What if you could get the best experiences of your life while travelling to Helsinki, but planning an itinerary seems too difficult and there is just too much to see and experience. Trust me, we have all been there.
Helsinki offers many different options and experiences for every taste, whether you are staying just for one day or longer. On any given day of the year, you will not be disappointed, but it might be hard to plan where to go and what to see, especially for the first-timer. That is why this article is here to help you!
In this article, I will show you an example itinerary of how you can experience Helsinki just in 3 days. You will learn about other options to experience Helsinki to the fullest, and when you should collaborate with a Helsinki tour guide. So, let us help you make the most of it!
Finland is known for its nature, and Helsinki is not an exception. It is the capital of Finland, originally founded in 1550, located by the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Today it is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and Helsinki offers a vast variety of unique attractions to explore.
Helsinki offers a mix of different architectures, green urban areas, local and off-beaten trails, interesting designs, and delicious Nordic cuisines. With such a big offering, it might be confusing for first-timers to plan their trip. But will 3 days be enough to experience Helsinki to its fullest? Yes, if you plan your trip right, and here is how!
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Trip
To ensure that you have the best time of your life, our website GoWithGuide offers you the best options and ideas for your itinerary, and you can also choose private tours with set itineraries made by professional tour guides to experience the city to the fullest, hassle-free. With the help of a private guide, you do not need to worry about transportation, directions, or language barriers. You get the best suggestions for the best places to visit, the most delicious restaurants and café recommendations, and other ways to make your trip more interesting. Our services can be personalized and customized to your needs and make your trip an unforgettable experience!
The 3-day Itinerary In Helsinki For First-timers
Here is an itinerary for a 3-day Helsinki trip that allows you to experience the many incredible places the city has to offer!
First day:
- Helsinki Central Station (9.00 - 9.15 AM): One of the major landmarks in Helsinki bustling with people. Visit inside and admire the beautiful architecture of the station.
- Ateneum Finnish National Gallery (9.30 - 11.30 AM): Museum of traditional Finnish art, including some of the most famous paintings, are showcased here.
- Kaisaniemi Park and Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden (11.45 AM - 1.45 PM): Take a break from the city and stroll around in this beautiful park and its botanic garden that holds an old greenhouse all the way from the 19th century
- Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma or Amos Rex (2.00 - 4.00 PM): Both are very interesting museums offering contemporary art exhibitions, so, choose which one has the most interesting offerings for yourself, or visit both!
- The Parliament of Finland (4.05 - 4.10 PM): A popular architectural sight in Helsinki.
- The National Museum (4.15 - 6.00 PM): Discover Finnish history all the way from prehistoric times to present times
- Finlandia Hall and Finnish National Opera and Ballet (6.15 - 20.00): Walk around the parks and visit these unique architectural sights on the way.
Second day:
- Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral (9.00 - 10.00 AM): A must-see sightseeing spot in Helsinki, a very beautiful cathedral.
- Market Square Kauppatori (10.15 - 11.30 AM): Try different local and traditional foods sold in the stalls or buy souvenirs for your family and friends.
- Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (12.00 - 2.00 PM): Visit one of the biggest sea fortresses in the world.
- Esplanadi (2.30 - 4.00 PM): Stroll around the park and shopping districts and remember to see the Havis Amanda statue on the way.
- Design District (4.15 - 6.00 PM): Visit the Design District where you can find different antique vendors, museums, restaurants, and shops selling Finnish designs and local crafts.
For the rest of the evening walk around the neighbourhoods and you will find delicious restaurants where you can end your long day!
Third day:
- Seurasaari Open-Air Museum (9:00 AM - 11.00 AM): An open-air museum built to conserve rural Finnish architecture, a great place to explore with family.
- Sibelius Park and Sibelius Monument (11.30 AM - 12.30 PM): A beautiful sculpture built as a tribute to Finland’s most famous composer, Jean Sibelius.
- The Rock Church (12.45 - 1.30 PM): See Finnish architecture and design in this unique church built from rocks.
- Natural History Museum (1.45 - 4.00 PM): Explore the history and nature of Finland and other interesting exhibitions in this museum.
- Kluuvi District (4.15 - 6.15 PM): Stroll around these popular shopping streets with beautiful architecture and visit Stockmann Department Store, which is the largest one in the Nordics.
- Kamppi District (6.30 - 8.00 PM): The area consists of Kamppi Department Store and Kamppi Chapel of Silence, in the middle of the busiest areas of Helsinki where you can go relax after a long day.
Why should you hire a private tour guide?
At GoWithGuide we can offer you to experience the real authentic Helsinki! With our local private tour guides and their best tours and other experiences in Helsinki, you can access all the top spots in the city. With the private tour guides, you will be able to get unique information about the sights, explore off-the-beaten path, and immerse yourself with the local culture.
If you are unsure what to do or what to see, our guides are happy to provide suggestions based on your interests, and they are ready to take you to the sites you decide you want to visit. Since the guides are locals, they are more passionate, and can offer you the best of the best in their country, and give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Our guides can also help you with cultural differences and language barriers.
Get a private tour to save time and enjoy your vacation to the fullest!
Also, a private tour guide means that you do not have to share them with anyone else! You can enjoy interacting one-on-one with your tour guide as they provide you with detailed and interesting information about each location you visit. You will also be able to ask questions when needed compared to other tour choices. With a private tour guide, you will be able to go at your own pace with no hurrying or strict schedules, making sure that you get the most out of your visit. Booking a private tour guide allows you to enjoy your time at the destination without stress or hurry.
Do yourself a favor and book a private tour so you can focus on the sights. Whichever is your style, visiting popular attractions or escaping the hustle and visit more off-beaten paths of locals, we can arrange it - all you have to do is ask!
I hope this article got you interested in hiring a private tour guide for your next visit to Helsinki. Below you can find more recommendations of the tours offered by our local guides.