Mid-December, I booked myself a dream trip to the Finnish region of Lapland. It is a vast and remote land, and most international flights transit through Helsinki before heading to their final destination above the Arctic circle. I thus took the opportunity to spend one full day exploring Finland’s capital, and just wander around its streets as the weather was quite clement for that time of year. My experience was even better because Christmas was just around the corner and the entire city was lit with Christmas decorations and the main square had a beautiful market going on. I must say that Helsinki is probably one of the most easy and convenient cities to get around in all of Europe.

Helsinki Senate Square Christmas Market — Helsinki

One Day Visiting the Capital

Overall, I really liked my experience in Helsinki. I have found everything to be very clean, safe, easy to understand and not too expensive (compared to other Nordic countries). To get around the city, the best way is to walk and/or use public transportation. In terms of accommodation, like everywhere in Europe, I used Airbnb because I find that it’s where you get the best deals (and also because I spent all my money on one breathtaking hotel in Lapland [sorry not sorry], but I will tell you more about it in my next article). If you only have one day to visit, I’d suggest staying near the center so any neighbourhood such as Kamppi, Kluuvi, Kruununhaka, Kallio or Töölö would work best. If you’re not intending to spend the night there, then you’re probably not going to want to carry your luggage with you! Good news, you can either leave it at the airport in a locker, or in the storage room at Kamppi’s train station (in the heart of downtown). It is really cheap; it cost me €5 for the day in Kampii. Now without further due, here are 10 things I would recommend doing on a day trip to Helsinki.

1- Cafe Regatta

Start your day on the right foot and go get a warm coffee and a cinnamon roll at Cafe Regatta. This is probably the city’s most famous coffee place even though it is located a bit outside of the city center in Taka-Töölö. I bet you’ll wanna snap some photos there; the place is so cute!

2- Museum of Natural History

In my opinion, Helsinki’s most beautiful piece of architecture is the central staircase at the Museum of Natural History. It is absolutely amazing! The museum in itself is also really fun to visit. You’ll learn more about all the different floras and faunas from around the world, but more specifically those in each region of Finland. Tickets cost €15 per adult.

3- Helsinki Cathedral

This is definitely the most visited and well-known cathedral in town. It’s easily accessible by foot or by tramway (you’ll need to stop at Hallituskatu). I wasn’t able to visit inside the cathedral due to a wedding, but it’s worth climbing up the stairs at least to admire the view over the rest of the city.

4- Senate Square

While you’re visiting the cathedral, it’s impossible to miss out on Senate Square, located right beside it. During the end of November and the whole month of December, that’s where they host the biggest Christmas market in town. Like the rest of Finland, it is pristine clean, beautifully decorated, and they sell good quality souvenirs and delicious food there.

5- Aleksanterinkatu

If you’re in for a little (or big) shopping spree, just walk up Aleksanterinkatu once you’re done visiting the Christmas market. There, you’ll find lots of amazing shops and restaurants.

6- Uspenski Cathedral

Another cathedral in town is called Uspenski, and I think that’s the one I preferred. It is slightly less visited than Helsinki Cathedral and has a bit more charm I find, but that’a just my personal opinion.

7- Rikhardinkatu Library

If you like spiral staircases like me, then head to Rikhardinkatu Library. This place isn’t well known and mostly only locals go there to grab a book and read for a few hours.

8- Colourful houses of Huvilakatu

If you’re in for a little walk, head to Huvilakatu to see the colourful houses that can be found in this neighbourhood. If you get lucky enough (which wasn’t my case), you might be able to visit during a snow storm, which makes this street even more charming when it’s covered in thick snow.

9- Grand Residence 21

On your way back to the city center, pay attention while walking on Korkeavuorenkatu because there’s a really special building at the corner of Punanotkonkatu. The place is called Grand Residence 21 and its facade is grandiose. It was built at the end of the 19th century and is part of the cultural heritage of Finland.

10- Yes! Yes! Yes!

Lastly, I’m sure at some point you will be very hungry! It is really hard to pick a restaurant in Helsinki, because there are so many of them and they all look really delicious. I chose to go to a place called Yes! Yes! Yes! and didn’t regret my decision. The food and drinks are out of this world, and the place is super cute. Also, if you happen to go there on a Saturday, make sure you visit between 12pm and 4pm because they have a special menu with cheaper prices.