Year after year, Finland is named the happiest country in the World Happiness Report. It's well known that Nordic countries are winning the race to happiness, but how? A trip to Finland's capital, Helsinki, reveals the reasons why Finnish people are the happiest of them all.
Read on to discover 14 of the best things to see and do in Helsinki to make magical memories...
It’s no secret that nourishing food is a source of happiness for many, and it's also at the heart of Helsinki’s incredible restaurant offerings. Elm, located in Kaivopuisto, is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with sustainability at its core. Owner Luka Balac serves versatile food using ingredients from seasonal Finnish and European produce. And when it comes to waste, the restaurant follows a ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ protocol. No single-use plastics are used in the kitchen and ingredients are circulated from lunch to dinner in order to reduce food waste. Opt for the saffron risotto with honey turnip and pistachio and save room for French toast with vanilla and jam.
The tiny island of Lonna is just a 10-minute ferry ride away from Helsinki’s Market Square. Here you can enjoy a relaxing sauna experience while looking out towards the Baltic Sea – take a chilly dip if you're feeling brave – as well as hearty food at the Lonna restaurant. Open from May to September, the restaurant serves high-quality seasonal dishes such as whitefish with cauliflower and grilled blue mussels. Don’t leave without trying the delicious malt bread.
Love this? Follow our Facebook page for more travel inspiration
So synonymous with Finnish culture, you won’t be short of sauna options in Helsinki. After a trip to Lonna island, why not head to Helsingi Saunalautta? Located on a raft in the Helsinki archipelago Aurinkolahti, Helsingi Saunalautta provides sauna facilities for up to eight people and boasts stunning surrounding views. And of course, what’s better than a jump into the cold sea to cool down in between sauna sessions?
Skateboarding might not be top of your to-do list when on holiday, but in Helsinki it’s a must. Try it and you might bump into Lena Salmi, a 70-year-old skateboarder who loves to explore the city on wheels. To her, skateboarding brings people of different backgrounds together, without judgement and the freedom to be themselves. As well as ample designated parks, Helsinki's urban landscape has incredible spots for street skating, including outside the Oodi library, where you can borrow a skateboard – and other sports equipment – free of charge.
Peloton, a French word that loosely translates to 'a pack of cyclists', is also the backstory behind this Helsinki institution. An eatery and cycle shop combined, this is an ideal pit stop for hungry cyclists. With a menu that changes weekly, you know you’ll be enjoying the freshest of ingredients at Peloton. Choose between huge bowls of fresh, homemade pasta, hearty salads or delicious seafood. Everything is served with 'a locally sourced mentality', and if you fancy it, pair your meal with fine wines served by a professional sommelier.
When you think about spray paint and graffiti, you might picture an illegal act done under the cover of night. In Helsinki, this isn’t always the case. There are several designated areas within the city where you can create street art, legally. These areas allow for street artists to create pieces of art at no risk. Try out your skills at places such as Suvilahti Graffiti Wall, or simply watch in awe.
Finish cuisine is heavily influenced by fresh, natural ingredients, often reflecting the country's forests, lakes and seasons. One place to experience this at its best is Finnjavel. Here you will find two restaurants to suit your mood: Sali is a relaxed restaurant inspired by home cooking and in Salonki you’ll experience Michelin-starred fine dining. Described as an 'homage to the true masters of the Finnish cuisine', Finnjavel hopes to "cherish, develop and keep alive the Finnish culinary tradition by cooking, baking, hunting and foraging."
Cycling is very popular in Helsinki, thanks to its extensive bike infrastructure. There's a well-developed network of cycling paths and lanes, perfect for exploring the city. Don’t have your own bike? Not to worry, Helsinki has a widely used bike-sharing programme with plenty of rental stations in different locations. You'll also find a number of scenic routes along the coast, through parks and around lakes, making cycling an easy and fun way to explore the capital's nature.
Understanding the transformative power of nature on health and well-being is key in Finland, and this is why health forests are being created across the country. Vallisaari is an island located near Helsinki city centre that has been transformed into a health forest to promote well-being and mental health through nature. These designated natural areas encourage activities such as walking, and mindfulness to reduce stress and improve health as a whole. The island has well-maintained walking and hiking trails designed to encourage physical activity and exploration, as well as guided activities.
A private boat tour is a great way to explore Helsinki’s beautiful archipelago. You’ll get to witness how the city's buzzing seaside, gorgeous islands and incredible waterfront architecture blend together. Helsinki is well known for its stunning coastal vistas and its hundreds of islands. On a private boat tour with Nordic Swan Cruises, you can explore these in more detail and listen to tales as you pass the capital's attractions.
A library visit might not be on everyone's travel itinerary, but a visit to the Oodi in Helsinki promises a unique experience. Described as a 'living meeting place', the incredibly designed building allows you to play chess, gaze at the beautiful views of the city or even watch the huge 3D printers in action. Opened in December 2018, it was designed with the help of the city's local people to ensure it met the needs of those using it. Each floor has a set purpose, with both loud and silent activities, from cooking classes to playing video games.
Helsinki is full of hotels to suit all budgets and experiences, but for a truly relaxing experience, check into the St. George Hotel. The luxury hotel opened its doors in 2018, but the most iconic section of the building's architecture was designed by renowned architect Onni Tarjanne in 1890. The hotel has 148 guest rooms and five suites, an in-house gym and spa, a bar and restaurant and its very own bakery cafe. Take full advantage of fresh pastries at breakfast, alongside fruit, eggs, meats, fish and homemade yoghurt. Make sure you hit the spa to relax after all that exploring.
Mindfulness is a concept that has become popular over recent years, encouraging focus on the present moment, observing your thoughts and feelings to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. It is a big part of Finnish culture and the country's healthcare system highlights its benefits, so why not take five minutes to practice mindfulness in these stunning surroundings? If you're not sure where to begin, Visit Finland has a routine you can try and bring home with you.
Iittala and Arabia are iconic Finnish design and lifestyle brands. Iittala, founded in 1881, became known for its high-quality glassware, tableware and home decor items and has truly become synonymous with Finnish design. Likewise, Arabia, founded in Helsinki, originally produced items such as decorative ceramics and household items. Over the decades, it has become famous for its high-quality tableware and kitchenware. So, for design enthusiasts, no trip to Helsinki is complete without a visit to the Design Centre. Pick up a pretty keepsake in the newly renovated store or take a guided tour of the venue, attend a lecture or enjoy one of the regular events to make it a fully immersive experience.
Finnair offers daily direct flights from London Heathrow to Helsinki Airport. Situated just 12 miles (20km) from the city centre, the airport has a train station located underneath the terminal as well as bus route 600 operating a regular service directly into the heart of the capital.
Lois Mackenzie visited in June 2024 and was a guest of VisitFinland.