Planning a citytrip in Scandinavia? Why not consider going to Helsinki? Finland’s cozy capital by the sea has so much to offer:
Go for dinner and drinks on the beautiful Katajanokka peninsula. Wander around, enjoying the seaside and harbour view, choose a bar to your liking and experience the Finnish bar buzz. You won’t be disappointed. We recommend Ravintola Nokka for local food, beautiful plates, expert service and a gorgeous setting.
Want to try not sleeping in a hotel for once or are you, like us, still carrying your tent around from an awesome trip in Finland’s nature parks? Consider going to the Rastila Camping Site. You can place your tent or trailer in an awesome environment or rent one of their summer cottages! This 5-star camping ground has all the facilities you can imagine and swimming is possible at the nearby public beach.
Have breakfast/brunch at the Karl Fazer Café. Being Finland’s institution and pride, Fazer produces everything sweet, from chocolate to pastries. Take your pick from the enormous brunch buffet and you won’t be needing more food until the evening.
You won’t find any silence or peaceful contemplation at Helsinki’s Rock Church, the abundance of Asian tourists will make sure of that, but this is still a very impressive place. Marvel at the impressive dome and the amazing interior with copper accents. (Don’t let the name fool you: you won’t find any Bon Jovi or AC/DC relics here; refer to the Hard Rock Café in the city centre)
Want to try reindeer meat or grab some canned bear to impress your friends at home? Buy your Finnish specialties and delicacies at the Old Market Hall, a beautiful historic market place with little shops from Helsinki’s cream of the crop.
In need for some peace and quiet and want to chill in a laid back atmosphere? Head over to Regatta. Grab yourself a coffee and a cinnamon bun or grill a sausage (the Finnish way!) over the fire and watch the peddle boarders and swimmers in the sea.
For the bookworms among you, the Arkadia Bookstore is a great refuge (during a summer shower). Great selection of quality second-hand books in all languages and in the midst of a unique environment, including a pool table and a chapel. By the way, Ian the owner is completely whack and entertaining!
And of course you’ll find some beautiful culture and architecture all across the city. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled at the Railway Station, the Orthodox Uspenski and Lutheral Cathedrals. And for you little Jugendstil treasure seekers, there’s this beautiful facade with eight curious stone owls, well hidden at the Kauppiaankatu street near the Uspenski Cathedral.
Adventures Like You 