Perfect Weekend Guide: Explore Helsinki’s Highlights

Helsinki, a city that embodies modernity and quirky charm, stands out from its more frequented Nordic counterparts while still echoing their distinct sensibilities. “We may not be officially included in Scandinavia, but our identity aligns closely with it,” explains Jaana Woll, a tour guide with Helsinki Partners. Finland’s historical narrative is undeniably influenced by its neighboring nations. “Our history follows three significant phases: Swedish, Russian, and now independent,” Woll notes. “As a nation, we’re still finding our footing.” After navigating the complexities of these empires, Finland ultimately declared its independence at the end of 1917.

In Helsinki, the city’s gaze is firmly fixed beyond its cobblestone streets and concrete blocks, turning towards the vast embrace of the sea, its stunning archipelago, and the rich tapestry of nature nearby. Anna Nyman, a biologist and herbalist who leads foraging tours with Foraging in Finland, captures this essence beautifully: “Nature in Finland is pristine. We are inherently connected to the land; it’s part of our identity as ‘forest people’.”

A visit to Helsinki wouldn’t be complete without immersing yourself in its natural beauty—breathe in the crisp air, feel the invigorating breeze, and soak in the restorative magic that surrounds you. This might even mean savoring a few long drinks between sessions in a sauna. If there’s one thing that embodies Finnish culture, it’s this simple yet profound pleasure.

With a population of around 5.5 million, Finland is home to an astonishing 3.3 million saunas. That’s a statistic that deserves respect. Saunas are a staple in every home, apartment complex, and summer cottage. They are not merely a past-time but a way of life, so much so that Finnish sauna culture has gained recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Of course, Helsinki offers more than just sauna sessions. Yet even if you were to focus solely on enjoying the city’s natural wonders and indulging in the sauna lifestyle, you’d still return home with a profound understanding of what makes Finland and its people thrive. Isn’t that the goal, after all?

How to Get to Helsinki

Travelers from the United States can find a handful of direct flights into Helsinki. However, most routes will typically necessitate layovers in neighboring Nordic countries or well-known European hubs, depending on your airline of choice. The main airport is just a convenient 30-minute drive from the heart of the city.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

The five-star Hotel Haven, perched along the vibrant South Harbor waterfront, offers travelers a luxurious experience. This 137-room gem, which opened in 2009, is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels portfolio, and each location possesses its own unique flair. Guests can enjoy comfortable spaces with elegant furnishings, soaking tubs, and stunning harbor views. The hotel boasts various on-site dining options, and breakfast at Restaurant Haven, situated in one of Helsinki’s oldest buildings from 1817, should not be missed. Meanwhile, Bar Haven entices guests with an extensive whiskey selection and craft cocktails to enjoy by the fireplace.

For fans of art deco, Hotel Lilla Roberts, which opened in 2015, provides a singular experience with its 130 rooms embracing bold black-and-white decor, plush furnishings, and quirky styling. Once a police station, this hotel features winding hallways that connect three distinct buildings, with an inviting main lobby and the vibrant Lila Bar, which serves local beers and culinary delights. The outdoor courtyard shines on sunny days, while the on-site Krog Roba delights diners with inventive Nordic dishes.

What to Do

For those looking to satisfy their sauna cravings, Löyly is a must-visit. Opened in 2016, this gorgeous seaside sauna boasts a modern wooden structure complete with a restaurant, bar, and various wellness treatments. You’ll find traditional, smoke, and semi-private saunas, cold showers, and even a cozy fireplace lounge. If you’re feeling brave, there are ladders leading off the deck for a refreshing plunge into the Baltic Sea—just be cautious about the water depth!

If that only whets your appetite, head over to Allas Sea Pool, located right along the harbor, or even take the iconic SkyWheel Helsinki for a unique sauna experience in one of its specialized cabins, offering spectacular views over the bustling city below.

For those eager for adventure, Burn Out City offers exhilarating speedboat tours of the Helsinki archipelago aboard RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) that can zip along at up to 100 kilometers per hour. With warm gear provided, you can enjoy the coastal scenery and make scenic snack stops along the route.

Helsinki is surrounded by over 300 islands, some of which are year-round homes while others host whimsical summer cottages. A network of ferries makes hopping among key destinations a breeze, including the renowned Suomenlinna Sea Fortress and Korkeasaari Zoo.

Back in the city center, most major attractions are in easily walkable proximity. You can stroll to significant sites such as the striking green-and-gold domed Helsinki Cathedral, the red-bricked Uspenski Cathedral, the bustling Esplanade Park, and the Presidential Palace. Be sure to swing by Helsinki’s contemporary cultural hub near the train station, where the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Musiikkitalo concert hall, and the extraordinary Oodi—an innovative library and community center—are all within reach.

This summer, visitors can look forward to the 2023 Helsinki Biennial, running from June to September, where Vallisaari Island and other venues across the city will showcase contemporary art exhibits, film screenings, and a variety of events.

As connecting to nature is a way of life for Helsinki’s residents, there are extensive parks and forests just a short trip away. “Being in nature allows you to be present,” Nyman emphasizes. A delightful 130-kilometer waterfront trail (including a 15-kilometer loop within the city) offers idyllic spots such as Seurasaari Island, perfect for leisurely walks or exploring its traditional open-air museum homes, which host Nyman’s engaging foraging excursions.

Where to Eat and Drink

For a taste of local fare, the historic Old Market Hall, which opened its doors in 1889, offers a cornucopia of options from cheese and soup to reindeer and caviar. Just a stone’s throw away, the lively Market Square teems with tented cafes and street vendors serving up quick bites.

At Nolla Restaurant, creativity meets sustainability with a zero-waste philosophy that emphasizes local, seasonal ingredients and inventive use of what would otherwise be discarded. The multi-course menu exemplifies this approach, accompanied by house-made brews that truly enhance the experience.

For those craving a culinary adventure, head to Lily Lee, where a Cantonese roast duck tasting menu awaits. Marrying Finnish seafood with Chinese flavors, you’ll find succulent dumplings, tempura honey prawns, and, of course, the showstopper duck platter. Be sure to indulge in drink pairings that may include selections from Champagne, wine, or sake. The same group runs Boon Nam, an inviting Thai restaurant just a short distance away.

Kappeli, a grand café and restaurant established in 1867 along the Esplanade, invites you to sip a drink on its outdoor terrace or savor traditional Finnish dishes inside. For vibrant nightlife, the rooftop Sky Terrace at the Klaus K hotel features live DJs, while its trattoria, Toscanini, serves exquisite Italian fare.

Pien, a charming bottle shop and tasting room, boasts an impressive lineup of over 600 canned and bottled beers. Despite the pandemic forcing a pause on their brewery operations, the team remains optimistic about reopening a new venture soon, while keeping you entertained with tastings in a welcoming, community-driven space.

The craft cocktail scene is thriving in Helsinki, too. Yes Yes Yes, a whimsical American diner awash in pastel colors, serves up cocktails, natural wines, and non-alcoholic “Nudes” around its eye-catching U-shaped bar, alongside a vegetarian menu. For something more intimate, Chihuahua Julep operates as a speakeasy with a no-phone policy; guests must arrive with cash or a physical card. The menu showcases a variety of agave spirits paired with tasty bar snacks. If you’re still in the mood to explore, make your way to Liberty or Death and Trillby and Chadwick, both cherished spots in the Son of a Punch Hospitality family.