The Perfect 3-Day Weekend in Helsinki: Island Cruising, Sauna Hopping, and Going With the Flow

Too often, American explorations of Europe tend to be limited to a narrow band of cities and hotspots. We’re not going to fault you if you’ve taken the popular London-Paris-Amalfi path. There’s a reason those places draw the tourist hordes. But after you’ve eaten tapas in Barcelona and soaked in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, consider pointing your explorations to the Northeast—and get to know Helsinki.

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With all due respect to Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen, Helsinki is the most underrated Scandinavian city of the bunch. Finland’s stylish capital (and the country’s largest city at 600,000 residents) has bloomed into a culinary, design, and technology hub full of leading-edge architecture, and gained global fame and emulation. It's also (according to the World Happiness Report—which again ranked Finland the happiest country in 2024, for seven years running) a bastion of work/life balance. From the bustling heart of downtown, outdoor adventure is just a quick hike or bike ride away, including on several offshore islands that double as popular running and cycling routes.

Helsinkians are famously forthright and, yes, small talk-averse—but not as reserved as you may have heard. You can catch locals cutting loose in the city’s numerous karaoke bars, or happily chatting away in the world's best sauna scene. From natural escapes to epic music festivals, here’s how to make the most of three perfect days in and around Helsinki.

How to Get to and Around Helsinki

Finnair offers a direct flight every day from Los Angeles to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, and even offers lay-flat beds in business, making the long haul surprisingly palatable. Would-be travelers at a variety of European and Asian hubs, including London, Munich, Zurich, Brussels, Stockholm, Berlin, Manchester, Osaka, and Tokyo are also in for direct flights. If you’re coming from the Baltics, you can also experience a Finnish rite of passage and take the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki. The two-hour ride is used by a lot of Finns to score discount liquor, so expect to make a few friends—and maybe even participate in a little karaoke—as locals tend to start the party early.

Once you’re in the city, you won’t need a car. Taxis are abundant, but so is public transit. A train ride to the city center costs about five euros, and individual rides on the city’s abundant tram and train network rarely top a €2.95 fare. It’s all done on the honor system (with steep fines for violators), so be sure to purchase your tickets via the HSL app. When the weather’s good, it’s worth walking or even renting a bike through the HSL app, as the city has over 1,200 kilometers of bike paths, often making routes along the shore or through the city center easier to navigate on two wheels. Helsinkians are serious about their public transit. There’s even a bar car called Sp?raKOFF that circles the city once per hour. For scenic sips, board it just outside of central station at the top of every hour.

When to Visit Helsinki

Helsinki changes dramatically from winter to summer. If you have a reason to be in the city in the winter, like the annual tech startup event Slush, then by all means, book a visit. Enjoy winter swimming at one of the city’s numerous ice swimming clubs. Experiment with urban cross-country skiing with trails starting in Central Parkand extending through the city. Or catch an undeliverable light show at Lux. Then be sure to head farther north to Lapland, where from the Arctic Circle you can explore even more of the country’s spectacular winter offerings.

But if low temps and limited daylight hours really aren’t your thing, plan a trip for July or August. These are the best months to fully take advantage of Helsinki’s outdoor culture, from expansive waterfront to open-air cafes and festival season. Locals go hard when the sun is out—and so should you.

Where to Stay in Helsinki

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi is a nod to sophisticated northern Finland—just take a peek at the understated reindeer antlers above the beds. But the real benefit of this centrally located hotel is the epic en suite sauna, complete with rain showers and oversized bathtubs. While the city has an unprecedented number of saunas, the one in your own hotel room (complete with a soundtrack of your choice on the in-room speakers) might be the best.

For a touch of luxury, try the recently opened NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa hotel. Located right across from the train station in the historic Kaleva building, the five-star hotel includes a rooftop bar with epic views of the city. If you’re looking for luxury with a side of weird, book a room at Hotel Katajanokka, a former prison turned haute lodge. The character of the building is preserved, so you’ll see iron gates, bars, and supposed spirits scattered around the property along with very comfortable beds, epic breakfast, and morning sauna privileges. The real draw here is the silence. Thanks to thick walls and lack of traffic, you’ll sleep well.

Where to Eat: Best Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Helsinki

While most hotels offer a breakfast that puts the American version to shame, if you’re looking to mix it up, or if you were out too late the night before, get your day started with Levain Bakery. Not only is its bread the stuff of legend—you really can’t go wrong with a cardamom bun or cinnamon roll anywhere in Finland—but the loaded egg scramble will be more than enough to banish the remains of last night’s drinking session.

Naughty Burger isn’t sophisticated—and that’s exactly the point. Created by Suomi Top Chef winner Akseli Herlevi, the burger 'n' fries eatery is out to prove that when it comes to junk food, the Finns can do it just as well as the Americans. And judging by the epic wall of hot sauces and halloumi fries, sometimes even better.

Chef Richard McCormick is a Helsinki staple, with a reputation for creative cultural fusion dining. His previous projects—Sandro, The Cock, and Holiday—all come highly recommended. The top toque’s latest offering is Yes Yes Yes, a rose-hued vegetarian eatery featuring innovative small plates and cocktails with Nordic-rich flavors like rhubarb and elderflower. All created in a zero-waste kitchen.

Where to Drink in Helsinki: Best Bars

Bars in Helsinki come in two different varieties. First, there’s the upscale options. At places like Butchers, St. George Wintergarden, or Monkey, you’re going to find a sophisticated cocktail with an interesting twist—usually constructed by younger bartenders looking to elevate the art of drink making in the city. However, the real action happens at places like Erottaja, Karaokebar Yokopeli, and Anna K. Yes, the floor is sticky, and you’ll probably be limited to well drinks and beer, but when the karaoke machine turns on, Finnish inhibitions turn off—making these waterholes some of the best places to hang out with locals.

Don’t-Miss: Top Attraction in Helsinki

Every August, Helsinki hosts Flow Festival, a three-day celebration of music, art, and culture. Parallels to Coachella are obvious. Flow often pulls similar artists—previous editions have included performances from Gorillaz, Florence and the Machine, and Kendrick Lamar, among others. But at only a fraction of the size, fans are offered a more intimate experience—enhanced by the vibey twists and turns of the Hanasaari Power Plant. Better yet, Flow is a zero-waste production, meaning environmental impact is considered in everything from the plant-based food vendors to the spectacular stage work. If you’re interested, be sure to make visiting in 2025 (August 8 to 10) a priority. After 17 years at its location, Flow Festival is moving to a new spot in 2026.

Savvy Tip for Visitors to Helsinki

Be sure to take part in Finland’s sauna culture, a force so powerful it’s the only Finnish word to find its way into the English language. Yes, you’ll have to shower ahead of time and possibly show Helsinki your full monty—but, rest assured, no one is impressed. Most locations are gender-segregated or require bathing suits. There’s even a saying that Finns, known for hating small talk, don’t really start chatting until they get naked. So, if you’re looking to truly catch the local spirit, start by stripping down.

For swimming fans, try Allas Sea Pool, located dockside near Market Square within eyeshot of the Presidential Palace. In addition to taking dips in the warm lap pool and the seawater pool, Allas offers three different saunas, both gender-segregated (naked) and mixed (bathing suits). For a trendy steam head to L?yly, a fabulously odd-shaped building by the Baltic Sea. Its stripped exterior hosts three large saunas, one for private use, one steam, and one regular sauna.

After you’ve sweated it out, swim in the sea, and whip yourself with birch branches—which is not considered sexual or weird, just great for your skin. Be sure to take time to revel in your newfound chill by zoning out in front of the open fire in the lounge, or head to the connected restaurant for a glass of wine.

Or you could go hyper-local with a visit to the Sompasauna—a free, 24-hour, wood-burning sauna. Just keep in mind this is one of the few public saunas in the city that’s both mixed-gender and fully nude—so be polite and don’t make it weird while you have a steam and swim.

Things to Do in Helsinki Over Three Days

Day 1: Explore Downtown, Ogle Architecture, and See It All From a Chopper

There’s a reason Helsinki architecture has gained international recognition. Namely, it’s gorgeous. And since Helsinki is compact, you can see all of the greatest hits while walking. Coffee is practically the national beverage of Finland (the average Finn drinks between 10 to 22 pounds per year), so fuel up with a quick cup at Johan & Nystr?m—then head to the south harbor.

From there, you’ll see Uspenski Cathedral, the gothic-looking Russian orthodox church on the hill that greets sailors and cruise ships alike. Walk a few blocks inland toward Senate Square. Don’t worry, this part of Helsinki is on a grid, so you can’t get too lost. You’re now looking up at Helsinki Cathedral, the large white building that has been the symbol of the city since 1822. Hanging out in Senate Square is practically a sport, so if the weather’s good, feel free to linger. Just keep in mind that bars and restaurants in this part of the city tend to be a bit more expensive and tourist-focused.

Grab a tram or stroll into the city center to admire Helsinki Central Station—aka the building you probably missed while hauling your bags to your hotel when you first arrived. While the entire building is notable, be sure to snap a shot of the clock tower and the Lyhdynkantajat ("The Lantern Bearers") statues by Emil Wikstr?m.

Next stop is Amos Rex. Opened in 2018, the subterranean museum was an instant hit with fans. The flexibility of its exhibition space has allowed it to hold a variety of shows, including everything from Magritte to teamLab. If you’re a fan of art, it’s worth a visit just to see the space itself. If not, skip the underground shows and head to the gallery’s free backyard, Lasipalatsi Square, where five submarine-like windows poke up, creating a Wes Anderson-worthy play structure. Climbing is encouraged.

Break for lunch at the Restaurant Lasipalatsi, known for serving Scandinavian favorites in its stunning art deco dining room. For a more modern twist, visit Teurastamo. Opened in 2012, the former abattoir is now one of the coolest food halls and gathering spaces in town, whether your aim is ice cream, coffee, or Helsinki's best tacos.

After lunch, swing by the Oodi Library. While this might seem like an unusual point of interest on a city tour, sandwiched between Helsinki Music Centre and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art (also cool stops on an architecture tour), the boat-shaped building has been attracting attention since opening in December of 2018. Designed by ALA (the firm that also crafted Helsinki airport’s newly unveiled terminal two), the wide-open multiuse facility has received accolades not only for its innovative employment of space and light, but for resources that democratize learning and creativity.

For a different take on traditional Finnish architecture, visit Temppeliaukio Church. The underground, rock-lined church features a two-story organ and rocky walls lit in a heavenly glow from a series of rooftop windows. It’s also worth checking out its regular slate of concerts to see how the space is used. While designers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen’s reason for designing the subterranean church have been lost to time, the brothers’ other projects are all military-related, pointing to a strong affinity for safe, functional spaces.

By now it’s happy hour, so finish your day of architecture appreciation with drinks at Kerros. Located at Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, the bar offers 360-degree views of the city, so you can appreciate the buildings from a whole different angle. Then it’s on to dinner at Savoy, a restaurant designed by the biggest demigods in Finnish architecture, Alvar and Aino Aalto.

For an aerial thrill, close out the day by checking out a different view of the city with Helsinki Citycopter. Its stunning Champagne and sunset tour will show you Helsinki in a distinct light–quite literally. True jet-setters can use the helicopter services to make the short flight to nearby Tallinn, Estonia, for an epic Baltic day trip.

Day 2: Island Hop, Urban Hike, and Kayak the Coast

One of the biggest draws of Helsinki is the way nature and daily life are intertwined. The best way to see this in action is to spend the day island hopping with visits to Suomenlinna, Lonna, and Vallisaari. While each island has a direct line running from the mainland that can be accessed with a ticket purchased on the HSL app, if you’re interested in doing the entire loop, Helsinki Island Hopping is the only line that offers connections between all three—with boats that leave every 30 to 60 minutes.

Start the day with breakfast at Old Market Hall, a gorgeous indoor market that has been servicing customers since 1889. Once you’ve had your fill—and grabbed snacks for the ride—board the Helsinki Island Hopping boat in Market Square for your first destination, Suomenlinna.

Located 15 minutes from shore, Suomenlinna is home to about 900 residents. The name refers to a clutch of five different islands, connected by bridges—Kustaanmiekka, Susisaari, Iso Mustasaari, Pikku Mustasaari, and L?nsi-Mustasaari. This fortified landmass has been a point of protection dating back to when the area was claimed by Sweden, Russia, and finally Finland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the most interesting (and low-impact) hiking in the city. Bring your swimsuit, as it’s also a favorite local swimming spot—if you can withstand the icy Nordic waters. If not, stick to the island’s multiple hiking trails, which will take you around and through the epic fortifications—some of which now serve as homes, art studios, and gathering spaces.

Next up, head to Vallisaari. Grab a hot dog and beer at the Harbour Café. Then, get walking—within the guided path. A large portion of the island is still being swept for landmines, remnants of the island’s former life as the city’s protective landmass. The three-kilometer walk will take you around about half of the island, providing stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Valley of Death, the location of an infamous 1937 ammunition explosion that killed 12 and threw debris as far as Suomenlinna. If you’re planning a visit during the summer of 2025, you’ll be treated to surreal, large-scale art pieces along your walk when the city hosts its biannual art event.

Feeling watery? Finish your hike around Vallisaari with some kayaking for some splashier views of the archipelago. On Thursday nights, the island offers an advanced kayaking tour to make the most of the long summer evenings. Times and rates vary, so be sure to check in with the island’s paddling center for details.

Finally, cap off your day with a visit to the smallest of the three islands, Lonna. Grab dinner at the island's one restaurant (you can’t miss it) for a seasonal take on modern Nordic cuisine. Then lean into relaxation with a sweat session at the island’s five-star sauna. During the summer, the beach facing the city also faces the sunset, so park it on the sand for the natural show of a lifetime.

Day 3: Absorb the Joy, Sweat Out the Stress, and Swim in a Cool Pool

Start your morning at Regatta, the red-walled T??l? cafe that looks like it was plucked straight from a Nordic dream. Grab a coffee and bun to eat by the water, or—for some morning protein—roast a sausage by the crackling campfire like you have all the time in the world.

Once you’ve had your fill, take a leisurely, hour-long walk along the shoreline (or grab a quick Uber) to L?yly. You’ll know you’ve reached the sauna when you see the crazy structure that looks like something Tim Burton would build along the sea. Twenty-four euros will buy you two hours in the wood and traditional smoke saunas—with the ocean nearby to help you cool down in between. Just be sure to hydrate. Once you’ve worked up a decent appetite, break for lunch at L?yly’s tasty in-house cafe, featuring a menu of light eats, burgers, and salads so good that locals often skip the sauna and head straight to this popular spot.

For happy hour, head a couple kilometers around the bay to Clarion Hotel Helsinki. While this might seem like a less-than-cool pick, don’t judge until you’ve seen the view from the top-floor bar—a perch that will allow for spectacular sightseeing with a pint.

Finally, it’s a direct tram ride between Clarion and Allas Sea Pool, a harbor-side swimming spot that’ll allow you to do a few laps in either pool or seawater, under the watchful eye of the presidential palace. And because it’s Finland, there are so many sauna options for one final sweat session. End your night at Allas Wine & Dine, an open-air bar and restaurant that's perfect for savoring the sunset while planning your return.