Visit Helsinki for three days: A first timer’s travel guide
Whether you’re planning a corporate event or incentive trip in Helsinki, experiencing the city firsthand is the best way to get a feel for what we have to offer. But with just a few days to explore, how can you find all the best spots that’ll inspire your event?
Follow our 72-hour Helsinki travel guide, packed with the top places to visit and ideas to spark your itinerary planning.
Get your bearings
Welcome to Helsinki! Time to check in and start exploring. The city is home to a wide range of hotels—many Green Key certified—that cater to corporate groups. Whether you need big meeting spaces, a central location, or a nature retreat (which is never far here), our team, together with our local destination management companies (DMCs) will help you find the perfect home away from home.
Like a
local
Day 1: Dive into Finnish history
Ateneum museum
Kick off your journey into Finnish culture at Ateneum, Finland’s best-known art museum. You’ll find many beloved Finnish masterpieces here, spanning from the 19th century to today’s contemporary works. Book a guided tour for your group to get a deeper understanding of Finland’s cultural heritage.
Senate Square and Market Square
Worked up an appetite? Head to the Market Square and Old Market Hall. to taste a bit of everything Helsinki has to offer, from Karelian pies to fried vendace. Book a private food tour to savour the flavours of the city. Afterward, take a short walk to Senate Square, home to the majestic Helsinki Cathedral (and a perfect spot for a group photo).
Try traditional Finnish cuisine
Wrap up your first day with a meal at Restaurant Savotta, just off the Senate Square. ‘Savotta’ means ‘logging site,’ and everything here—from the dishes to the décor—is inspired by Finland’s forests, thousands of lakes, and logging traditions. Treat your group to hearty Finnish classics like reindeer stew and cloudberry desserts.
Day 2: Get cultured and creative
Design District Helsinki
Enjoy a morning stroll through the Design District, a hub for all things Nordic design. Grab breakfast at Ekberg, Finland’s oldest bakery and pâtisserie, and then wander through galleries, studios, and shops filled with everything from sleek furniture to handcrafted ceramics.
Join a craft workshop
For a memorable team-building experience, try a hands-on craft workshop with local artisans. Whether it’s punch needling, pottery, or painting, your group will be sure to get their creative juices flowing. Our team can help you find the ideal local partner to bring this experience to life.
Temppeliaukio Church
Visit the iconic “Rock Church”—a true Helsinki landmark built into natural bedrock. Known for its excellent acoustics and unique copper dome, this serene space offers a moment of inspiration and quiet. If your timing’s right, you might even catch a concert during your visit.
Drinks with a view
Wind down with a drink and some of the best views in the city at Ateljee Bar in Hotel Torni. Or head to the Clarion Sky Room for sweeping views of Helsinki’s harbour. We’ll help you find a group-friendly spot with non-alcoholic options available so everyone can join in for a toast.
Day 3: Soak up the sea
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Take a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich military history and captivating sea views. A guided tour will bring the coastal fortress’s past to life for your group. The area is perfect for a summer picnic, while winter brings festive charm with cosy cafes and seasonal markets.
Stroll through Katajanokka
Stretch your legs on a leisurely stroll through Katajanokka, a charming district often overlooked by visitors. Known for its Art Nouveau buildings and picturesque maritime views, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t forget to look up to catch that architectural eye candy.
Coffee tasting
Pop into Johan & Nyström—a cosy waterfront café—for a relaxed coffee break. If you’re keen to dive deeper into Finland’s coffee culture, we can help arrange a coffee tasting session at one of the city’s top cafés. You’ll sample locally roasted brews and learn what makes Finnish coffee a local favourite—after all, we’re among the world’s biggest coffee drinkers.
Sauna and dinner at Löyly
End your last day in Finnish style with a sauna session and dinner at Löyly, a waterfront spot offering both wood-burning and smoke saunas in a sleek, contemporary setting. After unwinding in the heat (and perhaps taking a dip in the Baltic), enjoy a delicious meal of modern Nordic dishes. It’s the perfect way to recharge before saying goodbye (for now) to the city.
Want to make your business event in Helsinki unforgettable?
We’ll help you connect with the right partners, plan unique activities, and organise an event in Helsinki that your team will talk about for years. Get in touch today—Helsinki is ready to welcome you.
