What To Do In Helsinki 13 Best Things to Do on a Budget

What to do in Helsinki

What to do in Helsinki? honestly, there is so much to do in this extraordinary city and the best part is, it is extremely walkable. Whether you like to visit a museum or explore nature Helsinki has something for you.

Although Finland in general is considered an expensive country to visit. I have managed to visit on a budget and here are my best things to do in Helsinki.

Is it your first time in Helsinki check out my travel guide for budget travellers. If are you only visiting Helsinki for a day then check out my post here for how to spend a day in Helsinki.

1) See Senate Square

The first place to start is Senate Square, where many tours in Helsinki begin. This square is very popular with tourists and at the top, you will see Helsinki Cathedral.

2) Go inside Helsinki Cathedral

You will find Helsinki Cathedral at Senate Square but did you know that you can also go inside Helsinki Cathedral for free? You won’t need long and the entrance is to the left of the building if you look at Helsinki Cathedral from Senate Square.

3) Cafe Regatta

Have a coffee and cake at the famous Cafe Regatta. This rather small and adorable cafe is a must-see for a quick bit to eat. As Cafe Regatta is really small inside they do offer an outdoor seating area where you can get some fresh air and enjoy your coffee with a blanket to keep warm.

I would recommend trying the glögi, a drink that tastes like mulled wine and is delicious (if you like mulled wine). They also have very nice cinnamon buns and coffee.

4) Sibelius Monument

Jean Sibelius is a Finnish musical composer and his monument is situated in Sibelius Park. Eila Hiltunen designed this monument as it embodies the spirit of Sibelius’s music. If you are looking to go to cafe regatta the Sibelius monument is really close

5) Old Market Hall

Looking for somewhere to eat? Head to Old Market Hall where you will find a variety of different food to try from sit-down restaurants to quick bites or a coffee break Old Market Hall has everything. I would recommend salmon soup, a delicacy here in Finland.

6) Central Library Oodi

Need to do some co-working? or just want to read a book? Central Library Oodi is the place for you. It is completely free to enter and has so much in this library including gaming rooms where you can book and try some VR, a 3D printer and various private booths for meetings or if you wish to have some quiet time.

The building itself has such a unique architecture it is definitely worth a visit.

7) Rock Church

At the cost of €5, you can see the rock church known as Temppeliaukio (temple square) and its extraordinary architecture. They also have concerts and practices in this rock church if you are lucky to catch one when you are there.

8) Experience a Finnish Sauna

My favourite experience when in Finland is going to a sauna. The Finns love a sauna and most Finns go weekly to catch up with friends and enjoy the benefits saunas can do for you.

I ended up going to three saunas when I was in Finland (fair to say it was my favourite part of my trip) and here are my reviews of all of them:

Allas Sea Pool

If you are looking for an outdoor lane swim then Allas Sea Pool should be your choice. The saunas are indoors located in the changing rooms. They also have a cold plunge with water coming from the sea – if you dare. Here is everything you need to know. I went to Allas Sea Pool in January and the walk from the sauna to the swimming pool is a little too far for my liking as it was freezing outside even though I had a towel wrapped firmly around me.

Loyly Sauna

Loyly Sauna is a popular choice for locals and tourists due to its Instagrammable location and architecture. It has a smoke sauna as well as a traditional wood-burning sauna. A towel and a locker are provided upon entry. Here is my review of Loyly Sauna. I would book in advance as Loyly Sauna is usually fully booked although there may be last-minute cancellations.

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall

Are you looking for a more traditional experience? Then look no further than Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall. This is the most affordable sauna experience out of the three. Prices are as low as €5.50 per person and you get to use the swimming hall too. Be warned that they have male and female days only and many people will be swimming naked as it is not required to wear a swimming costume although you can if you wish.

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall also offers additional saunas as well as a private booth along with a towel if you choose the upper level. This is at an additional cost and you will get 2 hours in the facility. Would you like more information about Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall? If so then click here.

9) Finland Library

This library definitely gave me Belle, Beauty and the Beast vibes. It is free to enter however you do need to take off your bags and coats and leave them in the cloakroom. There are free lockers and stands to hang your coat.

10) Head to Suomenlinna Fortress

Just a short ferry ride away is Suomenlinna Island which was once a fortress. It is free to enter however you do need to purchase a ferry ticket there and back. There are also many museums on the island however they do come at an additional cost.

11) Explore a Museum

Museums to check out:

• National Museum of Finland – if you want to learn about Finnish history
• Amos Rex – an underground art museum.
• Ateneum – A Finnish art history museum

Did you know that some museums in Finland have free days? Be sure to check them out before you leave.

12) Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

Did you know that Tallinn Estonia is only a two-hour ferry ride away? If you are in Helsinki and want to explore somewhere new I would recommend hopping on the ferry to Estonia. It is very affordable

You can search for tickets and prices here:

13) Overnight Cruise to Stockholm, Sweden

Did you know that you can do an overnight cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm, Sweden? This is a perfect way to make the most of your time as you will arrive in Stockholm in the morning the following day. If you need to head back to Helsinki you can book a return and leave all your belongings on board while you explore Stockholm for around 6 hours.

Want to stay longer in Stockholm you could do a 3-day return cruise. You can check out the tickets here: