Hidden Instagrammable Spots in Helsinki, Finland

Never did we expect Helsinki to look so picturesque. We went on a tour around the capital city of Finland to uncover some of the prettiest spots around Helsinki.

This post will take you through both hidden and well-known Instagrammable spots in Helsinki, through libraries, museums, galleries and saunas.

You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for these locations to snag your picture-perfect Instagram shot!

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Best Instagram Locations in Helsinki, Finland

Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool sits in a very prime position in downtown Helsinki. You’ll find groups of people of every imaginable age here to wind down the day. I sweated it out at one of the few saunas in my swimsuit, and then get out, half-naked, into the 13-degree air.

Soaking in the warm swimming pool which overlooks the rest of the city and the ferris wheel, I take it all in – the cool air, the bright city lights and the warm water. If I may dare you, dip your toes into the icy cold pool beside. That is the epitome of a true Finnish local.

Catch a view of the cityscape after dark at the top deck of Allas Sea Pool.

Rikhardinkatu Library

Oldest library in Helsinki with over 100 years of history. Not sure what got over us for us to decide to visit a random library, but its age-old architecture turned out to be really fascinating. I especially love the old arches – it kind of reminded me of Harry Potter days.

Senate Square/ Helsinki Cathedral

Situated in the district of Kruununhaka, standing in the middle of this square is the imposing Helsinki Cathedral.

Neoclassical architecture in large public square with the cathedral, Government Palace & university.

Sofiankatu & Katariinankatu street

These are 2 random streets next to the Senate Square that hangs colourful flags in a zig zag fashion, flanked between 2 buildings. If you time it right and catch it before or after the harsh shadows of the buildings are cast on the street, you can get a pretty dope shot!

We arrive by the street of Katariinankatu just as the light begins to soften. Rows of colourful flags hang in a zig zag fashion along this small street, adding quite a festive atmosphere to it. It is one of only two streets that are adorned in this fashion, the other being the neighbouring street of Sofiankatu.

Design Museum

This museum is both pretty inside and out. They have a lot of interactive elements in pictures, videos and objects, and charts the journey of Finland and its involvement with design.

Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma

Another museum I recommend is HAM Helsinki Art Museum. It’s flushed with a local movie theatre, and the museum gives me a lot of young, creative, quirky vibes during our visit.

Helsinki University City Centre Campus Library

If you think a tourist stepping into a school library is weird, these pictures may have you reconsider. These geometrical lines drive me crazy!

Do note that it’s an actual library so please be courteous if you’re really just coming in for the gram!

Tiedekulma Think Corner

Located inside the University of Helsinki, this is a public event space that gathers students and digital nomads alike. What I love about this space is how everything looks so minimalistic yet aesthetically pleasing. The wooden furniture and structures really brings out what Helsinki is so famous for – design.

It might surprise you to know that there even is a gym in the underground basement! Now this is one place I could eat, breathe and live all day.

Töölönlahden puisto park

We were lucky to be here in the thick of autumn in mid October. With our bikes provided by our apartment, we thought about making good use of the lovely weather for a little ride around the neighbourhood. Here’s where we ended up!

Amos Rex

20th-century & contemporary art collections & exhibitions, this is where we witnessed the famous teamLab Borderless showcasing their act. The whole interactiveness and how immersive their galleries are never fail to astound any visitor.

Kallio district

This district intrigued me so much that I wrote a whole piece on Kallio, the often forgotten but up-and-coming hipster district. A former working-class neighbourhood, this is one district that has yet to be gentrified. You can find all sorts of thrift store, vintage pieces and unique cafe themes here.

Linnanmaki amusement park

We’ve seen this on Instagram but couldn’t place the location of it. We were SO lucky to have found it on a random tram ride back home because it isn’t anywhere close to the city centre. It’s closer to Kallio.

From the looks of it, the rides sure are fun, but photographing the surroundings of this amusement park is more fun. Just look at how vibrant and colourful everything is!

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByNw7Vchfw6/

Kaapelitehdas Cable Factory

Located on the far west of Helsinki centre, this former cable factory building is now converted into a cultural centre with various museums, galleries, studio spaces and theatres in each storage room.

Have a roam around and you can also find a garage sale if it’s your lucky day.

Löyly Helsinki

All the way to the south, this sauna is hard to get to but a 100% worth the effort. What makes it unique is not only is it modern, it is situated right by the sea, so you get to jump off into the frigid cold waters in between your sauna! It is a very fun experience alternating from burning heat to freezing cold.

It does get popular, so I suggest to pick unpopular timings, and call in advance to book.

They also have an upscale restaurant with a deck overlooking the sea, giving it a really nice ambience for dining after a sauna.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo4DJhLFTlJ/

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

If this odd-shaped house doesn’t amuse you, I don’t know what will. It’s an actual living home, with the owners operating a cafe at the ground floor. We stopped by for a wee snack and caught up with the lovely couple!

Seaurasaari is a really enjoyable half day visit off the main land of Helsinki. It is its own little island, full of historical Finnish buildings.

Suomenlinna

Sumenlinna, another offshore island, is a World Heritage site only accessible by ferry. This island is dotted with cannons, tunnels, a dockyard, museums & a brewery which tell the tale of Helsinki’s past.

You’ll be surprised to know that there are actually citizens living on this island surrounded by water.

Streets of Helsinki

Along the way we discovered a couple of street photography. You’ll see that this city has picturesque streets at every turn!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo_BUx-loP3/

Hope you’ve enjoyed this little series we took around Helsinki. Be sure to bookmark this article for your visit next time!

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