7 days in Helsinki Region Itinerary

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Get some historical perspective at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Visiting Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Tuusulanjarvi (Lake Tuusula) will get you outdoors. Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: Porvoo (Castle Hill, Cathedral of Porvoo, &more), Kaunissaari (in Sipoo) and Hiidenkirnut (in Askola). There's lots more to do: take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), admire the landmark architecture of The National Library of Finland, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

For other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki journey planner.

Brussels, Belgium to Helsinki is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 1 hour. In July, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.