There are lots of things to do in Helsinki in September, making it the perfect city to visit if this is your first trip to Finland. It’s the most northerly capital of continental Europe and it’s also the world’s coldest capital. You’ll have to go a bit further north to catch the Northern Lights though! And don’t worry about buying bottles of water during your trip because Helsinki’s quality of water is so high that it’s exported to other countries.
Despite it being one of the smallest European capitals, it has a lot to offer in terms of cultural experiences. There are some great things to do in Helsinki, and a lot of places are within walking distance of one another. Many people say that visiting the Finnish capital isn’t about having lots of things to do, it’s about become immersed in the culture, and most importantly it’s about the food.
Getting to Helsinki
It will take you about 30 minutes to get from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to the city centre, either by bus or by train. If you’re planning on taking the bus, it’s usually cheaper to purchase a ticket either at the machine or on the HSL app before getting onboard. The buses and trains run frequently throughout the day but if your flight arrives in the early hours of the morning you might need to order a taxi.
Public transportation in Helsinki
I’d recommend downloading the HSL app and buying a multi-day transportation card which gives you access to all public transportation in the city, including the ferries. This is great if you plan on getting the ferry to Suomenlinna, for example. If you plan on staying in the city centre, most of the main attractions in Helsinki are within walking distance so you may not even need to purchase a transportation card. Google maps is very accurate for bus and tram timetables so as long as you have access to that you’ll have no issues getting around Helsinki.
Things to do in Helsinki in September
Visiting Helsinki in September is the perfect time of the year to explore the city. We had near perfect weather and the temperature was comfortable to walk around in all day. So, what exactly is Helsinki famous for? And what are the best things to do in Helsinki? Here are my top recommendations.
Walk around Market Square
Market Square is home to the most famous market in Finland and is a major attraction for tourists. It’s been the centre of trade for hundreds of years, and now not only boasts the market, but is also home to the SkyWheel which is considered to be one of the best things to do in Helsinki. Any Helsinki sightseeing tour will bring you to this area. Walking around Market Square is also one of the best free things to do in Helsinki.
Take a boat ride to Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna is one-of-a-kind 18th century fortress that was constructed while Finland was still a part of Sweden. Once you arrive on the island you’re free to walk around it but if you want to enter any of the museums here you’ll have to pay a small fee. Give yourself at least half a day to explore the island because there’s a lot to see! There are free maps available upon arrival in different languages to help you navigate Suomenlinna with ease.
Wondering how to get to Suomenlinna? The Helsinki ferry terminal at Market Square has many different docks with various boat tours to the islands. If you’ve purchased the city’s transportation card then you can visit Suomenlinna at no additional cost. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site is easily one of the top things to do in Helsinki, and you can get some great views of the city across the water as well.
Uspenski Cathedral
One of the best things to do in Helsinki in September is to walk up the hill to Uspenski Cathedral. It’s the largest orthodox church in western Europe, but if you don’t fancy an uphill climb, you can get some photos of it in the distance from different parts of the city. We didn’t have a chance to go inside but it’s a lovely piece of architecture in Helsinki to observe from the outside, and it’s another free thing to do in Helsinki too!
Old Market Hall
Old Market Hall is an indoor market that dates back to the late 19th century and it’s full of merchant stalls. It also sits high on the list of things to see in Helsinki, and is located right next to Market Square. Whatever traditional snack I’m holding up in the photo was bought from the market, and there are lots of other unique food items to be had inside as well.
Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral was built in the 19th century and is probably the city’s most iconic landmark, so no doubt this is already on your list of things to do in Helsinki. It’s free to go inside the cathedral which saves you a bit of money as well. The cathedral sits in Senate Square which is beautiful to walk around, and it’s surrounded by lots of shops and restaurants.
Visit the Moomin Café
The Moomins rose to fame during the second world war when a famous Finnish writer created comic strips of them for the paper to bring joy back to people during a time of hardship. Today, they’re all over the city, in almost every souvenir shop. There’s even a Moomin Café which is one of the most unique places in Helsinki you will ever come across. If you only have one day in Helsinki, please go here because it’s very entertaining.
Esplanadi Park
Situated just across the road from Market Square is Esplanadi Park, or Espa among locals. If the weather is nice it’s a great spot to sit and unwind for a bit. It’s the most famous park in Finland and offers a green space in the heart of Helsinki. Even in September, as the weather is turning colder, it’s lovely to stroll through.
Kamppi Chapel of Silence
Going inside the Kamppi Chapel of Silence is one of the best free things to do in Helsinki. It’s meant to be a place to relax in the busiest area of the city because no noise from outside gets in, which is both calming and eerie. It’s definitely one of the more unique things to do in Helsinki, and worth going in even if only for a few minutes. Next to the chapel is an outdoor food market just outside of the city’s main shopping centre with lots of different cuisines to choose from.
Take in the best view of Helsinki
Even if you aren’t staying at Hotel Torni, you can still benefit from the views it offers. The hotel has a rooftop bar that’s accessible to the public with panoramic views of the city. If you don’t want a drink, there’s a small room before you enter the bar that you can look out of. Check the times beforehand though, as it’s only open to the public during certain hours. This is one of the more secret things to do in Helsinki so not too many tourists know about it.
Go on a design tour of Helsinki
Happy Guide Helsinki don’t take you on an average walking tour. Their Design Tour is a much more offbeat thing to do in Helsinki, but very fun! It takes place in the design district and you get to visit a variety of different stores and meet the designers themselves. It’s a very unique way of exploring the history of Finnish design and is one of the top things to do in Helsinki.
Helsinki Railway Square
As the name suggests, Helsinki Railway Square is located right next to the main railway station. It’s a beautiful area, and in the winter there’s a skating rink in the middle of it. The station itself is also an interesting piece of Helsinki architecture.
Take a walk around Puu-Kapyla
Visiting Puu-Kapyla is one of the many unique things to do in Helsinki, but it’s a bit of a trek from the city centre. You can hop on a tram or bus to it which will make your journey a lot shorter though. The neighbourhood is famous for its colourful wooden houses, and it’s a great spot to get some photos too, especially as the leaves are changing colour in September.
Explore all that Teurastamo has to offer
Teurastamo is a very unique hipster area and a food lovers paradise. The yard is bursting with activities during the summer months, and it’s a great place to keep warm when it gets cooler. We were given a tour of the complex and came across some amazing spots such as The Natural Drinks Factory (fresh soda production), Pizzala Pizza (a great pizzeria in Helsinki), Kellohalli lunch venue, Helsinki Coffee Roastery complete with its own cafe, and the Helsinki Distilling Company.
Visiting this area is one of the best things to do in Helsinki. And if you need some time to relax you can even rent out a private Finnish sauna for yourself or the group you’re travelling with.
Parliament House
If you’re walking through the Toolo district, you’ll probably come across this imposing structure. Helsinki’s Parliament House was designed by a Finnish architect, and is yet another impressive piece of architecture in the city. You can book a guided tour if you’re interested in seeing the inside.
Finlandia Hall
How many unique buildings does Helsinki have? A lot. Finlandia Hall has been named as the best venue in the world for events and was designed by the famous Alvar Aalto. It sits a short walk from Parliament House so it’s easy to find as you make your way through this part of Helsinki.
National Museum of Finland
The National Museum of Finland is quite expensive to get into, but if you have time it’s probably worth a visit. The museum presents Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present day and is one of the best things to do in Helsinki. If you’re visiting Helsinki on a budget you may want to skip this attraction and use your money elsewhere though.
Temppeliaukio Rock Church
For a very small fee you can take a look inside the Temppeliaukio Rock Church which is built into the surrounding rocks. This is by far one of the most unique things to do in Helsinki and shouldn’t be missed. The acoustics inside are incredible and if you’re lucky enough you’ll be treated to a little performance inside too.
Admire the Sibelius Monument
Visiting the Sibelius Monument is one of the more unusual things to do in Helsinki but it’s one of the most popular attractions in the city. It’s located in Sibelius Park in the Toolo district and was built in recognition of the famous Finnish composer. You’ll get a very unique perspective if you stand directly under the monument.
Where to eat in Helsinki
Café Regatta
A short walk from the Sibelius Monument brings you to Café Regatta. One of the best things to do in Helsinki is eat and to many people this is the best café in Helsinki. It serves delicious cinnamon buns, blueberry pie, and lots of other sweet and savoury treats. If you’re on a tight schedule the queue here can be pretty long, so make sure you have the time to sit and enjoy the café and its tranquil surroundings.
Pizzala Pizza
One of the best places for pizza in Helsinki is Pizzala Pizza. They use fresh and local ingredients for their pizzas and bake them using a 100% wood fire oven. The dipping sauces are a great addition too. We were fortunate enough to stop here during our tour of Teurastamo and design our own pizzas.
Tenho Restobar
Tenho Restobar is located a short walk from Puu-Kapyla. The restaurant has live music every night, and the food is great too. I’d personally recommended either the pizza or burger, with one of their seasonal cocktails. They might just have the pizza burgers in Helsinki, but I’ll let you be the judge.
Fat Ramen
What better way to fuel up after walking around Helsinki than with freshly prepared ramen? Fat Ramen is a fantastic budget friendly place to eat in Helsinki and a nice place to stop to warm up in the colder months. Their menu is based around ramen dishes but they have other dishes such as bao buns available as well.
Merimakasiini Restaurant
Merimakasiini Restaurant is a legendary seafood restaurant in Helsinki. All of their fish is fresh and local, and it sits along the waterfront so you’ll have a great view while you eat. There are lots of options on the menu, such as king crab, fresh salmon, and a mushroom croquette for vegetarians. They also offer lighter options for lunchtime which is a great way to save money but still eat at a high-end restaurant in Helsinki.
Where to stay in Helsinki
Hiisi Homes Helsinki Haaga
Helsinki can be quite pricey compared to other European capital cities, but the same can be said about all of the Nordic countries. We found a great place to stay in the Haaga district of Helsinki, which is a short train ride from the very centre.
Hiisi Homes Helsinki Haaga offer short term serviced apartments, right next to a train station and close to the airport. Apartments are a good way to save money since you can use use the kitchen to make some of your meals. The apartment was very spacious, with two single beds, a nice sized kitchen, and a modern bathroom.
>> Click here for the most up to date prices at Hiisi Homes Helsinki Haaga <<
Day trips from Helsinki
Lake Tuusula
Finland is famous for its nature and is Europe’s most forested country. It’s a dream destination for people who love being outdoors. We had planned to stay in Helsinki and the surrounding area, so couldn’t venture as far north as we would have liked. But we managed to spend a couple of days at Lake Tuusula which was stunning and only 30 minutes by train from Helsinki. There are lots of activities on the lake, as well as extensive cycling paths and a number of museums dedicated to famous Finnish artists.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay around Lake Tuusula with lake views, Pescator Villas is the perfect choice with plenty of amenities for large groups to enjoy themselves. There are 3 villas to choose from, each with multiple bedrooms and amenities including saunas and Jacuzzis. The villas overlook the garden which you’re free to use, as well as the gorgeous lake which is stunning at sunset.
Tallinn
Another fantastic option if you find yourself in the Finnish capital for more than a few days is to hop on the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. It takes just over 2 hours to get between the two cities, and there are a few journeys per day to choose from. It’s an incredible city to visit, even if you only visit Tallinn for a day. We visited Tallinn for 4 days in the summer and loved everything about it.
Fallen in love with the idea of Helsinki and the surrounding area? It’s even more magical when you see it in person and with so many things to do in Helsinki you definitely won’t get bored. Get in touch if you have any questions about Helsinki, and don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram!
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