Museums and sightseeing in Helsinki
Some places make you stop. Others make you feel something. In Helsinki, the best ones do both. From art and architecture to stories carved into stone, there’s so much to take in. What will you explore first?
Cruise to HelsinkiCultural experiences in Helsinki
Culture in Helsinki isn’t something you have to search for — it’s simply part of the city’s rhythm. One moment you’re admiring bold architecture, the next you’re drawn into a gallery or a quiet, beautiful church. Helsinki blends the old with the new, offering art, design, and experiences that surprise and inspire.
Good to know before exploring
Many museums are closed on Monday
Plan ahead — several major museums in Helsinki, including some art institutions, are typically closed on Mondays. Always check opening hours in advance, especially during holidays.
Save with Helsinki Card
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums and attractions, the Helsinki Card can save you money. It includes free or discounted entry to top sights, public transport, and even sightseeing tours. You can buy one on the ferry at the information desk.
Free entires and discounts
Many museums offer free entry on certain days or times — for example, some are free on the first Friday of the month. Students, seniors, and under-18s also often get discounted or free admission.
Walkable distances
Helsinki’s compact city centre makes it easy to explore museums and landmarks on foot. For those a bit farther out, the city’s public transport (trams, buses, metro) is reliable and easy to use.
Art museums
Maybe your journey begins with a painting that stops you in your tracks, or the hush of a quiet room where light spills across the floor. Helsinki’s art museums invite you to slow down, feel more deeply, and look at the world a little differently.
Helsinki’s historic sights and landmarks
In Helsinki, history is easy to find. It lives in the sea-facing walls of Suomenlinna. It echoes through the calm symmetry of Senate Square. It rises with the golden domes of Uspenski above the harbour. These places don’t just show the past, they help you feel it
Architectural highlights
If you find beauty in details, lines, and the way buildings shape a city, Helsinki will speak to you. From clean Nordic minimalism to bold modern forms and historic grandeur, the city is a playground for architecture lovers.
Photo: Jussi Hellsten /Helsinki Partners
Temppeliaukio Church
This unique gem is carved straight into solid granite. Its raw stone walls and copper-domed ceiling create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere. With incredible acoustics, it’s a must-visit for both architecture and music lovers.
Lutherinkatu 3
Photo: Tuomas Uusheimo / Helsinki Partners
Helsinki Central Library Oodi
Whether you’re reading by the windows, grabbing a coffee, or exploring art, Oodi offers something for everyone. Its striking architecture and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone curious about modern Helsinki life.
Töölönlahdenkatu 4
Photo: Jenna Pietikäinen / Helsinki Partners
Sibelius Monument
This striking steel sculpture, resembling organ pipes, is a unique tribute to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Capturing the essence of Finnish music, it stands in a beautiful park and is an ideal spot to snap stunning and artistic photos.
Sibeliuksen puisto (park)You might also want to explore
Travelling with your family?
Discover what to see and do in Helsinki when you’re visiting with children or younger siblings. There’s plenty of fun waiting for both curious kids and those who are simply young at heart.
Helsinki with kids