Things to do in Helsinki Finland

Tutki kestävästi: Green Motionin matkavinkit

21 maaliskuuta 2025

Helsinki, the stylish capital of Finland, is a city that blends urban sophistication with the tranquility of nature — and it does so effortlessly across all seasons. Whether you're basking in the midnight sun of summer or strolling snow-covered streets in winter, Helsinki offers a dynamic mix of history, culture, and innovation that captivates travelers year-round.

Its compact size makes it incredibly walkable, yet it's also the perfect launchpad for day trips and road adventures. With scenic coastlines, national parks, and charming towns just a short drive away, Helsinki is an ideal destination for those who want to explore Finland by car. For visitors picking up a rental from Green Motion, the city opens up a whole country of possibilities.

From world-class saunas and striking architecture to summer festivals and snowy market squares, Helsinki invites you to slow down, explore deeper, and experience life the Finnish way — relaxed, design-driven, and close to nature.

Summer in Helsinki is nothing short of magical. With nearly 20 hours of daylight in June and July, the city comes alive with outdoor events, buzzing cafes, and locals soaking up every bit of sunshine. If you're visiting in summer — or planning a road trip through Finland during the warmer months — here are some experiences you won’t want to miss:

1. Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short ferry ride from the city center, Suomenlinna is a favorite summer escape. Spread across several islands, it’s perfect for picnics, coastal walks, and exploring 18th-century fortifications. The ferry ride itself offers beautiful views of the Helsinki archipelago — especially stunning in the golden evening light.

2. Relax at Esplanadi Park

Known as the “green heart” of Helsinki, Esplanadi is where locals gather to relax, enjoy street performances, or sip coffee on sun-drenched terraces. Grab an ice cream, stroll through the leafy boulevards, and experience the laid-back vibe of a Finnish summer afternoon.

3. Take a Dip at Allas Sea Pool

Located right by the Market Square, this modern outdoor swimming complex offers heated pools and traditional Finnish saunas — all with views of the Baltic Sea and passing ferries. It's an unforgettable way to unwind, especially in the evening when the sky stays light well past 10 PM.

4. Explore the Helsinki Archipelago

With over 300 islands just off the coast, the Helsinki archipelago is a paradise for kayaking, sailing, and island hopping. Many islands, like Pihlajasaari and Lonna, are easily accessible by boat and offer a peaceful escape from the urban buzz.

5. Experience Local Life at the Market Square & Old Market Hall

Enjoy fresh berries, salmon sandwiches, or a cup of coffee at the buzzing Market Square (Kauppatori). Just next door, the Old Market Hall is packed with local delicacies and is the perfect place to sample traditional Finnish foods like reindeer, smoked fish, or cinnamon buns.

Best Things to Do in Helsinki in Winter

When winter arrives in Helsinki, the city transforms into a calm, glistening wonderland. Snow blankets the streets, the sea freezes over, and the air carries the crisp scent of pine and open fire. Despite the cold, there's a warmth in how locals embrace the season — and plenty of magical things to do.

1. Warm Up in a Traditional Finnish Sauna

No winter trip to Finland is complete without experiencing a sauna. Head to Löyly, a striking design sauna on the Helsinki waterfront, where you can sweat it out in a wood-fired sauna and then plunge into an icy Baltic Sea dip — if you dare! For a more traditional experience, try Kotiharjun Sauna, the only remaining wood-heated public sauna in central Helsinki.

2. Visit the Helsinki Christmas Market

Held in Senate Square every December, the Helsinki Christmas Market is a festive highlight. Stalls overflow with handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and steaming glögi (mulled wine). The smell of cinnamon, roasted almonds, and pine fills the air — and the nostalgic carousel in the center is a hit with kids and adults alike.

3. Marvel at Temppeliaukio (Rock Church)

Carved directly into solid granite, the Rock Church is a serene escape from the chill. Its copper dome and natural stone walls make it one of Helsinki’s most iconic architectural sites — and its warm, earthy acoustics often host atmospheric winter concerts.

4. Go Ice Skating in the City Center

The Ice Park (Jääpuisto) near the Central Railway Station is a beautiful spot to rent skates and glide under twinkling lights with the city skyline as your backdrop. It’s open from November to March and is family-friendly, with music and a café on-site.

5. Experience Finnish Design & Culture Indoors

When it’s time to escape the cold, Helsinki’s museums shine. Visit the Design Museum, the Ateneum Art Museum, or the Amos Rex — a futuristic underground art space — to explore the heart of Finnish creativity.

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Helsinki is how close it is to some of Finland’s most charming towns and natural escapes. With a rental car from Green Motion, you can break free from bus schedules and truly explore the hidden gems just beyond the city limits. Here are some of the best day trips you can do in under two hours:

1. Porvoo – The Fairytale Town (55 min drive)

Just under an hour east of Helsinki lies Porvoo, one of Finland’s oldest towns. Its colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and riverside warehouses make it feel like stepping into a storybook. Don’t miss the Porvoo Cathedral or local chocolate shops!

2. Nuuksio National Park – Into the Wild (35 min drive)

Want to hike through dense forests, spot wildlife, or just breathe in fresh pine-scented air? Nuuksio is your place. It’s an outdoor haven with marked trails, lakes for swimming or paddling, and even a Finnish Nature Centre (Haltia) to help you plan your adventure.

*3. Fiskars Village – Finnish Design in the Countryside (1.5 hr drive)

Famous for its design heritage, Fiskars Village is a creative community nestled in the countryside. Once the home of the iconic Fiskars scissors, today it’s full of artisan studios, galleries, and cafes — perfect for a slow travel afternoon.

4. Hanko – Coastal Charm and Sandy Beaches (2 hr drive)

If you’re visiting in summer and craving the sea breeze, Hanko is a must. It’s Finland’s southernmost town, with long beaches, a marina, and historic wooden villas that give off old-world seaside vibes.

5. Sipoonkorpi National Park – Hidden Nature Escape (30 min drive)

Less visited than Nuuksio but equally stunning, Sipoonkorpi offers peaceful trails through forests, wetlands, and rocky outcrops. It’s an easy escape into nature, perfect for a morning hike and a roadside picnic.

Scenic Road Trips to Explore More of Finland

If you’ve got a few extra days and a car at your disposal, Finland is surprisingly road-trip friendly. With well-maintained roads, light traffic, and breathtaking scenery, the drive is part of the experience. From historic cities to lakeside getaways, here are a few unforgettable road trips starting from Helsinki:

1. Turku – Finland’s Oldest City (2 hr drive)

Head west to Turku, a city that blends medieval charm with vibrant modern culture. Visit the 13th-century Turku Castle, stroll the riverside Aura promenade, and enjoy cafes and galleries along the way. In summer, Turku’s archipelago is perfect for island hopping by ferry.

2. Tampere – Saunas, Lakes & Museums (2 hr drive)

Known as Finland’s sauna capital, Tampere sits between two lakes and offers a laid-back, youthful vibe. Don’t miss Rauhaniemi public sauna or the quirky Moomin Museum. The drive itself is scenic, passing rolling fields and forested stretches.

3. Lahti & Lake Päijänne – Outdoor Paradise (1.5 hr drive)

Nature lovers will enjoy a road trip to Lahti, a gateway to Lake Päijänne, Finland’s second-largest lake. You can go hiking, rent a canoe, or just take in the peaceful lakeside atmosphere. Great for a summer or early autumn getaway.

4. Savonlinna – Castles & Lakes (4 hr drive)

If you have a long weekend, Savonlinna is worth the journey. Nestled in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, this picturesque town is home to Olavinlinna Castle, one of the northernmost medieval stone fortresses still standing. Summer is opera season — and it's an epic setting.

5. The Archipelago Trail – Coastal Finland Adventure (multi-day loop)

For a true Finnish driving adventure, consider the Archipelago Trail — a circular route west of Turku that includes numerous bridges and ferry crossings between islands. Plan 2–4 days, especially in summer, when cafes and cottages along the route are open.

While Helsinki has excellent public transport, nothing beats the freedom of the open road — especially in a country like Finland, where beauty often lies just beyond the city limits. Renting a car unlocks a side of Finland that buses and trains can’t reach: tranquil national parks, hidden lakeside saunas, charming small towns, and scenic coastal drives.

Here’s why a rental car from Green Motion makes your Finnish adventure even better:

Flexibility: No timetables, no waiting — just go where you want, when you want.

Access to Nature: Some of Finland’s best experiences (Nuuksio, Sipoonkorpi, Hanko, the Archipelago) are only reachable by car.

Comfort in All Seasons: Whether it’s a road trip under the midnight sun or a snowy winter drive, modern rental cars in Finland are well-equipped for seasonal travel.

Efficient Distances: Finland is a small country, and travel times are short. You can get from Helsinki to Turku or Tampere in just 2 hours, or even drive all the way to Lapland and make your road trip a bit longer!

With Green Motion, you also make a sustainable choice, thanks to our eco-conscious vehicle options and commitment to green travel. So whether you're exploring Helsinki’s neighborhoods or heading into the wild, a car gives you the keys to discover Finland your way.