Oftentimes, when we rattle off dream destinations, the usual suspects immediately come to mind, and for very good reasons. But Helsinki, the most populous city in Finland, is a breathtaking metropolis known in Europe for its livability and its natural and man-made beauty.

Helsinki is the epicenter of Finland’s major cultural, political, financial, educational, and research institutions. So, let’s discusss where to stay and what to do while in Helsinki:

Places to Stay: Apartment hotels generally offer good value for money in Helsinki and the Hellsten Helsinki Senate is one we recommend. The kitchenette and location make it a steal for the money. The Scandic Continental is a 4-star chain of properties, and its location north of downtown makes it a prime place to set up camp.

Market browsing: After you drop off the bags, you’ll want to put your finger on the pulse of Helsinki — and its famed markets are its lifeblood. The stalls and activity at Market Square vary depending on the time of year. In the summer, it’s busy and abuzz with shoppers. The daily flea markets at Hietalahti Square are a hive of eccentricity; you can pick up unicorn horns and magic elixirs if you rummage among the stalls. Come winter, it’s all about the St. Thomas Christmas Market, sprawled along Esplanade Park, with more Santa hats and roasted chestnuts.

For Shopping: After taking in the Design District’s astonishing beauty and urban flavor, you will be in the mood to part with some of that cash you brought for shopping. To the south of Bulevardi and Esplanade Park, are a plethora of pleasures and treasures to explore. Here, furnishings, clothing, jewelry and antiques abound. Be sure to visit Marimekko and pick up some items featuring their iconic prints.

To dine: You’ve developed a voracious appetite from all that walking, sightseeing and shopping. The Karl Fazer Cafe is practically a holdover from the Middle Ages. It has been around since 1891 and, once you bite into the open sandwiches and taste the delicious soups while people watching through its huge window, you begin to understand why. If you have any room left for dessert, stop over at Postres, whose confections are the menu’s star attraction.

To play: After dinner and shopping, take in some of the local music scene. Helsinki is hardly New Orleans, but the Happy Jazz Club Storyville on Museokatu offers remnants of home with its Dixieland and swing sounds. For rock music, Tavastia is generally the safest bet — it attracts a fair smattering of international acts, as well as guitar-wielding locals.

Nightclubs: Feel like dancing? Ahjo at the Klaus K Hotel is the sort of place people come to look cool, but the house music and admirable lineup of international DJs gets the small dance floor pretty busy as the night goes on.

Posted in: Culture, Events, Nightlife, Travel Tips
Features: Romantic