Salmon Soup

(Lohikeitto)

Creamy soup with fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill; a Finnish comfort classic.

Reindeer

(Poronkäristys)

Thinly sliced sautéed reindeer, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.

Baltic Herring

(Silakka)

Fried or pickled small fish, traditionally eaten with potatoes or rye bread.

Archipelago Bread

(Saaristolaisleipä)

Dark, slightly sweet rye bread, usually served with butter or fish.

Karelian Pasties

(Karjalanpiirakka)

Thin rye pastries filled with rice porridge, topped with egg butter.

Finnish Berries

Bilberries, lingonberries, cloudberries; used in desserts, sauces, and jams.

Korvapuusti

Finnish cinnamon roll, larger and less sweet than many international versions.

Pullapitko

Soft cardamom-scented sweet bread, often served with coffee.

Finnish Coffee

Finns drink more coffee per capita than any other nation; light roast is the local style.

Craft Beer

Finnish breweries focus on clean, balanced styles; widely available in bars and terraces.

Koskenkorva

A historic Finnish spirits brand made from barley, and vodka, which is perhaps more known among the Finns for the glass bottle than the actual taste. If you add licorice to the shot, it’s called “salmari” or officially salmiakkikoskenkorva. Not everyone’s favorite though.

Jaloviina

A unique Finnish “cut brandy” style drink blending cognac and neutral grain spirit — part of Finnish drinking culture since the 1930s. Has an own Facebook Group with followers sharing Jaloviina pictures around the world.

Savotta

A classic Finnish restaurant next to Senate Square, serving traditional dishes like reindeer, salmon soup, and sautéed mushrooms in a rustic setting.

Zetor

Casual Finnish comfort food with a fun atmosphere; known for hearty meat dishes and local ingredients.

Sea Horse

(Sikala)

Legendary Helsinki institution serving classic Finnish dishes late into the night.

Kosmos

Old-school Finnish bistro loved by locals, featuring seasonal Nordic ingredients and traditional recipes.

Ravintola Nokka

Modern Finnish cuisine focused on wild, foraged ingredients and sustainability.

Olo

Michelin-starred Nordic fine dining with a strong emphasis on seasonal Finnish produce.

Savoy

A Helsinki classic for modern Nordic fine dining, overlooking Esplanadi. Table reservation needed in advance (-Michelin Star)

Yes Yes Yes

Lively, creative vegetarian-friendly restaurant popular with locals.

BasBas Kulma

Relaxed neighbourhood bistro with excellent food and wine.

Café Regatta

One of Helsinki’s most loved cafés, cosy and informal.

Good Life Coffee

High-quality Finnish specialty coffee, several locations.

BasBas Kulma

Relaxed neighbourhood bistro with excellent food and wine.

Fazer Café

A Helsinki institution for coffee, pastries, and chocolates.

Löyly Terrace

Seaside terrace near Kaapelitehdas with drinks, food, and sunset views

Teurastamo Courtyard

Urban food court area with multiple bars and outdoor seating.

Allas Sea Pool Terrace

Drinks by the sea, right next to Market Square

Torikorttelit

Courtyard-style terraces with wine bars and small restaurants near Senate Square.

Sompasauna / Sompasaari Area Bars

Casual summer pop-ups and outdoor hangouts.

Helsinki Cathedral & Senate Square

The city’s most recognisable landmark and historic centre, surrounded by cafés and museums.

Market Square

(Kauppatori)

Lively waterfront market with local food, berries, souvenirs, and ferries to nearby islands.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

UNESCO-listed maritime fortress spread across several islands; ideal for a half-day visit.

Temppeliaukio Church

(Rock Church)

Unique church carved directly into solid rock, famous for its architecture and acoustics.

Olympic Stadium

Iconic modernist stadium and tower with panoramic city views; close to Maauimala and Töölö parks.

Kaivopuisto Park

Seaside park popular for picnics, walking, and sunset views in summer.

Löyl

Modern seaside sauna near Kaapelitehdas (3.3 km away), combining Finnish sauna culture with food and drinks.

Allas Sea Pool

Outdoor sea pools and saunas right by Market Square.

Design District

Explore Finnish design shops, galleries, and studios.

Amos Rex

Contemporary art museum with striking architecture.

Ateneum Art Museum

Finland’s most important classical art museum.

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Wooden architecture and green park areas close to the city.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

UNESCO World Heritage site, reachable by ferry from Market Square.

Seaside Walks

Enjoy coastal paths around Töölö Bay or Hernesaari.

Maauimala (Stadion Swimming Pool)

Outdoor swimming pool and summer terrace next to the Olympic Stadium. Popular on sunny days for swimming, casual food, and drinks, combining sports, sun, and a relaxed local atmosphere.

Hietaniemi Beach (Hietsu)

Helsinki’s most popular city beach, close to the city centre. Sandy beach, beach volleyball courts, cafés, and a lively summer atmosphere.

Kaivopuisto Beach

Smaller beaches and rocky shores in a historic park by the sea, ideal for picnics and evening walks.

Pihlajasaari

Island beaches with clear water, reachable by a short ferry ride in summer; great for a half-day escape from the city.

Esplanadi

Flagship stores and cafés in the heart of Helsinki.

Kamppi & Forum

Central shopping centres with international and Nordic brands.

Tripla Shopping Center

Biggest Shopping Center in Pasila, Helsinki. 5 min with the train from the main railway station.