Visiting Helsinki
Chris and I have been to Helsinki a number of times for work and only once did our work trips overlap so we parlayed it into a mini-vacation. For this post, I’m opting for less story, more list.
Hotels
Klaus K - This is my usual pick if I’m traveling alone. Rooms are teeny tiny and cozy. With two people it could be a little too snug though.
St. George - Love this hotel. Rooms are spacious and the toilets are Japanese. St. George Bakery is the perfect spot for coffee (iced or hot!) and has loads of treats for breakfast and lunch. It’s also a great place to work (inside) or have a beer in the sunshine (outside obvi). The Winter Garden is charming and a great place to take a work call or have lunch or cocktails.
Kamp - too pricey and dated for us but I’ve heard it’s a nice place to stay. We have had lunch at Brasserie Kamp and it was great. We sat in the indoor/outdoor terrace at a sunny table and ordered sauvignon blanc and split a club sandwich. It was bliss.
Restaurants
Baskeri & Basso Bistro - I've only ever been to their sister restaurant (see below) because it's so hard to get into. It might be the most popular restaurant in Helsinki
Bas Bas Wine Bar - the sister place to above, great little wine bar with small plates, great staff.
Fiasco? (fka Restaurant Ultima) - the best meal I've had in Helsinki. High end, not overly pricey. Wine pairings as good as the food. Tiny restaurant.
Fisken på Disken - go for weekend brunch if you can, it's a very Finnish brunch, really good. It's on the top floor of a mall but don't let that dissuade you.
Shelter - love this place, it's just without fault. I usually do 3 or 4 courses with pairings.
Gaijin - high end asian fusion. Think kind of like a baby Nobu. Not quite that expensive but moderately pricey. Good cocktails and sake list too. Tasting menu with pairings is excellent but a la carte is equally wonderful.
Farang - Gaijin’s sister resto is supposed to be good also
Ravintola Muru - elevated Finnish home cooking, cozy and neighborhood-y
Ravintola Vinkkeli - high end French influence, haven’t been but was recommended and looks good
Bars
Liberty or Death - great and cozy cocktail bar
Bier Bier - really good beer bar, a bit pricey but a rotating tap selection and you can do flights. Has some sunny outdoor seating if you’re keen.
Trillby & Chadwick - if you can find the unmarked door in the alley, go in and pick up the phone. It's a cool and funky speakeasy.
Tommy Knocker - casual bar with good beer selection
To Do
Suomenlinna island - Used to be a Russian military base and is a short ferry ride away from the main harbor. You can spend as much or as little time walking around the island as you want, there are a few restaurants and cafes if you really want to make a day of it
If you have a group (or not) and want to spend a bit to do something very Finnish….the ferris wheel at the harbor has a special sauna car that you can book by the hour
Senate Square
Helsinki Cathedral
Uspenski Cathedral
There’s a pretty continuous running path going south from the marina and along the edge of Kaivopuisto park, which is a nice park in and of itself
Go to the outdoor market at the marina (I think it’s daily)
THE LOGISTICS
Travel Date | May 2019
Flights | AMS > HEL on KLM
Transportation |
Trains and buses are easy ways to navigate the city. Trains make it easy to get on/off at the wrong stops.
Ferry - ticket machines are at the harbor, buying a round-trip is pretty straightforward.
Pro Tips |
Fins eat lunch super early and drink loads of coffee all day long
#195Postcards
