Visit Finland

Experience summer time in Helsinki with locals

Community saunas, dinners under the sky, sightseeing on wheels and island hopping are inviting people to explore Helsinki together. The capital of Finland is creating a new style, aiming to charm and welcome visitors by sharing its customs and traditions together with the locals!

Helsinki is a modern, pocket-sized European city known for east-meets-west architecture, design and high technology. Besides its unique attractions, this northern city is creating a new community focussed city culture. Public saunas, dinners under the sky, sightseeing on wheels and island hopping makes it easy for city guests to explore Helsinki together with the locals.

We have listed our favourite Helsinki things to do for you, when planning a visit to this northern capital.

Swimming in Helsinki

Allas Sea Pool was opened in the heart of Helsinki by the Market Square on September 2016 and it is open throughout the year. The unique complex brings together swimming, saunas, urban culture and sustainable development in the best possible place in Helsinki. Photo: Jussi Hellstén  

Löyly, an urban oasis occupying a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront, offers a warm welcome and many delights for locals and visitors alike. Photo: © kuvio.com

With Löyly (meaning the steam that comes when you throw water on hot stones in a sauna) Helsinki will offer foreign visitors a public sauna experience all year round – a must when visiting Finland. Photo: Harri Tarvainen

Dining with Locals in Helsinki

Dinner under the open sky and Restaurant Day are annual summer events in Helsinki, where everyone can organise their own dinner anywhere they want; in front of their house, in the local park or on the pavement. Photo: Jaakko Blomberg

Day bike rides in Helsinki

Explore Helsinki on wheels. Helsinki has over 1200km of dedicated bike paths, so there is virtually no place where you can’t ride your bike. Popular yellow city bikes can be found on the main streets of Helsinki or you can hire one from several local outlets. Photo: Aku Pollanen

Head out to the Helsinki Islands

The archipelago of Helsinki consists of around 330 islands, providing a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hop on to a ferry and unwind in Lonna, Kaunissaari or Pihlajasaari - these islands are just 7 - 40 minutes from the city. Photo: Jussi Hellstén

Experience Helsinki on our Finland tours.

Main photo: Eetu Ahanen, Allas Sea Pool

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