Finland’s capital and Northern Europe’s design, architecture and sustainable living issues most inspiring cities one. Clean air, calm energy, harmony with nature and simple Nordic aesthetic lifestyle a23> aesthetics Nordic lifestyle form best reflects places. City, Alvar Aalto’s modernist traces, sea side public saunas as far as functional as it is aesthetic a whole possesses.
Although Helsinki is known as an expensive city, it is possible to enjoy local life with good planning. Independent restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops, which have become particularly prominent in recent years, make the city quite appealing for foodies. After spending 10 days there this summer, we share our latest recommendations below.
Helsinki is a city that shows different faces throughout the year. Summer (June–August) is the ideal time to visit; the weather is cool and refreshing compared to the Mediterranean, and the days are long and bright. Parks, coastal walking paths, and terraces are bustling during this period. In winter, the city takes on a completely different atmosphere—snow-covered streets, frozen sea views, and sauna culture offer a chance to experience the most authentic form of Nordic life.
Helsinki is a compact city that can be explored on foot. While three days are enough to get to know the city, it’s a good idea to add a few more days if you want to explore the surrounding area. From here, you can take day trips to cities such as Porvoo or Turku, and in winter, you can head to Lapland – Rovaniemi to see the northern lights. In the summer, crossing the Baltic Sea to Tallinn is a very popular and enjoyable route.
We went on a long trip in August and visited the trio of Helsinki, Porvoo, and Tallinn. The cool summer weather, crystal-clear sea, and the fact that the days seem to go on forever make this our favorite time of year.
There are direct flights from Turkey to Helsinki, and the journey from Istanbul takes approximately 3.5 hours. Flights usually land at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), which is quite close to the city center (approximately 18 km). Sometimes tickets can be found at more affordable prices from different cities such as Antalya.
There are several practical options for getting from the airport to the city center:
Train: You can reach the city center in 30 minutes with the I and P trains departing from under the airport terminal. The ticket price is approximately €5, and trains run from early morning until midnight.
Taxi or Bolt: Getting to the city center by taxi costs an average of €40–50, while using Bolt or Uber is often more economical. We generally preferred Bolt within the city, but public transportation isn’t bad either.
If you plan to visit Tallinn during your trip, you can choose to depart from Helsinki and return via Tallinn (or vice versa). You can reach Tallinn from Helsinki in 2 hours by cruise ship. Both cities’ ports are located in the city center and are very easy to access. We purchased our Helsinki-Tallinn ferry tickets from the Eckero Line website. Remember to follow the directions on your ticket and arrive at the port a little early.
– Ravintola Jason
– Cafe Savoy
– Bona Fide
– Osteria dei Mancini
– Plein
– Nolla
– Restaurant Elm
– Nolita
– BasBas
– Ravintola 305
– OWAN
– Ravintola Kamome (temporarily closed)
– Ravintola Siddhartha
– Hills Dumplings
Pizza:
– Restaurant Forza
– IZZA Kallio
– Blondie
Burger & Sando:
– Mr. Pastrami
– Cafe Tampopo
– Ester’s Grocery
– Sörkan Rinkula
– Boneless
– Friends & Brgrs
Breakfast Places and Bakeries:
– Way Bakery
– Cafe Cle
– Layers Bakery
– Rolling Cheese Töölö
– Patisserie Teemu Aura
– Bakery Levain
– Primo
– Cafelito
– Eromanga
Specialty Coffee:
– Andante
– Kaffa Roastery
– Rams Roasters
– Johan & Nyström
Delicious food and great atmosphere for you can go to cafes:
– Ekberg 1852, Helsinki’s oldest pastry shop, Ekberg, has been serving classic Finnish sweets, fresh baked goods, and a refined coffee culture since 1852.
– Kappeli, Starting as a small lemonade and pastry stand in Esplanadi Park, Kappeli (meaning chapel in Finnish) has been a meeting place for artists, musicians, and writers since the 1800s. Today, with its renovated elegant hall, historic stained glass windows, and unique location in the city center, it is one of Helsinki’s most nostalgic restaurants. We had our first lunch here, and considering the price we paid, it was one of the most ordinary restaurants we found. But still, some may want to go for its historic atmosphere.
– Cafe Regatta, a tiny fairy-tale world by the sea inside a red cabin. With mulled wine, campfire, and Baltic breezes, it’s one of Helsinki’s most iconic cafes.
– Cafe Vanille, Located in a pastel-colored wooden house on Suomenlinna Island, this cafe is a pleasant stop for visitors to the island.
– Cafe Ursula, Kaivopuisto beach location area Café Ursula, sea view, morning walk after meetings for classic a a16> Helsinki cafe.
Wine / Cocktail Bar:
– Trillby & Chadwick
– Bob’s Laundry
– Gadeplan
– Murun Viinibaari
What to see:
• Oodi Central Library
• Kiasma
• Amos Rex Museum
• HAM
• Design Museum Helsinki
• Museum of Finnish Architecture
• Temppeliaukio
• Löyly Sauna
• Suomenlinna
• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum
• Finlandia Hall
• The Academic Bookstore
• Aalto House & Studio
• National Museum of Finland
• Helsinki Cathedral
• Uspenski Cathedral
• Kaivopuisto Park
• Helsinki Botanic Garden
• Särkiniemenpuisto
Finland, The happiest country in the world eight years in a row. Here’s what you need to know about the capital of the happiest country in the world, along with some interesting facts.
Clean, safe, quiet and surprisingly well-organized to a high degree a city.
💶 Unlike other Nordic countries, the currency here is the Euro, cards are accepted almost everywhere, and there is no tipping culture.
🚋 For transportation, you can use the HSL app to use the metro, tram, and ferry with a single ticket, but it’s not really necessary. Because the city is quite compact, walking or cycling is the best way to get around. For longer distances, you can use the Bolt app.
🌡️ In summer, it’s cool and bright around 20–25°C, and in winter, it’s snow-covered with a magical atmosphere. The weather is cold from October to May. Unless you’re planning to visit the Christmas market or head to Rovaniemi to see the northern lights, come here in summer.
🏠 For accommodation, Kallio is bohemian, Punavuori is chic and central, and Töölö is quiet but close to the sea. We stayed at BOB W Kaarti, which is in the most central location possible.
☕ Finland is the country with the highest per capita coffee consumption. Finding good coffee in the city is practically a national right. We could call it a red line. Tap water is safe to drink.
🍽️ Restoranlar pahalı ama sade ve kaliteli; özellikle alkol fiyatları Avrupa’ya kıyasla çok uçuk ama şaşırırsınız İstanbul’dan ucuz.
🏛️ There is no classic Old Town in Helsinki; modernism Art Nouveau architecture passes through transitioned into a charming city fabric with a unique character. The biggest difference from other Nordic capitals is actually this.
Architecture enthusiasts for it is a visual feast — before coming here first Finnish architects and designers need to research is necessary.
🧖♀️ Sauna is a culture, a way of life here. Love it or hate it, sauna is important to Finns. They even have one in their parliament 🙂 The most interesting one is SkySauna, which offers a sauna experience in a special cabin at the top of SkyWheel Helsinki.
🧭 While you’re here:
You can reach Tallinn in 2 hours, you can go to Stockholm with a slightly longer boat trip, and in winter you can fly to Rovaniemi for the northern lights. You can explore nearby cities such as Porvoo and Turku.
🌿 Finland land largely covered by forests; From the city, it is possible to reach nature in ten minutes.
Silence, simple living and harmony with nature is the essence of this country’s formula for happiness formula summary.
Way Bakery — One of Helsinki’s most popular bakeries, we’ve been curious about it for a long time. It’s worth going during opening hours; the product variety is limited, especially the savory options. They offer different products depending on the season, and their sweet pastries are quite delicious.
Café Clé — A hidden neighborhood café on a quiet, peaceful street. It offers homemade cakes, good filter coffee, and a warm atmosphere. There’s also a small corner inside selling design products. Be sure to try the cheese toast.
Patisserie Teemu Aura — More traditional Finnish bakery products made by a bakery. Kardemummarahkapulla and Voisilmäpulla are unique to this place.
Layers Bakery — A small bakery selling layered croissants and pastries. It stands out with its simple Scandinavian aesthetic.
Ester’s Grocery — Focaccia sandwiches for two times we stopped by a stop. Bakeries don’t open until as early as 10:00–11:00; you need to go around 10:00–11:00.
Café Tampopo — Ideal for those who love sandwich-style products inspired by Japanese cuisine. Suitable for a late breakfast or lunch.
Sörkan Rinkula — You can find the city’s best bagel sandwiches here. It’s a bit far, so pay attention to the opening hours.
Cafelito Café — Spanish style bread and snacks lovers for day day open small a place.
Eromanga — One of Helsinki’s classics. They’ve been making pastries using the same recipe since 1946; the Finnish meat bun is a bit greasy but tasty. Its name comes from a randomly chosen Pacific island.
PRIMO — A great stop for those planning a picnic in Lapinlahti Park to pick up bread. We got our deli items from Rolling Cheese in Töölö and had a picnic in the park.
Bakery Levain — Ideal for breakfast on a morning when you head to Löyly Sauna. Fresh croissants, egg dishes, and a simple atmosphere.
Andante Coffee — Our favorite specialty coffee spot in Helsinki. With its music, coffee, and interior details, it’s the perfect “Scandi hygge” spot. Their scones and pastries are also excellent.
Kaffa Roastery — The heart of the city’s coffee culture. They roast their own beans; one of our favorite coffee spots.
Johan & Nyström— Photogenic stops located in an industrial building by the sea.
Rams Roasters — One of the specialty coffee shops of Helsinki.
Ravintola Jason — A chef who has spent years in Michelin-starred kitchens Jari Vesivalo’s new restaurant has quickly become one of Helsinki’s most talked about venues in a short time. a14> talked about places in Helsinki in a short time. Jason serves both a la carte and set menus. The current price of the six-course set menu is 87 euros. The menu a29> and reservations for here restaurant can be reached.
Café Savoy — A timeless classic; an iconic address overlooking Esplanadi, combining Finnish cuisine with art deco elegance. It is actually the stylish café on the ground floor of Savoy, one of Finland’s most elegant restaurants. Here, you can also opt for an impressive lunch with a small set menu. You’d better book in advance.
Bona Fide — Nestled between the cathedral and the sea, this cozy Bib Gourmand bistro blends Mediterranean simplicity with Nordic elegance. With seasonal menus and carefully selected ingredients, it’s one of Helsinki’s most enjoyable stops. It was one of the best value-for-money places on the Michelin recommendation list. The four-course set menu is 48 euros. For the menu and reservations, click here.
Osteria dei Mancini — With Roman chef Tamas Mancini and a kitchen staff entirely made up of Italians, it brings the cheer of Italy’s coastal towns to Tehtaankatu. As a couple who loves Italian cuisine, we try a few Italian restaurants on all our trips. We had one of our most enjoyable lunches in Helsinki here. It made us feel like we would be regulars if we lived here. The truffle risotto, octopus, and Roman-style fried artichokes were very tasty.
Plein — Once an old butcher shop, today it is one of the neighborhood’s most beloved bistros; it offers simple yet carefully prepared dishes with a sincere elegance. It is one of the Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Michelin guide. They serve a set menu, and the four-course menu costs 58 euros. It is located just outside the city center. Reservations are required, here.
Nolla — The name means “zero.” Finland’s pioneering zero-waste restaurant proves that sustainability can be delicious. We were very lucky on the day we visited Nolla. Because it was the restaurant’s seventh anniversary celebration, we had the opportunity to try dishes specially prepared for Nolla by chefs from different cities across Europe. You can choose between a 4-course or 6-course menu, which starts at 62 euros. You can check out their menus here and make a reservation.
Restaurant Elm — Located in a quiet part of town, it offers modern European cuisine for fine wines and leisurely dinners. One of Helsinki’s most enjoyable spots, both for its atmosphere and its food. The interior decor is very chic. The menu bears the traces of chefs from different countries. They serve delicious dishes ranging from tapas-style starters to fresh pasta. Their menu is here.
Nolita — Nolla and Elm teams born a cozy little neighborhood spot; small plates, good and surprisingly delicious burgers can be found. Nolla and Elm when compared to this place we liked it less by far . The menus are here.
BasBas — With its warm and creative cuisine, one of Helsinki’s most beloved “casual fine-dining” addresses one. Basbas has three different concepts locations available. Baskeri & Basso, BasBas Kulma and BasBas Studio. We went to Baskeri & Basso. The atmosphere was very pleasant, a bit overly popular a place. If you want to go quieter hours go if you want early hours prefer get.
OWAN — Tiny, minimalist a Japanese restaurant. Seasonal ingredients prepared simple but deep umami flavors stand out here. Here we tried the Flamed Salmon Bowl and the Roast Beef Bowl , both of which were very delicious. It might be one of the best places you can eat for under 20 euros. If you like matcha, set aside time for dessert after your meal. a37> time set aside. Small a place that’s why making a reservation is a good idea is a good idea. You can find their menus here here.
Hills Dumplings — El yapımı dumpling’ler, doğal şaraplar ve rahat bir atmosfer; tam bir “comfort food” durağı. Helsinki’de çok keyifli bir öğle yemeği durağı aynı zamanda. Rezervasyon yaptırmadan gidip beklemeden yer bulabildik ama işlek bir yer olduğunu söyleyebiliriz. Burada öğle yemeğinde sundukları set menüyü tavsiye ederiz. Seçtiğiniz mantı ile beraber, pilav ve salata geliyor. Servanttan kahve, çay ve limonata da alabiliyorsunuz menüye dahil olarak. Menü sadece 14,90euro. Biz mekanın imza tabağı haline gelen Pan Fried Dumplings denedik. Menülerine buradan ulaşabilirsiniz.
Restaurant Forza — A modern restaurant known for its thin-crust pizzas made with long-fermented dough. Forza, which features on lists of Europe’s best pizzerias, was ranked as the 24th best pizzeria out of 50 top pizzerias. The pizza dough is especially delicious, and it has become our favorite in the city. You can check out their menus here.
IZZA Kallio — If you’re looking for a place for a faster snack pizza, this relaxed “slice bar” is just the spot for you. Roman-style square sliced pizzas, are a great music and beer meeting spot.
Mr. Pastrami Herttoniemi — A delightful spot serving New York-style sandwiches with a Finnish twist. Herttoniemi is an area frequented more by locals than tourists, but it’s worth coming here just for these pastrami sandwiches, which are considered among the best burgers in town.
Helsinki is a city that stands out for its architecture, nature, and design sensibility, and its compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot. Routes stretching from the city center to the waterfront are filled with contemporary art museums, parks, and iconic buildings. Here are the must-see stops in the city:
Oodi Central Library – Opened in 2018, this modern library is not only a place for books but also a social space intertwined with public life. It bears the signature of ALA Architects. Don’t miss out on visiting the interior.
Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art – Steven Holl designed by contemporary art museum, is home to one of Finland’s most important art collections.
Amos Rex Museum – One of Helsinki’s most innovative museums, with exhibition spaces built underground and a wavy roof. It usually hosts experimental exhibitions.
HAM (Helsinki Art Museum) – Located in the Tennispalatsi building, HAM presents a modern selection of works by Finnish and international artists.
Design Museum Helsinki – A museum that has been telling the history of Finnish design since 1873; brands such as Marimekko, Iittala, Artek and other brands stories can be seen here.
Museum of Finnish Architecture – A small but inspiring museum documenting modern Finnish architecture from Alvar Aalto to Eliel Saarinen.
Temppeliaukio Church – A church carved into the rock, famous for its acoustics. The way the light filters in creates an impressive experience.
Löyly Sauna – A modern sauna complex located by the sea; its wooden facade bears the signature of Avanto Architects. Swimming at sunset here is a classic Helsinki experience.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (UNESCO) – Built by the Swedes in the 18th century, this sea fortress is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It can be reached by ferry in 15-20 minutes during the summer months.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum – An open-air museum where you can explore traditional wooden houses from 17th and 18th century Finland; a route immersed in nature. You can walk here after visiting the Aalto House; it’s very pleasant in summer.
Finlandia Hall – Designed by Alvar Aalto, this building serves as both a concert hall and a conference center. Its white marble facade makes it an iconic landmark. After undergoing renovations for some time, it recently reopened and now features a delightful museum shop.
The Academic Bookstore – Another Alvar Aalto design; Finland’s famous bookstore. Its light-filled interior and Café Aalto inside are also a must-see.
Aalto House & Studio – Located in the Munkkiniemi district, these two buildings are ideal for getting to know Alvar Aalto’s life and work up close. Admission is by reservation only, and these are the only two places among the sites to visit where you need to buy tickets in advance. As they are visited on guided tours, you cannot go there on your own.
National Museum of Finland – A comprehensive museum that tells the history of Finland from the Middle Ages to the present day. The building itself is also an important example of national romantic architecture.
Helsinki Cathedral – The city’s symbol; white facade and green domes occupy the center of Senate Square. Unfortunately, while we were there it was undergoing renovation but it is a16> it was under renovation but it is one of the city’s most imposing structures one.
Uspenski Cathedral – Red brick facade draws attention with its Orthodox cathedral, Russian influence traces carries and offers a beautiful view of the city from above with a QR code at its door for quick ticket purchase. At the door with a QR code quickly tickets can be purchased.
Kaivopuisto Park – One of Helsinki’s most beautiful parks for walking along the waterfront, having a picnic, or watching the sunset.
Helsinki Botanic Garden (Kaisaniemi) – A peaceful garden close to the city center, home to hundreds of plant species. Very pleasant in the summer months.
Särkiniemenpuisto – Eira district location area, overlooking the Baltic Sea, a small but peaceful seaside park; a walking and a15> beach park; walking and photo breaks are ideal. Summer months if you come wonderful a sunset and swimming spot at the same time.
Located approximately 50 km east of Helsinki, Porvoo is one of Finland’s oldest and most charming towns. With its colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and historic riverside setting, it is one of the country’s most photogenic places. It’s ideal for a day trip — offering a peaceful, nostalgic, and creative atmosphere.
Helsinki’den Porvoo’ya ulaşmak oldukça kolay:
By bus: You can reach it in about 1 hour by bus from the Kamppi Bus Terminal in the city center. The ticket price is around €10 one way. We bought our tickets in advance here for a round trip.
By car: If you have rented a car, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes and offers a very pleasant route along the coastal road during the summer months.
Places to see in Porvoo include Old Town Porvoo, Porvoo Cathedral, J. L. Runeberg’s Home, Brunberg Chocolate Factory, and Porvoo Riverside Warehouses. The riverside walking route and small design shops are also among the best ways to experience the town’s atmosphere. The home of the famous poet Runeberg is an important stop reflecting the town’s cultural heritage. It has been turned into a unique museum that conveys the intellectual atmosphere of 19th-century Finland.
We only stopped at one place for food, but there were actually many options listed in the Michelin guide and recommended. If you’re going on the weekend, it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance. On Sundays, many places may be closed. The place we visited, Ravintola Salt, is a pleasant restaurant with a warm atmosphere that combines modern Finnish cuisine with local ingredients. Fresh seafood, fermented vegetables, and simple yet flawless presentations create an unexpected gastronomic experience in this small town. If you wish, you can choose from their lunch buffet on certain days or order à la carte from the menu.
We are heading to a modest house tucked away among the trees in a quiet neighborhood in Helsinki.
Designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1936, this building is not really an architectural monument—it is a home where people, light, and nature live together. Aalto’s architecture never stood out with ostentatious facades; his concern was how people lived, rested, and breathed with nature.
With his first wife Aino and later Elissa Aalto, he brought architecture and art, city and forest, form and emotion closer together.
Every detail inside this house, which was placed under protection after Alvar Aalto’s death in 1972, embodies this philosophy: Aino’s beloved piano, a few chairs they brought from Italy, wood surfaces weathered by the sun…
For Aalto, true architecture was not just about the form of a building—it was also hidden in the soft light of a lamp, the curves of a chair, the brightness of a window.
Zamanla malzemelerin eskimesine değil, olgunlaşmasına inanırdı.
Her yüzeyin yıllarla değişmesini doğal ve dürüst bulurdu.
Bu yüzden Aalto Evi hala yaşayan bir mekan diyebiliriz; içeri girdiğinizde geçmişin sıcaklığını, sessizliğinin ve sadeliğin zarafetini hissedebilirsiniz.
You don’t have to travel all the way to Helsinki to encounter Aalto; today, you can find traces of Aalto anywhere in the world, whether sitting on a birch stool or admiring a glass vase reminiscent of waves. Artek’s designs continue to live on in homes, offices, and museums around the world.
Studio Aalto, within walking distance from his home, is another world where ideas meet light. The small courtyard in the middle symbolizes his way of thinking—a non-hierarchical, open, shared space.
🏛️ Aalto Works Worth Visiting in Helsinki
Aalto’nun hem evi hem stüdyosu, bizce Helsinki’yi ziyaret eden herkesin görmesi gereken iki önemli mekan. Aalto House ve Studio Aalto yalnızca önceden bilet alarak ve rehberli turlarla gezilebiliyor. Biletler ve ziyaret saatleri için: alvaraalto.fi
The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is one of the most enjoyable Nordic destinations to explore, with its architecture, gastronomy, and simple city life.
The following itinerary is designed to ensure that first-time visitors have a full three days. Don’t forget to save it for later.
Day 1: Classic Helsinki
Morning:
Start your day at Senate Square and its surroundings by exploring. Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral the city’s two symbolic structures of the city. Then Esplanadi Park along walk.
☕️ Breakfast:
Lunch:
After the historic center, take a short walk to the Design District.
Afternoon:
🍽️ Evening:
Day 2: Design, Architecture and Nature
Morning: arrive early in the morning to visit Temppeliaukio Church.
☕️ Breakfast:
Noon:
If you’re in Finland and want to experience sauna culture, you can visit Löyly Sauna. Even if you don’t use the sauna, the terrace view is spectacular.
Afternoon:
Morning route to Alvar Aalto separate. Plan your visit to the Aalto House and Studio in advance with a reservation. If the weather is nice in the area a pleasant walk awaits you. From here Seurasaari Open Air Museum you can walk.
Alternatively as the seaside area Kaivopuisto Park or Särkiniemenpuisto time you can spend. Especially Särkiniemenpuisto is absolutely stunning at sunset.
🍽️ Evening:
Day 3: Islands, Art and Kallio Neighborhood
Morning:
☕️ Breakfast:
Early in the morning you can take the ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress island in 15 minutes (15 minutes, with an HSL ticket). This island, protected by UNESCO, is an impressive escape with both its historical and natural beauty.
Lunch:
After returning from the island, head to the Kallio district; creative shops, second-hand stores, and an alternative atmosphere await you. For lunch, grab a bite at Way Bakery in Kallio. Alternatively, IZZA Kallio, Sörkan Rinkula, or Cafelito are also good options.
Afternoon:
HAM (Helsinki Art Museum) or Design Museum Helsinki Visit them today.
🍽️ Evening:
