Things to do in Helsinki – Our guide to a successful trip!

Most people can name the most famous attractions in Helsinki’s city center, but few know how many stunning nature spots can be found around the capital.

Nuuksio National Park is located in Espoo, just a short drive from Helsinki. In Nuuksio, you can immerse yourself in Finland’s unique nature, hike forest trails, and enjoy peaceful lake views. Espoo also features outdoor centers like Oittaa and Luukki.

Another great national park near Helsinki is Sipoonkorpi, and you can also enjoy the outdoors within Helsinki itself on trails like Uutela Nature Path, at Pitkäkoski Outdoor Lodge, or in Laajalahti Nature Reserve, as well as on the islands of Helsinki.

If you’re traveling by car, you can easily visit historic and rustic destinations like Fiskars Village or the old town of Porvoo. These locations offer not only historical charm but also charming boutiques and picturesque buildings.

You can also head to Ainola in Järvenpää, the home of composer Jean Sibelius, or to Hvitträsk Museum in Kirkkonummi. Vihti, Tuusula, and Nurmijärvi are also excellent day trip destinations for those staying in Helsinki, with plenty of nature, culture, and family-friendly activities.

In addition to Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Korkeasaari Zoo, Helsinki offers many other enjoyable activities for all tastes! The city boasts numerous parks, museums, sports activities, and cultural experiences, so you're sure to find something you love. Don't forget about the beautiful library Oodi, right next to the railway station.

You can try kayaking at Vuosaari Kayaking Center, climb at Salmisaari Climbing Center, or take a trip outside the city to the Flamingo Spa in Vantaa. After relaxing, you can continue your Vantaa visit with a trip to the Fazer factory, where you can join a cooking class or take a tour to sample their familiar treats and learn about Fazer’s operations.

Traveling by car also allows for day trips, such as exploring the area around Lake Lohja, where you can enjoy beautiful nature and relaxing beach activities.

One of the most popular winter destinations is Nuuksio National Park, where you can try snowshoeing or skiing.

Vuosaari’s outdoor areas also offer great settings for winter hikes and ice skating. Sledding hills are available throughout Helsinki, and visitors during Christmas can explore the popular Christmas market, Tuomaan Markkinat or take a drive to Koiramäki Pajutalli in Tuusula.

For those seeking warmth, Helsinki has numerous saunas where you can try winter swimming in a frozen lake and jump right back to the sauna! The Uusimaa region also offers a nearly endless supply of winter travel destinations.

You can go skiing at places like Vihti Ski Center or Talma Ski in Sipoo, both easily accessible by car.

Summer in Helsinki and its surroundings is full of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful weather, nature, and culture, especially when traveling by car. During summer, you can drive to Helsinki’s beaches, such as Suomenoja Nature Reserve, Hietaniemi or Pihlajasaari, where you can soak up the sun, swim, and have picnics. You can also easily reach the beaches of Espoo and Vantaa by car.

Summertime in Helsinki also features many festivals and events. If the city’s music festivals don’t appeal to you, head to Raseborg’s medieval market, the wine festivals in Espoo or Porvoo, or Hanko, known for its summer atmosphere and events.

Summer is also a great time to visit local farms and food events in the surrounding areas. By car, you can visit local farms offering fresh berries, fruits, and other treats, or pick your own strawberries at farms like Wennborg’s in Hyvinkää.

Helsinki and Espoo’s beautiful islands are perfect for summer kayaking trips, stand-up paddleboarding, or a drive to Porvoo for delicious ice cream, a shopping spree at Helsinki Outlet, or a cold drink at seaside cafés like Regatta, Ursula, or Ihana café.

Don’t forget the legendary Swimming Stadium, the newer Allas Sea Pool, and the water park Laguuni.

Of course, you can visit any of the previously mentioned destinations with kids, but there are also other options!

Water park Serena in Espoo and the Heureka Science Center in Vantaa are fun ways to spend a day, and both are just a short drive from Helsinki.

When the weather is nice, Helsinki offers many outdoor parks and playgrounds, such as Paloheinä and Kaivopuisto, where families can enjoy picnics, frisbee golf, or simply relax in beautiful surroundings. Nature spots also abound for family hikes.

Indoor play areas are a hit with children and parents, especially on rainy days. You’ll find children's indoor play parks HopLops across Finland, and in Helsinki and its surroundings, there are also fun places like Huimala, Leo’s Leikkimaa, and SuperPark!

While Helsinki has excellent public transportation, traveling by car brings you many advantages.

You can easily take day trips farther away, carry all the necessary luggage, travel according to your own schedule, and make spontaneous changes to your plans. For families with children, a car also offers a comfortable place for naps after a long day.

When you rent a car, you get to enjoy the features of a new car affordably and conveniently. You can rest assured that the car will meet all your needs during your trip, and you won’t have to worry about unexpected additional costs when renting a car from us.

We at Green Motion offer a wide variety of rental cars, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a small car for city driving or a larger vehicle for longer trips, we have exactly what you’re looking for. You can rent a car for a week, a day, or even for an extended trip abroad.

Since we know that every budget is different, we also offer several pricing options, so you can choose the one that best suits you. Our rental locations are at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and in downtown Helsinki at Hotel VALO.

Rent a car from us and explore Helsinki and its nearby attractions at your own pace!