Places to Visit in Helsinki
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Heureka Science Center
Families will enjoy visiting the Finnish Science Center, featuring hands-on science tests and exhibitions, a planetarium and a science adventure playground. Allow 2-3 hours for a visit.
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Helsinki Zoo
Known as "Korkeasaari" amongst the Finns, Helsinki Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world (founded in 1889). Guests can meet animals from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. Approximately 200 different animal species reside in the Zoo, and there are almost a 1000 different plant species.
To access the zoo, take the waterbus connection from Market Square from May-September, from Hakaniemi May-August. Bridge connection is available year round.
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Linnanmäki
Amusement Park
Guests to this amusement park can enjoy an enormous selection of rides, attractions and entertainment, including a 50-year old roller coaster. Admission is free, you just pay to access rides and attractions.
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Sea Life Helsinki
Discover underwater worlds from tropical oceans to the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Sea. See sharks, stingrays, starfish and other marine life in the many exhibits on show.
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Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
One of the biggest sea fortresses in the world, work on which began in the mid-18th century. It was built as a maritime fortress and a base for the Archipelago Fleet. A variety of restaurants and cafes can be found at the fortress. Guided tours are available.
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Harakka Nature Centre
The Nature Centre features gardens, old embankments, seashore meadows, and Russian barracks. Harakka island used to belong to the Finnish defence forces, before being opened to the public in 1989. Located off the coast of Helsinki where the peninsula of Helsinki reaches far to the bosom of the Baltic sea, and accessed by boat from Kaivopuisto park.
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Pihlajasaari
A former villa island that is now an outdoor recreation area, where visitors can enjoy wooded areas, groves and beaches. It is the most popular summer island in Helsinki with its welcoming sandy beaches. Located in Southern Helsinki, near Kaivopuisto, about 3 km from the city centre. Accessed by boat from Merisatama..
Senate Square
Senate Square was built in grand Empire style when Czar Alexander of Russia gained control of Finland in the 1800s. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
The Church in the Rock
Marvel at this extraordinary structure dug out of solid rock, whose roof is made of 22 kilometers of copper strips. The church often hosts concerts, ideal because of the structure's outstanding acoustics.
Sibelius Monument
A breathtaking monument to world-renowned Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Designed by Eila Hiltunen in 1967, this amazing work of art resembles organ pipes and is made of 600 hand-textured pipes welded together, weighing 30 metric tons.
