The 11th IEEE ESTC

SEPTEMBER 9–11, 2026 | HELSINKI, FINLAND

Helsinki Visitor Guide

Welcome to Helsinki
Helsinki is a vibrant Nordic capital where modern design, maritime landscapes, and rich cultural heritage coexist seamlessly. Compact, walkable, and filled with character, it offers plenty to experience for conference guests who wish to stay an extra day or two.

This guide highlights key sights, activities, neighbourhoods, and experiences that provide a well-rounded introduction to Finland’s capital.

1. Essential Sights & Landmarks

Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square

The neoclassical heart of Helsinki. The cathedral’s bright white façade and green domes are the symbol of the city. The surrounding square is framed by 19th‑century architecture and offers a grand, photogenic setting.

Website: helsingintuomiokirkko.fi
Map link: Google Maps – Helsinki Cathedral

Market Square (Kauppatori)

Kauppatori (Market Square), the harbourside market in Helsinki, Finland

A lively seaside marketplace where you can taste local delicacies (salmon soup, Karelian pies), buy Finnish crafts, or take a ferry to nearby islands.

Map link: Google Maps – Market Square Helsinki

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna fortress in Helsinki, Finland

A UNESCO World Heritage site just a 15‑minute ferry ride from the Market Square. The 18th‑century fortress spans several islands and offers history, cafés, sea views, and walking paths.

Website: suomenlinna.fi
Map link: Google Maps – Suomenlinna, Helsinki

Oodi Central Library

Finland, Helsinki - August 6th 2019: Oodi library .Oodi is Helsinki s new Central Library.

A modern architectural landmark showcasing Finnish design, innovation, and public service culture. It’s more than a library: a community hub with studios, eateries, reading terraces, and futuristic architecture.

Website: https://www.oodihelsinki.fi/en/
Map link: Google Maps – Oodi Central Library

Temppeliaukio Rock Church

Helsinki, Finland. Interior Of Lutheran Temppeliaukio Church Also Known As Church Of Rock And Rock Church

Carved into solid rock, this church is known for its acoustics and atmospheric copper dome. A true example of Finnish architectural ingenuity.

Website: www.temppeliaukionkirkko.fi/en/
Map link: Google Maps – Temppeliaukio Rock Church

Esplanade Park & Nearby Design District

Helsinki, Finland - August 5, 2021: Statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the national poet of Finland, at Esplanadi park avenue.

A green boulevard connecting central Helsinki’s cultural, shopping, and restaurant scene. Great for people‑watching before heading into the Design District filled with boutiques and galleries.

Map link: Google Maps – Esplanade Park

Helsinki Olympic Stadium

The Helsinki Olympic Stadium (Olympiastadion) is Finland’s most iconic sports venue and one of the country’s most important architectural landmarks. Originally completed in 1938, it was built to host the 1940 Olympic Games, which were cancelled due to World War II. The stadium finally fulfilled its purpose when Helsinki hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics, an event that marked Finland’s emergence on the world stage.

Website: www.stadion.fi/en
Map: Google Maps – Helsinki Olympic Stadium

2. Museums & Culture

Ateneum Art Museum

Helsinki, Finland - September 02, 2019: Atheneum Art Museum

Finland’s national art museum with masterpieces from Finnish Golden Age painters and rotating international exhibitions.

Website: https://ateneum.fi/en/
Map: Google Maps – Art Museum Ateneum

Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Bold, modern, and often surprising exhibitions from contemporary Finnish and global artists.

Website: https://kiasma.fi/en/
Map: Google Maps – Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art

Amos Rex

Known for its underground exhibition spaces and visually striking architecture. A favourite among visitors interested in modern art.

Website: https://amosrex.fi/en/
Map: Google Maps – Amos Rex

National Museum of Finland

The National Museum of Finland (Kansallismuseo) presents the story of Finland from prehistoric times to the modern era. Housed in a striking National Romantic–style building from 1916, it combines classic architecture with modern exhibition design. The museum’s highlights include archaeological treasures, medieval artifacts, and immersive displays that explain Finland’s cultural and political history.

Website: www.kansallismuseo.fi/en/
Map: Google Maps – National Museum of Finland

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Rustic wooden house in the open-air museum Seurasaari island, Helsinki, Finland

The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is an atmospheric island museum showcasing traditional Finnish life through historic wooden buildings relocated from across the country. Visitors can wander among old farmhouses, cottages, manors, and churches while learning how Finns lived from the 18th to early 20th centuries.

Website: www.kansallismuseo.fi/en/seurasaarenulkomuseo
Map: Google Maps – Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

3. Experiences Unique to Helsinki

3.1 Sauna Culture

Finland’s national pastime is best experienced in Helsinki. Recommended public saunas include:

Löyly – Modern seaside sauna with architecture worth the visit.

Vadelmavene, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Website: www.loylyhelsinki.fi/en
Map: Löyly Helsinki – Google Maps

Allas Sea Pool – Pools and saunas by the harbour.

Website: https://www.allaspool.fi/en/
Map: Allas Pool – Google Maps

Kotiharjun Sauna – Traditional wood‑heated public sauna in Kallio.

Website: www.kotiharjunsauna.fi/en
Map: Kotiharjun Sauna – Google Maps

3.2 Maritime Helsinki

The archipelago around Helsinki is stunning. Options to see Helsinki from the see and the surrounding archipelago include:

Ferry to Suomenlinna, Vallisaari or Lonna islands.

Website: https://www.lonna.fi/en/lonna/
Map link: Google Maps – Suomenlinna, Helsinki

Website: www.nationalparks.fi/vallisaari
Map: Vallisaari – Google Maps

Website: www.pihlajasaari.net/en/lonna/
Map: Lonna – Google Maps

Cruises around the archipelago.

Website: https://royalline.fi/en/collections/helsinki-latest

Evening walks around Kaivopuisto Park and the Observatory Hill.

Website: www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/kaivopuisto
Map: Kaivopuisto – Google Maps

Website: www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/kaivopuisto
Map: Tähtitorninvuori – Google Maps

3.3 Finnish Design & Shopping

Visit:

Marimekko flagship store (textiles & fashion)

Website: https://www.marimekko.com/eu_en
Map: Marimekko Esplanadi – Google Maps

Iittala (glass and dinnerware)

Website: https://www.iittala.com/en-gb
Map: Iittala & Arabia Store Esplanadi – Google Maps

Artek (Alvar Aalto’s iconic furniture)

Website: https://www.artek.fi/en/company
Map: Artek Helsinki – Google Maps

Small independent boutiques in the Design District

Website: https://designdistrict.fi/en/

3.4 Nature Close to the City

Helsinki is one of the greenest capitals in the world. Local favourites:

Mustikkamaa island for walking and views

Website: www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/mustikkamaa
Map: Mustikkamaa – Google Maps

Helsinki Central Park (Keskuspuisto)

Website: www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/keskuspuisto
Map: Helsinki Central Park – Google Maps

Nuuksio National Park (45 min from city centre)

Website: www.nationalparks.fi/nuuksio
Map: Nuuksio National Park – Google Maps

4. Food & Drinks

4.1 Traditional Finnish Flavours

Salmon soup (Lohikeitto)

Karelian pies (karjalanpiirakka)

Rye bread (ruisleipä)

bread on wooden board from above. Kitchen or bakery poster design.

Reindeer dishes (poronkäristys)

Reindeer stew with loganberries on potato mash:

Cinnamon buns (korvapuusti)

Homemade cinnamon and cardamom rolls (buns) and cup of black coffee

4.2 Recommended Dining Areas

Eteläesplanadi / Pohjoisesplanadi – Classic restaurants & terraces: Esplanadi – Google Maps (blocks surrounding the part)
Kamppi / Töölö – Casual bistros and Nordic restaurants: Kamppi – Google Maps, Töölö – Google Maps
Kallio – Trendy bars, cafés, microbreweries: Kallio – Google Maps
Teurastamo – Former slaughterhouse turned into a food & culture hub: Teurastamo – Google Maps

Notable Restaurants (curated mix)

Savoy – Fine dining classic, designed by Alvar Aalto

Website: www.savoyhelsinki.fi/en
Map: Savoy – Google Maps

Olo – Michelin-star Nordic tasting menu

Website: https://olo-ravintola.fi/en/
Map: Restaurant Olo – Google Maps

Nolla – Zero-waste restaurant

Website: https://restaurantnolla.com/
Map: Ravintola Nolla – Google Maps

Ravintola Nokka – Sustainable cuisine from local produce and meat

Website: https://nokkahelsinki.fi
Map: Ravintola Nokka – Google Maps

Kappeli – Historic café and restaurant in the Esplanade (since 1867)

Website: https://kappeli.fi/en/
Map: Kappeli – Google Maps

5. Practical Tips

Getting Around

Helsinki is compact and walkable. Public transport is excellent (metro, trams, buses, commuter trains).

Single tickets via HSL app (Apple Store, Google Play)

Website: https://www.hsl.fi/en

City bikes are available from April to October

Website: www.hsl.fi/en/citybikes

Weather in September
Mild, with temperatures around 12–18°C. Expect crisp mornings, potential showers, and beautiful early autumn colours.

Language
Finnish and Swedish are official languages, but English is widely spoken.

Payment
The local currency is Euro. Card payments are accepted everywhere and cash is rarely needed.

Electricity System
Finland uses the standard European continental electricity system.

Voltage: 230 V
Frequency: 50 Hz

Plug types: Type F (Schuko) and Type C (Europlug; fits Type F socket)