Ready for a dose of Finnish history, culture and art? Here are some of the very best museums, art galleries and cultural centres in Helsinki! All of these are free to enter (discounted) with the Helsinki Card (which also includes free public transport).
National Museum of Finland
The National Museum of Finland is packed with historical paintings, artefacts and antiques, and is the best place to for a quick immersion into the country’s history and cultural heritage.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Military Museum’s Manege
Visit the Military Museum’s Manege on the Suomenlinna island fortress to see the vast collection of military antiques, ranging from World War II to the Great Northern War. A fascinating cultural centre in a beautiful location.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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The Finnish Museum of Photography
Finland is an incredibly photogenic country and a visit to the Finnish Museum of Photography is the perfect place to discover some of the country’s finest landscapes.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Helsinki Design Museum
If you ever wander towards the Design District of Southern Helsinki, stop by the Design Museum for a walk through the best Scandinavian fashion and works of art.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Museum of Finnish Architecture
The Museum of Finnish Architecture is housed in a stunning neo-renaissance building and is the perfect place to delve into the country’s minimalist aesthetic.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Suomenlinna Museum
Suomenlinna Fortress is a thrilling destination packed with cannons, snaking tunnels and museums that are just crying out to be explored by energetic adventurers. What makes it even more fun is the fact that it is only accessible by taking a ferry from Helsinki Market Square — a mini-adventure in its own right! And as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fascinating history and a host of cosy cafés and restaurants to relax in, Suomenlinna is a real treat for parents too.
The Suomenlinna Museum is the perfect place to learn about its history and see beautiful photographs that will transport you back through time. You can also take guided tours through the fort and learn more about its history.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Ateneum Art Museum
If you’re into art and want to explore the works of Finland’s masters, the Ateneum Art Museum is simply unmissable.
This historic museum preserves the works of the best artists from Finland, and is conveniently located just next to the train station.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Museum Kiasma
If you are looking to learn more about Finland’s contemporary art, the beautiful Kiasma building is a must-visit. This family-friendly museum is conveniently located next to the statue of Mannerheim, and also offers live performances, events and workshops all year-round.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Seurassari Open Air Museum
If you are lucky enough to be in Finland during the summer, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the Seurassari Open Air Museum. You will enjoy the taste of old Finland when you walk through plenty of old buildings that best describes how the Finnish people lived in the past.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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LUOMUS Finnish Museum of Natural History
With dinosaur bones, dioramas and a host of natural artefacts with Finnish origins, the Finnish Museum of Natural History makes for a truly fascinating visit.
Entry: Free with the Helsinki Card.
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Heureka Finnish Science Centre
As well as its outstanding natural beauty and unique culture, Finland is hugely respected for its progressive educational facilities. Delivering science and technology to the general public in an engaging and interactive way, Helsinki’s Heureka Science Centre is a perfect example of how the Finns make learning fun and exciting. Interactive exhibitions and planetarium films allow children to engage and learn in an intuitive way, whilst the centre’s Einstein Cafe is a fantastic place to regroup and refuel as a family.
Entry: Discounted with the Helsinki Card.
Make it Happen
Where to stay in Helsinki: Stay in one of the many hotels or hostels around Esplanades Park to experience the best of the city on foot. Or if you’re lucky enough to be spending a month or so in Helsinki, or even moving here, then check out the local flat shares and apartments in Helsinki here.
How to get around: Helsinki is a relatively compact city and is great for exploring on foot – join a walking tour to make sure you see all the essentials. To see more of the city it’s worth jumping on the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus.
Best time to visit Helsinki: Finland enjoys four distinct seasons with each offering something unique and special. If you want snow and the winter wonderland that many of us think of when we picture Finland then visit anytime from December to March. Spring is bright and pleasant and runs from April to May, while the summer months of June, July and August see long sunny days and all sorts of with cultural events, including the summer carnival. Autumn in Finland is incredibly picturesque as the forests turn to shades of crimson and mustard.
