The state-owned Design Museum—Designmuseo in Finnish—is devoted to Finnish design from the mid-19th century onwards. Located in the heart of the Helsinki Design District near Esplanadi Park, the museum hosts visiting exhibits and permanent collections presenting the history of Finnish applied art and design.

Nestled among the trees of Sibelius Park, the contemporary Sibelius Monument commemorates the life of acclaimed Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. 600 hollow, silver-steel pipes hover above the ground and evoke a range of creative interpretations. Initially, the abstract sculpture caused controversy with its modern design, so a bronze Sibelius bust was installed nearby to appease critics.

The Helsinki Olympic Stadium is a Finnish architectural gem; it’s a symbol of both sporting history and modern entertainment. Hosting the 1952 Summer Olympics, it has witnessed countless historic moments over the years. Today, it's one of Finland’s biggest arenas and a venue for concerts, sporting events, and cultural festivals. You can also visit its viewing tower, restaurant, and sports museum.

Senate Square (Senaatintori) symbolizes the cultural heart of Helsinki. Among the many landmarks surrounding the square are the Government Palace, National Library, Lutheran Cathedral, City Museum, and Helsinki’s oldest building, which make Senate Square an essential stop on any first-time visitor’s itinerary.

Built in the early 1930s, Submarine Vesikko was a prototype for Germany’s Type II U-boats, which were later used by the German Navy in World War II. In 1935, Vesikko was bought by Finland and was later used to defend Finland from the Soviets in the 1939 Winter War. It now functions as a museum, with visitors able to board and explore.

The Sinebrychoff Art Museum was once the family home of a wealthy brewing dynasty. Today, it houses treasures of historic European art, from paintings by German Old Masters such as Lucas von Cranach the Elder to the baroque Antoine Watteau to prints by Goya and Piranesi.

Housed in a 19th-century building, the Museum of Finnish Architecture (Arkkitehtuurimuseo has less of a cutting-edge feel than you’d expect in Helsinki’s Design District. But the exhibits are fascinating, whether covering Finnish architecture’s journey to its heyday in the 1970s or exploring the work of modernist icons such as Alvar Aalto.

This was a historic sea fortress and an UNESCO World Heritage site! It a gem of a place with an attractive blend of rugged coastal landscapes and historic architecture, including well-preserved fortifications, charming wooden houses, lush green spaces, gorgeous views of the Baltic Sea, a tranquil, laid back vibe and a small community of residents all set against the backdrop of the scenic Helsinki archipelago!