Plan Your Trip to Helsinki in September – Events, Tours & Tips

Main photo: Stromma Finland

September is a wonderful time to visit Helsinki. The summer crowds are gone, but the city is still full of life. The weather is fresh, the trees begin to turn golden, and there’s a cozy feeling in the air. No matter if you're popping in for a quick visit or spending a few days, September in Helsinki has just the right mix of city life, autumn colors, and local character to make your stay memorable.

Enjoy the changing seasons

September marks the beginning of autumn in Helsinki. Towards the end of September, the parks and forests around the city start to show beautiful fall colors. It’s a great time for a walk along the shoreline or through green areas like Kaivopuisto or Central Park. The air is crisp, and the light is soft—perfect for photography and peaceful moments.

Tip: Getting to Kaivopuisto is easy by the City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off bus! Get off at stop 4 Café Ursula/Kaivopuisto Park.

Taste local flavors

September is harvest season in Finland. Many restaurants offer seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Try mushroom soup, root vegetables, or Finnish rye bread. Visit the Old Market Hall to enjoy local treats and meet friendly vendors.

Tip: The Old Market Hall is one of the stops along the How to Become a Happy Finn city adventure, a fun and interactive way to explore Helsinki while learning about Finnish lifestyle and happiness. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy local flavors and discover what makes Finns smile.

Explore museums, cultural events & unique local spots

Helsinki’s museums are open all year and offer exhibitions in English, making them easy to enjoy even on a short visit. Some of the most popular spots include:

• Ateneum Art Museum – Classic Finnish and international art.
• TAHTO Sports Museum – A fascinating look into Finnish sports history, culture, and achievements, located in the Olympic Stadium.
• HAM Helsinki Art Museum – A vibrant collection of modern and contemporary art, including Tove Jansson’s famous frescoes, located in the historic Tennis Palace.

And if you're looking for a truly unique local experience, don’t miss Central Library Oodi. It’s much more than a library—it’s a modern architectural gem and a vibrant public space where locals come to read, relax, work, and meet. You’ll find cozy reading corners, a café, exhibitions, and even a makerspace. It’s free to enter and located right in the city center, just steps from the main railway station.

Tip: The Helsinki Card gives you free entry to many museums and attractions, plus unlimited travel on public transport. It’s a smart way to explore the city and save money!

Discover Helsinki’s creative side through design

September is a great time to explore Helsinki’s reputation as a design city. One of the biggest highlights of the month is Helsinki Design Week, the largest design festival in the Nordics. The event brings together designers, artists, and curious visitors through exhibitions, talks, pop-up shops, and open studios all around the city.

Whether you're interested in architecture, fashion, product design, or just everyday creativity, Helsinki Design Week offers something inspiring for everyone. It’s a chance to see how design is part of daily life in Finland—and maybe even take home a unique souvenir.

A must-visit during the festival is the Design Market at Kaapelitehdas, a huge weekend event where Finnish designers and brands sell their products directly to visitors. From home décor to clothing and accessories, it’s a treasure trove of local creativity and a great place to meet the makers behind the designs.

Also worth visiting is Habitare, Finland’s largest furniture, interior, and design fair, held at Messukeskus. It showcases the latest trends in design and is a great place to get inspired by Nordic style.

To dive deeper into Finland’s design heritage, stop by the Architecture and Design Museum, located in the Design District. The museum showcases Finnish design and architecture through changing exhibitions and permanent collections. It’s a great way to understand how design shapes everyday life in Helsinki.

Tip: Want to explore Helsinki’s design scene with a local expert? Book a private guided design-themed walking tour from Stromma. It’s a great way to discover the city’s creative hotspots, hear the stories behind the buildings and brands, and get inspired by Finnish design.

Spend a peaceful evening on the water

Evenings in September are calm and often beautifully lit by the soft autumn sun. It’s a perfect time to unwind with a scenic cruise in the Helsinki archipelago. Stromma’s Evening Cruise offers a relaxing way to enjoy the sea views, while the Pizza Cruise adds a delicious twist—freshly baked pizza served onboard as you glide past islands and city lights.

Unwinding on the water is a lovely way to wrap up your day in Helsinki! Share the moment with friends, enjoy time with family, or soak it all in on your own, surrounded by sea views, fresh air, and the soft glow of a Nordic evening.

Find more events and inspiration

Looking for more things to do during your visit? Check out Helsinki This Week for up-to-date listings of events, exhibitions, concerts, and local tips. It’s a great resource to help you make the most of your time in the city.

Ready to explore Helsinki in September? Book your tours and experiences with Stromma and make the most of your visit!