
How to Spend 3 Days in Helsinki
With three days in Helsinki, you can check off all the must-see sights, indulge in the local culture, and venture a bit farther afield.
The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum first opened in 1909, when it was only accessible by boat. It has been a popular attraction ever since, attracting visitors with its old-fashioned treats, folk dancing performances, and regularly scheduled concerts in Karuna Church. The museum is sometimes included in tours of Helsinki and participates in the Helsinki Card, where multiple attractions can be accessed for one price.
Public transportation connects travelers from the center of Helsinki to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum; take Bus 24 to the last stop, Seurasaari. Most visitors arrive on foot, by public transportation, or as part of a guided tour. Parking is limited.
The park at Seurasaari Open-Air Museum is open daily year-round, but the main buildings are closed from October through May. The most popular time to visit is during the summer months; on Midsummer Eve a big bonfire kicks off seasonal celebrations. The spring and early fall months offer an alternative with fewer crowds.
Complete your visit with a browse through the museum shop where old-fashioned sweets and traditional handicrafts are for sale. The shop is located next to the Pappila Garden, a 19th-century style garden that is a lovely place to relax during a museum visit.