Trimm Travels

Discovering as much of God's creation as possible!

  • About
    • Bio
    • Bucket List
    • Work with Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
    • Contact
  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Photography
    • Aerial
    • Cityscapes
    • Natural Landscapes
    • Tropical
    • Wildlife
  • Travel
    • Flying
    • Gear & Tech
    • Packing
    • Tips & Resources
  • Life at Home
    • Fashion
    • Inspiration
    • Maltese Mafia
    • Recipes
      • Travel Recipes
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
      • Pastas
      • Holiday Recipes
  • SHOP
  • FAQ

Best Highlights of What to See in Helsinki, Finland in One Day

June 5, 2018 by Heather 2 Comments

Share this ...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on buffer
Buffer

 
Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Baltic Sea cruise with Princess last summer. I love the relaxation of cruising, the convenience of not having to change hotels, and the opportunity to see several countries and cities in the same trip. However, the downside is that you don’t get much time in any one destination. One of the countries we visited was Finland and I am sharing the best highlights of what to see in Helsinki when you have only one day!

Helsinki Resources & Recommendations

  • Accommodations: I book mine through Booking.com because of competitive pricing and there’s usually free cancellation up until a few days before arrival!
  • Skyscanner: Compare prices and get the best deals on flights
  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Protect yourself and your trip. Get a free quote!
  • Lonely Planet Guidebooks: the best (and my personal favorite) guidebooks out there! Choose from the Pocket Helsinki Travel Guide or the Lonely Planet Finland Travel Guide

We saw all of these places via bus tour and boat cruise. The two together made up a fairly comprehensive tour of Helsinki and while we saw more than what I talk about in this post, these by far were the best highlights in my opinion!

Sibelius Monument

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

The Sibelius Monument or Passio Musicae, located in Sibelius Park, is a sculpture by Finnish artist Eila Hiltunen.

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Passio Musicae debuted in 1967 and is dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (also for whom the park is named). 600 steel pipes welded together make up this impressive monument and it weighs 24 tons!

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Coming from a musical background, this was one of the coolest monuments I have seen. Definitely one of the most unique as well as one of my favorites! Look at the detailing in the pipes!

Apparently, there is a miniature version in the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and since I’m going there later this summer, I’m hoping to check it out!

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Later on, Hiltunen added a sculpture of Jean Sibelius’ face that sits next to the monument dedicated to his music.

TIP: Go earlier in the morning if possible as the park (and particularly the monument) get crowded in the summer.

Location: Sibeliuksen Puisto, Mechelininkatu, 00250 Helsinki, Finland

Hietaniemi Beach

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

If you are there in the summer, visit Hietaniemi Beach, the most popular beach in Helsinki. Interestingly enough, it used to be a landfill that became used for sand storage. The locals adopted it as a beach in 1929.

Location: 00100 Helsinki, Finland

TIP: Because of its popularity and Finland’s brief summers, the beach gets crowded so try to avoid peak times of the day.

You might also like: BEST THINGS TO DO IN LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND

Cathedral of Helsinki

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Make sure you see the Cathedral of Helsinki. Built between 1830-1852, it is the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral of the Diocese of Helsinki.

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Until the independence of Finland in 1917, the church was known as St Nicholas’ church because it was originally a tribute to the Grand Duke of Finland who was Tsar Nicholas I of Russia.

On a side note, history is way more fascinating and much easier to learn as an interested adult vs when I was in school being forced to learn it! 😂

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

I remember thinking that the architecture looked similar to some of what I saw in Russia, but I wasn’t positive since I didn’t know the style name and couldn’t make a specific connection.

After researching it, the reason it kept reminding me of Russia is because its model is St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg!  The style? Neoclassical. Ahem. I mean, sure. Everyone knows that’s neoclassical, right? (in my best “I knew that” voice).

Anyway, the layout of the church is a Greek cross which is a square center with four equal, symmetrical arms in the direction of the four cardinals.

I just remember thinking, it’s pretty! I have really gotten into architecture over the past couple of years, but please don’t test my knowledge. Maybe a better way to state that is I have really gotten into the admiration of architecture over the years? That sounds better!

Location: Unioninkatu 29, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki by Sea

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Tour Helsinki by boat. We went on the Victoria.

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

I love getting the different perspective on a city by its shoreline.

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

For one, I just like being on the water so if you like the same, this is definitely something you will want to do in Helsinki!

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Other than countless gorgeous views of Helsinki, we saw authentic sauna houses,

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

lots of small islands with charming seaside parks,

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

and even passed through a tiny canal that only one boat at a time can enter.

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

It even had a traffic light!

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

I was most excited about seeing this Icebreaker Fleet! Seeing as though I had never seen one before, I was trying to imagine it in action, but still can’t quite fathom the power!

Market Square

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Either on the way to your boat tour or after you disembark, make sure to explore Market Square where you can get lots of fresh Finnish food or buy souvenirs.

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

This is where I grabbed my usual souvenirs for Finland. I could’ve explored the market for hours and eaten my weight in the yummy food I was smelling!

TIP: During the summer on the first Friday night of the month, they have a display of American vintage cars! Also, if you like festivals (or for people who want to avoid them), the annual Helsinki Herring Market is in October.

Location: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki, Finland

 Finland Fun Facts

  • Finland became independent from Russia in 1917 and I visited in 2017, the year they celebrated their centenary.
  • For nearly 700 years, Finland was part of Sweden. Sweden lost Finland to Russia in the Finnish War of 1809.
  • Helsinki is the capital and biggest city in Finland with around 630,000 people. They say in Finland the most people they have per square kilometer is 18 and the least is two. The joke is those two people are Santa and Mrs. Claus!
  • Finland has the northernmost metro in the world.
  • 70% of Finnish citizens belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
  • Finland is on an isthmus and has 300 islands.
  • Like many cities around the world, Helsinki has a Ronald McDonald House for parents of children who are being treated in the children’s hospital.
  • Kids in Finland start school at age 7 and start the equivalent of high school at age 16 where they choose either an academic or vocational path. After three years, most continue on to college.
  • As Finnish isn’t spoken anywhere else, they have to learn other languages. They learn at least two foreign languages and most choose English as their best language.
  • There are two official languages in Finland: Finnish and Swedish (about 6% are Swedish speakers living on the coast).

Uber is in Helsinki! Get your first Uber ride FREE (up to $5)!

PIN IT!

Sometimes you only have a little time to explore a place. Maybe you're on a cruise like I was or a stopover or you could only extend your trip by one day to see an extra destination. If Finland fits that description for you, maximize your time and check out this list of what to see in Helsinki in one day! #helsinki #finland #europe #whattosee #thingstodo #attractions #travel

Short, sweet and to the point, but these are the highlights that made an impression on me and the ones I recommend seeing if you don’t have a lot of time in Helsinki! If you do, however, have more than one day then check out this two-day Helsinki itinerary and this guide to the best places to stay in Helsinki!

Have you been to Helsinki and have something to add to my list? If you haven’t been, which of these would you be most interested in seeing?

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

Heather
Share this ...Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on buffer
Buffer

Related

Categorized: Destinations · Tagged: Europe, Finland, Helsinki

Leave a Reply - I Love Comments!

  1. alison says

    September 6, 2019 at 6:32 am

    I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places. I hope your shared information would be useful for other travellers.

    Reply
    • Heather says

      September 7, 2019 at 10:45 pm

      Hi Alison-I’m glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply - I Love Comments! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome to Trimm Travels!

Hi! I'm Heather and I like to say I'm a hybrid as I'm a born and bred Southern girl who lived in California for a few years and left part of her heart there! I have a passion for travel, food and photography and I am so excited to share my experiences with all of you! I hope to discover as much of God's creation as possible before I leave it and I would love to have you follow along on my journey! Read More…

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Snapchat
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Tracking Trimm Travels!

Never miss an exciting update! Get new posts (including tips and recipes) delivered straight to your inbox!

Track Now
Trimm Travels Bloglovin

Trimm Traveling The Globe

Recent Posts

Heather from Trimm Travels standing up posing on a snowmobile for a photo against snow covered terrain

Salt Lake City in Winter: March Weekend Getaway

a glowing candle with light pink lighting and multi-colored bottles of wine on a wine rack in the background

Fun Places to Eat in Salt Lake City + What to Order

Front entrance to Magic Kingdom Walt Disney World with Mickey Mouse head made of flowers against a blue sky to celebrate Disney's 50th Anniversary

Disney’s 50th Anniversary Guide: The Grand Finale

white see-through ornament ball hanging on a lighted tree

Orange County Christmas Events for Holiday Fun

Get Your Travel On!

Most Popular Posts

  • Salt Lake City in Winter: March Weekend Getaway
    Salt Lake City in Winter: March Weekend Getaway
  • Fun Places to Eat in Salt Lake City + What to Order
    Fun Places to Eat in Salt Lake City + What to Order
  • Disney's 50th Anniversary Guide: The Grand Finale
    Disney's 50th Anniversary Guide: The Grand Finale
  • Orange County Christmas Events for Holiday Fun
    Orange County Christmas Events for Holiday Fun

Where To?

Accommodations Africa Alberta Amsterdam Asia Austria Blog Birthday Blogversary California Canada Christmas Collab Posts Dallas Day Trips Disney Europe Fall Food Gift Guide Greece Guides Holiday Iceland Itineraries Lexie Los Angeles Lucerne Morocco New York NYC Outdoor Trips Pennsylvania Philadelphia Photography Reykjavik South America Sponsored Spring Switzerland Texas The Netherlands Tips United States Vienna Winter

Tracking Trimm Travels Timewise

I can't believe how fast this year went by! Hopefully, I can inspire your future travels in 2020 and beyond with these highlights of my Roundup Review 2019! #roundup #northamerica #destinations #travel #europe #asia #southamerica #trimmtravels #nyc #usa
Another great travel year tracking Trimm Travels! I hope that I can inspire your travels in 2019 and beyond with highlights from my roundup review 2018! #travel #roundup #travelyear #destinations #travelinspiration #traveltips #morocco #usa #france #canada #iceland #austria
My annual travels all rolled up into one, nice little package! Featuring a summary of destinations you will want for your bucket list, check out my Tracking Trimm Travels: Roundup Review 2017! #roundup #review #bucketlist #destinations #travel #europe #southamerica #usa
Amazon Official Disclosure Trimm Travels

Photography Awards

Silver Seal for 30th Annual North American Travel Journalists Association Awards

Proud Member Of

Trimm Traveling Instagram-Come Follow Along!

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day❤️ It’s late b ❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day❤️ It’s late but it’s on the day! 🙌🏼 Got in from NYC late last night and updated my New York in February post (link in bio ⬆️ and then click this photo) today! 🥳
❤️
There are so many reasons February is a great time to go (my favorite time after December actually) and Valentine’s decorations and specials are just two of many! 😍
❤️
If you want to do NYC cheaply and without a million of your best friends, then read my post!  Good tips for everything across the board! ✅ Take it from me, the most local, non-local New Yorker you will ever meet! 😃
❤️
❤️
❤️
❤️
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingnyc #valentinesday #valentinesweek #valentines #happyvalentines #happyvalentinesday #february #februaryinnewyork #newyorkinfebruary #winterinnyc #secretnyc #ilovenyc #nyclover #nycgo #nyctravel #nycblogger #nycphotographer #nycphotography #valentinesphotography #manhattan #timessquarevalentineheartdesign #timessquarenyc #lovenyc #discovernyc #bigapple🍎 #walkingnyc #nybucketlist #onlyinnewyork #timeoutnewyork
Christmas doesn’t have to be over yet, right? 🎄 Who else out there makes it last as LONG as possible? 🙋🏻‍♀️
🎄
🎄
🎄
🎄
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingcalifornia #americanaatbrand #glendaleca #socalchristmas #christmasincali #christmasincalifornia #christmaslights #postchristmas #postchristmasblues #christmasdecorations #haveyourselfamerrylittlechristmas #christmasinla #christmastravel #christmasholidays #happyholidays #merrychristmas #visitcali #visitsocal #caligirl #calilove #lovecali #lovecalifornia
🎄🎄 MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 🎄🎄 ❤️ 💚 FO 🎄🎄 MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 🎄🎄
❤️
💚
FOR MORE PHOTOS, ALL INFO, AND LOCATIONS IN THIS REEL, CLICK THE LINK ⬆️ IN BIO AND THEN TAP THE PHOTO!
❤️
💚
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingnyc #merrychristmas #christmastravel #holidayseason #december #feliznavidad #nycchristmas #christmastime #ilovenyc #ilovechristmas #nyc  #nycgo #secretnyc #newyorkmoment #nyc #christmasdecorations #celebratechristmas #christmastour #nyctourism #nyctour #nycbloggers #happyholidays #holidaysinnyc
Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄 If you are in New York a Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄 If you are in New York and want to know how to see everything OR are planning for next year, be sure to check out my new post CHRISTMAS IN NYC: THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GUIDE (link ⬆️ in profile and then tap this pic!) for photos, locations, maps, itinerary and more! 🎄❤️💚
🎄
🎅🏻
🎄
🎅🏻
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingnyc #nycchristmastime #nycblogger #deckthehalls #bigapple #manhattan #brooklyn #nyclove #nyclover #takemetonewyork #holidays #christmasinnewyork #christmasinmanhattan #christmasdecor #christmastree #christmaslights #nycphotography #nycphoto #nycguide #ohchristmastree #holidaylights #nycgo #secretnyc #wheretogoinnyc #rockefellerchristmastree #fifthavenue
The Peninsula in NYC is gorgeous at Christmastime! The Peninsula in NYC is gorgeous at Christmastime! 😱🎄❤️💚
🎄
🎄
🎄
🎄
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingnyc #newyorkchristmas #thepeninsula #thepeninsulahotel #penmoments #nychotel #christmasdecorations🎄 #christmasinnewyork #newyorknewyork #newyorkminute #holidays #christmastime #christmasinnyc #nycgo #ilovenyc #ilovenewyork #holidayseason #deckthehalls #christmastravel #december
The Christmas week is upon us! 😱 It is my favor The Christmas week is upon us! 😱 It is my favorite time of year and I love discovering new places for insanely gorgeous decorations…and even the hidden gems within them! 😍🎄😉
🎄
Where is YOUR favorite place for Christmas decorations? 🤔 You know the drill…⬇️⬇️⬇️
🎄
🎄
🎄
🎄
🎄
#trimmtravels #trimmtravelingcalifornia #missioninnhotel #socal #southerncalifornia #cali #visitcalifornia #visitsocal #christmasdecorations #christmaslights #christmasmagic #explorecali #explorecalifornia #christmasincalifornia #christmasincali #californiadreaming #holidaydecorations #christmastime #takemeback #feliznavidad🎄 #decoratingforchristmas #hotelcalifornia #myfavoriteholiday #myfavoritetimeofyear #holidays #californiablogger #holidayphoto #christmasphoto #thisiscalifornia #onlyincalifornia

Trimm Travels Instagram Button

  • Home
  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Tools
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Trimm Travels · Site by Design by Insight

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

WHO DOESN'T LOVE COOKIES?
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can find out more about which cookies we use or switch them off in Cookie Settings. See our full Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

ACCEPT Decline
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your user experience. Some of these cookies are categorized as necessary and are stored on your browser because they are essential to make the basic functionalities of this website work. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored on your browser only with your consent. You have the option to opt-out of these cookies but doing so may affect your browsing experience. For more information, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
 

Loading Comments...