Helsinki Attractions

The towering ornate red-bricked Uspenski Cathedral is one of Helsinki’s most famous and beautiful free attractions.

Overlooking the harbour, the cathedral makes for a great addition to the city’s skyline and is a real delight to photograph! The green and gold onion-style domes that sit atop the cathedral reflect the influence that Russia had on the making of the church.

Uspenski Cathedral is actually the largest Orthodox Church in West Europe and it’s renowned for its Russian influence on the rest of the city, not just on the cathedral itself.

The outside of the church is just as beautiful as the interior, where you can admire the impressive chandeliers and religious statues; it’s a place that you need to visit in Helsinki if you’re a big fan of religious structures and architecture.

Address:Kanavakatu 1, 00160 Helsinki, Finland

Throughout this guide of the top 10 free attractions in Helsinki, you’ll soon realise that there’s a common theme amongst things to do and see in the city and that’s notably Helsinki’s abundance of churches and cathedrals!

If you arrive in the city by sea, then undoubtedly the first thing you’ll see upon your arrival is Helsinki Church.

While it might have not have as an extravagant name as the other cathedrals listed in this guide, Helsinki Church still packs a punch when it comes to religious architecture.

The church is donned with blue domes speckled with gold stars, as well as a myriad of religious figures and statues inside.

If you’re a huge architect fan, then Helsinki Church definitely needs to be one of your stops on your way around the city.

Address:Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

Named after the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius on his 80^th birthday in 1945, the Sibelius Park and Monument is one of the top free attractions in Helsinki.

The Sibelius Monument consists of 600 steel tubes that capture the wind and play a soft, gentle tune as the breeze blows, as well as a bust of Jean Sibelius’ head to complete the Monument.

Even if you’re never heard of the Finnish composer, the park is still a beautiful place to visit in Helsinki and is the perfect place to spend a few hours running around after the kids to blow off some steam.

The seaside park resides in the Töölö district and is a popular place to go in the city, whether you’re a local or a tourist on holiday for the weekend.

Address:Mechelininkatu, 00250 Helsinki, Finland

What you need to know:

Without a doubt one of the most beautifully picturesque areas in the city, and therefore one of the top free attractions in Helsinki is Töölönlahti Bay.

Töölönlahti Bay resides right in the heart of Helsinki and is surrounded by numerous parks, woodland areas and popular walking paths.

The entire Bay looks and feels completely different depending on which season you visit Helsinki in.

During the winter months, you’ll find a lovely winter garden at the north end of the bay which is home to tropical flora and cacti in the greenhouse.

Whereas during the summer months, Töölönlahti Bay really comes alive with its beautiful rose garden, verdant gardens and plenty of idyllic spots for an afternoon picnic.

It’s a place that’s suited to the whole family, all year round.

Address:Töölö bay, Helsinki, Finland

Often referred to as the ‘Rock Church’, Temppeliaukio Church is yet another one of Helsinki’s most famous landmarks and a top free attraction in the city.

The church is teeming with a rich historical past, which you can spend time learning about from the frequent churchgoers at Temppeliaukio, or you can just spend some time wandering around inside and admiring the ornate structure.

It’s a place that’s more suited to an older and sophisticated generation, and while of course children are welcomed inside Temppeliaukio Church, they probably wouldn’t find it too interesting.

Don’t forget to check out the incredibly cool copper dome roof which truly is one of a kind and certainly not something you see on most European churches!

Address: Lutherinkatu 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

Not just a popular tourist attraction in Helsinki, but one of the top things to see and do in the whole of Finland, the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fascinating places in the city.

You’ll have to take a short ferry ride across to the fortress where you’ll be greeted by the impressive fort that sits atop six islets connected by bridges and houses some of Finland’s most intriguing history.

The fortress itself is completely free to wander around and history buffs will love exploring the old bunkers, cannons, tunnels and fortress walls.

It’s also a place that’s ideal for kids too, as there’s plenty of greenery where they can run around and play if learning about the fortress’ history isn’t quite to their taste.

Address:00190 Helsinki, Finland