Sauna may be a 10,000-year-old Finnish tradition, but in Helsinki, it pulses with new life. As the birthplace of urban sauna culture, Helsinki blends time-honoured rituals with bold design and easy access to nature.

From 200-year-old public saunas to sleek, modern havens by the sea, the city invites everyone to step in, slow down, and experience sauna the Helsinki way. Whether you’re after steamy social gatherings, silent moments of self-care, or a cool dip in the Baltic Sea, you’ll find hundreds of saunas across Helsinki (and at least 60 public open to the public)—each with its own soul. Traditional or modern, smoky or soft, communal or private—find your perfect sauna experience in Helsinki.

Climb the steps of the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and take in the cityscape where neoclassical beauty meets Baltic breeze. Hop on a ferry from Market Square and set course for the 300-island archipelago—yes, magical is the word.

Marvel at Europe’s largest collection of Art Nouveau architecture, or pop into Oodi, a library unlike any other—more like the city’s living room. Feel the spirit of Helsinki through the lives of Sibelius, Aalto, and Tove Jansson. Then taste it, swim in it, and sauna your way into local life.

Ready to discover more? Dive into our curated itineraries, uncover Helsinki’s top attractions, and feel the city like a local.

Why is Helsinki perfect for kids and families? From adventure parks and ferry trips to islands, to interactive museums and playgrounds with personality, Helsinki makes family travel a breeze. With nature always close and creativity at its core, this is a city where families feel right at home.

Helsinki is a playground disguised as a city—clean, green, and packed with adventures around every corner. Families can hop from museums to forests to seaside ferries in minutes, making each day full of surprises without long travel times. With things to do in Helsinki with kids year-round, it’s the perfect mix of easy-going and exciting.

Imagine this: Picking berries and mushrooms in the city. Walking to work through a forest, barefoot. Paddling in the sun just two minutes away from the main train station. Enjoying silence, nothing but silence and the sound of the wind before clubbing.

Cycling back home in the middle of the night, hearing the sound of dozens of birds singing with the rising sun. Taking a tram into the forest to smell the moss and the pine trees, and the lilies awakened by spring. Spotting birds during your coffee break, and stars at night with the city center market square also in your sight.

Actually, don’t just imagine. Do it. Here, in Helsinki, you can.

What does Helsinki taste like? Like the seasons. Like strawberries and ice cream. Like freshly picked chanterelles, risotto and wine. Like local wild herbs on perch and summer potatoes, or a vegan burger in a rye bun. Like hot Karelian pies covered in melting butter and rice porridge with caramelized almonds on top.

The Helsinki culinary scene is an eloquent and creative mix of local and seasonal flavours, clean, organic and ethical ingredients, traditional Finnish cuisine and world flavours with a special Helsinki twist.

Getting hungry?

A dip in the icy sea first thing in the morning? A hefty walk on ice? A paddle to one of the lush green islands to admire the sunset at 2am? If lucky, you might even spot a seal!

Helsinki is made up of an archipelago of over 300 islands and surrounded by the sea from three directions. The majority of the islands are publicly owned, and many just a short ferry ride away, some accessible by bridges, and – when it’s cold enough – even by foot (over the ice!). Add to that 130 kilometres of public coastal routes for common use and little piers scattered along the route, and what you get is a sea city like no other – open and approachable for all.

Modernism, functionalism and the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe. Sustainable, original and iconic design.

For the lover of architecture and design Helsinki is a real treat.

In Helsinki, you can see Alvar Aalto’s distinctive blend of modernist refinement and personal expression of form. Look up and find magical forest creatures from the national epic of Kalevala crawling on the walls in central Helsinki. Find unique neighbourhoods built entirely of wood, internationally renowned museums and public spaces, and of course – design saunas by the sea.

Tampere, the World’s Sauna Capital invites you to experience the authentic Finnish sauna tradition. With nearly 60 public saunas in Tampere and its surroundings, the city boasts a rich sauna heritage. Explore historical gems like Rajaportti sauna – Finland’s oldest operating public sauna since 1906. Newer saunas serve also as restaurants and bars.

Tampere is a hub for culture as the city boasts a variety of interesting museums, from world-class art to small and quirky exhibitions. Did you know Tampere is home to the world’s only Moomin Museum? Tampere also hosts hundreds of events year-round, so remember to check out our events calendar!

Nature is within easy reach in Tampere. Just jump on the local tram to get to the local’s favourite nature paths or embark on a cycling tour around the nearby lakes. Pyynikki ridge offers unforgettable views just 20 minutes walk from the city centre! Pick your level of nature:

Relaxed fine-dining with season’s best ingredients. New restaurants opening constantly with fresh ideas, combining international menus with local flavors. Tampere is currently a hub for interesting restaurants, breweries and cocktail bars: