TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas
No Result
View All Result
TopFlight-Travel.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Destination

Wondering What To Do In Helsinki? 5 Suggestions!

Ashleigh Graham by Ashleigh Graham
0
Wondering What To Do In Helsinki

Having friends from various countries is definitely an advantage of spending time living abroad. One of my very good friends hails from Helsinki so I’ve visited Finland a couple of times to see her. Of all the lovely experiences this capital has to offer, I’ve whittled it down to 5 of my favourite things. So if you’re wondering what to do in Helsinki, here are my suggestions.

What to do in Helsinki: Go to a Finnish lake

With a grand total of 187,888 lakes dotted around Finland, you just have to give at least one a visit. I spent a lovely few days in a cabin on the lake ‘Iso Salasjärvi’, eating, drinking, playing games and relaxing with the mosquitos in the peace and quiet of the Finnish countryside. The almost complete absence of noise and people made it feel like it was just us and nature. Unfortunately, there was a little less nature left in the lake once we tried our hands at fishing. The Finns were used to this quiet pastime, but it was my first (and probably last) experience of it. Slowly creaking across the water in a rowing boat was much more my style. Although anything where I don’t have to pull a hook out of a cold fish, is much more my style.

RelatedPosts

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

What To Do In Helsinki_Lakes
Source: Visitfinland

What to do in Helsinki: Do sauna Finnish style

In Finland, the sauna is a big deal. Like, a huge deal. I had only tried sitting in a sauna once before, in a tiny wooden room in a swimming pool. I felt exactly as I imagine a chicken might feel when cooking in an oven (especially if said chicken is wearing an ill-fitting one-piece and sweating profusely). Sauna in Suomi is an entirely different experience. They do things properly over there, often with an outdoor sauna house heated by an old-timey wood fire. Not to mention the fact that they go totally and completely naked. To the introverted English person, this may sound like the worst thing since unsliced bread, but to the Finnish people, it’s normal. They seem to have a healthy complacency when it comes to nudity, which just doesn’t exist where I’m from. The lack of any material barriers seems to render any emotional ones non-existent as well. I’ve been told that a sauna is where friends feel they can go and talk about anything, even the most personal topics.

What To Do In Helsinki_Sauna
Source: UK.hotels

To experience a seemingly vital part of Finnish culture properly and, of course, just for a bit of fun, I did Finnish sauna style. The tradition is to sit and talk and drink until you can bear (see what I did there?) the sweltering heat no more. Then, you run to the nearby lake in the buff and have a refreshing swim, after which the cycle begins again. One thing I’ve learned for the next time: beer cans get HOT in the sauna. Decant drinks into a cup before entering. You’re welcome.

What to do in Helsinki: Go shopping

Finland’s most well-known brand is probably ‘Marimekko‘. Its bold prints and primary colours have made it iconic. If you’re looking for a shop where you can buy dresses in the same fabric as your bathroom towels, then look no further. The striking patterns emanate 60′s style yet have managed to remain relevant since the company’s inception in 1951.

A more modern Finnish designer is Minna Parikka. She launched her brand in 2005 and designs zany shoes, currently sporting a cute little rabbit ears design. I am desperate for a pair. Go and have a peek at her flagship store in Helsinki, but be careful not to drool on the shoes.

What To Do In Helsinki_market square
Source: Angsarap

I couldn’t talk about shopping in Helsinki without a quick mention of The Market Square at the South Harbour. Three seasons out of four (that pesky winter snow is mighty inconvenient), you can head down to this bustling market and try or buy some delicious Finnish food, fruit or vegetables, and hand-crafted souvenirs. The sweet peas are by far the best I have ever tasted and are a perfect snack for an on-the-go tourist.

What to do in Helsinki: Visit Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a sea fortress spanning 6 islands. Being a former military base, there is plenty of history to discover. You can explore the museums there, or simply by walking around the fortress. Despite this, Suomenlinna is by no means stilted in time but is actually rather vibrant as there are thousands of tourists every year. The fort is easily accessible by a short ride on the ferry (15-20 minutes), leaving The Market Square. On a warm summer’s day, it’s the perfect place for a lazy waterside picnic and a walk.

Many people choose to have the beautiful Suomenlinna as the backdrop for their wedding photos or their actual wedding or reception. During my visit, I saw many wedding guests wandering around in the sultry heat in their fancy dresses and suits – a wonderful sight to behold!

What to do in Helsinki_Suomenlinna
Source: Finlandlocalguide

Suomenlinna has lots of sweet little cafés, shops and artists studios, as well as an open-air theatre during the summer. There is plenty to do (or to not do, if you prefer to just laze on the beach), so it’s an ideal place for a day trip out of mainland Helsinki.

What to do in Helsinki: Get your groove on outdoors

Helsinki has numerous outdoor music venues. Perhaps the most longstanding is Kaisaniemi Park, with its first large open-air concert being organised in the early 1970s. Groovy, huh? Kaisaniemi hosts some large outdoor concerts, most notably the one scheduled for Helsinki Day in June, free and attended by tens of thousands of people.

What to do in Helsinki_Esplanadi
Source: Finlandiapuisto

For smaller outdoor concerts, there’s the lovely Esplanadi Puisto, where you can attend free open-air performances during the summer, including the Jazz-Espa concert series on weekdays throughout July. To be in the stunning surroundings one finds in these parks whilst enjoying live music in the summer sun is a beautiful experience not to be missed.

Tags: FinlandsaunaSuomenlinna
ShareTweetPinSendSend
Previous Post

What To Do In Marseille For The Weekend

Next Post

Island Hopping In Seychelles: Explore The Paradise

Related Posts

Romantic Beach Getaways: Couple Walking On A White Sandbar (Source: Canva)

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

by Gemma Arnold

Escape with your loved one to the most romantic beach getaways around the world. Discover the best destinations for couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia - Great wall of China

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

by Gemma Marks

Discover the Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the rich cultural heritage of...

Wilderness Survival: Hiker Couple Preparing Tea In Wilderness (Source: Canva)

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

by Gemma Arnold

Learn essential wilderness survival skills for backpacking emergencies. Discover how to find food, water, and start a fire in this...

Experienced Female Trekker on one of the Challenging Hiking Trails

5 Epic Challenging Hiking Trails for Experienced Trekkers

by Gemma Arnold

Looking for a new challenge as an experienced hiker? Look no further than our list of 5 challenging hiking trails...

Birdwatching Safari: Active Senior Woman Using Binoculars (Source: Canva)

Birdwatching Safari: Spotting Rare and Exotic Birds in Africa’s National Parks

by Gemma Arnold

Discover unique bird species on a thrilling birdwatching safari through Africa's national parks. Spot rare and exotic birds in their...

Best Spots for Jumping off Cliffs

Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Cliff Diving: Where to Find the Best Spots for Jumping Off Cliffs 

by Gemma Marks

If you're an adrenaline junkie and love the thrill of jumping off cliffs, this travel guide is for you. Discover...

Next Post
Exploring Seychelles

Island Hopping In Seychelles: Explore The Paradise

Unique Places To Visit In Salt Lake City

Unique Places To Visit In Salt Lake City

best bungee jumping spots
Travel Ideas

10 Best Bungee Jumping Spots to Experience

by Gemma Marks

Looking for the best bungee jumping spots in the world? This comprehensive travel guide has got you covered! Explore the...

Read more
Waffles - Food tour in Belgium

Food Tour in Belgium: Plan Your Gastric Itinerary

Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

10 Perfect Vietnamese Destinations for Food Tour

Island hopping in the Mediterranean

14 Things to Know When Island Hopping in the Mediterranean

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

7 Tips for Backpacking in a National Park

10 Things To Do In Maui
Destination

Things To Do in Maui – Follow My Top 10 Suggestions

by Ashleigh Graham

I’ve read enough travel articles that provide evidence that people specifically love lists about travel. That sounds right up my...

Read more

An Overview Of The Best Places to Stay in Tokyo

9 Tips For Staying Healthy While Travelling

Hotels in Rotterdam: 8 Of My Favourites

Have A Look At This List Of 20 Free Things To Do In Madrid!

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes

11 Sun-Drenched Winter Escapes
by Gemma Marks

If you are looking for winter escapes, these eleven destinations are my top-picks for you.

Read more

11 Best Top Places To Visit In The USA

Top Places To Visit In The USA Couple Tourist In Statue Of Liberty
by Gemma Arnold

Discover the top places to visit in the USA, from the historic landmarks of the Statue of Liberty and...

Read more

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam

Top 10 Islands in Vietnam
by Gemma Marks

If you are planning to go to Vietnam, this guide is helpful! You'll know which islands in Vietnam you...

Read more

Important Travel Tips in Thailand

Travel Tips in Thailand Ayutthaya Woman Tourist Reading The Map
by Gemma Arnold

Discover important travel tips in Thailand that will help you interact with locals and expand your business cycle.

Read more
Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

Spending Seven Hours in Magnificent Tallinn

by Ashleigh Graham

If you've ever wondered what you can see and do in a city in a mere seven hours, I have...

Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

My Top 8 Church Towers to Climb in Europe

by Ashleigh Graham

One of my favourite things to do when travelling anywhere is to find places with high vantage points that give...

Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

10 Magnificent Beaches in Lefkada

by Ashleigh Graham

Cliffs and coves meet azure, pristine waters through which you can see all way to the bottom. Lefkada is undoubtedly...

Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

10 Awesome Family Resorts in Minnesota

by Ashleigh Graham

There are many resorts spread throughout Minnesota. The state, popularly known as "The Land of 10,000 lakes", is home to...

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

Categories

  • Budget
  • Cold
  • Destination
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Luxury
  • Travel Ideas
  • Unique
  • Warm

Topics

Asia Australia bars Beach Brazil California Canada Caribbean Castle Central America China clubs cruise Denmark Europe Finland France fun Germany Greece hotels India Ireland Irish Island Italy Japan Kilmainham Mediterranean museums Ontario Scandinavia Slovenia snow South America Spain Sweden Thailand travelling Turkey UK US USA vacation WA

Recent News

Group of Friends Enjoying Europe's Music Festivals (Source: Canva)

A Guide to Europe’s Music Festivals: The Ultimate Cultural Immersion

Romantic Beach Getaways: Couple Walking On A White Sandbar (Source: Canva)

Romantic Beach Getaways: The Most Romantic Destinations for Couples

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia - Great wall of China

Best Historical and Architectural Sights in Asia

Wilderness Survival: Hiker Couple Preparing Tea In Wilderness (Source: Canva)

Wilderness Survival: Learning Skills and Techniques for Emergencies While Backpacking

  • About
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact Us

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Warm
  • Cold
  • Budget
  • Luxury
  • Unique
  • Festive
  • Food & Drink
  • Destination
  • Travel Ideas

© 2022 topflight-travel.com - Brought to you by The Dinner Media Group.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In