Helsinki at a glance
Helsinki is one of the younger Nordic capitals, but it offers a refreshing change of pace for a weekend city trip. The downtown area is packed with design boutiques and restaurants, and walking along the waterfront is a local pastime.
Hundreds of islands and serious food
To really get a feel for Helsinki, you have to move at the local pace. The city is essentially an archipelago made up of nearly 330 islands. Finns love to head out on day-long boat excursions, pulling into an island to swim or hike. Don't miss the Suomenlinna sea fortress, a naval base built in 1748 that spans six different islands. It is one of the most visited sites in Finland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will find plenty of restaurants, museums, and the Kustaanmiekka beach, which is a local favorite. Artists actually live on these islands year-round. Helsinki also boasts a delicious food scene that is constantly evolving. Given its proximity to the sea, fish, and herring in particular, are staples. Game meat, mushrooms, and berries gathered from Finland's forests are also mainstays in the city's trendier restaurants.
Saunas, design, and nightlife
A trip to Helsinki is incomplete without a sauna session. The word sauna actually comes directly from the Finnish language. Löyly is one of the most well-known spots. It sits right on the Baltic Sea, making it a great place for brunch after a good sweat. Yrjönkatu is another popular choice, though it functions more like a public pool. Once you have relaxed, head out to explore the downtown shops. It is worth noting that the city was named the World Design Capital by UNESCO in 2012. Because the winters are so harsh, Finns spend a lot of time indoors and take their interior design seriously. Shops like Stockmann, Marimekko, Artek, TRE, and Lokal are essentially temples of decor. For a bit of history, check out the Design Museum, which was founded in 1873. When night falls, hit the downtown bars. Finns have a real affinity for karaoke and live music. It is a unique experience to party late into the night during midsummer, when the sun barely sets.
When to go
Plan your trip between June and August to enjoy the mild weather, which is perfect for patio drinks and park walks. Alternatively, embrace the cold and visit during the holiday season. After all, Finland is the official home of Santa Claus.
Getting there
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is well-connected to major European hubs. A flight from Paris to Helsinki typically costs around 150 EUR (about $165) and takes just over three hours. You can also arrive in Helsinki by ferry from the ports of other Nordic capitals.
