Date of travel: August 2016 and October 2023
Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world for the eighth year running, according to the World Happiness Report 2025. This isn’t surprising, given Finland’s strong social welfare system, stunning natural landscapes, and emphasis on work-life balance. Finns enjoy a life of security and freedom, with access to free healthcare and education, and a culture that values simplicity and connection with nature.
Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant capital, is a mix of modern, cosmopolitan city life and serene Nordic nature, with efficient public transport and a focus of sustainability.
Nicknamed “White City of the North” and “Daughter of the Baltic Sea”, Helsinki is located at the southern tip of Finland on the Baltic Sea’s Gulf of Finland, and it is Europe’s northernmost capital.
Famous for its beautiful seaside views, lush parks, cozy saunas and delicious cuisine, the city spans peninsulas, islands, and bays with low-lying terrain and this varied coastal landscape attract lots of visitors every year.
Top Attractions:
Helsinki offers a mix of neoclassical landmarks, waterfront markets, and modern attractions perfect for sightseeing. Key spots blend history, culture, and scenic views, many accessible on foot from the city centre.
Major Landmarks:
Senate Square features neoclassical architecture with the Helsinki Cathedral, Government Palace, and university buildings; it’s open 24 hours and ideal for panoramic views from the cathedral steps.
The Helsinki Cathedral, topped by a green dome, is a must-see symbol built in the 19th century.
Uspenski Cathedral nearby adds Orthodox contrast with its red brick design.
Markets and Harbours
Kauppatori, the harbour side market, runs daily (e.g., until 6pm weekdays) with food stalls, handicrafts, and winter heated tents.
It is a lively spot near ferries for Suomenlinna island fortress, a UNESCO site with 18th-century fortifications.
Esplanadi Park is a central green strip for picnics, cafes, and people-watching.
Sibelius Park houses the striking Sibelius Monument of steel pipes honouring composer Jean Sibelius, plus nearby Cafe Regatta for cinnamon rolls.
Kaivopuisto is one of the best known parks in central Helsinki. It is located by the Baltic Sea in a quiet wealthy neighbourhood and offers waterfront paths and sea views.
Museums and Culture
Natural History Museum displays global specimens from minerals to fossils, family-friendly with kid areas.
Helsinki City Museum explores local history through art and photos, often free.
Architecture & Design Museum showcases permanent collections with a cafe.
Helsinki boasts of many cultural centres like Annantalo and Stoa which host concerts, theatres, exhibition and art education in collaboration with local artists.
Helsinki Festival in August features free “Night of The Arts” with music, dance and street performances.
Modern Experiences
Ride the 40m Sky Wheel for city panoramas and unique cabins like a sauna or champagne bar (open until 6-7pm weekends). Check Kamppi Chapel, a sleek wooden “Chapel of Silence” for architecture and calm.
Helsinki Sightseeing Ferry:
Helsinki sightseeing must be enjoyed by ferry and several good options exist for a Helsinki sightseeing ferry, ranging from public ferries to dedicated archipelago cruises.
Main sightseeing cruises
- Beautiful Canal / Archipelago cruises (1.5 h): Classic tourist boat tours departing from Market Square (Kauppatori), typically May–September, about 1–1.5 hours, with recorded commentary in multiple languages.
- Sights usually include Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Zoo, the icebreaker fleet and the narrow Degerö Canal, plus general coastline views.
- Onboard café/bar and free Wi‑Fi are common; commentary is available via loudspeakers or audio guides.
Public Suomenlinna ferry (cheap but scenic)
- The Helsinki public ferry from Market Square to Suomenlinna takes about 15 minutes and runs year‑round, roughly every 15–60 minutes depending on season.
- It is part of the regular public transport network; you use a normal HSL A‑zone ticket bought before boarding (no ticket sales on the ferry itself).
- In summer, departures can be 3–4 times per hour in daytime; in winter, at least once per hour, roughly 06:00–02:00.
Sauna City Helsinki:
Helsinki is often called the “Sauna Capital of the World” due to its deep rooted sauna culture, with over three million saunas for Finland’s 5.5 million people and numerous public options in the city. In a sauna, people cleanse their bodies and minds, embrace a sense of inner peace and saunas are deeply embedded in Finnish traditions.
Usual entry fees vary between 20-30 euros for one or two hours and norms include silence, hygiene, cleanliness and relaxation.
Our Journey:
I visited Helsinki twice, first time in August 2016 with friends and second time in October 2024 with family and friends. I am combining my both experiences in one, as only climate and hotels were different in both trips. We stayed at Radisson in 2016 and in Clarion in 2024, and both are located near Jatkasaari peninsula, on the waterfront.
Jatkasaari was the site of main container port in Helsinki till 2008 but now serves as terminals for passenger ferries to Tallinn.
Day 1
After freshening up, we explored the harbour area of Jatkasaari peninsula where sleek new buildings met the sea, and the air smelled of salt and fish.
We wandered past delicate Lace House, a symbol of city’s innovative design, checked some cozy cafés and enjoyed the waterfront promenade with views of ferries.
We had decided to enjoy the evening in Clarion Hotel’s Sky Bar for its spectacular Sunset views. As we sipped our pre-dinner drink, Jatkasaari unfolded from high above – a tapestry of lights, endless sea and distant sparkle of city centre were perfect enough to end our day of long journey from Mumbai.
Day 2:
It was a crisp sunny day when we started our guided walking tour at Senate square. Helsinki Cathedral with its gleaming white structures and green dome towering over grand stairs was absolutely stunning.
Nearby Uspenski Cathedral’s red-brick domes were a contrast and reminded us Russian heritage of the place.
Next we headed towards the Kauppatori Market Square, where we savoured fresh salmon soups with local breads while enjoying Baltic sea views. Smell of cinnamon buns from shops near Old Market Hall were tempting us but we controlled ourselves.
A vehicle was waiting for us to take us to Toolo district. This district felt different with pastel coloured buildings, grand Pink coloured Toolo church and serene Topelius park.
We reached famous Esplanadi park, buzzing with cafe-goers amidst flower lined paths and took picture of statue of Paavo Nurmi, Finnish running legend, nicknamed as ‘Flying Finn’. He was a 9-time Olympic Gold-medalist and was one of the greatest athletes ever.
Next was awe inspiring Sibelius Park where we got mesmerised by the wind blowing through steel pipes as if composer’s melodies were flowing in the air.
By mid-noon, we were hungry and this time we did not lose opportunities to taste cinnamon buns at nearby Cafe Regata before heading to famous Temppeliaukio Church, commonly known as Rock Church.
The church is truly a marvel of modern architecture carved into solid granite, its acoustics echoed through the halls making us calm and composed, arousing deep respect for mankind.
We ended our day with hour-long sauna experience at a traditional spa near Esplanadi park.
Day 3:
This day we started late and headed straight to Market Square from where Archipelago cruises start.
Renowned for its dynamic cultural scene, varied architecture from different eras, and its proximity to the Helsinki Archipelago, Helsinki has the best of both worlds, a thriving and historic metropolis with pristine waters and over 300 islands of the Helsinki Archipelago at its doorstep. When visiting Finland, a boat tour in Helsinki is an experience not to be missed!
After we’ve checked in with the Royal Line staff, our seasoned Captain set a course towards the first remarkable site of the boat tour, the South Harbour of Helsinki. We relaxed on the sun deck while taking in the incredible vistas of Helsinki simultaneously enjoying a delicious meal and refreshing beverages from the fully licensed restaurant on board (though not included in the ticket price).
The sightseeing boat tour in Helsinki continued to Seaport, the Jugend, which is referred to as ‘Eira’ and known for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture, followed by Kaivopuisto, a picturesque park, and Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inhabited fortress.
At the end of the boat tour in Helsinki we returned to the original departure point, relaxed and contented with our memorable boat tour in Helsinki experience!
Surreal Kaivopuisto: We visited Kaivopuisto again in the evening. This Spa Park, Helsinki’s oldest park by the sea, with its grand old trees and distant island views had a charming effects on us. As we were strolling along the rocky shore, Baltic Sea breeze was kissing our faces, seagulls were crying overhead, setting Sun was turning the sky to hues of rose, apricot and violet colours. A magical prolonged dusk unfolded causing a perfect, peaceful Nordic moment on the vast beautiful bay of Finland.
