Things to do & places to visit in Uusimaa, Finland

Uusimaa #1 destination in Finland 2023. The average rating score is 4.29 based on 69.1k traveler reviews, of 398 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Helsinki, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 4:45.

Top things to do (37)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Temppeliaukio Church (8.746 reviews)
- Unique place.
Sunday: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Also known as "Church in the Rock," this modern church is carved from rock and has a stunning copper dome. See more..
4.5 Sea Fortress Suomenlinna (8.243 reviews)
- Rich in history
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities

The island is a nice place to explore and to get to know a little about Finnish History. It cost €4.50 for a one way ferry trip and the ride is less then 20 minutes. The ferry leaves once in every 40 minutes. Exploring the island should not take you more then 3 hours. Most of the restaurants there require reservations if you are going there on the weekend or public holidays so be mindful of this if you are planning to have a meal there however there’s a grocery store on the island where you can pick up supplies if you plan to have a picnic here. The church on the island is simple and beautiful and there are a few spots where you can enjoy beautiful sun sets. There’s a lot a beer brewing on the island which I did not visit. Worth the visit especially in the summer if you want a break from Helsinki city. See more..
4.5 Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali) (3.916 reviews)
- Fascinating cathedral…
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Religious Sites

Aside from the fact that the views are superb from its elevated position, I was really intrigued to see inside as I’ve rarely been in a Russian Orthodox Church and I’d heard this is one of their largest cathedrals in the world outside of Russia. The decor inside is stunning and shiny, and the artwork & design impressive, plus the Cyrillic/Russian inscriptions are fascinating. Interestingly, inside is not as big as you’d expect from its grand exterior…and there is no doubting it’s presence in gorgeous red on the Helsinki skyline, all the more glorious at nighttime…and incredible views over the Baltic Sea, the rest of the city & Helsinki Cathedral in a contrasting bright white. Definitely worth a visit, this is far more a must-see than Helsinki cathedral in my opinion, at least for its interior and the 360 views. See more..
4.5 Old Market Hall (3.099 reviews)
- Vanha Kauppahalli (aka Old Market Hall)
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets

The Vanha Kauppahalli, or Old Market Hall, is a relaxed, indoor, retail and dining spot and event space and is an ideal lunch spot for the hungry tourist and locals alike. Eating salmon soup or Skagan shrimp (shrimp toast) at the Hall is a must. We loved the food and the easy, friendly atmosphere. You can also browse local delicacies and buy jam, preserves, fish, meat and other Finnish fare to take home as a memento of your trip. The Hall is close to the outdoor market where you can browse further stalls. The building is gorgeous and a lovely photo op too. Watch out for the seagulls! See more..
4.5 Kamppi Chapel of Silence (2.937 reviews)
- Serene Kamppi chapel
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

I’m not a religious or spiritual person but the silence here is profoundly serene and wonderful to experience when the world outside is filled with the noise of the city. Incredible minimalist design adds to the feeling of being cocooned from the outside world. Take 10 minutes out of your day to reflect. See more..
4.5 The Esplanadi Park (2.801 reviews)
- The most famous park in Finland
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Parks

This centrally located park was planned by the famous architect Carl Ludvig Engel. It was opened in 1818. At the Market Square end of the park lies the historic restaurant Kappeli from 1867. Opposite Kappeli is Espa Stage, which offers summer concerts. Svenska Teatern (Swedish Theatre) is located at the Mannerheimintie end of the park. There are many statues in the park. The most famous is the statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg located next to the legendary Kämp Hotel. In the summertime, the park is popular for picnics. During Christmas time, the park is beautifully lit. See more..
4.5 Helsinki Tram System (1.802 reviews)
- Helsinki Trams
Trams

If you are planning to visit the Finnish capital, then I recommend the tram in the city of Helsinki for transportation, because it is a very convenient type and environmentally friendly transport. I recommend purchasing an AB-day ticket or for several days, depending on the duration of the visit, especially since it can be used on other modes of transport, including a trip by ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress. Be sure to take route number 3 in Helsinki. You will see those buildings and sculptures that are not in the guidebooks. There are also many interesting shops. See more..
4.5 Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum (1.377 reviews)
- Excellent place
Historic Sites • History Museums

Seurasaari is an excellent place to visit. With an entrance fee you can enter the houses/buildings in the open-air-museum but you can also decide not to pay the entrance fee and just walk around and see the buildings outside. There's lot's to see. Somewhat half of the island is recreation area and you can sit by the sea on rocky waterfronts. There are some cafe's and museum shop too. Lovely an beautiful location and easy to travel from the city center by bus or tram. See more..
4.5 Ateneum (1.105 reviews)
- Two new feminine exhibitions
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

This property is temporary closed See more..
4.5 Porvoo Old Town (1.026 reviews)
- Incredibly picturesque
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM Points of Interest & Landmarks

If you are an art enthusiast and like to paint and draw you should plan to spend some time here. It is such a picturesque town that you can spend hours drawing and painting or photographing the beautiful houses, streets, river, nature, and environs of Porvoo. You can also buy some real art (and even the beautiful vintage Arabia ceramic ware) in a number of small and unique antique shops. I also recommend visiting the “Art Factory Porvoo” to see some interesting exhibition of contemporary Finnish artists. To reach the Factory you walk on the pleasant promenade along the Porvoo River for 10-15’ then cross a bridge until you reach Läntinen Aleksanterinkatu 1. See more..
4.5 Natural History Museum (532 reviews)
- Good of you are interested in animals and history of evolution
Natural History Museums

The museum mostly shows stuffed/ conservated animals. The animals are nicely prepared and the museum tries to show them in their natural habitat and in their natural environment. The visit in total took us about 2h. I believe if you have small children it can take longer. The price is a little high for what the museum shows I would say. Probably I am a little biased, since we have a similar museum where I live and it costs less, yet if even larger. But still, if you like seeing animals and are interested in history of evolution, then it's worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Central Library Oodi (525 reviews)
- The library all others aspire to
Spent 1-2 hours Libraries

A library? How on Earth can a library be a top attraction in a modern metropolitan city? If you have to ask, then you’ve never visited the Helsinki Public Library. This is the most thoughtfully designed public community space I’ve ever seen. It draws you in immediately and makes you feel welcome, no matter where you’re from, no matter what you are looking for. Start by taking the escalators to the top floor, walk upslope to get a full feeling of the inner spaciousness, then step outside on the balcony to read in the sun or just admire the view of the plaza and Music Centre. Walk down the spiral staircase to explore quiet spaces or visit the coffee shop on the ground floor. Honestly, if I lived in downtown Helsinki, I would spend all my spare time in this endlessly fascinating space. See more..
4.5 Heureka (427 reviews)
- Worth the visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Science Museums

Heureka's exhibitions are interactive. The main exhibition has over 200 exhibits from many fields of science as well as a number of activity points. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Porvoo (406 reviews)
- Famous, popular and very nice
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Porvoo is also the center of the Swedish-speaking diocese from 1920s years. It has a very important role in the history of the independent Finland: Tsar Alexander I of Russia took an oath to uphold the constitution in this church. It’s very popular wedding venue, Mika Häkkinen’s wedding ceremony was held here, too. We saw this cathedral, but couldn’t go into, because of a wedding. But we walked around it. It’s rustic and beautiful! Next to the cathedral is a bell tower and a wooden church from 1740. See more..
4.5 Mannerheim Museum (298 reviews)
- Interesting home museum
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Mannerheim Museum is the home of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, Marshal of Finland. He is a very well known Finnish statesman and military officer who lived in this house 1924-1951. The museum depicts Marshal Mannerheim's home as it was in the early 1940s, with the rooms furnished in an original way with the exception of three exhibition rooms. The museum is only accessed with a guided one-hour tour. Tours are arranged as visitors arrive. The easiest way to get to the museum is to climb the stairs up from the shore opposite the Statue of Peace. See more..
4.5 Nuuksio National Park (289 reviews)
- True touch with Finnish nature
National Parks • Parks

Wild Woods and Lakes on Helsinki's Doorstep. Within easy reach of the Finnish capital you can escape into wild natural settings and enjoy typically Finnish scenery, with lovely lakes, green forests and rugged crags. Pack your backpack for a memorable family picnic or campout. The nearby Finnish Nature Centre Haltia spotlights the best of Finland's natural treasures from across the country. Arrive by car or public transportation. Suitable for the entire family and tourists. Wheelchair access to the Haukkalampi, Kattila and Haltia areas. Marked trails and nature trails vary from easy to difficult (1.5-17km), 30km of biking trails, 22km of horse riding trails. Nuuksio has numerous services all year round: campfire sites, cooking shelters, lean-to-shelters, camping sites, dry toilets, rental huts, conference and sauna facilities and a wide range of activities for people of all ages. Find out more about the services and activities from Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, See more..
4.5 Kaivopuisto (257 reviews)
- Large city park with flowers, monuments and playgrounds
Parks

The area of Kaivopuisto is about 16 hectares. You find many statues, flowers, old trees, beautiful sitting places, Kaivohuone Night Club, two playgrounds and a public toilet there. If you walk to the seaside, you find some nice cafeterias, too. If the weather is hot, it is nice to walk in the shade of trees. See more..
4.5 The National Library of Finland (252 reviews)
- Beautiful library
Sunday: Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Libraries

You have to leave bags and coats in a locker room before you enter, which is located on the right after you enter the front door, there are lockers with keys provided for valuables, all free of charge. The library is very beautiful, we spent about an hour wandering around, taking photos, marvelling at the architecture, and looking at book titles. There are some rooms that are for readers only, and you should obviously respect that. Make sure you go upstairs if you can to experience it all from another angle. See more..
4.5 Brunberg Candy Factory Shop - Tehtaanmyymälä (226 reviews)
- Chocolate overdoze
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Factory Outlets

Brunberg is Finland's oldest sweets factory. For 150 years, Brunberg has produced tasty sweets of high quality in Porvoo. Chocolate kisses, marmalade, truffle and liquorice have worked their way into the hearts of the Finnish people. Also unique products are manufactured; for example, Brunberg is the only Nordic producer of lactose free milk chocolate. There are sweets suitable for everyone: lactose-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan options. See more..
4.5 Sinebrychoff Art Museum (216 reviews)
- Striking house museum
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

The collections of the Sinebrychoff Art Museum include some of the most valuable and internationally important paintings by old European masters to be found in Finland. The collections have mainly been made up of donations. The unique house museum of Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff, a permanent exhibition on the 2nd floor makes up the core of the museum. The art collection of the Sinebrychoffs, including furniture and other artefacts was left to the Finnish government as a bequest in 1921. See more..
4.5 Finnish Aviation Museum (194 reviews)
- Interesting Museum to All Aviation Enthusiasts.
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Finnish Aviation Museum is a national museum of aviation located close to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. See more..
4.5 EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art (178 reviews)
- Two fine exhibitions
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

EMMA believes in active interaction in society and the power of art and design to inspire and evoke a unique experience. Located at Exhibition Centre WeeGee, a landmark of Finnish Modernism and a former printing house in Helsinki metropolitan area, EMMA has the largest exhibition spaces in Finland. The clean-lined modern architecture enhances the experiential presentation of EMMA’s program and two collection exhibitions permanently on display. The art collection exhibition is a curated pick of Finnish and international contemporary and modern art from Saastamoinen Foundation Art Collection. Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation Collection showcases Finnish design and art at a new museal concept, the Visible Storage, a unique fusion of a storehouse, exhibition and workspace. See more..
4.5 Trap Factory (143 reviews)
- Extremely fun!!!
Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Rides & Activities • Game & Entertainment Centers

Trap Factory is the largest escape room center in Finland. We offer nine unique and high quality escape adventures in an old industrial building 10min away from center of Helsinki. All of the games are built and designed ourselves to ensure the awesome gaming experience. We are easy to access by metro as we are located about 200m from Aalto yliopisto metro station. Adventurers welcome! See more..
4.5 Ainola - The Home of Aino and Jean Sibelius (108 reviews)
- A pilgrimage
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Gardens

In Ainola you can learn about the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and his family in the setting of his home. Ainola is located at Lake Tuusula in Järvenpää. Welcome! See more..
4.5 Hvittrask (95 reviews)
- Great Building and be sure to get Mila's Tour
Architectural Buildings

This is a beautiful and very interesting building not only in its own design but its place in the development of contemporary Finnish architectural expression, identity, and international profile. Guide Mila knows the building, its stories, design relationship to other work of its time, and Finnish history providing incredible context to interested visitors. She generously responds to questions conveying her knowledge and her enthusiasm for the visitors' experience. See more..
4.5 Raseborg Castle (82 reviews)
- Pretty place
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Castles

place worth visiting, beautiful nature and forest surrounds these old castle ruins. Admission to visit ruins was from adults 7€, parking was free. Parking was about 400meters from ruins, but there was a really nice path from parking to castle area. See more..
4.5 Hanko Water Tower (74 reviews)
- Great view!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers

Definitley it is worth the uphill walk. Visit the church that is beside it, and enjoy the view from the top. Great views esp during the summer See more..
4.0 Helsinki Cathedral (6.071 reviews)
- A Magnificent Work of Architecture in Central Helsinki
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

I beg folks to at least pass by this stunning architectural marvel in downtown Helsinki and take a pic or two—need not enter at all. The spacious outdoor plaza area in front of the cathedral is perfect for people-watching, photo-snapping, and relaxing. When I visited later in the evening (around 9pm), the area was completely deserted…while I’d have thought it would’ve felt eerie, the vibe was actually impeccable for me, since any ambient noise and crowds were nonexistent. The opportunities I had for pictures were second to none. Considering it’s free to check out and truly beautiful, I can’t recommend the Helsinki Cathedral enough. It’s safe, clean, and amazing. See more..
4.0 Senate Square (3.345 reviews)
- Lovely Area with Beautiful Cathedral
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Senate Square was a cool first look at Helsinki. We were with a friend who grew up there and she knew the area and what to see and do. The Helsinki Cathedral has beautiful architecture but isn't overly gaudy. It is clean and well kept as are the grounds and the square. Tourists should make this a stop in their itinerary and then plan to eat at Savotta nearby where you get traditional Finnish food! See more..
4.0 Helsinki Central Railway Station (2.940 reviews)
- Stunning architecture
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings

Helsinki railway station, designed by a globally recognized architect Eliel Saarinen, is a monumental landmark in the capital of Finland. With its granite walls, clock tower and statues next to the main entrance, the building has been selected as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. The railway station has served as a transportation hub and a meeting spot since 1919. Alongside local public transportation, train departures to lapland and Russia leave from the station daily. Cultural events are held there around the year. 240 000 people visit the building every day making it one of the busiest in Finland. See more..