Helsinki Landmarks and Monuments

(Helsinki, Uusimaa, Southern Finland, Finland)

As Finland's capital city, tourists will expect to find many historical landmarks in Helsinki, and will be far from disappointed. Many monuments to its rich heritage are scattered around the city and dominate much of its skyline and waterfront, such as the palatial Parliament Building (Eduskuntatalo) and the Helsinki Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko).

Around the Market Square (Kauppatori) are many of the most loved landmarks, which have become an important part of daily life. Market Square lies at the very eastern side of the Esplanadi and next to the Baltic Sea, being home to sights such as Helsinki Town Hall (Kaupungintalo). Many regular ferries also depart next to the market square, travelling to neighbouring islands, such as Suomenlinna, and have become natural landmarks in their own right.

Tuomiokirkko / Suurkirkko (Helsinki Cathedral)

Address: 29 Unioninkatu, Helsinki, FI-00100, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 09 709 2455
An iconic landmark dominating the city's skyline from almost every angle, the Helsinki Cathedral lies in the very heart of the city and comprises a huge central dome, which towers high above the structure and is complemented by four other smaller surrounding domes. Construction lasted just over 20 years and the cathedral finally opened its doors in 1852. Visited by almost 400,000 people each year, the cathedral in sometimes referred to as St. Nicholas Church and is regularly used for worship and various events, including concerts.
Open hours: September to May, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00; June to August, Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Eduskuntatalo (Parliament Building)

Address: 30 Mannerheimintie, Helsinki, FI-00100, Finland, FI
The Eduskuntatalo almost resembles a classical Greek temple, due to its many grand columns and steps. This listed building is where the Parliament of Finland regularly meets and was built in the 1920s, following a competition to choose the most suitable location. The Helsinki Parliament Building was subsequently erected on the Arkadianmäki and overlooks the Mannerheimintie shopping street. Particularly impressive is the Hall of State and the Session Hall, while visitors may also be interested to observe the parliament from the public balcony area, when it convenes each Tuesday and Friday.
Open hours: July and August - daily guided tours; September to June - Saturday and Sunday
Admission: charge

Enson Toimitalo (Enso Building)

Address: 1 Kanavaranta, Helsinki, FI-00160, Finland, FI
For many years, the Enson Toimitalo building has been a controversial landmark, due to its modern and rather daring cube-like appearance and gleaming marble exterior. The Enson Building is located in the Katajanokka area of central Helsinki and contrasts greatly with the nearby Uspenski Cathedral and its more traditional architecture. Used as an office block by the Stora Enso, there have recently been discussions about cladding the building in red brick, to make it blend in more with the surrounding buildings.
Open hours: daily, exterior only
Admission: free

Kaupungintalo (Town Hall)

Address: Pohjoisesplanadi, Helsinki, FI-00130, Finland, FI
Dominating much of the central Market Square with its imposing architecture, Helsinki Town Hall (Kaupungintalo) features a pale blue façade and was originally used as a rather grand hotel when it first opened in the 1830s. However, in the early 20th century it became the city's magnificent town hall, although it did function for a short period as a hospital during the First World War. Various seasonal events and exhibitions regularly take place here, so look out for details, or simply marvel from the outside and bring your camera.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

Presidentinlinna (Presidential Palace)

Address: 1 Pohjoisesplanadi, Helsinki, FI-00170, Finland, FI
Regularly used by Finland's president, the Presidential Palace (Presidentinlinna) is a major landmark in central Helsinki and is hard to miss. Standing alongside the Market Square, the Presidentinlinna was built in 1818 and just 20 years later became owned by the state. Many grand state functions often take place within the palace walls, while guided tours allow tourists to glimpse at the grandeur and immense scale inside.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge, discounts available

Rautatieasema (Railway Station)

Address: Rautatientori, Helsinki, FI-00100, Finland, FI
Both an iconic and functional city landmark, the Rautatieasema station is likely to be one of the first buildings that you encounter when you arrive in Helsinki, and what a way to start your sightseeing. Built in the early part of the 20th century and almost 100 years ago, the Rautatieasema resembles a palace in appearance, and features a large arched entrance and huge clock tower, with distinctive green copper roof.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Temppeliaukion Kirkko

Address: 3 Lutherinkatu, Helsinki, FI-00100, Finland, FI
Tel: +358 09 494 698
A controversial landmark with striking modern architecture, the Temppeliaukion Kirkko features an enormous concave roof and regularly hosts some of the city's biggest concerts. Each year more than half a million people visit the Temppeliaukion Kirkko and enjoy its exceptional acoustics.
Open hours: Monday, Wednesday to Friday 10:00 to 20:00, Tuesday - 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 20:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00 and 15:00 to 17:45
Admission: charge

Valtioneuvoston Linna (Senate Building)

Address: 1 A Snellmaninkatu, Helsinki, FI-00170, Finland, FI
Helsinki's Senate Building (Valtioneuvoston Linna) lies close to the cathedral and presides over Senate Square. Built almost 200 years ago, the architecture of the Valtioneuvoston Linna is instantly recognisable, since the facade is predominantly yellow, with white columns and windows. Formerly used by the Imperial Senate of Finland, this local landmark is now used by the Finnish government and prime minister.
Open hours: daily, exterior only
Admission: free