8 days in Helsinki 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.

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Aurinkolahti Beach and Hietaranta Beach. Visit Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Turku Castle for their historical value. Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: Turku Cathedral (in Turku), Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo) and Sipoonkorven Kansallispuisto (in Vantaa). Next up on the itinerary: take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, see the interesting displays at Finnish Aviation Museum, and get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo).

To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip planner.

If you are flying in from Australia, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. May in Helsinki sees daily highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.