Helsinki in Winter: Guide and Insider Tips

Our actual travel destination during our Helsinki stays was Lapland; snow, the Northern Lights, Santa Claus Village, and everything you imagine for a true winter adventure. On the way north, however, we planned two nights in Helsinki, and each time it turned out to be a really amazing time.

Helsinki in winter has a pleasantly calm atmosphere. The city is quiet, clear, and charmingly manageable. Among pretty Art Nouveau buildings, small boutiques, cozy cafés, and the typical Nordic serenity, you immediately feel at ease. In the end, these stops in Helsinki were much more than just a layover. They gave every Lapland trip a truly lovely beginning.

Our beautiful accommodation in Helsinki

We stayed both years at Hotel Boulevardi* right in the heart of the city. The hotel looks as if someone had mixed Boho style with a touch of Lapland – lots of wood, warm tones, and natural materials. The sofas in the lobby invite you to sit for hours, enjoying a warm drink and warming up after a day of sightseeing.

During one of our stays, we even had a room with a private sauna. That was my personal Helsinki highlight – after all, who can say they’ve enjoyed a cozy sauna right in their hotel room? Everything in this beautiful hotel radiates comfort, individual style, and relaxation. For that reason, Hotel Boulevardi is our clear recommendation for anyone visiting Helsinki.

From the airport, you can easily reach the main train station by train, and from there a taxi ride takes just a few minutes. The area is perfect for exploring on foot, with plenty of cafés and restaurants right nearby.

Restaurant Lie Mi Bulevardi

Right across from our hotel is a really cool Vietnamese spot. If you’re in Helsinki and in the mood for something other than cinnamon buns and salmon, Lie Mi Bulevardi is the perfect detour. The restaurant serves Vietnamese comfort food classics that are perfect for cold winter weather. The summer rolls are super fresh, the curries nicely spiced, and the noodles are instant happiness. On top of that, the cozy, slightly trendy atmosphere makes you feel right at home. If you don’t want to eat at the hotel but also don’t feel like walking far, this could be the ideal solution. We were absolutely thrilled.

Taking in the sights and atmosphere of Esplanadi Park

Esplanadi Park, or simply Espan, is the green heart of Helsinki. Lined with cafés, small shops, and charming historic buildings, it invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll. In summer, the park buzzes with street musicians, ice cream, and coffee in hand, while in winter it is quieter but still charming. Those who wish can extend their walk all the way to the harbor, discovering the small market hall or local galleries along the way.

Cathedral and Winter Magic at Senate Square

Behind Esplanadi Park lies Senate Square with its impressive cathedral. The white façade, green domes, and wide staircase make it an absolute eye-catcher. The neoclassical style is clear, bright, and elegant, typical of Helsinki. Surrounding the square are the Government Palace, the University, and the National Library. During the Advent season, the St. Thomas Christmas Market attracts visitors with over 140 stalls full of crafts, Finnish specialties, and festive winter atmosphere. It’s the perfect combination of a stroll, architecture, and Christmas magic for a small but memorable Helsinki experience.

Kappeli: Art Nouveau Meets Culinary Delight

A true highlight in Helsinki is the beautiful Art Nouveau café Kappeli, located right in Esplanadi Park. It opened in 1867 and quickly became a meeting place for national writers, artists, and politicians. Then as now, visitors can watch the hustle and bustle along the promenade and enjoy views over the park. Kappeli has witnessed the golden era of Finnish art, and many artworks still adorn its walls today.

Today, Kappeli is more than just a café. It combines a bar, a restaurant, a small banquet room in the basement, and a large terrace. The kitchen focuses on seasonal Finnish ingredients and classic dishes that delight all the senses. The freshly baked bread and pastries come from their own bakery and are prepared with great care. Anyone craving a taste of Finnish tradition, sweet treats, or simply a coffee with a view of Esplanadi will feel right at home here. A visit to Kappeli is an absolute must on any trip to Helsinki – I loved it 20 years ago just as much as I do today.

Harbor Vibes, SkyWheel, and Sauna Experience

At the harbor, you’ll find not only the classic Ferris wheel* but also some special experiences. For a more exclusive ride, you can book the VIP gondola with leather seats and a glass floor, or toast with champagne high above the city. Sauna enthusiasts can head to the SkySauna above Helsinki’s rooftops, enjoying the warmth inside while feeling the icy air outside. These extras need to be reserved in advance and promise an unforgettable experience over the city.

Right next door awaits a true Finnish classic: the open-air sauna. Hot inside, cold outside – just the way Finns love it. The brave can jump into the icy water after a sweating session or enjoy the pools at the Allas Sea Pool* complex. Here, you’ll find heated pools, saunas, whirlpools, and even lounging areas right by the water. It’s a place to relax, unwind, and feel a bit like a true Finn. Who would have thought that sweating and ice bathing could be so much fun?

Coffee Break at Johan & Nyström

When you’re out and about in Helsinki and in desperate need of a really good coffee, you’ll sooner or later end up at Johan & Nyström. This small coffee bar, located right by the harbor, is like a magnet for anyone who takes specialty coffee seriously but still wants to keep it relaxed. Inside, it smells of freshly roasted beans; outside, you can enjoy the view of the water and wonder why you don’t start every morning like this. The baristas know their craft, the selection is extensive, and if you love a flat white, this is pure heaven.

Flying Cinema: Helsinki from a Bird’s-Eye View

Flying Cinema is one of those places you enter with modest expectations and leave much more impressed. The experience is essentially a short 4-D flight over Helsinki, but virtual and packed with action. The seats move, there’s wind, effects, and surprisingly beautiful city perspectives. The panoramic flights over the snowy archipelago and Lapland scenes are especially striking, almost giving the feeling of the Northern Lights. For those in the mood for something quirky, there are also versions featuring dinosaurs or other themes. Great for families, equally entertaining for adults.

Movie Night at Finnkino Tennispalatsi

Our real movie night took place at Finnkino Tennispalatsi, one of Helsinki’s most well-known cinemas. The building is centrally located in the Kamppi district and is part of a larger cultural complex that also houses museums and exhibitions. The theaters are large, modern, and comfortable, and many films are shown in their original language with subtitles, making it ideal for visitors. On a freezing winter evening, there’s hardly anything better than warming up with popcorn and immersing yourself in a movie for a couple of hours. Walking back to the hotel through the crisp winter air afterward was almost as enjoyable as the film itself. Helsinki at night feels calm and clear, almost a little slowed down: the perfect way to end the evening in comfort.

Haru Sushi Buffet: All-You-Can-Eat Sushi Delight

Haru Sushi is the perfect stop if you’re looking for something quick and delicious in Helsinki. The buffet offers a daily selection of fresh salads and a constantly changing variety of sushi, so it never gets boring. Vegetarians and vegans are easily catered to, which isn’t always a given at a sushi buffet. To finish, there’s always something sweet, along with coffee, tea, and even soda on tap. Overall, it’s a relaxed concept, fairly priced, and ideal for enjoying a satisfying meal after a day of sightseeing.

Fazit zu Helsinki:

Helsinki reveals itself as a city that can be rediscovered again and again. Beyond the well-known sights, it unveils a multitude of facets that only become apparent on a closer look. Whether it’s hidden neighborhoods, cultural surprises, or simply the unique local vibe, Helsinki invites you to go with the flow and stay open to new experiences. The city is constantly evolving, yet remains authentic and welcoming. It is precisely this blend that makes every visit a truly enriching experience.