Helsinki has a reputation for being cool, calm and effortlessly stylish, and it lives up to every bit of it.
The city has transformed massively over the 20 years I’ve been visiting Finland’s capital; here are my most recent recommendations for visitors.
But what really makes the Finnish capital special is how easily it blends design, nature and everyday rituals.
Here are four things I’d put at the top of any Helsinki itinerary, from steamy saunas to cinnamon buns to a ferry ride out to a sea fortress.
1. Sweat it out at Löyly City Sauna
If you only do one thing in Helsinki, make it a sauna, and if you only do one sauna, make it Löyly.
Perched on the waterfront in the Hernesaari district, this striking wooden building is one of the city’s best-known public saunas.
The architecture alone is worth the trip, with its sculpted timber exterior and terraces that step down toward the Baltic Sea.
Inside you’ll find both a traditional smoke sauna and a wood-heated sauna, plus a restaurant and a big outdoor deck where you can cool off with a drink once you’ve had your fill of the heat.
Here’s my top tip: don’t skip the sea dip. Walking out of a roasting-hot sauna and straight into the sea feels intimidating, especially in winter, when you can lower yourself into the water through a hole in the sea ice.
But it’s an invigorating, exhilarating experience, and one of the most Finnish things you can possibly do.
Your body tingles, your mind goes completely quiet, and you’ll feel fantastic afterwards.
Go back into the sauna, repeat, and you’ll understand why Finns are so devoted to this ritual.
A couple of practical points: Löyly is popular, so it’s worth booking ahead, particularly at weekends and in peak season.
Check the current opening times and prices on their website before you go. Bring a swimsuit (it’s worn in the public areas) and be ready to relax.
And if you’re looking for a dining spot for the evening, the food here is fantastic, serving up local favourites with a modern twist.
2.Coffee and a sweet bun at Cafe Regatta
After all that heat and cold, you’ll have earned a treat. Cafe Regatta is a tiny, beloved red cottage on the waterfront and the perfect spot for a classic Finnish coffee break, known as kahvitauko.
The star of the show is the cinnamon bun, big, soft, fragrant and exactly what you want with a hot cup of coffee. Finns take their coffee and pastries very seriously, so this is a cultural experience as well as a snack.
What makes Regatta even more memorable is the outdoor setting. There’s a sausage BBQ fire where you can grill your own sausage over the open flames, a simple pleasure that feels wonderfully Nordic.
Grab a bun, a coffee and a sausage, find a spot by the water, and enjoy the slow pace. It’s cosy, relaxed and a lovely contrast to the polished design of the city centre.
Tip: In winter, bundle up. Eating outdoors is part of the charm, and the fire helps.
3. Admire the architecture at Oodi Library
Helsinki loves good design, and Oodi, the Helsinki Central Library, is one of its finest modern showpieces.
Located in the city centre, opposite the Parliament House, it’s a great example of contemporary Finnish architecture, with a sweeping timber-clad exterior and a bright, open interior.
You don’t have to be a bookworm to enjoy it.
Oodi is much more than a place to borrow books.
It’s a public living room for the city, with spaces to read, relax, work, create and meet people. Head up to the top floor for light-filled views and a wonderful sense of space.
Did you know locals can borrow tools, bicycles, computer screens, baking trays, and a whole host of other useful items besides books?
You can even borrow board games too! The cafe is a nice spot to chill and dive into a book or two.
Entry is free, making it an easy, rewarding stop for any budget.
It’s also a handy shelter on a cold or rainy day, and a good reminder of how much Finland values education, community, and equal access to culture.
4. Take the ferry to Suomenlinna fortress island
For a change of scene, hop on a boat to Suomenlinna, an island sea fortress just offshore from the city centre.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can happily spend half a day exploring its old walls, tunnels, cannons, parks and cafés.
It’s a lovely place to wander, picnic and enjoy views back towards Helsinki’s skyline.
The best news for your wallet: the ferry is included in the Helsinki public transport ticket, so if you already have a day pass, you won’t need to pay extra.
The boat ride itself is part of the fun, giving you a different perspective on the city as you cross the water.
Allow plenty of time, wear comfortable shoes and bring a snack or plan to eat at one of the island’s cafés.
Suomenlinna is a living neighbourhood as well as a historic site, so take your time and soak up the atmosphere.
Final thoughts on Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is compact, easy to get around and full of experiences that feel genuinely local.
Spend your morning in the sauna and sea at Löyly, refuel with a bun and a sausage at Cafe Regatta, take in the architecture at Oodi, and finish the day exploring Suomenlinna by the water.
Together they give you a perfect taste of Finnish life: calm, creative and close to nature.
All in all, these are my favourite things to do in a day in Helsinki.
And for those who want to add an extra element of adventure to your trip, you can take a ferry over to Tallinn, Estonia, and easily do a day trip.
Get yourself a Helsinki transport pass, pack a swimsuit and a warm layer, and enjoy one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. Have a wonderful visit to Helsinki, Finland.
