creative, produce-led tasting menu built on Finnish and foraged ingredients in an intimate central dining room.
Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli)
Helsinki’s handsome waterfront market hall, serving shoppers since 1889, with counters of Finnish seafood, cheeses, baked goods, reindeer and cafes to sit and eat.
Hakaniemi Market Hall
A much-loved market hall dating to 1914 near hip Kallio, where locals shop for quality produce and specialities, with the popular Kirsikka bistro serving modern Finnish food upstairs.
Tre
The largest Finnish design and fashion store in the heart of Helsinki. Chill atmosphere, helpful staff, inspiring ideas, and loads of well-selected products – from soaps bars to sofas. Known for high…