1. Rich and Unique History
Founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden, Helsinki’s identity has been shaped by the pull of two empires. First Swedish, then Russian, this dynamic past lingers in the architectural harmony of the city, particularly around the stately Senate Square. Here, neoclassical elegance reigns, symbolizing the vision of Tsar Alexander I, who designated Helsinki as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland in 1812. To walk through the city is to travel back in time. The magnificent white neoclassic Helsinki Cathedral completed in 1852 is a powerful symbol of the city. The Uspenski Cathedral is the largest Orthodox Cathedral in Western Europe, with its red brick facade and golden cupolas, it is an example of the Russian impact on Finnish history. The National Museum of Finland tells the story through artifacts that bridge prehistoric settlements and modern statehood. Meanwhile, offshore, the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress—a sprawling 18th-century bastion and UNESCO World Heritage Site—offers a living monument to Helsinki’s maritime and military legacy. Wander its stone ramparts and you'll feel the passage of centuries beneath your feet.
2. Cozy and Creative
Helsinki offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with cutting-edge Finnish design and architecture. There’s something timeless about Helsinki. It’s not a city that shouts—it whispers, in clean lines, warm wood textures, the hush of a sauna, and the quiet confidence of innovative design. Unlike the breakneck energy of larger metropolises, Helsinki invites you to move slower. The rhythm of the city is best felt while wandering—through the airy expanses of Esplanadi Park or the bold, organic contours of Finlandia Hall, Alvar Aalto’s architectural love letter to asymmetry and Finnish identity.
3. Access to Beautiful Nature
The city is surrounded by clean, scenic landscapes—forests, coastlines, and more than 300 islands you can explore by ferry. Spend an afternoon strolling around Central Park (Keskuspuisto), a forest oasis, that runs through the heart of the city, or take a day trip to a nearby island. Our two favorite island day trips are to Vallisaari, once a guarded military base transformed into a lush sanctuary of moss-carpeted trails, thick forests, craggy coastline, and wartime ruins now softened by nature’s touch, and Pihlajasaari, a former villa island that is a popular recreation area with lovely beaches and nature trails.
4. Cafe Culture
Finland tops the global charts for coffee consumption per capita — and nowhere is that love for coffee more evident than in Helsinki’s café scene. The city is dotted with cozy hideaways where the scent of freshly ground beans mixes with the warm aroma of baked pastry. One local favorite? The cardamom bun (korvapuusti). Imagine this: a cinnamon rolls more aromatic, than it's subtly spiced cousin, best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a steaming cup of locally roasted coffee.
Make time to visit Johan & Nyström, a charming café overlooking the harbor that takes its coffee very seriously — think single origin brews and expert baristas. Or, follow your nose to a hidden indie roastery where locals sip their brews in rustic warmth. Whether you're seeking a perfect fika break or shelter from the Nordic chill, Helsinki’s café culture is as inviting as it is delicious.
5. Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience
In Helsinki, visiting a sauna isn’t just about relaxation—it’s a way of life woven into the fabric of Finnish culture. More than a wellness ritual, the sauna offers proven health benefits: it boosts immunity, supports heart health, and lowers blood pressure.
Helsinki is the beating heart of this tradition, home to iconic public saunas like Allas Sea Pool, Kotiharjun Sauna, and Sauna Hermanni. Here, you can embrace time-honored customs like birch whisking (vihta/vasta), traditional cupping, or even a vigorous scrub from a local washerwoman. For the full experience, follow your sauna session with an invigorating plunge into the icy Baltic Sea—even in winter!
6. Easy Day Trips to Tallinn
A quick 2-hour ferry ride takes you to Tallinn, Estonia, with its enchanting medieval old town and lower prices. It’s the perfect add-on to your Helsinki trip.
7. Helsinki Sweets for the Sweet
Helsinki is a haven for those with a sweet tooth, thanks to Finland’s rich dessert culture. From fragrant cardamom buns to the bold taste of salty liquorice, Finnish treats are as unique as the country itself. No coffee break is complete without a pulla—a soft, cardamom-scented sweet bun—or its famous cousin, korvapuusti, a cinnamon roll layered with sugar, butter, and topped with pearl sugar.
Nature’s bounty also finds its way into Finnish desserts. Forest berries like bilberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries star in many pastries, with mustikkapiirakka—a tangy bilberry pie with a sweet, buttery crust—being a true local favorite.
For candy lovers, Finland offers a playful twist: salmiakki, the iconic salty black liquorice that pops up everywhere! It can even be found in ice cream, pastries, and chocolate bars! And speaking of chocolate, don’t miss Fazer’s classic blue-wrapped bars that have been made with creamy, fresh local milk since the 1920s.
8. Unique Market Halls
In 19th-century Finland, bustling European-style market stalls were at the heart of daily life—a tradition that still thrives in Helsinki today. The city’s historic market halls are your gateway to local flavors and vibrant culture, all under one roof.
Start at the iconic Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli), Helsinki’s oldest, welcoming visitors since 1889. Wander its charming aisles lined with smoked fish, artisanal cheeses, rustic breads, and open-faced sandwiches. Watch locals shop just as they have for generations and join in the fun.
Nearby, discover the Hietalahti Market Hall, built in 1903, where cozy cafés and diverse restaurants await. In summer, the lively Hietsu Flea Market springs up outside, adding even more color and character.
For a truly authentic experience, visit Hakaniemi Market Hall. Dating to 1914 and beautifully renovated in 2023, it offers two floors brimming with fresh produce, organic goods, textiles, unique gifts, coffee, tea, and flowers. Be sure to try traditional Finnish delicacies like Karjalanpiirakka—rye pastry filled with creamy rice and topped with egg butter—and sample the season’s freshest berries.
Whether you’re seeking culinary adventures or a slice of local life, Helsinki’s market halls promise a feast for the senses.
9. Safe, Friendly & Easy to Navigate
With world-class public transportation, widespread English fluency, and a warm, inviting local culture, Helsinki makes it easy for visitors to feel right at home.
Helsinki leaves a lasting impression not through grand gestures, but through its quiet charm — the gentle warmth of a sauna after a brisk seaside walk, the aroma of fresh cinnamon rolls in cozy cafés, the hum of daily life in timeless market halls, and the serene beauty of its surrounding islands. It’s a city where every experience invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly connect — with the culture and yourself.
