9 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.

Appreciate the collections at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and The National Museum of Finland. Explore hidden gems such as Katajanokka and The Aalto House. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Helsinki: Laurinmaki Crofter's Museum (in Janakkala), Maritime Centre Vellamo (in Kotka) and Cathedral of Porvoo (in Porvoo). There's much more to do: explore the galleries of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), steep yourself in history at Mannerheim Museum, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

For ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki online sightseeing planner.

Atlanta, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 14.5- hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET), which is usually a 7 hour difference. When traveling from Atlanta in December, plan for cooler days in Helsinki, with highs around 37°F, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 27°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can travel back home.