The sweet and savory of Helsinki

Looking out on Senate Square from Café Engel

Have you ever been to Helsinki? Well, you must visit if you’re in the area. Helsinki was the last stop on our (mom and me) Scandinavian / Nordic adventure in July 2017. After two days exploring the city I found it to be full of sweet charm definitely worth savoring! Here’s your two-day travel guide to Helsinki...

Day 1:

Start the day with a cup of joe and a bite to eat. I really enjoyed stumbling upon open-air markets and cafés offering fresh coffee and pastries. Try out Wäinö torikahvila if you’re in the Siltasaari/Hakaniemi neighborhood.

Wäinö torikahvila open-air café providing an affordable selection of coffee, pastries and breads

Fresh fruits and vegetables available at Wäinö torikahvila open-air café

Next, head to Senate Square, the cultural center of Helsinki. Spend some time in the Helsinki Cathedral, walk around the square admiring the surrounding statues, buildings and museums, and be sure to drop in for lunch at Café Engel.

Helsinki Cathedral and statue of Alexander II

Senate Square and surrounding buildings and museums

So colorful and flavorful - lunch at Café Engel; (left) mushroom-topped salmon, potatoes, green beans; (right) house quiche and salad

After lunch, stroll through the city streets admiring the historical buildings. Then, make your way to Esplanadi Park to enjoy green space in the heart of the city. Walk a little further through Market Square and up the hill to Uspenski Cathedral.

Helsinki City Hall, which overlooks Market Square

Uspenski Cathedral, main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland

On your way back, you might be getting hungry, so you must try Restaurant Kappelli in Esplanadi Park. It serves up a perfect combination of elegant eats and casual sweets!

Restaurant Kappeli in Esplanadi Park, located across from Espa Stage that puts on free music performances

Delicious dinner; (top) steak with potato cake; (bottom) salmon with veggies

After dinner cup of joe (note: it’s summertime in Finland, so daylight extends past 8pm!)

Day 2:

Off the beaten path, you’ll find the coolest café in Helsinki. Café Regatta is situated by the sea in the Töölö neighborhood and a skip away from Sibelius Park. Grab a bite, sip some coffee, read a book or the newspaper and just relax!

Café Regatta in Töölö

Not a bad way to spend the morning hours

Sibelius Monument honoring national composer Jean Sibelius

Before you leave Töölö make sure to visit the Temppeliaukio Church (aka. Rock Church), a Lutheran church built directly into solid rock.

Classical concerts are often held in the church, as the rock walls make for excellent acoustics

Church ceiling made from a giant disc of copper wire

Make sure you get back to Helsinki city center before last call at Frangipani Bakery Boutique. This sweets café has made it to the top of my sweets list. A must try!

Inside Frangipani, a super cozy sweets and small bites café

The most decadent (but not overly sweet) caramel apple cupcake

Mom standing outside Frangipani

I hope you enjoy discovering Helsinki as much as I did. And, if you’ve already visited, I’d love to hear your travel stores. Please share!