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Helsinki, Finland
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South coast, capital

Helsinki

Finland's capital combines modern architecture, design and a calm, pleasant atmosphere right on the water — with exciting museums, cozy cafés and the charm of especially atmospheric winter evenings.

Oodi Central Library with striking modern architectureSuomenlinna fortress island and the harbor market squareCozy cafés like Cafe Regatta with an open fire

Getting to Helsinki

We flew with Lufthansa (outbound) and Finnair (return) from Frankfurt, flight time approx. 2.5 hours. Since this was an open-jaw itinerary (including the return flight from Rovaniemi via Helsinki), I can't give an exact price for the single leg, but the total flight cost came to around €380 per person including checked baggage. From Helsinki-Vantaa airport, the train gets you to the central station in about 30 minutes, tickets from €4–5 depending on the zone, reliable and running every few minutes. From there we continued on to Rovaniemi with the Santa Claus Express.

Where We Stayed in Helsinki

Scandic Helsinki Station

Very central location right at the main railway station, with plenty of sights, restaurants, cafés and shops within comfortable walking distance, and public transport right at the door. About €120 per night including breakfast, very good value for money. Highly central location, modern and attractive ambience, very friendly and helpful staff, a generous breakfast included, a women's sauna in the hotel, and clean, well-equipped rooms.

Verdict: Won us over on every front. The location is perfect, the ambience modern and cozy, the staff very friendly. The breakfast and sauna in particular rounded out our stay — a great place for a city break in Helsinki that we'd happily book again.

Scandic Helsinki Station

The Best Food in Helsinki

Cafe Regatta

A rustic, lovingly decorated café with a very special charm. Best order is a hot drink and a sausage in a bun, available vegan too. In front of the café there's a fire pit with skewers where you can grill your own sausage over the flames, creating a cozy, almost magical winter atmosphere. Warm and homely inside, crackling fire outside — a genuine highlight.

Verdict: Perfect for cold days and anyone who wants to experience Helsinki's cozy side. Combines good food, a fun idea, and real Finnish winter spirit.

Cafe Regatta

Ihana Kahvila Baari

A charming, lovingly designed café with a very pleasant atmosphere in a central location. We went twice and each time enjoyed coffee, glögi and a cinnamon bun — the cinnamon bun in particular was wonderfully moist and full of flavor. Cozy and inviting, with friendly staff.

Verdict: Ideal for a relaxed coffee break in Helsinki, a clear recommendation for anyone who wants to discover the city's cozier side.

Ihana Kahvila Baari

Pho Viet

Very busy when we visited, which shows how popular this spot is. Lively, more turnover-focused atmosphere, great if you're out and about in the city and want a quick, good meal. Very generous portions — we only managed about half, and got practical to-go boxes for the rest.

Verdict: Genuinely tasty Vietnamese food in large portions, ideal for an uncomplicated meal in the city.

Pho Viet

Thai Vegan Kitchen

Cozy, authentic atmosphere that makes you feel at ease right away, plus exceptionally friendly and attentive staff. The food was incredibly delicious and outstanding in flavor — some of the best Thai food we've had outside of Thailand, every dish aromatic, fresh and perfectly balanced.

Verdict: A genuine highlight for anyone who loves Thai cuisine, excellent vegan food, a pleasant atmosphere and warm service — absolutely worth a visit.

Thai Vegan Kitchen

The Best Activities in Helsinki

Helsinki Christmas Parade

Held every year, with festively decorated floats, music and holiday spirit that delight locals and visitors alike. Starts at Senate Square, continues along Aleksanterinkatu past the Stockmann department store and the Esplanade, then back to Senate Square, starting at 4pm with the lights switching on gradually throughout the parade.

Verdict: A wonderful way to see the city in its festive, glowing splendor.

Helsinki Christmas Parade

Oodi Central Library

Right in the heart of Helsinki, next to the main railway station, not just a place to read but also a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike. Open daily 8am–10pm, free admission.

Impresses with modern architecture, bright, open spaces and an inspiring atmosphere. Alongside a large book collection, the library offers areas for working, relaxing and creative projects. The open floors, the media center and the view from the top floor are especially worth checking out, along with small cafés to linger in.

Verdict: Ideal for anyone who wants to combine culture, architecture and reading — an inspiring spot in the middle of Helsinki and an absolute must for city explorers.

Oodi Central Library
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