Helsinki / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Helsinki
Helsinki combines neoclassical landmarks, Nordic design and a coastline dotted with islands. These photo ideas move from the city centre towards the sea.
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Photo spots on the map
5 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Temppeliaukio ChurchSourced place
- Sibelius MonumentSourced place
- Old Market HallSourced place
- Helsinki Central Railway StationSourced place
- LöylySourced place
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral rises above Senate Square within a neoclassical ensemble. Use the open square as foreground and align the cathedral centrally, leaving enough room to show how the surrounding buildings complete the scene.
Search Google MapsUspenski Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral stands in Katajanokka with a red-brick façade and golden cupolas. A wider architectural view shows those contrasting colours together, while a closer crop can isolate one dome against the sky.
Search Google MapsSuomenlinna Sea Fortress
Suomenlinna is a sea fortress spread across islands off Helsinki. Include a section of fortification and the surrounding water in the same photograph, so the maritime setting remains clear rather than becoming a generic stone detail.
Search Google MapsOodi Central Library
Oodi is Helsinki’s central library on Kansalaistori Square and an example of contemporary public architecture. Photograph the exterior from across the square, using open space in front to emphasise its broad shape.
Search Google MapsTemppeliaukio Church
Temppeliaukio Church is excavated into solid rock and covered by a distinctive dome. During a sightseeing visit outside worship services, contrast the rough rock surfaces with the curves overhead in a close composition.
Search Google MapsSibelius Monument
The Sibelius Monument in Sibelius Park is formed from hundreds of welded steel pipes. Photograph from an angle that reveals the gaps between them, letting the surrounding trees give the abstract sculpture scale.
Search Google MapsOld Market Hall
Helsinki’s Old Market Hall contains stalls selling foods from fish and cheese to fruit. Pick one display as your foreground and include part of the hall behind it to show the setting around the produce.
Search Google MapsHelsinki Central Railway Station
Helsinki Central Railway Station has a granite exterior, clock tower and sculpted lantern carriers beside its main entrance. A front-facing view can place the figures and doorway together, with a separate wider frame for the tower.
Search Google MapsLöyly
Löyly is a sauna and restaurant complex on Helsinki’s southern waterfront. Photograph the building from the shoreline with a stretch of sea in front, using the horizon to give its contemporary architecture context.
Search Google MapsEsplanade Park
Esplanade Park is a green strip in central Helsinki. Use the paths and trees to structure the frame, leaving a glimpse of the surrounding city beyond the greenery to show where the park sits.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- MyHelsinki: Senate Square
- MyHelsinki: Uspenski Cathedral
- MyHelsinki: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
- MyHelsinki: Oodi Central Library
- MyHelsinki: Temppeliaukio Church
- MyHelsinki: Sibelius Monument
- MyHelsinki: Old Market Hall
- MyHelsinki: Central railway station
- MyHelsinki: Löyly
- MyHelsinki: Esplanade Park
- Temppeliaukio Church: Visiting the church