Helsinki
The capital of Finland.
The Finnish capital of Helsinki (Helsingfors) is a relaxed Nordic city where neoclassical architecture, Orthodox churches and Nordic modernism meet a quietly confident food, design and cultural scene. Compact and easy to explore, Helsinki feels immediately liveable – a place shaped as much by daily rituals as by landmarks.
Often cited as one of the world’s happiest and most sustainable cities, Helsinki places wellbeing at the centre of urban life. Its dining scene reflects this philosophy, with a strong focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, foraged flavours and understated creativity. From market halls to Michelin-recommended restaurants, food in Helsinki is thoughtful rather than showy, closely tied to nature and the changing seasons.
Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the city. Helsinki has gained international recognition for responsible tourism, ranking first for the second consecutive year in the Global Destination Sustainability Index in 2025 and becoming the first city of its size to receive Green Destinations GSTC Certification. This commitment is visible everywhere – from energy-efficient infrastructure and certified hotels to accessible public transport and walkable neighbourhoods.
Nature is never far away. An extensive archipelago of islands surrounds the city, while forests, parks and waterfront paths are seamlessly integrated into the urban centre. In summer, long daylight hours invite swimming, island-hopping and outdoor dining, giving the city an easygoing rhythm that surprises many first-time visitors. As both a destination in its own right and a natural gateway to the rest of Finland, Helsinki offers a refined introduction to Nordic life – calm, balanced and quietly rewarding.
Highlights of a tour to Helsinki:
Helsinki offers a compact yet diverse mix of architecture, culture, nature, and contemporary Nordic life, making it ideal for both short stays and longer explorations. Many of the city’s key sights are easily accessible on foot or by public transport.
Iconic landmarks and historic Helsinki
At the heart of the city is Senate Square, dominated by the white Helsinki Cathedral, which has shaped the city’s skyline since the mid-19th century. Nearby, the red-brick Uspenski Cathedral reflects Finland’s eastern influences and is one of the largest Orthodox churches in Western Europe.
The lively Market Square connects the city to the sea, offering local produce, street food, and ferry departures to the surrounding islands.
One of the most popular excursions is Suomenlinna, a UNESCO-listed sea fortress spread across several islands, combining military history, coastal walks, and cafés with harbour views.
Parks, coastline, and island nature
Green spaces and waterfront areas are woven into the city centre. Esplanadi Park is a relaxed gathering place for strolling and people-watching, while Kaivopuisto offers coastal paths, picnic spots, and panoramic views over the Baltic Sea.
In summer, Hietaniemi Beach is popular with locals for swimming, volleyball, and relaxed evenings by the water.
Culture, design, and contemporary life
Helsinki’s cultural scene reflects its strong design heritage and modern outlook. Performances can be enjoyed at the Finnish National Opera or the Helsinki Music Centre, while the city’s museums range from classical works at the Ateneum to contemporary exhibitions at Kiasma.
Shopping streets such as Aleksanterinkatu blend historic architecture with Nordic fashion and design, centred around the landmark Stockmann department store.
Local traditions and unique experiences
Sauna culture remains an important part of Finnish life and offers visitors an insight into everyday traditions rather than a headline attraction. Options range from modern waterfront saunas such as Löyly to historic neighbourhood favourites like Kotiharjun Sauna.
Other distinctive experiences include visiting Sibelius Park and its striking monument, enjoying cafés such as Café Regatta, or joining guided tours that highlight Helsinki’s strong sustainability credentials and island lifestyle.
Some places to dine in Helsinki
Helsinki’s dining scene may be smaller than many of its Nordic neighbours in terms of Michelin stars, but it delivers a similarly high standard of cooking. The city’s chefs share the Nordic passion for foraged flavours and hyper-seasonal produce, yet without the price tags you might find elsewhere in the region.
Check out some of our favourites:
Restaurant Olo - a Michelin-star restautant with modern Scandinavian cuisine.
Farang - serves modern Asian cuisine and was voted the best restaurant in Helsinki. Bookings essential!
Savoy - very central, iconic fine dining restaurant.
Restaurant Skörd Freda in Punavuori - a small Finnish farm-to-table restaurant known for a highly seasonal tasting menu built entirely from Finnish ingredients and drinks. Award-winning travel writer Rob McFarland ate there during his travels with us and nominated it as his Best Food Moment of 2025!
Flor - a Michelin-recommended restaurant offering innovative share plates. Expect dishes with a distinctly Finnish twist, such as sauna-smoked perch in a rich bourguignon sauce.
