I never thought a day would come that I’d be writing about the places to visit when in Helsinki.
The European continent is perhaps the most travelled place on earth. I (as someone from a third world country) never dreamed of setting foot in any European country when I was young, but that changed when a work opportunity brought me to Scotland in 2013. After that, the idea to visit other countries in mainland Europe has been nothing but a daydream.
Fast forward ten years, another opportunity came. This time, it’s Finland. With all honesty, I was not very excited to go (I wanted to, but I was not gleefully excited) for a bunch of reasons. But who am I to refuse a maybe once in a lifetime opportunity?
What's in this post?
Quick Heslinki facts
Time 
Despite being way up north, Helsinki has the same time with Saudi Arabia (+3 GMT, or 5 hours late compared to the Philippines) but they switch to Daylight Saving Time (DST) in late October and adjust an hour back.
Gloomy November 
November is the gloomiest month in Helsinki. The days get shorter and shorter and rain is quite frequent. There is no considerable snowfall yet (snow makes the surroundings appear brighter because it reflects light) and if it did snow, the temperature is not enough for it to stay for long on the ground.
Count the steps 
Most of the interesting places in Helsinki can be reached by foot, especially if you are staying near or at the center of the city. Otherwise, they have an amazing transport system (bus, tram, and train) that you can choose from.
7-day ticket 
Which leads to mentioning that we took a 7-day ticket (bought three times) that could be used for bus, tram, train, and the ferry to Soumenlinna.
Last fall (full) show 
The autumn foliage can be seen till the last week of October to the first week of November. And by the second week of November, most of the colorful leaves have already fallen. This for sure slightly varies but it was the condition during our trip.
Places I visited in Helsinki
Here are the places we visited (not in chronological order), my ratings, their Google Maps links, and a quick info or experience about them. Maybe, consider adding (or skipping) these places to go to when you’re in Helsinki.
- Soumenlinna
- Helsinki Art Museum, HAM
- Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
- St. John’ Church (Johanneksenkirkko)
- Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square
- Temppeliaukion Church (Rock Church)
- Uspenski Cathedral
- Helsinki Central Library Oodi
- Esplanadi
- Market Square
- The Finnish Museum of Photography
Soumenlinna
My Rating: Must visit
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LfXZVBj3fNyV4UoD6
Admission: Free, except for the ferry ride
Soumenlinna is a sea fortress off Helsinki. It is now a Heritage Site which was started to be built in 1748. This place has a rich history which I honestly didn’t pay any attention (to read any signs) as I was drawn by the present condition of the place. You need to take a ferry from the Market Square to get there (the HSL ticket can be used here) which is a cool experience itself. Be ready for a lot of walking which could take around 3 hours. There is a café and a souvenir shop where you can stay in to relax especially if you need a break from the cold. (I have a tiny regret not buying some items from there that I really liked).
Helsinki Art Museum, HAM
If you have been to other art museums of any kind (e.g. Philippine National Museum, Pinto Art Museum), don’t expect to find that scale of collection in the museums in this list. However, the Helsinki Art Museum is my most favorite among the museums that I visited in Helsinki. There aren’t too many works on display, but it’s worth taking a look. Also, there’s a room whose every surface is a canvas that visitors can draw on . Great place to unleash your artistic side!
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
Weird and out of this world. I appreciated some of the digital and light projections, but in general, the exhibits during our visit was out of my grasp. Visit the website in advance to know the exhibits and artists in the time of your intended visit.
St. John’ Church (Johanneksenkirkko)
My Rating: Recommended (but not for everyone)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bJpfWcxXiWz4ppGK9
Admission: Free
If I were to give a list of the most beautiful buildings (architecture) I’ve seen, St. John’s Church will be on the top 5. This ‘neo-Gothic’ (Gothic Revival) church was built in the 19th century and is the biggest Lutheran church in Helsinki. Its overall architecture is worth a visit as well as the amazing interior.
Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square
Accordingly, and as I’ve experienced, The Helsinki Cathedral is the most iconic and most photographed place in Helsinki. Its prominent built and its white color make it stand out, figuratively and literally as it is built on an elevated ground at the Senate Square (it can even be seen from the island of Soumenlinna!) It honestly looks like a government building to me than a church. In the middle of the Senate Square stands a monument of Alexander II.
Temppeliaukion Church (Rock Church)
My Rating: Recommended, but not for everyone
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pKM2dgJuKCuAmuPv8
Admission: 8 Euro
Its satellite imagery on Google Maps looks like a space ship (flying saucer, if you’re my generation) stuck or partially buried in the ground. This Lutheran church is built directly into solid rock which gives its nickname ‘Rock Church’. The inside of this church is probably going to give you a unique experience, from its dome to the rock walls. There is also an access to the top of the church that will allow you to walk around the dome and have a view of the neighborhood.
Uspenski Cathedral
My Rating: Please go and tell me what’s inside
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MK8WEEXaPpisEppQ9
Admission: Free
The last church in this list. For some reason, I had no desire to check the inside of this cathedral. The closest I got was about 100 meters away from it, only to admire and take photos of it. Maybe it was the lack of time (by the time I was near this place, I was drained from all the photo-walk and the cold).
Helsinki Central Library Oodi
A huge building with several levels for various activities such as studying and working. The library has a big collection of books, but as extensive as I hoped. However, even non-locals (tourists) can also borrow books. The interesting spots: the spiral stairs, the Helsinki sign outside where you can take some souvenir photos, and the gathering outside of the youth dancing during weekends. There is also an open view of the Helsinki Parliament from the library.
Esplanadi
My Rating: Recommended, but not in November
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7TS63pGbRzfDpt6B6
Admission: Free (open area)
In general, any outdoor place in Helsinki would probably look less interesting when it’s overcast or raining. Esplenadi probably looks at its best during summer when it’s sunny and the gardens in full colors, or when the place is covered entirely in snow. Otherwise, it’s just nice to walk through there on your way to the port or the Market Square.
Market Square
My Rating: Must visit for shopping of souvenirs
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w38MJ7NF57YxTtEh9
Admission: Free
I am not a huge fan of buying souvenirs (read: ref magnets) but Finland is one of those places that you might visit only once in your life, and it’s nice to get a few items to remember the place by. The Market Square at the port has many shops that open when the weather is favourable and only during daytime (when there is light). You can find there a wide variety of handcrafted items like traditional wooden mugs (kuksu), knives, ref magnets and other items made from antlers, and many more. There are also shops that sell foods that I didn’t try because.
The Finnish Museum of Photography
My Rating: Recommended, but might not be for everyone
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/C7aoYxhTdfQ6gWUD6
Admission: 12 Euro
The Museum of Photography is a good place to visit if you’re a photography enthusiast. Otherwise, skip this place.
Final words
The month/season of your visit would probably have an effect on your perception and opinion of these places, like it did mine. The gloomy weather somehow made our trips to most of these places a tad less interesting.
Also, leisure was just an option and not the primary reason of our trip to Helsinki, so, there are some time constraints particularly during the weekdays (take note of the closing times especially the museums and as they are closed on Mondays).
As with any travel planning, you should plan your itinerary based mainly on time, day, season, your interest, and as well as their locations (proximity).
Nevertheless, it was overall a great experience and I will try to write more detailed account for this experience.
Remember, always travel intentionally and enjoy.
Photo notes 
: As I’ve been writing travel blogs on and off since 2010, I always try to use photos that will faithfully represent a place as opposed to photos that are highly edited/altered. I do edit (and post) photos creatively but I don’t mix them with posts like this which is hopefully intended to give information.
Travel period 
: October to November 2023