8 days in Helsinki 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Get outdoors at Ekenas Archipelago National Park and Santalahti Nature Trail. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Helsinki: Teijo National Park (in Pernio), Valkmusa National Park (in Siltakyla) and Varissaari - Fort Elisabeth (in Kotka). There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, walk around Sibelius Monument, examine the collection at Design Museum, and take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland.

For reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Helsinki tour itinerary planning tool.

If you are flying in from Ireland, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In September, plan for daily highs up to 19°C, and evening lows to 8°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.