Looking for a fun, culture-rich itinerary and things to do in Helsinki that won’t drain your wallet? This 2-day guide shows you how to enjoy the best of Helsinki with local food, family-friendly activities, and even a mini escape to medieval Tallinn in Estonia- yes, a different country!
Day 1: Helsinki Like a Local
Morning: Start at the Heart of Helsinki
Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral: Free* and iconic. A perfect starting point to understand the architecture and culture of Finland.
*Visiting hours 1 June – 31 August
In the summertime Helsinki Cathedral has an admission fee (10/8 €). Under 18 years old free admission. Ticket sales at the visitor centre, located in the bell tower (side pavilion). Visiting hours: Mon-Thu 9 am – 5 pm, Fri 9 am – 2 pm. Free admission: Mon-Fri 6pm-9pm.
Free entry to the Crypt. Visiting hours: Mon-Sat 10-17, Sun 11-17.
Market Square (Kauppatori): A real glimpse of daily Finnish life. Check out the souvenir stalls and taste classic dishes like:
- Salmon soup (lohikeitto)
- Vendace (muikku)
- Pyttipannu (Finnish hash)
- Reindeer hot dogs
Head into the Old Market Hall for a wider variety of regional delicacies:
- Smoked salmon (try a few types!)
- Reindeer and bear salami — surprisingly tasty with leipäjuusto and cloudberry jam
- Salmon wings
- Local cheeses, pastries, and if you’re still hungry — a traditional Finnish coffee with a pulla (Finnish bun)
Many stalls offer tasters! Budget around 15-20€ for a meal per person here.
Midday: Views & Optional Cruise
- Walk over to Pier 4 at the Stora Enso headquarters for panoramic harbor views and to spot cruise ships.
- Skip Suomenlinna if the weather isn’t perfect — it’s long, windy, and not picnic-friendly unless you’re well-prepared.
Instead: take a Canal Cruise (~22–25€). It’s short (1.5 hrs), scenic, and takes you past Finnish homes, kayakers, beachgoers, and icebreakers. Great way to see the real local life!
Traveling with kids? Combine this with the nearby SkyWheel (15€ pp) and a short film Flying Around the World in 80 days at Flying Cinema only 6.5€ per person for a fun indoor break.
Want to go deeper?
Take a walking tour!
- Interested in more historical walk around the city? Try a walking tour with Mehdi — I actually loved it! It’s fantastic hence the name of the tour ‘Finntastic’. He knows a lot about history, culture, and funny details about the city.
A Finntastic walking tour (2.5 hours)— and if you join, ask him about the unicorn street or why the Swedish flag is flying at Market Square ( and not the Finnish one, unless it’s a Finnish Flag day and you still will see both of them)Take the City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop- off Tour
- A classic way to explore different cities where Helsinki has not left behind! Easy, convinient and if offers the guide in 14 different languages!
Table of Contents
🌿 Afternoon: Take It Easy — Local Life & Eats
- View Uspenski Cathedral or Helsinki Cathedral from the outside (impressive and free)
- Visit the National Library (right by the cathedral) — hidden gem, peaceful and historic
- Wander Esplanadi and enjoy the Art Nouveau buildings, live music, and street vibes
Recommended local food spots:
- Magra Sofia (modern local cuisine)
- Kappeli (historic setting, traditional meals like salmon soup)
- Savotta (classic reindeer dishes — book ahead)
- Lasipalatsi (local food in a central location)
🏫 Evening: Where Locals Go
Visit Oodi Library — not just a tourist stop but a favorite among locals. There’s:
- Design furniture, 3D printers, sewing machines
- Moomin workshop station for tote bags
- Cafeterias and a rooftop terrace with views
Head to Töölönlahti Bay:
- Töölönlahden Puisto (great for kids — playground, water jets, sandbox)
- Walk to Pikku Finlandia Café for a calm end-of-day fika
- Optionally rent a kayak or SUP board if you’re feeling active
Final stops:
- Temppeliaukio (Rock Church) — a unique place carved into rock
- ⏰ Open Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun 12:00–17:00
- Café Regatta — sweet buns, coffee by the sea, and more kayak options
- Sibelius Park is only 300m away
- Temppeliaukio (Rock Church) — a unique place carved into rock
🛆 If you still have energy: Sauna at Löyly, SkyWheel Sauna, or Allas Sea Pool
🇪🇪 Day 2: Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia
Planning this day trip? Book your ferry tickets here
Morning: Cross the Sea
- Wake early and head to the terminal (arrive 40 mins before departure)
- The ferry to Tallinn takes about 2 hours
- Eat breakfast onboard while enjoying the sea view
- Head to the deck to catch views of Suomenlinna from the water
Did some shopping? Use lockers at the terminal so you can explore Tallinn hands-free
Arriving in Tallinn: Let’s Explore!
- Quick play stop at the port’s playground if traveling with kids
- Walk to Rotermann Quarter: a cozy mix of modern shops and cobbled alleys
- Check out the Kalev chocolate shop
- Enter Old Town via Viru Gates — blooming flowers, medieval towers, and instant charm
Medieval Tallinn Musts
- Climb the city fortress (€4 adults / €1 kids) — amazing views!
- Walk through Katariina Käik (St. Catherine’s Passage), browse quirky medieval shops
- Visit Raeapteek, the oldest pharmacy in Europe: see “unicorn horn powder” and other medieval cures
- Lunch or snack at III Draakon or Olde Hansa — medieval taverns with soup, elk sausages, and candlelight
- Take in the view from Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
- Wander the cobbled alleys and hidden squares
Wrap-Up & Return
- Pick up any stored bags
- Head back to the ferry
- If tired: get a cabin and rest. Or explore the ferry — cafeterias, restaurants, kids’ zones, shopping, even PlayStations!
Going to Tallinn on a cruise it’s more than a ride — it’s part of the experience of visiting Helsinki and technically visinting another city in different at the same time!
FAQ
Is Tallinn worth a day trip?
Absolutely — a whole different vibe, rich history, and a great value escape from Helsinki.
What’s the best way to get there?
Ferries (Tallink, Viking Line, Eckerö) are affordable, scenic, and comfortable. Book early for the best prices.
Can kids enjoy it?
Yes! Playgrounds, chocolate shops, castles, and fantasy-style restaurants — perfect for fami
Which cruise is better?
If you’re wondering which ferry to choose between Helsinki and Tallinn, here’s a quick comparison — I’ve personally tried all three, and each has its strengths:
Tallink
- Often a more premium experience — great for travelers looking for comfort and good amenities.
- Summer 2025: I traveled with Tallink and absolutely loved it!
- Cozy resting areas, great onboard vibe, good selection of shops, and even PlayStation areas for kids.
- It felt like a mini cruise, not just transportation.
Want to see the vibe onboard? Check out my latest reel here – you’ll get a real feel for what it’s like before you book!
Viking Line
- A solid, family-friendly choice — especially popular in winter.
- I travel with Viking every winter and always enjoy their buffet and warm meals.
- They also offer frequent seasonal deals.
Eckerö Line
- Often the cheapest option and ideal for budget travelers.
- Flexible bookings and excellent buffet options!
- Last time I used Eckerö was in December to visit the Tallinn Christmas Market, and it was super cozy.
Want to see the vibe onboard? Check out my latest reel here – you’ll get a real feel for what it’s like before you book!
Ready to go? Book your ferry tickets here – to secure your spot and maybe grab a good deal 
