The 7 coolest things you can do for free in summertime Helsinki
The Finnish capital is not the cheapest city to visit or live in. Happily, there are many free things to do in Helsinki during the summer if you know where to look. This list covers seven activities that cost nothing.
1. Make the most of the museums
If you want to visit the museums in Helsinki, you should go during the first week of the month. Several museums are free to visit on specific days. Visitors under 18 years old have free access to most museums regardless of the date.
2. Go green at The Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden is located in Kaisaniemi in the center of Helsinki. It is a place to see collections of living plants. The greenhouses take you through different climate zones with plants from all over the world. Entrance is free on the first Friday of every month between 2 pm and 5 pm.
3. Chill to top tunes
Jazz-Espa is a two-week music festival on the Espa stage in Esplanadi park. It runs from July 25 to August 6. Performances start between 4:00 pm and 5:30 pm every weekday. Twenty Finnish jazz acts perform during these two weeks. Entry is free.
4. Browse the flea markets
Visit Helsinki during Cleaning Day (siivouspäivät) when anyone can sell or give away second-hand items on the streets or in yards. The streets fill with people selling goods. Cleaning Day takes place next on the 27th of August. You can also visit different flea markets around Helsinki throughout the summer.
5. Bum around on beautiful beaches
When the weather is hot and sunny, you can find a beach to spend time with friends. All beaches are free to visit. To find the best location, check the City of Helsinki beach list.
6. Enjoy wonderful workouts
Yoga and fitness instructors arrange free workouts in the city parks. Anyone can join by turning up on the day. For example, free AcroYoga takes place in Sinebrychoff Park. Search Facebook for similar outdoor workouts.
If only the rain stopped… For every sunny day, it rains a week right ahhahahahah
Love Helsinki, love the summer, and the combination of both is simply amazing
I think in summer best are rural provinces with their happenings and nature. Other three seasons are fit for Helsinki.
What about the parks? Helsinki’s parks are sooooooo beautiful. Great walks here http://www.vihreatsylit.fi/en/
We put taking the ferry to see Suomenlinna on top of our list :P I think that should be mentioned in every list on Helsinki :)
I feel it’s always worth pointing out that there are TWO boats going to Suomenlinna – one operated privately, and the other by HSL, the metropolitan transport network. The HSL boat operates on the same transport ticket that you use on buses, trams, metro and light rail, so you don’t need an additional ticket ;)
The botanic garden is so beautiful ?? possibly the most beautiful one I’ve ever been to.
Coolest thing to do is going to Linnanmäki, for sure. Love the classic roller coaster ride?sorry, that costs something of course, so strolling on the Espa and sea side plus senate square would be the next thing that doesn’t cost anything. And check the Linnanmäki still as I think at least entrance is still free as I know