Rick Steves Enjoys This City That's Also The World's Most Sustainable Tourist Destination

There's far more to Finland than snow, salmon, and steamy saunas. And when one of Europe's most underrated countries can claim to be one of the happiest, safest, and cleanest in the world, it must be doing something right. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI) in 2025 with a 94% score. The city also left a lasting impression on European travel expert Rick Steves, who praised its "vibrant street life and joyful creative spirit." Loved by locals and visitors alike, it's easy to see why conscious travelers are drawn here. Its community spirit is why this Scandinavian delight happens to be one of the friendliest cities to visit in Europe.

Nestled along the Gulf of Finland, directly across the water from Estonia, Helsinki is easily walkable and full of creative energy and stunning architecture. More than 300 islands lie off the coast in the Gulf of Finland, but the heart of the city is along the lively Esplanade Park (simply "Espa," to locals), where you might even catch a street performance. As you sip on a coffee or glögi (mulled wine) at a nearby cafe and soak up the relaxed atmosphere, you'll see why Finland has maintained the top spot on the World Happiness Report eight years in a row.

Helsinki's commitment to being an international pioneer of sustainability is why the GDSI ranked it ahead of its Nordic neighbors — Gothenburg, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark — which took second and third place, respectively. This award is based on its progress in four environmental areas: destination management, supplier sustainability, social progress, and environmental performance.

Helsinki has found the right balance between protecting the environment and welcoming visitors. Much of the city is made up of forests and parks, contributing to its low (which is a good thing) Air Quality Index (AQI). And of course, the seafront location helps keep its air clean and crisp. Over 700 miles of cycle paths meander through these green spaces, and an efficient public transport network makes it easy to explore without adding to your carbon footprint. Between 1990 and 2022, carbon emissions dropped by over 30%, and the goal is to become carbon neutral by 2030. Getting around is simple, and with just one HSL day ticket that costs around $11, you can hop on and off trams and buses all over this eco-friendly city.

Sustainability in Helsinki also means getting visitors involved by promoting a regenerative tourism approach and encouraging travelers to leave the city better than they found it. This could mean getting involved in clean-up projects, choosing restaurants that use seasonal ingredients, or supporting local artisans. Traveling off-season or staying longer are other ways of traveling responsibly and perfect examples of why sustainability is important. In Helsinki, wellness and creativity go hand in hand with environmental care. The same community spirit that contributes to Finland's happiness index is reflected in how everyone works together to protect the planet.

Many of Helsinki's attractions are walkable from the harbor, which is the ideal place to find your bearings. From here, you can decide whether to wander along the lively Esplanade or set off to explore the nearby islands. The most famous of these is Suomenlinna, Helsinki's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once used as a sea fortress, it's now home to museums, cafés, and lots of walking paths dotted with picnic sites and more than a few impressive viewpoints. Many of the smaller islands are worth visiting too, although some are off limits in the winter.

Back on dry land, grab a bite to eat at Kauppatori, a colorful food bazaar that Rick Steves says is "the place in town for a quick and cheap lunch." Then continue with a visit to Helsinki Cathedral on Senate Square, the striking Temppeliaukio, or Rock Church, carved directly into solid granite, or the Amos Rex Museum, filled with some impressive contemporary art exhibitions. Of course, no trip to Helsinki is complete without experiencing a Finnish sauna, and the Löyly Sauna is a wonderful place to unwind, whatever the season.

You can reach Helsinki by flying into its international airport, which is around a 30-minute drive from the city center, or you can catch the airport train. There really is no best time to visit, as there's something going on all year round. Summer has its long days and outdoor concerts, including Helsinki Day on June 12 when the streets fill with music and laughter. But in the winter, the city is transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful winter wonderland.