Top 10 Awesome FREE Things To Do in Helsinki (Finland)

I was invited to Helsinki months ago by its tourism board in order to take part in their campaign named #HelsinkiSecret. Their simple yet exciting aim for this project was to introduce the city to travelers like me as they planned experiences that would give us an overview of how the locals live in this distinguished capital of Finland. (Free Things to Do in Helsinki)

I stayed there for a week in a great apartment hotel called Aallonkoti, and without a doubt, such a span of time and stay was enough for me to fall deeply in love with Helsinki.

I can’t quite describe the exact wondrous feeling that I felt, but the closest description that I can say is that though it’s a city that is dynamic and esthetic, it still had such a ‘small town’ feeling to it — I just felt right at ‘home’, which must be the reason why I left a part of my heart there. True enough, it was incredibly refreshing how the city moves on in such a laid-back manner.

However, don’t let its size fool you. It may not be a huge metropolis, but it is packed with tons of interesting attractions and activities that can easily fill up your travel itinerary. For a start though, it’s always great to know the top FREE things to do in Helsinki, and so here they are!

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Free Things to Do in Finland

1. Explore the city on foot to see its famous landmarks

With an area of around 180 km², you could imagine how Helsinki is a compact city making it easily explored on foot! Otherwise, with their superb tram and bus system, you can reach certain areas or districts in no time.

So apart from parks, churches, cathedrals, museums, and shopping areas, (which I will be discussing below in other top free things to do in Helsinki), there are 3 other main attractions that you must absolutely see; and I bet that much like me, you’ll be amazed at Helsinki’s charming architecture. They are, after all, awarded as the World Design Capital last 2012 and that says a ton about the prevalence of design and art among many others.

• Senate Square: This place displays unique Neoclassical architecture filled with 4 domineering buildings: the Government Palace, the Helsinki Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, and the University of Helsinki. You could even find the Sederholm House here in the southeast part of the square which is said to be the oldest stone building in the city.

TRIVIA: Every 5:49PM, you will…