Top 3 Itineraries in Helsinki

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Helsinki.

If you only have a few days, Helsinki weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Helsinki offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Helsinki are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Helsinki offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Finland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Helsinki truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Helsinki belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Helsinki are just a quick search away.

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Discover the perfect Helsinki itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Helsinki for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Helsinki without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Helsinki!

A scenic 7-day road trip through Imatra, Kotka, Lappeenranta, Helsinki, and Lahti is one of the best ways to experience Finland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 7-day itinerary means that Helsinki can easily be combined with other top destinations in Finland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Imatra, Kotka, Lappeenranta, Helsinki, and Lahti by public transport, renting a car in Finland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 7 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Lappeenranta

• Arrival city: Lappeenranta
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lappeenranta, e.g., Hotelli Rakuuna
• Sightseeing: Lappeenranta Fortress

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Lappeenranta. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Imatra, Lappeenranta, and Luumäki

• Destinations: Imatra, Lappeenranta, and Luumäki
• Driving distance: 222.85 km, approx. 3 hours and 13 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Lahti, e.g., Lahti City Home
• Sightseeing: Sandcastle Lappeenranta, Kotkaniemi, Kruununpuisto, and Imatra Rapids

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Sandcastle Lappeenranta, Kotkaniemi, Kruununpuisto, and Imatra Rapids. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Imatra, Lappeenranta, and Luumäki, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Lahti.

Day 3: Discover Kotka and Lahti

• Destinations: Kotka and Lahti
• Driving distance: 262.46 km, approx. 3 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Helsinki, e.g., Hotel Mestari
• Sightseeing: Maritime Centre Vellamo, Sapokka Water Garden, Katariina Seaside Park, and Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge
• Recommended tour: Helsinki Walking Tour - Small Group

Spend the day exploring Maritime Centre Vellamo, Sapokka Water Garden, Katariina Seaside Park, and Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Helsinki.

Day 4: Experience Helsinki

• Destinations: Helsinki
• Driving distance: 6.05 km, approx. 45 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Helsinki, e.g., Hotel Mestari
• Sightseeing: Uspenski Cathedral, Kaivopuisto, Helsinki Market Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and Senate Square
• Recommended tour: Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour in Finland

Continue your journey through Helsinki, where you can explore Uspenski Cathedral, Kaivopuisto, Helsinki Market Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and Senate Square. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Helsinki

• Destinations: Helsinki
• Driving distance: 11.22 km, approx. 51 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Helsinki, e.g., Hotel Mestari
• Sightseeing: Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Art Museum Ateneum, Esplanadi, and Korkeasaari Zoo
• Recommended tour: A Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki

Drive through Helsinki, stopping to visit Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Art Museum Ateneum, Esplanadi, and Korkeasaari Zoo. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Helsinki

• Destinations: Helsinki
• Driving distance: 228.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lappeenranta, e.g., Hotelli Rakuuna
• Sightseeing: Sibelius Park, Finnish Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of Finland, and Temppeliaukio Church

Spend time discovering Sibelius Park, Finnish Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of Finland, and Temppeliaukio Church, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Lappeenranta.

Day 7: Bid Farewell to Lappeenranta

• Departure city: Lappeenranta
• Driving distance: 1.21 km, approx. 16 minutes
• Sightseeing: Old Park, "Kissing Park"

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Lappeenranta. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1062 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Helsinki.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Helsinki for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 6-day city break in Helsinki with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 6-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Helsinki without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Helsinki

Arrive in Helsinki and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurant Grön is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Helsinki's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Helsinki by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Linnanmäki and SEA LIFE Helsinki.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Helsinki. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Helsinki in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Helsinki

Use this day to discover more of Helsinki’s top sights. We recommend visiting Uspenski Cathedral, SkyWheel Helsinki, Helsinki Market Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and Senate Square.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Helsinki in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Helsinki's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Helsinki’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Helsinki

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Finnish Museum of Natural History, Art Museum Ateneum, and Korkeasaari Zoo are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Helsinki.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Helsinki. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Finland!

Day 6: Savor Your Final Moments in Helsinki

Spend your last few hours in Helsinki soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Helsinki in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Helsinki, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Helsinki travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Helsinki offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Helsinki itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Helsinki weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Helsinki

Arrive in Helsinki around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Kaivopuisto, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Helsinki’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Helsinki with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Uspenski Cathedral early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Helsinki Market Square, stopping by SkyWheel Helsinki for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Helsinki and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Helsinki

No itinerary in Helsinki is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Sibelius Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Sibelius Monument and Linnanmäki, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Helsinki and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Finland.

Day 5 - Depart from Helsinki

Make the most of your last few hours in Helsinki before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Helsinki. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Helsinki itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Helsinki, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Helsinki for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Helsinki in a way that feels truly unforgettable!