Helsinki Holidays

Helsinki city breaks

Say hello to Helsinki, home of outstanding architecture, shedloads of saunas, Finnish food and a huge archipelago of islands. Finland’s capital is a real up-and-comer when it comes to cities on the global stage and an ace choice for both long and short breaks. Flights from London take less than three hours, so it’s a no-brainer for a weekend break to the Nordics.

Bounce around some beaches

Helsinki’s full of surprises, from its neon-lit nightlife to its cutting-edge architecture, with many buildings demanding a second and then a third glance. But it’s the city’s 30 beaches that dish up the wow-factor, with plenty of sandy and man-made spots to lay your towel out in the warmer months. Head out on a boat or ferry trip to get a second helping of beaches – the Helsinki archipelago is dotted with secret coves and bays that call out for a photo shoot.

All the buildings

If you’ve got an eager eye for architecture, Helsinki’s guaranteed to please. It’s filled to the rafters with buildings in all shapes, sizes, colours and styles, with plenty of fodder for the photography enthusiast. Must-see sights include the Oodi Helsinki Central Library, which is shaped like a wave, and the Temppeliaukio Church – known as the Church of Rock, for its bare rock interiors and copper-domed roof.

Sauna time in Helsinki

One of the best ways to explore the city is to get your teeth into some of its most unique experiences. Like its saunas – there are over two million across Finland, and plenty of those call Helsinki home. You’ll find them everywhere, from leisure centres and offices to the sporty Hartwall Arena and even in the city’s equivalent of the London Eye observation wheel. So, no matter what time of year you pop by, don’t forget to pack to your swimwear.