Summer is approaching, so we decided to gather a few tips for things to do if you’re spending your vacation here in Helsinki. The city is so vibrant during the summer season that it’s best to go out and try to experience it to the fullest!
1. Go to the beach: there are so many great beaches in Helsinki! Aurinkolahti, near Vuosaari, is a lovely big beach that’s easily reachable by public transportation and it has a few kiosks where you can buy ice cream and something to drink. Another great beach is Hietaniemi beach in Töölö. There’s nothing better than a quick dip into the cooling sea during a hot summer day.
2. Explore one of the islands on the coast: Helsinki boasts a huge number of charming islands, like Suomenlinna and Seurasaari, which are great picnic and beach day destinations. Suomenlinna also has the historical appeal with its fortress.
3. Get your adrenaline pumping at Linnanmäki: going to Lintsi is a bit of a tradition. Most of us probably go there at least once a year, because who doesn’t enjoy the thrill of the different rides at an amusement park?
4. Check out the flea markets in town: one of the best ones is Hietalahti flea market near Ruoholahti. During the summer it’s nice to just browse the different things on sale and maybe grab a coffee with a pancake.
5. Catch up on the latest blockbusters: chances are you were too busy to see the latest movies in the theaters, but now is your chance. On a rainy day, grab your friends and head to a movie. Orion might even have fun, older movies for 6,50 euros a ticket.
6. Do a day trip to the zoo: cute animals. Need I say more? You can even get a student discount so it’s a bargain.
7. Enjoy the flowers: check out the gorgeous University of Helsinki Botanical Garden. The garden is free of charge during the summer, but you have to pay to see the greenhouses. It’s completely worth the money though and guaranteed to get you smiling.
8. Go to a music festival: there are lots of festivals during the summer and while some are far away, some are right here in Helsinki. A personal favorite of mine is the Flow festival.
9. Take a summer-y cruise: there are plenty of cruises that leave from Kauppatori and you can enjoy the breeze while taking in the amazing view of Helsinki coast.
10. See a summer theater performance: try either an old-fashioned performance in Suomenlinna or a flick in Kino Engel‘s outdoor movie theater.