24 Hours in Helsinki
Illustrated map of Helsinki, Finland by Megan McKean
I spent a couple of lovely days in Helsinki over the Easter long weekend, soaking in all the design and cute boutiques I could find, and eating a lot of candy and pastries from the Finnish brand Fazer. I’d long looked forward to visiting Finland — being so close to Sweden and Denmark (it only took 1.5 hours to fly from Copenhagen!) I was curious to see how it felt as a country, and what Helsinki felt like compared to other capitals like Copenhagen and Stockholm. It definitely had it’s own atmosphere, but felt very laid back and quiet. My trip was all too short, but here are some tips if you’re looking for things to do on your visit!
Cafe Regatta — the sweetest red log cabin by the bay. A quick tram trip and a little walk through the park, and you’re at the coziest cafe. The cabin has been located in the same spot for more than 135 years! Highly recommend the cinnamon bun
Central Station — while a trip to a train station isn’t always a top recommendation for me, the beautiful Art Deco building designed by lauded Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen is pretty special. The details in the main concourse and the high windows and ceilings are truly stunning. Can also guarantee it will be the fanciest Burger King you’ve ever come across, with the chain having an outpost in one wing of the station.
The Fazer Cafe Kluuvikatu — the French-Russian cake shop has been creating bread pastries and chocolates since it originally opened in 1891. Part of the cafe is sectioned for chocolates, and you can still see confectioners working away behind the glass partitions. I couldn’t go past the Fazer Hot Chocolate, so tasty!
Finnish Voisilmäpulla, or Butter-Eye Buns — we tried more than our fair share of these buns in the few days we were in Finland, but I love a local delicacy and this was no exception. A sweet cardamom-flavoured bun with an extra buttery ‘eye’ in the centre, topped with sugar.
The Design Museum — a whole museum dedicated to Finnish and international industrial, fashion and graphic design. We were lucky to time our visit with a great retrospective of the work of Antti & Vuokko Nurmesniemi
Iittala & Arabia Design Centre — a little bit out of the CBD, but worth the short tram trip to stop into the home of two of Finland’s most celebrated brands. A timeline of pieces from both Iittala & Arabia and a gallery space with changing exhibitions, and the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs from your trip!
Market Square — traditional market foods, handmade items and souvenirs, the Market Square is Helsinki’s most international market. Cafe tents with freshly cooked foods line the end of Esplanade park, and it’s right at the ferry terminal to head elsewhere for sightseeing
Ferry to Suomenlinna — the 18th-century sea fortress is a short ferry ride from Helsinki. Walking trails through the UNESCO heritage site connect the 6 islands.
Pastel houses on Huvilakatu Street — I can’t resist a good candy-coloured building, and this street has several amazing ones! Pinks, greens, yellows and blues, all with the most interesting details in the facades.
