🔥 Hotspots

🥖 Food

Helsinki offers a mix of traditional Finnish cuisine and trendy international dining spots, and though it can be pricey, there are affordable gems around the city.

• Ravintola Löyly $$: Located by the sea, Löyly offers modern Finnish cuisine and a fantastic view, especially in summer. Great for trying local fish dishes.

• Sandro $$: Known for its North African-inspired brunches, Sandro offers a diverse menu with vegetarian and vegan options in a cozy, vibrant setting.

• Kombo Street Food $: Affordable spot in the city center with Asian street food options like bao buns, ramen, and spring rolls. Perfect for a quick and budget-friendly meal.

• Cafe Regatta $: Iconic little cafe by the sea where you can enjoy traditional korvapuusti (Finnish cinnamon rolls) and coffee. A cozy, laid-back spot for a snack after a walk.

• Hietalahti Market Hall $$: This food hall offers a variety of stalls with Finnish specialties like reindeer meat and salmon soup, as well as international foods. Ideal for sampling local and exotic flavors.

• Helsingin Jäätelötehdas $: A well-loved Helsinki ice cream spot offering unique flavors like sea buckthorn and lingonberry. You’ll find their kiosks in different parts of the city during summer.

☕️ Coffee

• Cafe Roasberg: Known for its creative decor and comfortable seating, this café has a great selection of pastries and specialty coffee. Perfect for studying or socializing.

• Paulig Kulma: Located in the Kluuvi shopping center, this café is known for its premium coffee beans and great ambiance. They often host coffee workshops as well.

• Good Life Coffee: A hip spot in the Kallio district, loved by locals for its strong coffee and minimalist vibe. Great for grabbing a coffee to go or sitting down with a book.

• El Fant Café: Nestled in Helsinki’s oldest stone building, this café is a bit hidden but has excellent coffee, along with a great selection of baked goods.

• Andante: A beautifully decorated spot combining coffee and flowers. Known for serving top-notch espresso and small pastries, this café is also a lovely escape from the busy city.

🍾 Going Out

Helsinki’s nightlife offers everything from cozy bars to vibrant clubs and, of course, sauna bars for a uniquely Finnish experience.

• Kaarle XII (Kalle): One of Helsinki’s oldest and most popular nightclubs, Kalle is famous for its mix of pop, rock, and Finnish classics. It has multiple rooms, so there’s something for everyone.

• Kuudes Linja: A go-to club for electronic and indie music fans. Located in the Kallio district, it’s known for affordable drinks and a laid-back crowd.

• Siltanen: Located next to Kuudes Linja, this bar has a relaxed, artsy vibe. It often hosts DJs and live performances and is a favorite for the after-work crowd.

• Steam Helsinki: A steampunk-themed bar in central Helsinki, popular for unique cocktails and creative decor. Perfect for a themed night out with friends.

• Riviera Kallio: A cozy bar and cinema combination. You can sip cocktails and enjoy snacks while watching movies, making it a great spot for a more relaxed night out.

• Allas Sea Pool: Located near the harbor, Allas offers pools, saunas, and a rooftop bar with great views of the city. Enjoy a unique evening dipping in the pool or unwinding in a sauna with friends.

⛰ Activities

Helsinki has a mix of history, art, and outdoor activities, with plenty of things to explore throughout the year.

• Helsinki Cathedral: The iconic white Lutheran cathedral in Senate Square is a must-see. Climb the steps for a great view of the surrounding city.

• Suomenlinna Fortress: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a short ferry ride from the city and offers hiking paths, historic buildings, and scenic views. Great for a day trip in both summer and winter.

• Temppeliaukio (Rock Church): This unique church is built directly into solid rock, with impressive acoustics and a stunning copper roof. A peaceful place to visit in the city center.

• Design Museum: Helsinki is known for its design scene, and this museum showcases Finnish design history with rotating exhibitions. Perfect for art and design lovers.

• Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: An island museum where you can explore old Finnish wooden houses, farm buildings, and even meet some animals. Ideal for a quiet day outdoors.

• Oodi Library: This modern library is a popular spot for studying, and it also has cafes, studios, and even 3D printing equipment. Great for unwinding or doing some work.

🥾 Day Trips

Helsinki is surrounded by beautiful nature, making it easy to escape the city and experience Finland’s forests and lakes.

• Nuuksio National Park: Just an hour from Helsinki, this park offers hiking, swimming, and even reindeer feeding. It’s a beautiful escape with well-marked trails through forests and lakes.

• Porvoo: A charming historic town about 50 minutes from Helsinki by bus, Porvoo has colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafes along the river.

• Espoo Archipelago: Take a boat tour around Espoo’s beautiful archipelago, where you can explore small islands, enjoy a swim, or have a picnic.

• Haltiala Farm: Located north of Helsinki, Haltiala is a public farm where you can see animals like sheep and cows. It’s particularly popular in the summer when the fields bloom with sunflowers.

• Vihti Ski Center: A small ski area about an hour’s drive from Helsinki, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick winter sports getaway close to the city.

💶 Cost of Living

Accommodation:

• Private rental: A one-bedroom apartment in Helsinki’s city center can cost between €1,000–€1,500 per month.
• Student housing: There are student residences offered through HOAS (Foundation for Student Housing in the Helsinki Region). Shared apartments or studio flats generally range from €300–€800, depending on location and amenities.

Groceries:

• Budget options: Lidl is generally the most affordable for groceries. K-Market and S-Market also have a good selection, though they can be pricier.
• Local specialties: Try karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties) and rye bread, which are reasonably priced and commonly found in supermarkets.

Transportation:

• Public transport: Helsinki has an excellent network of trams, buses, and metro lines. A monthly student pass costs around €35, and single tickets are €2.80.
• Biking: The city is bike-friendly, with city bike rentals available from April to October.
• Trains: From the central station, you can easily travel to other cities in Finland, with discounted rates for students.