12 Free Things to do in Helsinki
HELSINKI ON A BUDGET
When visiting Finland’s capital, Helsinki, there’s an abundance of free activities to enjoy.
From gliding over the city’s free ice rinks to immersing yourself in the multiple galleries and museums, Helsinki offers a variety of options for budget-conscious travellers.
In this article, we’ll dive into the top free things to do in Helsinki, sharing insider tips and recommendations for making the most of your visit without breaking the bank.
Whether you're interested in immersing yourself in the local culture or simply taking in the city's beautiful sights, our guide will help you discover the wealth of no-cost experiences Helsinki offers.
So, here are 12 free things to do in the city of Helsinki.
the winter gardens
The Winter Gardens offer a tropical escape from the cold, showcasing over 200 different plants within a lush oasis. The gardens provide a perfect setting to relax and unwind while surrounded by the plants and humidity.
Despite the name, this 19th-century greenhouse is open all year round. Whether seeking refuge from the winter chill or simply wanting to explore a different side of Helsinki, the winter gardens are a must-visit if you’re a plant lover like me!
The greenhouse is sectioned into three, themed sections. The Cactus Room is filled with tall, spiky cacti and large succulents. The Palm Room is home to a 130-year-old tree and large monstera and palm trees. And the Western Wing is surrounded by colourful blooms and a cosy place to sit down and relax. In front of the greenhouse is the Rose Garden, filled with bright, scented roses and lined with lime trees.
Read our article 10 THINGS TO DO IN WINTER IN HELSINKI for winter recommendations
2. Sompasauna
Sompasauna is a free, waterfront sauna in Helsinki. Open 24/7 365 days a year, the sauna offers a communal and relaxing experience right by the sea.
With no strict rules or elaborate facilities, Sompasauna embodies the simplicity and authenticity of traditional Finnish sauna culture. Sompasauna's laid-back atmosphere and open-door policy create a sense of community, where strangers can come together to enjoy a warm-up and relaxation.
3. free walking tour of Helsinki
If you're a history-lover and looking to explore Helsinki on a budget, then why not join a free walking tour? With knowledgeable, local guides leading the way, you can discover the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks without breaking the bank.
Stroll through Senate Square, admire the unique architecture of the Helsinki Cathedral, and learn about the significance of each stop along the tour. We love joining a walking tour at the start of a trip when visiting a new destination. It’s a fascinating way, not only to learn about the history and background but also a great intro as a newbie to the city. You can also ask your local guide for recommendations and tips for your visit while you’re there, which can often be more valuable information than anything you’ll find online!
We booked our tour with Green Cap Tours, but there are multiple tours to choose from.
4. FREE museums & GALLERIES in Helsinki
There are plenty of places to visit in Helsinki which are free, many of which are museums and galleries. Some are all year round and others have special days in the month that are free. You can find the list of special free dates here.
Always free
Helsinki City Museum
Tram Museum
Bank of Finland Museum
Burgher's House Museum
The Päivälehti Museum
free at certain times
Design Museum: Last Tuesday of the month 11 am-8 pm
Finnish Museum of Photography: Every last Wednesday of the month, 5 pm-8 pm
HAM (Helsinki Art Museum): Last Friday of every month, 11.30 am-7 pm
Theatre Museum: Last Wednesday of the month, 5 pm-8 pm
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma: First Friday of the month
NIGHT OF THE ARTS
The Night of the Arts is an annual festival held in multiple cities in Finland. Helsinki comes alive with a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture. During the evening of The Night of the Arts, many museums offer free admission, and galleries and museums extend their opening hours.
➜ Tip: If you want to explore some of the non-free museums and galleries around Helsinki then we’d strongly recommend purchasing a Helsinki card to save money. You can find more info about the Helsinki card in our article Travel Tips for Helsinki, under heading 2.
➜ Tip: If you’re under 18 or a student, most galleries and museums offer free or discounted tickets.
5.LINNANMäKI AMUSEMENT PARK
Linnanmäki Amusement Park, located in the Alppiharju district of Helsinki, offers a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages. Established in 1950, this iconic amusement park has a variety of rides from easy-going to adrenaline-rushing. The classic wooden rollercoaster from 1951 is the most popular.
Entrance to the amusement park is free and 8 of the 40 rides are also free of charge.
6. FREE ice skating IN HELSINKI
Ice skating is a popular winter activity in Helsinki. When the winter reaches its coldest and snowiest time, the bodies of water in the city freeze, making it easy to walk (or skate) on water.
Whether it’s via an ice rink or over a frozen lake, you’ll see the locals gliding over the ice wherever you go.
During the winter season, ice skating is free of charge on 9 artificial ice rinks, all you have to do is bring your skates, but if you don’t have your own skates you can rent them. These ice rinks include Johanneksenkenttä Artificial Ice Rink, Brahe Sports Field, Oulunkylä Sports Park, Käpylä Sports Park and Lassila Sports Park.
You can find more information about the rinks here.
7. hietaranta beach
Hietaranta Beach, also known as "Hietsu" by locals, is a popular seaside destination in Helsinki.
This urban beach offers a picturesque escape from city life. With its soft sandy shores, clear waters, and views of the Baltic Sea, Hietaranta Beach provides the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beach picnics during sunny days.
8. free LIBRARIES in Helsinki
Helsinki has nearly 40 public libraries. Here are a couple of our favourites and most impressive.
Oodi
Standing out as a modern architectural masterpiece, the Oodi symbolizes the country's commitment to knowledge, culture, and innovation. Boasting extensive collections of books, magazines, music, and movies, Oodi serves as a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community gatherings.
Its open-plan spaces, cosy reading nooks, state-of-the-art facilities, and photogenic views of the city attract locals and tourists alike. This award-winning library embodies the essence of a 21st-century library, redefining the traditional concept of a public space for the digital age.
National Library of Finland
The National Library of Finland, located on the iconic Senate Square is Finland’s oldest library. The photogenic building has an impressive vaulted ceiling, a grand staircase, gold decor and Greek and Roman-inspired statues. Established in 1640, the library has a rich history and plays a crucial role in preserving Finland's cultural heritage. It also holds over 3 million printed works!
Even if you’re not a book-lover then we’d recommend a visit to the National Library of Finland to admire the lavish interiors.
You can find information on all of Helsinki’s libraries here.
9. suomenninna Sea fortress
Suomenlinna, or “Fortress of Finland”, is a historic sea fortress that spreads across six interconnected islands. Built gradually from 1748 onwards, this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as a crucial military base for the Swedish crown and later for the Russian Empire.
Today, Suomenlinna stands as a popular tourist destination where visitors can explore its well-preserved fortifications, tunnels, museums, and picturesque waterfront views. The fortress offers a fascinating glimpse into Finland's past and provides a peaceful escape from the busyness of the city.
The grounds of the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is free. The Helsinki City Transport ferry provides a crossing service to the island (around 15 minutes), which does require a fee.
10. free parks in Helsinki
There are dozens of parks in Helsinki for you to explore. Have a break from the busy city, take a picnic, listen to live music or watch entertainment and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Sibelius Par
Sibelius Park, named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius, is a favourite park for many. The focal point of the park is the Sibelius Monument, an abstract sculpture resembling organ pipes, which pays homage to the composer's work.
➜ Tip: While in the area, take a visit to Cafe Regatta where you can cook sausages over an open fire, eat the best cinnamon buns and drink hot chocolate.
Kaivopuisto
Kaivopuisto Park, situated at the tip of the Helsinki peninsula is one of the oldest and most popular parks in the city. With views of the Baltic Sea and a charming waterfront promenade, Kaivopuisto is a popular destination for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor recreational activities.
The biggest yearly get-together in Helsinki is the May Day picnic when thousands of Helsinkians flock to Kaivopuisto Park to welcome the approaching summer.
EsplanadI PARK
The Esplanadi Park, known as "Espa" by the locals, is known for its tree-lined pathways, vibrant floral displays, and inviting benches. With various cafes, shops, and cultural attractions within walking distance, Esplanadi Park serves as a great spot to relax and take a break.
Located in the park is the Espa Stage. In the summer the stage holds free concerts from professional musicians and in the winter it holds art exhibitions.
➜ Tip: Just outside of Esplanadi Park is the Old Market Hall. Open since 1889, the hall is filled with merchants selling locally caught fish, cheeses, fruit and veg, cakes and a well-known (absolutely delicious) fish soup.
Read our article 10 TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING HELSINKI for additional info on your next Finland city break
11. free events in Helsinki
There are many free festivals and events held in Helsinki every year. Here are a few examples.
LUX HELSINKI
Lux Helsinki is an annual light festival held in the heart of winter at the beginning of each new year.
The captivating event illuminates the city with stunning light installations, projections, and interactive displays. As night falls, the city transforms into a vibrant playground, creating a magical atmosphere. You can explore the curated trail of light installations across Helsinki’s famous landmarks, parks and public spaces, turning familiar places into unique works of urban art.
WORLD VILLAGE FESTIVAL
The World Village Festival in Helsinki is an annual event that celebrates diversity, culture, and global solidarity. Visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dance, art, and food from around the world. Through workshops, performances, and discussions, attendees can engage with different perspectives and learn from various cultures.
HELSINKI DESIGN WEEK
Helsinki Design Week is the largest design festival in the Nordic countries. Hosting over 250 events city-wide, the week includes fashion shows, talks, exhibitions and showrooms. Helsinki Design Week is created for design professionals, creatives and enthusiasts who all flock to the city of Helsinki.
Taste of Helsinki
The Taste of Helsinki festival is a culinary delight that brings together food lovers from near and far to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the region.
The festival showcases a diverse selection of dishes prepared by top chefs, highlighting the best of Finnish and international cuisine. Visitors have the opportunity to sample exquisite dishes, and fine wines, and immerse themselves in gastronomic experiences against the backdrop of the Finnish capital. With a bustling atmosphere, live music, and cooking demonstrations, the Taste of Helsinki festival offers a feast for all the senses.
12. FREE MUSIC EVENTS
There are many free music events held in Helsinki. Here are a couple of examples.
Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Music Centre)
Musiikkitalo is an impressive concert hall and event centre in Helsinki. They offer a wide range of musical experiences. With most of their shows, you have to pay but they often provide free concerts, often by music students. Click here for their calendar of free events taking place.
The Finnish National Opera and Ballet
The Finnish National Opera and Ballet is a cultural institution known for its world-class performances and dedication to promoting Finnish and international operatic and balletic arts. Established in 1911, the Opera and Ballet have a long-standing history of excellence, captivating audiences with stellar productions ranging from classical to contemporary pieces. Find out more about their free events here.
Do you have any travel tips for Helsinki? If you do then please let us know below in the comments!
