Summer and Helsinki – a perfect match! Whether you want to spend a relaxed day at the beach, are craving cultural experiences, or are looking for something exciting and a little different, Finland’s capital has plenty to offer in summer. Here are 50 things to do in Helsinki in summer – pick your favourites and head out on an adventure.
Outdoor Activities and Nature Experiences in Helsinki
1. Walk or cycle along Helsinki’s beautiful waterfront trails. There are several routes to choose from, including the Lauttasaari waterfront trail, the Seurasaarenselkä waterfront trail, the inner city waterfront trail and the 23-kilometre Eastern waterfront trail. Together, they form part of Helsinki’s expanding 130-kilometre public waterfront trail network. More information: City of Helsinki.
2. Visit Seurasaari. This open-air museum offers beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and a chance to learn about Finnish rural life. Follow the 3.1 km Seurasaari walking route, admire the sea views, and perhaps even take part in summer events. Explore the services: Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.
3. Take a trip to the Helsinki archipelago. Hop on a waterbus to one of the many islands, such as Lonna, Vartiosaari, lovely Pihlajasaari — where the article’s photo was taken — Suomenlinna, or Vallisaari. For easy island-hopping, check the scheduled ferry services by JT-Line to places such as Pihlajasaari and Korkeasaari, or take the waterbus to Suomenlinna and Lonna with FRS Finland.
4. Explore the Lammassaari nature trail and admire its boardwalks. More information: City of Helsinki.
5. Wander through the grounds of the former Lapinlahti Hospital, a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the city. You’ll also find a charming café and a cosy bakery on site. Find out more at Lapinlahdenlahde.
6. Visit the Winter Garden – a plant oasis north of Töölönlahti Bay. Ever since it was founded in 1893, the Winter Garden has been open to the public free of charge.
7. Explore Helsinki’s Central Park, a more than 100-year-old green corridor through the city. Around Ruskeasuo and Laakso, you may even spot horses on the riding trails. If you enjoy mountain biking, try the 16-kilometre Central Park trail, open from May to November.
8. Head to Vuosaari in eastern Helsinki, where nature is never far away. Explore Uutela Outdoor Recreation Area, Mustavuori’s First World War fortifications, the forests of Meri-Rastila and Ramsinniemi, and the Ramsinniemi Grove Nature Reserve. Vuosaarenhuippu, a former landfill and land fill area rising to 60 metres, is now a distinctive nature and recreation area with sweeping views over eastern Helsinki. Aurinkolahti Beach, with its seaside boulevards, is one of Helsinki’s most popular beaches.
9. Stop by the urban nature destination of Mustikkamaa. Walk the 2.5-kilometre route that circles around the island, visit Mustikkamaa Beach or the rope adventure park Korkee, and enjoy coffee at the summer cafés.
10. Head to Haaga Rhododendron Park — affectionately known as Rhodo Park — to photograph its beautiful rhododendrons. The best time to visit is in early June.
Culture and Events | Things to Do in Helsinki in Summer
11. Go to a summer concert at Allas Live. In summer 2026, July performers include Jenni Vartiainen, KAJ, and Vesala. In August, the line-up includes Haloo Helsinki!, Pete Parkkonen, Arttu Wiskari, and Portion Boys.
12. Experience Helsinki’s summer festival scene. Several festivals take place in Helsinki throughout the summer. In June, the city hosts events such as Helsinki City Festival, Teurastamo Festival and Tuska. Jytäkesä Go-Go takes place around the turn of July and August, followed by Flow Festival in August.
13. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy films under the open sky. Malja Helsinki, located at Hietalahdenranta 6, hosts Open Air Cinema screenings throughout the summer. Screenings usually begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise stated, and admission is free. Check more detailed film information on Malja’s Instagram: @MaljaHelsinki.
14. Visit Helsinki’s museums. Amos Rex always seems to have something interesting on, while Kiasma is the place to go for contemporary art and Ateneum for Finnish classics and major exhibitions. You could also visit the Sinebrychoff Art Museum, HAM or the Natural History Museum — there is plenty to choose from.
15. Discover Helsinki’s public art. With HAM’s public art map, you can plan your own cultural walk and explore sculptures, monuments and contemporary artworks across the city’s parks, streets and squares. It’s an easy, language-independent way to enjoy Helsinki’s culture in the open air.
16. Celebrate Helsinki Day on 12 June, when the city marks its birthday with free events across town. Head to Lasipalatsi Square in Kamppi for one of the day’s main events, with music, dance and a lively city-centre atmosphere. Find out more at Helsinkipaiva.
17. Visit the Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki, where Aalto Design – Shapes of Wellbeing explores the architecture and design of Alvar, Aino and Elissa Aalto through the lens of wellbeing. The exhibition is on display from 5 June 2026 to 3 January 2027.
18. Experience Helsinki Festival, the largest arts festival in the Nordic countries, from 18 August to 5 September 2026. The programme brings music, theatre, dance, circus, visual arts and urban events to venues across the city. Don’t miss Night of the Arts on 20 August, when Helsinki comes alive with hundreds of events in streets, parks, clubs, museums and galleries.
19. Listen to a free concert in Esplanade Park. The Espa Stage season began on 15 May 2026 and continues until 30 August 2026. This summer season features around 300 performances in total. Explore the programme at espanlava.fi.
20. Enjoy a variety of events, such as Helsinki Samba Carnaval from 8 to 14 June 2026, Helsinki Pride Week from 22 to 28 June 2026, or the Little Italy festival, focused on Italian food and culture, from 29 July to 2 August 2026.
Great Food and Drink | Things to Do in Helsinki in Summer
21. Visit Helsinki’s summer markets. Start at Hakaniemi Market Square, where the Sunday market is usually held on the first Sunday of the month, and stop by Hakaniemi Market Hall next door. Its Keliapuoti shop, specialising in gluten-free products, is a dream for anyone with coeliac disease. Helsinki Market Square, meanwhile, is the city’s most international and best-known market, offering traditional market foods, treats, handicrafts and souvenirs.
22. Try Helsinki’s vegetarian and vegan food scene. Roots Helsinki serves fully plant-based all-day breakfast combos, pastries, salads and other café treats, while Green Hippo offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes — including its vegan Buddha Bowl. Yes Yes Yes is a lively vegetarian restaurant with a seasonal menu, creative cocktails and alcohol-free drinks. For fully vegan Thai food, head to Thai Vegan Kitchen, or book a table at Magu, a vegan restaurant known for its seasonal menu and natural wines.
23. Try the restaurants at Teurastamo, Helsinki’s former abattoir turned urban food and culture hub in Kalasatama. For something a little different, try HuuHaa Astro Bar & Bistro, an astrology, tarot and witchcraft-themed bar and bistro serving cocktails, beer, wine, food and desserts — with plenty of witchy vibes.
24. Helsinki’s rooftop bars and terraces offer wonderful views over the city, often paired with excellent cocktails. Enjoy panoramic skyline views at Skyroom, at the top of Clarion Hotel Helsinki in Jätkäsaari, or head to Monkey Rooftop Bar at Scandic Simonkenttä for cocktails and views across the city centre. Rooftop Bar Humu, perched on top of Katajanokan Laituri, offers 360-degree views over Katajanokka and towards the Market Square, while Klaus K Sky Terrace is a summer rooftop bar above Bulevardi. For a Helsinki classic, visit Ateljee Bar at Hotel Torni, or try Bistro O Mat Hakaniemi, a rooftop restaurant and terrace on the 9th floor of the Lyyra block.
25. Grill sausages over the open fire in the charming courtyard of Café Regatta, a cosy red cottage café by the sea near the Sibelius Monument.
26. Pack your favourite picnic treats, bring a blanket and head to one of Helsinki’s lovely picnic spots: the peaceful cliffs around Lapinlahti, bayside Tokoinranta, the popular Sinebrychoff Park in Punavuori, Mustikkamaa with its rocky shores and sea views, leafy Alppipuisto, or the classic Esplanade Park in the heart of the city.
27. Attend beer festivals. This summer, Craft Beer Helsinki takes over Helsinki Railway Square from 25 to 27 June 2026, while Suuret Oluet – Pienet Panimot — also known in English as Great Beers – Small Breweries — is held at the same square from 22 to 25 July 2026.
28. Enjoy Helsinki’s waterfront restaurants, either out in the archipelago or along the city’s shores. For an island dining experience, try Lonna’s restaurant or one of the restaurants in Suomenlinna. Closer to the city centre, head to Faro by the Ruoholahti canal, Merimakasiini at Hietalahdenranta, Blue Peter in Lauttasaari, or Meripaviljonki in Hakaniemi.
29. For wine lovers and the wine-curious, IISI Vallisaari hosts wine tasting events on its sea-view terrace in Vallisaari throughout the summer. Check the latest dates and book tickets on IISI Vallisaari.
30. Head to Töölönlahti and visit Sinisen Huvilan Kahvila, a charming open-air café in the courtyard of the Blue Villa. The wooden villa was built in 1896 and sits in the historic Linnunlaulu villa area by Töölönlahti Bay.
Active Things to Do | Things to Do in Helsinki in Summer
31. Play padel outdoors. You’ll find outdoor padel courts in scenic summer locations around Helsinki, including PadelCenter Hernesaari, The Park Padel Hietsu, Open Padel Lauttasaari and Padel Aurinkolahti in Vuosaari. It’s a fun, fast-paced way to enjoy a game in the fresh air — a fun option if you’re travelling with friends or looking for an active break between sightseeing.
32. Go kayaking in Helsinki. The city has several great places where you can rent equipment for a self-guided paddling trip or join a guided tour. I’ve tried Natura Viva’s Vuosaari Paddling Center and can warmly recommend it, especially for exploring the eastern Helsinki archipelago. Laguuni Mustikkamaa and Laguuni Hietsu also rent kayaks, while Metsätuokio rents kayaks, canoes and SUP boards from the shore by Lapinlahti Hospital Park.
33. Try Helsinki’s outdoor gyms. The city has plenty of free outdoor gyms and outdoor exercise areas, many of them in parks, by the sea or close to popular walking and cycling routes. Work out on the sand at Hietaranta Beach Outdoor Gym, train by the shore at Lauttasaari Beach Outdoor Gym or Aurinkolahti Beach Outdoor Gym, or choose a more urban spot such as Linnunlauluntie Outdoor Gym near Töölönlahti or Jätkäsaari Sports Park.
34. Try stair training on Helsinki’s fitness stairs. Get your heart rate up at some of the city’s outdoor stair workouts: Länsi-Herttoniemi Workout Stairs, Malminkartano Fitness Stairs at Malminkartanonhuippu — Helsinki’s highest point — Lauttasaari Sports Park Fitness Stairs, or Paloheinä Fitness Stairs in the northern part of Central Park. The stairs are free to use and suitable for anything from a light walk to a proper stair-running workout.
35. Explore eastern Helsinki by fatbike. Natura Viva’s Vuosaari Paddling Center is a good starting point for fatbike adventures along the coastline of eastern Helsinki. The area offers scenic routes towards Kallahdenniemi and Uutela, with easy coastal paths, forest trails and peaceful places to stop by the sea. Check current rental availability before you go, as booking conditions may vary.
36. Do yoga in the park. In summer, Helsinki’s parks turn into peaceful outdoor studios, with free and low-threshold classes popping up around the city. Bring your own mat, check the schedule in advance from e.g. Facebook group Puistojoogaa Helsingissä and enjoy a gentle workout in the fresh air.
37. Go swimming. Cool off at one of Helsinki’s public beaches or head to the city’s classic outdoor pools: Helsinki Swimming Stadium and Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool. Allas Pool by the Market Square is another great option, combining outdoor swimming pools, saunas and sea views in the heart of the city. If you want to build confidence in natural waters, you could also join an open-water swimming course with FitPit.
38. Play disc golf. Helsinki has several disc golf courses where you can enjoy an easy-going outdoor game with friends. Bring your discs and head to Paloheinä Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole park and forest course with plenty of elevation changes, or try the more challenging Tali Disc Golf Park, one of Helsinki’s best-known disc golf courses. It’s a fun, low-threshold summer activity — and surprisingly addictive once you get started.
39. Try wakeboarding. Head to Ridenjoy Wake Park in Munkkiniemi to try wakeboarding on a cable track by the sea. You can rent the necessary equipment on site, including a wetsuit if needed. Laguuni Hietsu also offers wakeboarding close to Hietaniemi Beach, as well as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding for those who want to try different water sports.
40. Play minigolf by the beach. For an easy and relaxed summer activity, head to Minigolf Taivallahti near Hietaranta beach. The course has two 18-hole tracks, and you can buy game tickets from the kiosk on site. It’s a fun, low-threshold option if you want something active to do outdoors without bringing any equipment of your own.
Relaxed and Fun Summer Activities in Helsinki
41. A classic: Hietaranta beach. Enjoy the sun at Hietsu Beach and perhaps stop by Café & Bistro Hiezu for coffee, lunch or a drink on the terrace with sea views. It’s an easy summer classic close to the city centre.
42. Spend a day at Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a short ferry ride from Helsinki’s Market Square. Explore the historic fortifications on your own or join a guided walking tour to learn more about the fortress’s layered past and present. Suomenlinna also has plenty of restaurants and cafés, or you can bring your own picnic and enjoy it by the sea. The island is home to a microbrewery Suomenlinna Brewery, five museums, including Suomenlinna Museum and Submarine Vesikko, and even overnight stays are possible at Hostel Suomenlinna or Villa Silo.
43. Browse flea markets and second-hand shops. Helsinki has plenty of places to make second-hand finds, from traditional outdoor flea markets to stylish indoor shops — making this a good option for both sunny days and rainy afternoons. Visit the classic Hietalahti Flea Market for summer market atmosphere, enjoy the second-hand and café concept at Relove, browse Moody Monday in Kamppi or Mall of Tripla, or head to small and cosy Siisti Kirppis in Jätkäsaari for a relaxed local flea market experience.
44. Play board games or try an escape room. For a relaxed indoor activity, head to Café Boardgame on Eerikinkatu, where you can choose from a wide selection of board games, tabletop role-playing games, snacks and drinks. If you’re looking for something more suspenseful, book one of Helsinki’s many escape rooms, such as Labyrinth Games, Exit Room Helsinki, EXITE Live Games, or aMazed Games. It’s a fun option for friends, couples or families — especially on a rainy summer day.
45. Go on a boat trip. Helsinki is at its best from the sea, and there are plenty of ways to explore the coastline and archipelago. From the Market Square, you can join a sightseeing or evening cruise with Stromma — including the summery Helsinki Pizza Cruise — or take a classic archipelago cruise with Royal Line. For a longer summer day trip, consider a cruise to Porvoo or Loviisa with m/s J.L. Runeberg, or head across the Baltic Sea on a day cruise to Tallinn with e.g. Viking Line or Tallink.
46. Discover new cafés and restaurants in different neighbourhoods. Step beyond the city centre and explore Helsinki one neighbourhood at a time. Try dinner and wines at Albina in Vallila’s Konepaja area, or coffee at Kaffa Roastery and dinner at BasBas in Punavuori, or Elite is a unique Finnish culture and artist restaurant in Töölö. For more relaxed experience try Café Bar No 9 in Punavuori.
47. Join a free outdoor dance class at Teurastamo. In summer, Kaupunkitanssit offers free partner dance lessons in Teurastamo’s courtyard on Thursday evenings. Each week focuses on a different dance style, from waltz and samba to bachata and tango. You can join alone or with a partner, and no advance registration is needed. The teaching is in Finnish, but the classes are beginner-friendly and easy to follow by watching.
48. Go for an architecture walk. Helsinki is a rewarding city to explore on foot, with everything from wooden garden-city houses to Art Nouveau façades and bold contemporary landmarks. Admire the historic wooden houses of Puu-Käpylä, stroll along Huvilakatu to see one of Helsinki’s most photographed Art Nouveau streets, and stop by modern architectural icons such as Oodi Central Library and Amos Rex around Lasipalatsi Square. It’s an easy way to see how many architectural layers Helsinki has within a compact, walkable city.
49. Experience Helsinki’s sauna culture. Book a sauna session at Löyly, a striking seaside sauna and restaurant in Hernesaari, and stay for the restaurant’s classic, Jasper’s fish soup. If you love traditional public saunas, visit Kotiharjun Sauna, a traditional public wood-heated sauna in Helsinki, or head to Uusi Sauna in Jätkäsaari, a modern neighbourhood sauna combining public saunas, a restaurant and terraces.
50. Explore the galleries and local boutiques of Helsinki’s Design District. In the heart of the city, you’ll find a compact area filled with Finnish fashion, jewellery, ceramics, interior design, art galleries, cafés and small creative businesses. Browse the district at your own pace, pop into local boutiques and check out, for example, VIMMA Store on Fredrikinkatu, known for its bold prints and responsibly produced Finnish design.
Summer in Helsinki is full of possibilities, from island adventures and seaside walks to culture, food and relaxed days in the sun. This guide to things to do in Helsinki in summer brings together ideas for every kind of summer day in the city. Have a wonderful summer in Helsinki!
Article photo: Saija/Misaij