Helsinki

Spread across five historic buildings near Senate Square, including the city’s oldest stone house, this museum dives into Helsinki’s everyday life, displaying old photos, quirky objects, and personal stories. Permanent exhibits like Helsinki Bites and Children’s Town offer a hands-on look at the city's past. Bonus: Admission is always free.

A short bus ride from the city centre, Seurasaari is an island where you can walk through Finnish history—literally. The open-air museum has over 80 wooden buildings moved here from across the country, including cottages, farmsteads and even a church, showing how people lived from the 18th to the early 20th century. You can explore the grounds on your own or join a guided tour during the summer. The island is free to visit year-round and popular for its walking paths and wildlife (keep an eye out for friendly squirrels). The museum itself is open seasonally, from mid-May to mid-September.

This small museum lets you hop aboard old Helsinki trams and get a feel for how people used to get around. It's set in a former tram depot from 1900, now part of the Korjaamo Culture Factory in Töölö. You can sit in the driver's seat, check out vintage tickets, and watch old transport clips.

Kiasma is Helsinki’s leading venue for contemporary art, known for its bold exhibitions and striking architecture. Designed by American architect Steven Holl, the building’s flowing forms and ramps invite exploration across five floors of galleries. Part of the Finnish National Gallery, Kiasma presents thought-provoking exhibitions, performances, and events that challenge and inspire.

The Helsinki Art Museum manages Helsinki’s public art — over 9,000 works scattered across the city, from parks to metro stations. Its main exhibition space is in the Tennis Palace, where you’ll find rotating shows of modern and contemporary art, both Finnish and international.

Tucked inside the Cable Factory complex, the Theatre Museum dives into Finland’s stage history and the art of performance in general. It’s not just about watching — many exhibits are hands-on, so you can try out lighting, costumes, or even directing a scene.

Tucked away on Kuusisaari island, the Didrichsen Art Museum combines modernist architecture, a rich art collection, and serene seaside views. Originally the private home of art collectors Marie-Louise and Gunnar Didrichsen, this 1960s villa now houses a museum showcasing Finnish and international 20th-century art, along with pre-Columbian and Asian artefacts. The surrounding sculpture park features works by artists like Henry Moore and Laila Pullinen.

Explore the delicious history of Finnish hospitality at the Hotel and Restaurant Museum. From cafés and fine dining to tourism and tipples, the exhibitions dive into how food, drink, and service have shaped Finnish culture. The permanent display covers everything from the golden age of hotel dining to the curious tale of alcohol sales in Finland. Located in the Cable Factory, the museum also offers guided tours by request.

Located on Suomenlinna Island, the Military Museum of Manège covers the key conflicts Finland faced in the 20th century — from the Civil War to World War II and the post-war years. The main exhibition focuses on the wartime period, while the nearby Artillery Manège picks up the story from there, tracing the evolution of the Finnish Defence Forces.

Located near Helsinki Airport in Vantaa, the Finnish Aviation Museum offers a fascinating look into the history of Finnish flight. The museum’s extensive collection features dozens of aircraft, from early aviation pioneers to modern jets.

Tamminiemi, the former official residence of Finnish presidents, offers a glimpse into post-war political history. Guided tours take you through the presidential terms of Risto Ryti, C.G.E. Mannerheim and Urho Kekkonen, revealing key moments behind the scenes of Finnish leadership.