Helsinki: Cold dips, hot saunas and seriously cool design

On the shores of the Baltic Sea, Helsinki pairs architectural icons with Michelin-starred Nordic kitchens and a sauna culture unlike anywhere on earth. When the city gets too much, an island escape is fifteen minutes away by ferry

Helsinki Cathedral

Rising above Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral is the gleaming landmark of the Finland‘s capital. Completed in 1852, the neoclassical cathedral is crowned by a turquoise dome and statues of the Twelve Apostles. Climb the broad stone steps up to the Cathedral for one of Helsinki’s classic city views, looking across the pastel-hued buildings of the surrounding Square, towards the harbour and Baltic Sea.

helsingintuomiokirkko.fi

Finnish sauna culture

Sauna culture in the Finnish capital is steaming hot. For a contemporary take, head to Löyly, where award-winning timber architecture provides a striking setting for traditional wood-fired saunas and a bracing dip in the Baltic Sea. For something quieter, Kulttuurisauna pairs minimalist Finnish-Japanese design with an intimate, no-frills sauna experience also right at the water’s edge.

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the city centre, Suomenlinna feels a world away. At this Unesco-listed 18th-century sea fortress, historic ramparts and tunnels mingle with cafés, museums and rocky bays. Come for the history, but stay for a waterside walk and views across Helsinki’s island-dotted archipelago.

Ateneum

Right opposite Helsinki’s Central Railway Station – often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful – Ateneum Art Museum houses almost 30,000 pieces of Finnish art. See Golden Age masters from Akseli Gallen-Kallela to Albert Edelfelt, and look out for the evocative brushwork of Helene Schjerfbeck, one of Finland’s most internationally acclaimed artists.

Café Regatta

Few places capture Helsinki’s cosy charm quite like this little red wooden hut at the water’s edge. In summer, enjoy Café Regatta‘s terrace and views across the bay, while in winter the spot is even more magical as the water freezes over. Freshly baked cinnamon buns are another reason to visit year-round.

Lasipalatsi

Lasipalatsi, Helsinki’s landmark functionalist building from the 1930s, has become a handy address to discover contemporary Finnish style. Look for Johanna Gullichsen’s geometric textiles woven from natural fibres, minimalist streetwear from Makia and sneakers from the century-old sports brand Karhu.

Amos Rex

Descend underground to Amos Rex, one of Helsinki’s most intriguing contemporary art museums. Its subterranean galleries lie beneath Lasipalatsi Square, where a playful landscape of tiled domes and skylights rises above ground. Changing exhibitions range from experimental contemporary art to major international names.

Aalto Works

In July 2026, thirteen works by Finnish modernist Alvar Aalto, created in collaboration with his architect wives Aino and Elissa Aalto, were nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. In Helsinki, one of them is the newly restored Finlandia Hall (Finlandia-talo), rising beside Töölö Bay. As well as attending a concert, you can stop by for lunch or browse the lobby and design shop.

Boreal

Foraged ingredients and fermentation take centre stage at Helsinki’s newest Michelin-starred restaurant, Boreal. Tucked away in the Design District, both the interiors and dishes are easy on the eye. Expect modern takes on Finnish flavours, from traditional 18th-century bread to Nordic matcha ice cream with nettles.

Plein

Located on the edge of the charming wooden-house neighbourhood Puu-Vallila, this intimate bistro serves ambitious food without the fine-dining fuss. The seasonally changing set menu features dishes that use only a couple of ingredients each, yet the result at Plein is always complex and full of flavour.

Apotek

Housed in a beautifully preserved Art Nouveau pharmacy, Apotek’s old wooden shelves recall the building’s former life as a pharmacy, while the carefully curated wine list champions independent European producers. Settle in with a glass or two and sample seasonal plates, artisan cheeses or charcuterie.

Haltiala Primeval Forest

In northern Helsinki, 300 hectares of Haltiala‘s protected primeval forest offers a glimpse of Finland’s wilder side. Follow winding wooden boardwalks through ancient-looking spruce forests, where fallen trees are left to decay and moss carpets the forest floor.

Hotel Kämp

Located on one of Helsinki’s most prestigious streets, Pohjoisesplanadi, the historic Hotel Kämp has emerged from its three-year renovation with beautifully refreshed interiors and a colour palette ranging from powder pink to soft blues and rich jewel tones. Downstairs, the new spa is a dimly lit sanctuary with Finnish saunas, pools and relaxation rooms. hotelkamp.com

Hotel St George

Greeted in the lobby by Ai Weiwei’s Tianwu dragon sculpture, you’ll soon discover that art and design are at the heart of Hotel St. George. Some of the hotel’s studio rooms feature furniture by Vitra and e15, while some suites showcase the richly detailed textiles of Klaus Haapaniemi. End the evening with cocktails beneath Pekka Jylhä’s magnificent brass bird sculpture, Learning to Fly, suspended from the glass roof of the atmospheric Wintergarden.

Majamaja

On the city’s rocky eastern shoreline, Majamaja has four off-grid cabins just a 15-minute boat ride or half-hour bus journey from the city centre. Overlooking the Baltic Sea and powered by solar energy, these hideaways combine Finnish design with the simple pleasures of nature. Open April to November.

Many of Helsinki’s sights are within easy walking distance, but the city’s efficient network of trams, buses and metro makes exploring even easier. Ferries are included in the public transport, and connect the mainland with islands such as Suomenlinna. From April to October, e-scooters from companies such as Tier, Voi and Lime, as well as the yellow city bikes, offer another way to get around.