If you are planning to spend 2 days in Helsinki, you’re in for a vibrant experience filled with unique cafes, sweltering saunas, historic islands, and Nordic flair. Helsinki might not have the same buzz as other Northern European cities like Stockholm or Copenhagen but don’t skip out on this inviting, modern-meets-old city. Helsinki places to visit are full of naturistic charm, culture, and sophistication!
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or simply seeking adventure, explore these best things to do in Helsinki and plan out an amazing trip. Here are some of the ultimate places to visit for first-time visitors seeing Helsinki in two days.
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Where is Helsinki, Finland?
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, sits on the country’s southern coast, overlooking the Gulf of Finland. It’s also Finland’s largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the nation.
What makes Helsinki a unique place to visit in Europe is its innovative design, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. You’ll find a blend of modern architecture, green spaces, and an archipelago comprising hundreds of islands when you visit Helsinki.
Helsinki offers a harmonious blend of urban living, seaside charm, and a strong connection to nature, making it an AMAZING destination – no matter your personal travel style.
It’s also just a couple-hour ferry ride away from another incredible capital city – Tallinn, Estonia! See my guide on things to do in Tallinn here.
Are 2 days enough to see Helsinki?
While 24 hours in Helsinki is tight, 2 days can be just right if you only want to take in the sites and enjoy 1 or 2 cultural experiences. The city is relatively small in size for a capital and since it’s not as famous as some other European cities, it has less iconic places to see (making it easier to see Helsinki in 2 days).
Nonetheless, follow this Helsinki itinerary and you’re in for a beautiful trip to Finland.
And if you have more time in this Nordic country and you’re visiting in winter (which is a very popular time to travel here), you should definitely explore the best of Lapland, Finland.
Where to stay in Helsinki, Finland for 2 Days
Ultra budget-friendly accommodation in Helsinki
Whether you’re on a budget or just don’t want to shell out excess money on a nicer hotel, this hostel in Helsinki is ideal. They have dorm-style rooms and if you’re traveling with a friend, you can rent out a room for 2 at a really reasonable price.
The best part is that you’ll also have access to breakfast and the sauna. It’s free in the mornings and costs a few euros if you want to visit at night. The saunas are separated for male and female guests.
Mid-range Helsinki hotel
If you want to stay in an Airbnb-style accommodation in Helsinki, definitely check out the studio apartments at Noli Studios Katajanokka. They are beautifully designed with excellent views overlooking central Helsinki. Plus, there is a sauna and hot tub on site!
Upscale hotel in Helsinki, Finland
This Helsinki boutique hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a private sauna room, a central location, and modern-neutral Nordic rooms. Their complimentary breakfast is lovely as well!
As mentioned previously, I also really like the Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel. They have an onsite sauna and rooftop lounge. Its rates are usually lower than Lapland Hotels Bulevardi but they don’t have private sauna rooms.
See my guide on the best sauna spa hotels in Helsinki, Finland for more accommodation options.
What to Do With 2 Days in Helsinki – Day 1
No matter the season – whether it’s the frigid cold of winter or the gentle warmth of summer – here are some of the best things to do in Finland’s capital city in just 2 days.
See the historic Uspenski Cathedral
After breakfast, start your first time in Helsinki itinerary off with a visit to the stunning Uspsenki Cathedral.
Perched atop a hill, the Uspenski Cathedral is one of the most picturesque places to see in Helsinki. Its red-brick Byzantine-Russian design and onion-shaped domes make it an iconic landmark, offering gorgeous views of the city and sea.
The cathedral, dating back to the 19th century, embodies the Finnish Orthodox community’s rich heritage and religious significance. Whether you take a tour or simply see it from the outside, it’s a must-see on when you visit Helsinki!
Wander through Market Square
For heaps of local culture, cuisine, and crafts, head to Helsinki’s Market Square. It’s located on the eastern side of central Helsinki, between the south harbor and Esplanade Park.
Here you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and Finnish specialties like smoked salmon and cinnamon buns. I’m a vegetarian, but I know it’s a hotspot for freshly caught fish.
It’s the most busy and vibrant during summer and weekends, but even in winter, you can find hot coffee and hot food – to be enjoyed under a tent with a heat lamp (much needed during Finnish winters.)
Plus, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs! I bought wool earmuffs from Market Square and it’s been my warmest, go-to ear warmers ever since.
Walk through Esplanadi Park
Right in the center of the city, take a stroll through Esplanadi Park for a beautiful green space lined with cafes, shops, and sculptures.
It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or to enjoy a sunny day. In winter, it’s filled with holiday lights and decorations, so it’s a great place to visit in Helsinki any time of the year!
Admire the Helsinki Cathedral
As one of Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks, the Helsinki Cathedral’s neoclassical design and avante-garde flair make it one of the best Helsinki places to visit.
Take in its impressive facade from afar or step inside for a closer look. I have only ever seen it from the outside, but it looks to be just as elegant from the inside, too. There are golden chandeliers, gleaming white pillars, and wooden pews.
Entry ranges from €5 to €8 depending on the time of year. It’s highest during the summer peak season.
It’s also just a short walk from Esplanadi Park and Market Square in central Helsinki.
If you want to see a lot of Helsinki’s best places in a short time, I highly recommend booking this Highlights of Helsinki Walking Tour.
Visit Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
Hop on the tram and cruise on over to the Töölö neighborhood to find one of the coolest churches in the world, and a great place to see with 2 days in Helsinki.
It’s a unique place to visit in Helsinki with stunning architecture, all carved into solid rock. The copper-lined ceiling and natural lighting create a serene ambiance, making it a must-visit attraction.
It costs €8 / adult to enter. You can purchase your ticket in advance or when you arrive at the Rock Church.
Check out this art and cultural tour led by a local for a unique way to visit Temppeliaukio Church, Kamppi Chapel, and more iconic places to see in Helsinki.
Sit outside at the open-air Café Regatta
Café Regatta is by far my favorite place to visit in Helsinki. It’s a not-so-typical cafe where you can get to know both locals and visitors.
It’s an open-air cafe with an outdoor fire pit right next to the lake. You’ll step up to the red building where you’ll find a menu of cafe drinks like coffee or hot chocolate and food options like fresh pastries, sausage or veggie sausage, and so much more.
One of the best parts of visiting is ordering some sausage and a cozy drink and cooking your food right over the fire yourself.
The seating is rather intimate with people sitting on logs surrounding the fire.
During winter, the lake is completely frozen over and you can walk across it for a memorable experience in Helsinki.
No matter the season, I can’t recommend Café Regatta enough!
See the Sibelius Monument
One of the coolest things to do in Helsinki in 2 days is marvel at the Sibelius Monument dedicated to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
The massive sculpture, created by Eila Hiltunen, is a tribute to Sibelius’s musical legacy. Resembling a sound wave, the abstract art piece is made up of over 600 stainless steel organ pipes. You can even stand under them and look up for a unique perspective.
It’s part of the seaside park Sibelius Park which is actually very close to Café Regatta, so I recommend seeing these two things together.
Besides, this is one of the BEST free things to do in Helsinki, so don’t skip out on it!
During summertime, there is an ice cream truck and some people selling souvenirs. It’s a bit quieter in winter.
Visit a Finnish sauna in Helsinki
A must-have experience in Finland is to visit a sauna! It’s deeply rooted in Finnish culture, and it’s one of my favorite reasons to visit Helsinki.
Saunas hold significant cultural importance in Finnish life. It’s estimated that Finland has more saunas than cars – nice! It’s not only about relaxation but also about socializing, unwinding, and even connecting with nature.
Plus, these saunas are full of therapeutic benefits. They are known to improve circulation, relax muscles, cleanse the skin, and promote overall well-being.
What is a Finnish sauna, you might ask? The traditional Finnish sauna involves cycles of hot steam followed by a refreshing rinse in cold water before returning for another session. Most Finns prefer natural dips in icy waters or rolling in the snow, known as “avanto.”
These bad boys are hot-hot, too! They range from 80 to 110 °C (176 to 230 °F), with an average around 80–90 °C (176–194 °F).
How to visit a sauna in Helsinki:
Several public saunas in Helsinki offer an authentic Finnish sauna experience. Löyly is one of the best saunas in the city, but check out this guide to find the best public saunas in Helsinki.
And if you don’t want to shell out cash to visit a public sauna, choose a hotel in Helsinki with a sauna.
This Helsinki hotel offers rooms with private saunas. Check out their Junior Suite with Sauna. It’s a little farther from the city center, but still just a short tram ride away.
For a central hotel in Helsinki with private sauna rooms, this 4-star hotel is GORGEOUS.
Otherwise, check out Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel with free access to its sauna.
I touch more on the best places to stay in Helsinki at the bottom of this blog.
2 Days in Helsinki – Day 2
Explore the Fortress of Suomenlinna on one of Helsinki’s islands
Step back in time by visiting the sea Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Finland, on your 2nd day in Helsinki.
It’s set on one of Helsinki’s 330 different islands. This sea fortress is an archipelago of islands just a short ferry ride away from Helsinki’s harbor. However, you can book this Helsinki archipelago tour to see the fortress and some of the city’s other stunning islands.
While there, you can explore the historic military structures, museums, and picturesque views of the Baltic Sea. It’s actually really beautiful, too. It has an almost Hobbit hole vibe about it with the grass covering the tops of most of the buildings.
The ferry service runs from Market Square year-round and takes 15 minutes. During summer and fall, there is also a water bus that takes 20 minutes.
Discover Helsinki’s Design District
If you’re into all things design, here’s an amazing thing to do in Helsinki. The Design District is home to boutiques, galleries, and design studios that beautifully showcase Finnish creativity in art, fashion, and architecture.
It’s no small area either. It consumes 25 streets of central Helsinki, through parts of the Punavuori, Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi, and Ullanlinna neighborhoods.
Check out this guide to exploring the best places in Helsinki’s iconic Design District.
Have chocolate and coffee at Fazer Café
For local food in a relaxed yet classy setting, visit Fazer Café in the afternoon. It’s a haven for chocolate lovers, as Karl Fazer is the most famous chocolate in Finland, first appearing in 1922.
The cafe is full of Fazer chocolates (which make great souvenirs from Finland) as well as freshly baked pastries, specialty chocolate, their famous blueberry pie, and even savory sandwiches, toasts, and other bready dishes.
Pair it all with a delightful Finnish coffee for the complete experience! This is one of the best coffee shops in Helsinki if you want a cultural experience.
Explore the Ateneum Art Museum
Dive into Finland’s art scene at the Ateneum Art Museum, set in a charming, Neoclassical building.
It’s full of work by Finnish artists, spanning various periods and styles. There is a small collection of foreign art, including the first Van Gogh painting purchased by a museum. It’s the Street in Auvers-sur-Oise (1890), and the museum acquired it in 1903.
There’s also a cozy cafe/restaurant, a bookshop, and a reading room. It’s the perfect place to visit in Helsinki for a slow travel day.
Standard admission is €20 and discount rates are €12.
Experience the fun of Helsinki by night
When the sun goes down, Helsinki’s vibrant nightlife comes to life. With trendy bars, music venues, and clubs, Finns know how to have a good time! Make sure to soak it up on your last night in Helsinki.
Plus, the city lights reflecting over the water and just the energy of Helsinki at night calls for a wander if you don’t want to go out drinking.
Check out The Riff for a cool, rock-n-roll-inspired bar with cocktails and craft beer. Bar Bronda is also one of the best bars in Helsinki if you want something a little classier with a DJ and wine room.
Thank you for reading my itinerary to help you plan the best 2 days in Helsinki, Finland! Enjoy the fun and charm of the Finnish capital! Comment below any other recommendations on the best things to do in Helsinki. Happy travels <3
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