Finland may not have an Eiffel Tower or a Statue of Liberty, but there certainly are top tourist Finland attractions worth seeing. So what is there to see for your Finland travel with kids? From iconic buildings to medieval sites, it has a lot to offer. Here are the top 10 places to see in Finland:
1. Senate Square
Senate Square in Helsinki, also known as Senaatintori, is a historic square located in the heart of the city. It’s the site of many important events, including the declaration of independence in 1917.
The square is home to some of Helsinki’s most iconic buildings, including the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki, and the famous and most photographed building in the country, Helsinki Cathedral. These buildings are beautiful examples of neoclassical architecture and are a must-see for any architecture enthusiast.
Senate Square offers stunning views of the city, especially from the top of the Helsinki Cathedral, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. As it’s located in the heart of Helsinki, it’s a convenient starting point for exploring the city by foot or tram.
The square is surrounded by many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Finland, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, and the Finnish National Theater, making it a great place to immerse yourself in Finnish culture.
It’s also popular for public events and gatherings such as concerts, festivals, and rallies. This is where locals relax and enjoy the sunshine during the summer months. And this is where the Christmas market is held during winter. It’s definitely on top of Finland attractions to see.
2. Suomenlinna Fortress
Suomenlinna Fortress is a historic fortress located on a group of islands just off the coast of Helsinki and a short 15-minute ferry ride away. So it’s one of the must-visit places in Finland. Built during the 18th century, it played a crucial role in the defense of Finland during several wars and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a well-preserved example of military architecture from the 18th century and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of fortification and warfare.
The fortress is home to several museums, including the Suomenlinna Museum, which offers visitors an insight into the history of the fortress and its role in Finnish history. It offers many outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and kayaking. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and natural surroundings of the island fortress.
Suomenlinna is a peaceful place to visit and offers a great opportunity to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the island’s tranquility. It’s also a great place to visit in Finland for families as there are many activities for children, such as the Children’s Fortress, a playground, and guided tours tailored for kids.
3. Market Square
The Market Square, also known as Kauppatori, in Helsinki is a popular Finland tourist spot located in the south harbor. It’s a fun place to visit for all ages, with various vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts, and street performers entertaining visitors.
You can find various Finnish products such as traditional Finnish food, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. It’s particularly famous for its seafood stalls, which offer a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood. This is also where you’ll find the historic Old Market Hall, which has been serving customers since 1889.
The Market Square is a picturesque spot, with colorful stalls and boats, and offers a great opportunity for photography. You can capture the lively atmosphere of the square and the beautiful views of the surrounding city.
It’s also home to many seasonal events such as Christmas markets, and Midsummer Festivals, which offer visitors a chance to experience Finnish culture and tradition.
Market Square is just near the iconic Uspenski Cathedral, the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland, and one of the largest Orthodox churches in Western Europe.
4. Santa Claus Village
The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland is the official hometown of Santa Claus. It’s one of Finland’s top tourist attractions. You can meet Santa Claus in person at his office, take a photo with him, and even send a letter from the post office with the official Santa Claus stamp.
The village is a great place to experience Christmas, with festive decorations and activities throughout the year. You can also check out Santa’s reindeer and take a sleigh ride through the snowy forest.
Santa Claus Village for kids is a dream, where they can just play in the snow, meet Santa and Mrs. Santa, see reindeer up close, and do some sledging. There are plenty of activities and attractions for older children and adults as well. Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, you can do snowmobiling, husky sledding, and reindeer safaris.
The village has many souvenir shops, where visitors can find various Christmas-themed gifts and souvenirs.
5. Rock Church
The Temppeliaukio Kirkko, also known as the Rock Church, in Helsinki is one of the interesting places in Finland. As befits its name, it’s built into solid rock and features a unique combination of natural and modern architectural elements. It was built in 1969 and designed by architects Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, making it an excellent example of contemporary Finnish architecture.
The walls and dome are made of copper, and the interior is lit by natural light that filters through the skylights. The church is also known for its exceptional acoustics, making it a popular venue for concerts and performances. You can enjoy a concert or a service to experience the acoustics for yourself.
The Rock Church is a popular spot for taking photos, with its unique architecture and natural lighting. And it offers a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, making it a great place for visitors to reflect and relax.
It’s open to visitors free of charge, making it a budget-friendly attraction. And for us, it’s one of the top things to see in Finland.
6. Turku Castle
Turku Castle is a historic castle located in the city of Turku. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Finland, dating back to the 13th century, and has played an important role in the country’s history. The castle is a well-preserved example of medieval architecture, with its towers, walls, and courtyards.
It’s also home to several museums, including the Turku Castle Museum, which offers visitors an insight into the history and culture of Turku and the surrounding region. You can learn about the castle’s past and the history of Turku through the exhibitions and guided tours, including ones tailored for children..
The castle hosts several events throughout the year, such as medieval festivals and concerts, which offer visitors a chance to experience the castle in a different light and atmosphere.
7. Design District
Finland is world-famous for design. And the Design District in Helsinki is a great place to immerse yourself in Finnish design culture and learn more about the country’s design heritage. Many of the shops and galleries in the district are run by local designers and artisans, providing visitors with a unique and authentic experience.
The Design District is home to many design shops, showrooms, and galleries, showcasing the best of Finnish design. Visitors can find a wide range of products, from furniture and lighting to textiles and fashion, all of high quality and design.
The district hosts several events throughout the year, such as design fairs, exhibitions and pop-up shops, which offer visitors a chance to experience the district in a different light and
8. The Sibelius Monument
The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is an iconic monument built as a tribute to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. It serves as a reminder of his contributions to Finnish culture and music.
The monument is a unique sculpture made of steel pipes, representing the flow of music. Visitors can admire the monument’s modern design and its relationship to the surrounding nature. It’s located in a beautiful park, Sibelius Park, which is surrounded by nature and offers beautiful views of the surrounding city. It’s also a great place to reflect and relax, and, in our case, explore hidden areas in the park.
We spent some time taking photos; for us, it’s one of our must-see Finland attractions. It’s also nearby the quaint and Instagrammable Cafe Regatta. So, you might as well hit two birds with one stone.
9. Old Porvoo Town
Finland is well-known for its medieval colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets that remain intact in parts of the country. They have become Finland tourist destinations because of their charm and historic value. While there are different wooden towns such as Old Rauma, Old Town Neristan, Naantali, and Portsa, Porvoo is the nearest to Helsinki, making it one of the most visited Finland attractions.
Porvoo is a charming Finnish city with a rich history and culture. It is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, which features colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and its famous red warehouses. The city also has a number of interesting museums and art galleries, as well as a beautiful cathedral. In addition, Porvoo is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.
Porvoo with kids is a lot of fun, especially as they can play in the snow, enjoy local cuisine and chocolates, and pose for cute photos. We loved exploring Old Town Porvoo, and we consider it one of the best places to see in Finland.
10. Esplanadi Park
Esplanadi Park (Esplanadin puisto in Finnish) is a popular park located in the heart of Helsinki. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful green space in the middle of the city. The park features lush gardens, trees, and lawns, making it a great place to relax and take a stroll. Even in winter when it’s covered in snow, it’s quite atmospheric and is adorned with Christmas lights and decor.
There are many cafes and restaurants that line the park, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee or drink. It’s also near some of Helsinki’s main shopping streets, making it a convenient place to shop.
The park is home to several monuments and sculptures, including the iconic Havis Amanda statue, which is considered one of the symbols of Helsinki. It’s also a popular spot for events, such as concerts, festivals, and markets, that happen throughout the year.
Of course, there are plenty more Finland attractions, like Aleksanterin Katu, Amos Rex, Kamppi Chapel of Silence, Oodi Central Library, Stockmann, Arktikum, Olavinlinna, Linnanmaki, The National Museum of Finland, Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, Ateneum, Finlandia Hall, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, Moomin World, Finnish Museum of Natural History, among others.
But these are our top Finland attractions for sightseeing. If you have limited time, these are your must-visit places in Finland. Make them part of your Finland travel itinerary with kids.
