This Finnish City Deserves to Be Your Next Euro Trip

Before last October, I hadn’t thought much about Finland. Truth be told, I probably couldn’t have found it on a map. For many Americans, the Nordic country has long been a mystery compared to the rest of Europe. The best way to define Finland is by what it isn’t. It’s not Russian, not Swedish, and not Scandinavian. It’s not all snow, reindeer, or the aurora borealis. And it’s definitely not a country of taciturn people who subsist on herring and black coffee. 

Finland is a nation on the rise, and a confluence of recent events have pushed it onto the global stage. The Russian invasion of Ukraine brought renewed attention to its strategic position. Elsewhere, Finnish designers have gained a stronger presence at Copenhagen Fashion Week, and the country’s hospitality industry has seen a post-pandemic resurgence. In response, the Finnish government has invested millions of euros to help these sectors compete with neighboring Sweden.

The result? A capital like Helsinki, offering all the cosmopolitan pleasures of a modern city while retaining the charm and intimacy of a small village. If you’re looking for an underrated gem for your next Euro trip, look no further.

Finns tend to be quiet, but don’t mistake that for unfriendliness. Understanding the concept of sisu can help bridge the gap between the Finnish personality and our Americanized sensibilities.

At its core, sisu translates to quiet dignity, grit, and determination. While it’s a difficult concept to fully grasp (especially as a chatty American), it’s evident in every aspect of Finnish life. Design is utilitarian, as are the clothes they wear. Finnish cuisine is seasonal, with a focus on using every part of the plant or animal—and pickling is always an option. Conversations are economical, but that’s more about respecting personal space than a disdain for interaction. All of this falls under the umbrella of sisu, with an emphasis on practicality for every aspect of life.

I bring up this concept to better position the charm of Helsinki. Here, you won’t find neon lights or loud, boisterous main streets. Instead, the city has a gentle rhythm to it that is welcoming without being overly advertised. Streets are wide and car horns are used sparingly. Sidewalks are kept clean (Helsinki has a 50 percent recycling rate among citizens) and you can walk the length of the city in an hour. That includes stopping for an iltapäiväkahvi to warm your hands.

While Helsinki doesn’t have a huge retail landscape, there are still a few gems around the city. The first stop for anyone visiting should be the Stockmann department store. With an array of high-end Nordic fashion labels, designer brands, and homegoods, it’s the perfect place to survey the retail personality of the city.

Outside of Stockmann, you’ll find a Marimekko outpost. Known for their vibrant patterns and bold prints, Marimekko is possibly the most famous export out of Finland next to Alvar Aalto or Nokia. While the fashion line is mostly tailored towards women, a mug or set of napkins are a great option. If you want some high-end drinkware, grab something from Iittala, which has been in business since 1881.

In terms of menswear, your best bet is going vintage. I’m fond of Kaartinen & Kuusela, a second-hand menswear store that specializes in suiting. With a tailor on-site, this shop eliminates the awkward part of secondhand shopping: when you fall in love with a garment but it just doesn’t fit. It’s a great way to bring new life to old clothes, and highlights the Finnish allergy towards waste.

If vintage isn’t your thing, FRENN is a high-end menswear brand that focuses on premium basics in quality fabrics—think merino wool polos and chocolatey corduroy pants. Another favorite for more fashionable fellows would be Nomen Nescio, a unisex brand that’s built on the idea of a capsule wardrobe. Everything is in black for easy pairing, giving you a Steve Jobs uniform in no time.

Having been to Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Germany, and New York City, I can say this with confidence: Finnish food is fantastic. While things like pickled herring may be the stereotype of Nordic cuisine, it’s far from the varied, seasonal, and delicious meals I had while in Helsinki. 

First, I recommend stopping at Nolita, a small restaurant with quite possibly the best bite I had the whole trip: crusty sourdough dipped into a pea soup. With a restaurant scene so small, owner Luka Balac also runs two others in the city; Elm and Nolla. He recommends Baskeri & Basso, a wine bistro with a French-Italian flair. I asked him what the go-to dish would be and his reply was a matter-of-fact, “You should order all dishes when you go.” Well, who am I to argue?

For something a little more Nordic, Atelje Finne is a favorite for Finnish designer Klaus Haapaniemi. Atelje Finne focuses on a seasonal menu with root vegetables, mushrooms, and even reindeer taking center stage.

If you have the time (and the mini-fridge in your hotel isn’t too full), I’d recommend doing a little bit of shopping to feel like a local. Petri Burtsoff, Helsinki correspondent for Monocle, says the Hakaniemi Market Hall is the go-to place for fresh produce—and the on-site restaurant Kirsikka is worth a visit. Take it one step further and stop by Kaffa for coffee and Rolling Cheese for a nice Oltermanni—you’ll begin to appreciate the Finnish palette all the more.

The hospitality offerings are limited in Helsinki, but Solo Sokos Pier 4 is one of the most interesting new hotels to pop up in the area. This waterfront property has views of the harbor at their onsite restaurant, making for spectacular views at sunset. The hotel also has a sustainability-forward approach: steel beams have been replaced with locally-sourced wood. 

For something perhaps a little more “old world,” I’d book with Hotel St. George. Originally built in 1871 as the printing house of the Finnish Literature Society, it reopened as a hotel in 2018, giving visitors and diplomats alike a 5-star experience. With an onsite spa, a bakery, and a Thai restaurant, the St. George adds a little bit of cosmopolitanism to a sometimes sleepy city.

I’d be remiss to not mention a cornerstone of the Finnish identity: the sauna. In fact, it is so revered, it’s been recognized as culturally important by UNESCO. Known for its healing properties and as a social event, saunas have been an integral part of Finnish life for almost 9,000 years. Saunas vary—some are clothed, some are not; some are for adults, some are family-focused—but the social aspect makes for an unforgettable cultural experience while in Helsinki. 

If you choose to hit up a sauna while in town, Löyly is a popular one, as is the Allas Sea Pool. For a more spartan option, according to Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff, Kulttuurisauna is a no-frills sauna that gives you a truly authentic Finnish experience.

Finnair, Finland’s flagship carrier, is your best bet for getting to the Finnish capital with minimal layovers. It offers flights from several U.S. cities, including New York (JFK), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), and Seattle (SEA). Partner airlines also provide options, though expect a layover. From the East Coast, you’ll likely connect through London, Reykjavik, Frankfurt, or another major hub.

For our European readers, you’ve got it a bit easier. Finnair operates out of major cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona, but also smaller spots like Zurich, Madrid, and Vienna. Heck, even budget carriers like RyanAir offer flights to Helsinki for as little as $20.

Finally, for a bit of romance, you can take a ferry from a neighboring country. Sweden is your easiest option, with daily ferries and trains offering a chance to experience the Baltic Sea up close—something you’ll miss at 30,000 feet.