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.
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Bold and thought-provoking, Kiasma is where contemporary art sparks conversation. Its striking architecture houses Finnish and international works that challenge and inspire. It’s the perfect place to see the world with fresh eyes and leave with a new perspective.
Mannerheiminaukio 2
Photo: Mika Huisman / Helsinki Partners
Amos Rex
If you’re looking for a standout art experience in Helsinki, this museum is worth visiting. Its captivating underground halls showcase contemporary, modern, and even ancient art. Don’t miss the museum shop – perfect for finding unique gifts and design treasures.
Mannerheimintie 22-24
Helsinki Art Museum (HAM)
Home to over 9,000 works, this collection extends beyond gallery walls – with art displayed in parks, streets, schools, and public buildings across the city. The focus is on Finnish modern and contemporary art, offering fresh perspectives from both established and emerging artists.
Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8
Photo: Finnish National Gallery / Aleks Talve
Ateneum Art Museum
Ateneum houses the nation’s most treasured classics, from the Golden Age of Finnish art to iconic works by international masters. It offers a journey through the soul of Finland. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong admirer, the experience inspires — and keeps inspiring.
Kaivokatu 2EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art
Located just outside Helsinki, EMMA is one of Finland’s largest art museums, housed in a stunning modernist building. Its spacious galleries highlight contemporary art and design, including a strong focus on Finnish and Nordic creators.
Ahertajantie 5
Sinebrychoff Art Museum
Part of the Finnish National Gallery, this museum showcases old European masters in a historic 19th-century house. With classic paintings, antique furniture, and a cosy atmosphere, it’s a hidden gem for fans of Baroque, Rococo, and Romantic art.
Bulevardi 40
Kunsthalle Helsinki
This independent, non-profit venue showcases contemporary art, design, and architecture through rotating exhibitions. Housed in a beautiful 1920s Nordic Classicist building, it offers a fresh and inspiring experience every time.
Nervanderinkatu 3
Alvar Aalto’s home
A must-visit for design lovers, Alvar Aalto’s former home in Munkkiniemi offers a personal look into his life and work. The house blends modernist style with warmth, featuring furnishings he designed himself. Guided tours reveal its lasting impact on architecture.
Riihitie 20
The Finnish Museum of Photography
Explore the art of visual storytelling at this museum dedicated to photography. Exhibitions span documentary, fine art, experimental, and digital works, highlighting both Finnish and international artists. It’s a dynamic space reflecting the medium’s diversity and evolution.
Kaapeliaukio 3Helsinki’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
Suomenlinna Fortress
A short ferry ride takes you to this UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a brilliant place for a day out — walk the old walls, explore hidden tunnels, and enjoy peaceful sea views.
Suomenlinna C 40
Photo: Camilla Bloom / Helsinki Partners
Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral
One of Helsinki’s most iconic spots. The grand white cathedral and wide open square are perfect for soaking up the city’s atmosphere and snapping a memorable photo.
Senaatintori
Photo: Ryle Tuvierra / Helsinki Partners
Uspenski Cathedral
With red bricks and golden domes, this church stands out on the skyline. Inside, it’s peaceful and full of beautiful details. It’s the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe.
Pormestarinrinne 1Architectural 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
Finnish Museum of Natural History
Step into a world of ancient bones, wild animals, and fascinating fossils. The Luomus’ Natural History Museum brings nature’s wonders to life, from dinosaurs to Finnish wildlife, in a beautiful historic building that sparks curiosity in visitors of all ages.
Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu 13
Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
Cactuses bask in desert heat, orchids bloom in rainforest mist, and Mediterranean herbs fill the air with their scent. At Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden, also part of Luomus, ten greenhouses bring the world’s climates to life. Outside, the garden is free to explore all year.
Kaisaniemenranta 2
Photo: Laura Dove / Helsinki Partners
TAHTO Center for Finnish Sports Culture
Explore the passion, history, and stories behind Finnish sports. TAHTO combines nostalgia with interactivity, showcasing everything from Olympic to everyday movement and fitness culture. It’s inspiring for sports fans and casual visitors alike.
Paavo Nurmen tie 1
SkyWheel Helsinki
Take in Helsinki from a whole new angle. This modern ferris wheel by the harbour offers stunning panoramic views over the sea, city, and landmarks — perfect for a peaceful ride above it all, day or night.
Katajanokanlaituri 2
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