Helsinki is a great city in the summer, and it’s hard not to love it. If you want a few tips on what the city has to offer in summer, the 10 locations below will get you started. There’s something for everyone: guaranteed fun for the entire family, iconic landmarks, baths and relaxation, and a few less well-known alternatives. All the locations below are best when the weather is sunny, but you don’t need to take a rain check for any of them.

To make it easy for you to enjoy them, the introductions below tell you the specific location of each destination and how to get there from central Helsinki. Check out these tips now – summertime in Helsinki awaits you!

  • 1

    Fortress of Suomenlinna

    See and experience Finland’s most awesome sea fortress

    Fortress of Suomenlinna
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    The Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see on your list of summer destinations in Helsinki. It’s a sea fortress spread across six small islands off Helsinki, where you can admire the wonderful Royal Gate (Kuninkaanportti), the great fortress courtyard and the imposing Zander bastion.

    As well as the fortress, there’s plenty more to see on the islands: museums, the historic Vesikko submarine, art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and shops, and lots for kids to do. When the weather is beautiful, you can also visit a beach, go on a picnic, or just admire the sea. From the centre of Helsinki, you can visit Suomenlinna by first going to Kauppatori and continuing from there via ferry or waterbus. You should also check out Vallisaari Island, southeast of Suomenlinna. In the spring, you can get from there to Suomenlinna on a direct waterbus connection between the islands; it takes just a few minutes.

    Location: 00190 Helsinki, Finland

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  • 2

    Helsinki Market Square (Kauppatori)

    A maritime trading spot next to the Presidential Palace

    Helsinki Market Square (Kauppatori)
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    If you’re visiting Helsinki in the summer, don’t miss the city’s famous Market Square (Kauppatori). Next to it are several of the city’s most beautiful buildings, such as the Presidential Palace, the Vanha Kauppahalli indoor market hall, Helsinki City Hall and the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral. In the Market Square itself, you can find the imposing and beautiful Keisarinnankivi memorial and the iconic Havis Amanda fountain.

    If you get hungry or thirsty, there are stands and kiosks. The options vary, but usually include coffee products and BBQ foods, as well as traditional marketplace offerings such as smoked fish, peas, strawberries and fruits. You can also visit the Fortress of Suomenlinna using the ferries and waterbuses from the edge of Market Square. During the summer season, there are ferries to Korkeasaari Zoo, the Fortress of Suomenlinna and Vallisaari, and for short cruises. Whatever your reason for visiting Market Square, it’s easy to find. If you set out from Kamppi, just follow the main routes: to the end of Mannerheimintie and then through Esplanadi.

    Location: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

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  • 3

    Seurasaari Island

    See the outdoor museum and relax in nature on an idyllic small island

    Seurasaari Island
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    Seurasaari Island, to the west to the city, offers a great atmosphere for summertime activities. The most important sight is the outdoor museum that covers most of the island, and consists of a collection of old wooden buildings from different parts of Finland. It’s worth a visit, but you can also visit the island just to swim, eat or enjoy a picnic.

    The island is full of great natural sights: rock-hewn shores, forest groves and lots of birds, squirrels and other small animals, as well as sheep in the summertime. The island is reached via a long wooden footbridge. From the centre of Helsinki to Seurasaari, you should either travel by city bicycle (the nearest bicycle station is next to the wooden bridge) or by Bus 24.

    Location: 00250 Helsinki, Finland

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  • 4

    Linnanmäki Amusement Park

    A sure-fire hit with kids

    Linnanmäki Amusement Park
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    Linnanmäki Amusement Park, known by everyone in Finland, is a great place to have some fun. This park has Finland’s most famous rollercoaster and nearly 50 other rides. There are all kinds of options, whatever your age or size. Those looking for something more relaxing can visit the amusement park’s 4D theatre, or the 50-metre high Panoraama sightseeing tower, with views across Helsinki.

    If you get hungry or thirsty, you can buy some classic amusement park snacks, such as sodas, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy, or visit one of the many restaurants in the area, where you can choose from Finnish, Italian or Mexican cuisine, or just buy a hamburger. Those who like a show should head for the Peacock Theatre in the park area. You can get there from the centre of Helsinki via city bicycle or Trams 1, 3 and 8.

    Location: Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Opening hours vary.

    Phone: +358 (0) 10 5722 200

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  • 5

    Helsinki Zoo at Korkeasaari (Korkeasaaren eläintarha)

    Popular zoo island to the east of central Helsinki

    Helsinki Zoo at Korkeasaari (Korkeasaaren eläintarha)
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    Helsinki Zoo at Korkeasaari (Korkeasaaren eläintarha), which has been welcoming visitors since 1888, is a popular option in the summer. And why not? The location and the setting are top-notch, there are all sorts of animals, and profits go to a good cause. The most popular animals in the zoo are probably the large animals such as Siberian tigers, Asiatic lions and snow leopards, but the bears, lynxes and elks are also worth a look. As well as animal enclosures and zones, the island offers a sightseeing tower, a lean-to, a dining cabin and restaurants, and the Arkki school of nature.

    Many people come just for the animals, but if time allows, you should also participate in the zoo’s shows and events, or just admire the sea from the island. You can get to Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari from the centre of Helsinki either from Market Square or from the district of Hakaniemi, via water buses or Bus 16.

    Location: Mustikkamaanpolku 12, 00270 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Opening hours vary.

    Phone: +358 (0) 50 352 5989

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  • 6

    Helsinki Swimming Stadium (uimastadion)

    A historic outdoor swimming pool and a place of relaxation near the Olympic Stadium

    Helsinki Swimming Stadium (uimastadion)
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    Helsinki Swimming Stadium (uimastadion), built in 1947, is the perfect choice when you want to get out of the sunshine. The stadium was built for the Helsinki Summer Olympics in 1952, and was then transformed from a mere swimming pool to a place for entertainment.

    The stadium currently offers a 50-metre fitness pool, as well as a plunge pool, a kids’ pool and a paddling pool, and lots more, like a water slide, a gym, basketball and volleyball courts, and a coffee shop. There’s also a large auditorium next to the main pool. Even though the outdoor swimming pool is very near the centre of Helsinki, you can always be assured of a swim. If it’s really hot outside, you should also consider the Hietaniemi shoreline. It’s an easy trip to the Helsinki Swimming Stadium on a city bicycle or Trams 2 or 3.

    Location: Hammarskjöldintie 5, 00250 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Monday–Saturday from 6.30 am to 8 pm, Sunday 9 am to 8 pm

    Phone: +358 (0) 9 310 87854

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    photo by Kallerna (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 7

    Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden (Kaisaniemen kasvitieteellinen puutarha)

    A small oasis in the centre of the city

    Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden (Kaisaniemen kasvitieteellinen puutarha)
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    Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden (Kaisaniemen kasvitieteellinen puutarha), between Helsinki Central Station and Kaisaniemi shoreline, is a beautiful spot -- it’s a great place to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. Due to its location, the outdoor space is limited, but there’s still lots there: a tree park, a moss garden, a lichen garden and stone garden, the fascinating Tree of Evolution, and several botanical rooms, like the great Palmusali hall.

    As for individual plants, you should check out the great Santa Cruz water lily. Its leaves can hold an adult person’s weight. After seeing this and the rest of botanical wonders, you can relax at Kaisaniemi Park next to the garden. The easiest way to get from the centre of Helsinki to Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden is on foot. The garden can be found directly behind Helsinki Central Station, to the right of the train tracks. From Kamppi, you can also go through tunnels that go under the train tracks.

    Location: Kaisaniemenranta 2, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Opening hours vary.

    Phone: +358 (0) 2941 24455

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    photo by Paasikivi (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 8

    Hietaniemi Beach (Hietaniemen ranta)

    Get a tan, relax and have a swim at Hietsu

    Hietaniemi Beach (Hietaniemen ranta)
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    Hietaniemi Beach (Hietaniemen ranta), also known as Hietaranta or Hietsu, is one of Helsinki’s most popular beaches. It’s right next to central Helsinki, so it’s easy to take just a small break there before the next museum, or spend an entire day there, if you wish. The waters are quite shallow, so it’s also a great place for families with children.

    On sunny days it gets very busy, but there’s always a spot. As well as the shoreline, Hietsu also has dressing rooms, toilets and a coffee shop, and popular beach volley and basketball courts. From Kamppi it’s only about a mile to the beach, so you can easily get there on foot. From further away, take Bus 24.

    Location: Hiekkarannantie 11, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

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    photo by Jonik (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 9

    Design District Helsinki

    Art, design and shops at the centre of the city

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    Design District Helsinki offers a comprehensive range of design services in central Helsinki. There are design, fashion and jewellery shops, art galleries, museums, hotels and restaurants, all aiming to offer everything that beauty-loving holiday-goers are looking for. As well as the services offered by the businesses themselves, there are lots of different guided tours and events.

    The Design District starts at Punavuori and extends towards Ullanlinna, Kamppi and Kaartinkaupunki. A few related businesses are also outside of this area, including at Kruunuhaka, Katajanokka and Jätkäsaari. There are a total of 200 companies, a number which continues to grow. There are all kinds of options and, as the businesses are right in the heart of Helsinki, it’s easy to get there on foot. You can find more information about events and companies online – discover all the options now!

    Phone: +358 (0) 44 988 0168

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  • 10

    Taivallahti Summer Theatre (Taivallahden kesäteatteri)

    A popular summer theatre near the centre of Helsinki

    • Families

    The much-loved Taivallahti Summer Theatre (Taivallahden kesäteatteri) is well worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to Helsinki with the kids. As far as summer theatres go, the location is exceptional -- you cannot find another theatre like this in central Helsinki. The programme contains many kids’ favourites such as Peter Pan.

    Unlike at many summer theatres, the cast are all professional actors, so the adults are also well entertained. The whole auditorium is covered, so the show can go on, even if it rains. There’s also a coffee shop. The theatre is at the northern end of Hietaniemi Beach, less than 2 miles from Helsinki Central Station. The easiest way to get there is by Bus number 24 or Trams 1, 2 or 8. There is also free parking at the theatre.

    Location: Eteläinen Hesperiankatu, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

    Open: Opening hours vary.

    Phone: +358 (0) 44 080 9280

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