Helsinki

Löyly

One of Helsinki’s defining contemporary landmarks on the waterfront, Löyly brings Finland’s longstanding sauna culture together with architecture, gastronomy and outdoor living. Designed by Avanto Architects, the sculptural timber building features traditional smoke and wood-burning saunas, direct access to the Baltic Sea for swimming and panoramic terraces, creating a distinctive experience by the water. Taking a dip in the sea after the sauna and spending time at the waterfront restaurant offer an intimate way to experience Helsinki’s approach to design and wellbeing as an integral part of everyday life.

Waldorf Astoria Helsinki – Kruununhaka

Housed within Neo-Renaissance buildings dating from 1885, Waldorf Astoria Helsinki brings the city’s historic elegance together with contemporary Nordic luxury. Spacious rooms and suites, a glass-roofed courtyard, an indoor swimming pool and a spa incorporating a traditional Finnish sauna create a calm and wellness-focused stay.

Hotel St. George – Old Church Park

Located opposite Old Church Park, Hotel St. George brings historic architecture together with contemporary art and pared-back Scandinavian design. Individually designed rooms, works by artists including Ai Weiwei and a holistic approach to wellness make the hotel one of Helsinki’s most distinctive design-led addresses.

Hotel Kämp – Esplanade

Helsinki’s classic grand hotel since 1887, Hotel Kämp represents the city’s longstanding tradition of luxury with its privileged position overlooking Esplanade Park. An extensive renovation completed in 2026 brings new rooms and suites, a redesigned Kämp Bar, À La Kämp restaurant and an updated spa experience together with the hotel’s historic character.

Palace – Eteläranta

One of the established classics of Helsinki’s international gastronomic scene, Palace occupies the 10th floor of a modernist building overlooking the South Harbour. Chef Eero Vottonen’s two-Michelin-starred cuisine brings Nordic ingredients together with French techniques and Japanese influences through a refined tasting menu.

Grön – Kamppi

With an open kitchen seating just 16 guests, Grön offers one of Helsinki’s most intimate and contemporary fine-dining experiences. Rising to two Michelin stars in 2026, the restaurant’s seasonal menu centres on ingredients sourced from the forest, sea, local producers and its own farm.

Finnjävel Salonki – Etu-Töölö

Finnjävel Salonki reinterprets Finland’s traditional culinary culture through historic recipes and contemporary techniques. Its elegant ten-table dining room, serving pieces made by local craftspeople and tasting menu inspired by different regions of the country create a distinctive gastronomic experience awarded one Michelin star.

Esplanadi ve Kämp Galleria

Helsinki’s luxury shopping route stretches from the surroundings of Esplanadi Park to historic Kämp Galleria. Bringing international fashion brands together with Nordic design, accessories and lifestyle stores, the area also offers the opportunity to discover iconic Finnish design houses such as Iittala and Arabia. Its elegant architecture and central location make shopping a natural part of exploring the city.

Helsinki Design District

Spreading across more than 25 streets in the city centre, Helsinki Design District brings together around 200 boutiques, galleries, studios and creative spaces, offering an opportunity to explore Finnish design at close range. From Artek’s modern furniture and Lokal’s selection of art and craftsmanship to independent fashion labels and ceramics and textile studios, the district offers a more distinctive shopping experience away from the major department stores.

Helsinki Design Week

Held each year from late August into early September, Helsinki Design Week is one of the Nordic region’s largest festivals dedicated to design and architecture. With exhibitions, open studios, design markets and city-wide routes extending into museums, galleries and public spaces, the event offers an opportunity to discover the contemporary direction of Finnish design.

Habitare

Held at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre, Habitare is one of Northern Europe’s leading gatherings for furniture, interiors and lifestyle. Bringing established Finnish brands together with independent designers and new material research, the fair features collection launches, thematic exhibitions and a professional programme that brings leading figures from the design world to Helsinki.

Helsinki Festival

Held each August and September, Helsinki Festival is one of Finland’s most comprehensive cultural events, with a programme spanning music, dance, theatre and visual art. Extending across concert halls, theatres and outdoor stages, the festival brings international artists together with Finnish creatives, turning the city into a major cultural stage for several weeks.

Temppeliaukio Church

Carved directly into natural bedrock in Etu-Töölö, Temppeliaukio Church is one of the most distinctive examples of modernist architecture in Helsinki. Designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, the building turns architecture into an extension of the natural landscape through its exposed rock walls, copper-clad dome and 180 ceiling windows that bring natural light into the interior.

Oodi Oodi Central Library

Located in Kansalaistori Square, Oodi is a contemporary public building that brings the traditional library together with spaces for making, learning and socialising. Designed by ALA Architects, its curved timber façade, expansive glass surfaces and terrace known as the ‘Citizens’ Balcony’ have made Oodi one of the defining symbols of Helsinki’s open and people-focused approach to public space.

The Firm – Sörnäinen

The Firm is one of the leading names on Helsinki’s contemporary cocktail scene. Its intimate yet refined atmosphere, technically accomplished cocktails and modern Nordic approach to the bar experience have established it as a notable address. Scoring 97 points in the Falstaff Bar Guide 2026, The Firm was among Finland’s highest-rated bars and was named ‘Best American Bar’.

Kämp Bar – Hotel Kämp

The recently renovated bar at historic Hotel Kämp on Esplanadi continues Helsinki’s classic tradition of luxury through a contemporary lens. Champagne, European wines and signature cocktails inspired by the hotel’s nearly 140-year history sit at the centre of the menu. Accompanied by live jazz and soul performances, Kämp Bar remains one of the city’s enduring evening addresses.

Kupoli – NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa

Set within the dome of the historic Grand Hansa, Kupoli combines 360-degree views of Helsinki with Nordic cocktail culture. Inspired by the northern landscape and changing seasons, its drinks are complemented by striking interiors and an elevated position above the city. Kupoli was named Finland’s ‘Best Hotel Bar’ by the Falstaff Bar Guide 2026.