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Senate Square, Helsinki

4.3
#5 of 829 in Things to do in Finland
Landmark Tourist Spot
The Helsinki Cathedral, Government Palace, National Library of Finland, and main University of Helsinki building surround Senate Square and make up a collective vision of neoclassical design. This historical square boasts the architectural influence of Carl Ludvig Engel and is home to the oldest building in the city center, Sederholm House, built in 1757. Stroll the square to view these stately structures, stopping to take a seat on the cathedral's stairs and to examine the statue of Alexander II, a monument of Russian expansionism in Finland. The square hosts many events, including concerts and art exhibits. See Senate Square and all Helsinki has to offer by arranging your trip with our Helsinki travel route builder tool .
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Senate Square Tours
Helsinki Red Bus 24h Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $36
Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing Audio Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $39
Happy Helsinki Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $24
Helsinki Day Trip from Tallinn BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $168
Small-Group Helsinki Sightseeing Tour by Bicycle BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $66
Shore Excursion: Helsinki Panoramic Sightseeing Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $60
Helsinki City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $34
Shore Excursion: Panoramic Helsinki and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $106
Private Helsinki City Center Walking Tour including Food Tasting BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $241
Helsinki Music Walking Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $48
Private Guided Helsinki City Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $78
Helsinki Sustainable City Tour by Tram and Subway BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $66
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Senate Square Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
2,257 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • August 17, 2017
    Enjoyable in the sun but there is not much to look at except going up for the cathedral. It is not crowded in August so ot was enjoyable being around  more »
  • August 17, 2017
    Try to choose a sunny day, and the view of white cathedral with blue sky around will make your pictures amazing.  more »
  • August 17, 2017
    This is the main city square originally built by the Russians when they ruled. Several major buildings present around the square also close to harbour, market and shops.  more »
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Google
  • June 6, 2017
    What a neat center of the city here. Helsinki was setting up for a celebration for their defense forces when we arrived, so there were military police everywhere. It felt a bit like an occupation to be honest, but once we learned what was happening, it made perfect sense. The Cathedral is gorgeous and the other surrounding buildings as well.
  • June 18, 2017
    Popular place in the city center. Sometimes concerts, art, markets. A place to be on the New Years Eve
  • June 17, 2017
    One of the main tourist attractions here in Helsinki. I got to admit, the church is quite beautiful.
  • June 21, 2017
    Nothing special really. Instead, the alleys towards the market square offer more to see!
  • June 19, 2017
    Lovely little square. The cathedral is an amazing building, especially with a nice sunset behind it.
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Set yourself up with easy access to many of Helsinki's most popular tourist sites by staying in the city's bustling and modern center. You'll find that the area is packed full of shops, restaurants, and bars, plus it's conveniently close to both the city's main train station and energetic waterfront. Though there's certainly a range of options when it comes to big-name hotel chains and upscale accommodation, prices are generally higher throughout most of the center, so consider staying at a hostel to cut down on costs. Hostels typically offer a solid location in or near the city center at a fraction of the cost of a big chain.
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