Helsinki Photo Spots

Your Western Europe bucket list is not complete without Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. Considered one of the best European destinations in 2023, the “Pearl of the Baltic Sea” is teeming with architectural grandeur, creative vibes, and awe-inspiring culture. From Art Nouveau and neoclassical buildings to ultra-modern structures and pristine parks, Helsinki has plenty of Instagrammable spots and on every corner, you’ll find memorable photo opportunities. For a glimpse of the best things this Finnish gem has to offer, here we are with the top five places to take photos in Helsinki, Finland. 🇫🇮

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to show us around all the very best places to take photos in Helsinki. 📸

TLDR

1. Find majestic landmarks and great waterfront vibes at Senate & Market Squares.
2. Discover the old-world charm of Art Nouveau in Ullanlinna.
3. Soak in the creative vibes and awe-inspiring architecture all over the Design District.
4. Explore quaint streets lined with charming coffee shops and boutiques in Kruununhaka.
5. Marvel at the splendour of Orthodox architecture at Uspenski Cathedral.

Photo: Emiliano in Helsinki for Flytographer. Stacy and partner capture memories in Helsinki with a couples photoshoot in Ullanlinna.

1. Senate & Market Squares

In the oldest part of the city, both Senate and Market Squares are popular gathering points for locals and tourists alike. Senate square is surrounded by iconic landmarks, including the main building of the University of Helsinki, the National Library, and the Helsinki Cathedral. The latter is the city’s most famous and photographed building – a Lutheran cathedral with majestic green turrets and domes. ⛪️ You can climb the steps to its main entrance and admire the best panoramic view of the entire square. A stone’s throw away is the Helsinki City Museum, a photogenic building which houses some fascinating history exhibitions.

Down the street from the museum is Kauppatori, better known as Market Square. Throughout the year, the square is bustling with vendors offering a wide variety of goods, from traditional delicacies and freshly brewed coffee to handmade crafts and souvenirs. 🛍️ Market Square isn’t just about food and shopping, it’s also framed by Helsinki’s picturesque South Harbour, which means more stunning photo opportunities.

From Market Square, you can catch a ferry to visit Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its breathtaking sea fortress, great panoramic vistas, and museums dedicated to naval and military history. ⚓

Did you know that saunas hold a special place in the hearts of Finns? If you want to experience Finland’s sauna tradition, Allas Sea Pool is also close to Market Square. This urban oasis comprises three saunas, two heated pools, and a refreshing seawater pool. Just check the local sauna etiquette beforehand. 😉🧖

Photo: Emiliano in Helsinki for Flytographer. Brittany and partner capture memories in Helsinki with a couples photoshoot at the Senate & Market Square.

2. Ullanlinna

Ullanlinna district is Helsinki’s top Instagram location, thanks to its collection of houses and buildings in Art Nouveau style. For the ultimate visual treat, walk along Huvilakatu, a street entirely lined with colourful buildings boasting sculptural roofs, ornate windows, and charming balconies. As part of Helsinki’s vibrant Design District, this area is also known for its stylish cafes, design shops, and abundance of green spaces. 🌳 Observatory Hill Park is one of them, a sweeping park with an observatory at its centre and pristine lawns surrounded by tulips and gorgeous trees – a perfect spot for a picnic and photoshoot. 👌

Another great Helsinki neighbourhood is Töölö, home to the beautiful Sibelius Park. Named after the renowned local composer Jean Sibelius, the park is famous for the Sibelius Monument, the masterpiece of Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen, a large artwork that adds a surreal touch to any photo. Also in Töölö, Cafe Regatta is another Instagrammable spot. The cafe is housed in a charming traditional hut that was originally used as a storage space for fishing nets. Today, apart from offering great photo ops, it provides a cozy setting to enjoy a steaming cup of coffee – great for a warm-up on chilly days. ☕️

Photo: Emiliano in Helsinki for Flytographer. Tracy and family capture memories in Helsinki with a family photoshoot in Ullanlinna.

3. Design District

It’s no wonder Helsinki was named the World Design Capital in 2012, beating its sister cities Copenhagen and Stockholm. Spanning over 20 charming streets across four different neighbourhoods, the city’s so-called Design District is a true haven for design lovers with countless creative establishments of all kinds. The most delightful way to explore it is by taking a self-guided walking tour. Among the attractions are the Museum of Finnish Architecture and The Design Museum, both in the heart of Ullanlinna. The latter is housed in an impressive building in neo-Gothic style, an amazing backdrop for photos. 👍

Beyond Ullanlinna, the creative energy extends throughout the neighbourhoods of Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi, and Punavuori. A must-visit is the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma featuring over 8,500 works of art. Just around the corner from Kiasma, you’ll find Amos Rex, another art museum presenting site-specific and tech-infused exhibitions. That’s not all, nearby is Oodi, the ultra-modern Helsinki Central Library. Its sleek architectural design and black spiral staircase are perfect opportunities for striking photographs.

Extra tip: while strolling the neighbourhood, keep your eyes open for stickers with the official Design District logo on the doors of establishments all around and you’ll discover even more design wonders. 👀

Photo: Emiliano in Helsinki for Flytographer. Timo and partner celebrate a proposal in Helsinki with a proposal photoshoot in the Design District.

4. Kruununhaka

In the heart of Helsinki, the historic district of Kruununhaka is home to the iconic Senate Square we covered previously and its historic buildings. Beyond the square, the neighbourhood boasts quaint streets lined with well-preserved neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture. Wandering through these picturesque streets and immersing yourself in the local atmosphere is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. You’ll discover charming coffee shops, local boutiques selling everything from designer goods to handcrafted souvenirs, and restaurants where you can savour superb Nordic cuisine. 😋

In Kruununhaka, you’ll also find Esplanade Park, affectionately known as ”Espa” by locals. During the summer, this park becomes a hub for musical performances, picnics, and people-watching. Its scenic setting makes it a popular choice for family photoshoots.

Looking to immerse yourself in untouched nature? In Helsinki, it’s never more than a public transport ride away. 🚌 Sipoonkorpi and Nuuksio are two national parks that you can easily reach from the city centre, offering true natural sanctuaries with the best of what Nordic wilderness has to offer.

Photo: Emiliano in Helsinki for Flytographer. Mouza and partner capture memories in Helsinki with a couples photoshoot.

5. Uspenski Cathedral

Sitting proudly atop a hill in Katajanokka district, Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe and one of the best places to take photos in Helsinki. Its Russian Revival architecture features a red brick facade, a mesmerizing golden onion dome, green spires, and a golden cross that can be seen from afar in the city. Visiting the interior is also quite an experience because of the stunning furnishings, majestic granite columns, colourful mosaics, and religious paintings. Visitors are usually amazed by the main dome painted in such a way that it looks like it opens to a starry sky. ✨

Surrounding the cathedral is a large plaza with grassy patches, another glorious spot for picnics. 🧺 You can climb the hill beside the church and admire the stunning vistas of the area. Exploring the Katajanokka district is also a great idea, and you’ll find beautiful buildings displaying different architectural styles.

Photo: Emiliano in Helsinki for Flytographer. Gary and partner celebrate an anniversary in Helsinki with an anniversary photoshoot near the Uspenski Cathedral.

Capturing memories in Helsinki

Helsinki is truly a treasure trove of amazing spots and worth visiting every season. Don’t be afraid of the city’s bitingly cold winters, there are many reasons you should visit Helsinki and other European destinations during colder months. For more on what to do and see, My Helsinki website will show you all the fun waiting for you in the Finnish capital.

Here’s one more tip: Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is just a two-hour ferry ride from Helsinki. ⛴️ What about a day trip to explore another Baltic destination filled with architectural wonders and history?

To make your trip to Helsinki or anywhere else even better, connect with our local photographers around the globe and let them capture your most memorable moments. 💙