Helsinki in 2 days (1-night)

Denise van Rijswijk - (DenisevanRijswijk)
Itinerary created by
Denise van Rijswijk
What you’ll do

A complete and jam-packed itinerary for 2 wonderful days in Helsinki. Perfect for a short layover or citytrip, with many places to see, eat, shop and sleep. With this very efficient program and perfectly planned route you are completely covered and see the best of Finland's capital city!

Start your trip in Finland at the most iconic landmark of Helsinki, the white Cathedral on the large Senate Square.

1

Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral
Iconic white cathedral in Helsinki
Category
Sightseeing

76 m (0 mi)

Next to the white Cathedral you can enter the National Library of Finland. The most historic looking spot in Helsinki. Very photogenic!

2

National Library of Finland
National Library of Finland
A hidden treasure trove in Helsinki
Category
Culture

490 m (0.3 mi)

2 min

Time for a nice coffee break :)

3

Fazer Café Kluuvikatu
Fazer Café Kluuvikatu
Cozy café famous for it's chocolate
Category
Café
Est. Price
$$

488 m (0.3 mi)

2 min

If you feel like shopping, pay a visit to Helsinki's biggest department store. For great outdoor gear head over to the XXL Sport & Outdoor store.

4

This one is optional

Stockmann Helsinki
Stockmann Helsinki
The biggest department store in Helsinki
Category
Shop
Est. Price
$$
Sport & Outdoor gear
Sport & Outdoor gear
Gear up for your next outdoor adventure
Category
Shop
Est. Price
$$

295 m (0.2 mi)

1 min

Ready for lunch?

5

Restaurant Chéri
Restaurant Chéri
Modern French dining with flair
Category
Restaurant
Est. Price
$$
Restaurant Type
french

1.5 km (0.9 mi)

8 min

Take a moment to admire Finland's most famous art nouveau building. If you are not planning on traveling by train during your trip, it's worth taking a quick peak inside.

6

Helsinki Central Station
Helsinki Central Station
Iconic transportation hub in Helsinki
Category
Sightseeing

1.1 km (0.7 mi)

5 min

Although you have already visited the National Library by now, it's time to visit another library; the very modern Oodi that cannot be missed.

7

Oodi library
Oodi library
State-of-the-art library in Helsinki
Category
Culture

1.6 km (1 mi)

7 min

Helsinki has a couple of interesting museums. Both the Kiasma and Amos Rex museum are closeby and a great option if you like modern art and Finnish design. Otherwise you can take the tram or grab a cab to the Tahto Sports museum.

8

Choose the option that fits you the best

Kiasma
Kiasma
Contemporary art museum in Helsinki
Category
Museum
Est. Price
$$
Amos Rex
Amos Rex
Amos Anderson Art Museum
Category
Museum
Est. Price
$$
Tahto Sports Museum
Tahto Sports Museum
A museum dedicated to Finland's sports history
Category
Museum
Est. Price
$$

1.8 km (1.1 mi)

7 min

One last cultural stop before you can have a relaxing evening!

9

Temppeliaukio Church
Temppeliaukio Church
Architectural church build in rocks
Category
Sightseeing
Est. Price
$

3.3 km (2 mi)

11 min

On your first night in Helsinki you can do something very Finnish, dive into the sauna and take a cold plunge. If you only have one night in Helsinki, I recommend you to pick one of the two options below.

The Allas Pools are located right in the heart of Helsinki, but Löyly has a great restaurant. You can spend the whole evening here eating great food, sipping on some cocktails and enjoying time in the sauna. Don't forget your swimwear!

10

This one is optional

Löyly Helsinki
Löyly Helsinki
Unique Finnish sauna and restaurant by the sea
Category
Spa
Est. Price
$$$
Allas Sea Pool
Allas Sea Pool
Seaside heated pools in Helsinki
Category
Spa
Est. Price
$$

3.6 km (2.3 mi)

15 min

Below you can find a few hotel options for your stay in Helsinki. These are my favorite accommodations, ranging from beautiful boutique hotels for couples, to great apartments and studios for solo travellers and families. All tested and 100% approved by me!

11

Choose the option that fits you the best

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Rooms with a unique view over the train tracks
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$$
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Luxury Lapland charm in Helsinki
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$$
Noli Studios Katajanokka
Noli Studios Katajanokka
Stylish studio's for solo travelers (short+long stay)
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$
2ndhomes Loft Apartment
2ndhomes Loft Apartment
Luxurious loft (with private sauna) in Helsinki
Category
Homes
Est. Price
$$$
Hotel Katajanokka
Hotel Katajanokka
Historic hotel in a former prison
Category
Hotel
Est. Price
$$

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