These are the hot spots you must check in the Finnish capital
– one of the World’s most functional, liveable, open and equal cities
Personal tips from Gyula Takács, Helsinki based M.Sc. Architect, Interior Designer and Specialist in Solid Timber Structures

My favourite luxury hotel for a lunch or dinner: Krog Roba is a casual Nordic restaurant, located in the Art Deco themed five-star boutique Hotel Lilla Roberts in Helsinki’s historical Design District. Lilla Roberts brings together stories from the past and cutting-edge modernity. Here is the place for you to start your great evening and usually Bar Lilla e. is the best to end as well.

The most elegant bar for a drink: Ateljée Bar, located on the 14th floor of Solo Sokos Hotel Torni is an amazing rooftop cocktail bar, with an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace in a classy atmosphere, offering some of the most stupendous views over the entire city. Here you can enjoy icy cool Lonkero – The Finnish Olympic drink refers to a mixed cocktail made from gin and grapefruit soda. Do not miss to visit the ladies’ and gentlemens’ restroom – they have a panoramic view of the Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Musiikkitalo, The National Museum and Kiasma Museum.

The best restaurant for a breakfast or brunch: The best choice for every delicious occasion is Brasserie Kämp. Since 1887, Hotel Kämp has provided nothing less than extraordinary cuisine experiences for both locals and visitors alike. The Kämp brunch is an exquisite selection of Finnish specialities and Kämp Signature elements from the best seasonal ingredients. Top the experience with caviar or champagne – with an Esplanadi Park view.

The cafe where the afternoon tea or sweets are amazing: Fazer Café is a classic yet modern Finnish brand with 13 cafes located in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Turku and Tampere. The most iconic Fazer Café is located in Kluuvikatu 3, has been in the heart of Helsinki ever since its founding in 1891. It is far more than a cafe, it is also a delicacy shop for outstandingly delicious treats where you can buy freshly baked breads, cakes made on the premises, Kluuvikatu specialities, Fazer´s classic sweets and chocolates. You can meet your friends here, either for a generous breakfast or a refreshing lunch. In the afternoon, you can relax over a cup of tea or enjoy a glass of wine – not to mention the silkiest chocolates, handmade confections or melt in the mouth pastries. Whatever your choice, every one of their products represents a little piece of Fazer history.

The fanciest gym in the city: Clarion Hotel Helsinki is situated in the seaside, just a few minutes from the city centre. Helsinki’s trendiest hotel featuring a fantastic rooftop pool, a panoramic view gym and sauna on the 16th floor. After your workout, relax in the sauna, refresh yourself in the glass-walled pool and enjoy a smoothie or cocktail at the Sky Room Bar – all with a stunning view of the whole city and the Gulf of Finland.

You must try these hotels if you are in the city: At Hotel Kämp you can feel the atmosphere of a historic grand hotel. The hotel was first opened in 1887 and instantly became the place to be in town. Its rich, prestigious past continues to define its soul and being, while offering all the desirable luxuries and services for visitors. Hotel Kämp has 164 elegant rooms and 15 luxurious suites with separate living and resting areas. Kämp Spa offers tailored holistic treatments and is the perfect oasis for relaxation.

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi opened its doors in the heart of Helsinki in 2019. As soon as you step through the doors, you are welcomed by the spirit of Lapland. Luxurious design and fresh ingredients from the North. This five-star hotel has altogether 182 rooms and 102 saunas. Arctic Deluxe Spa rooms focus on spa elements and relaxation: huge bathroom with a big bathtub and an impressive private modern sauna. Lapland Hotels already operates 16 other properties throughout Finland, including 14 in Lapland and two other urban hotels.

Hilton Helsinki Kalastajatorppa is a romantic resort overlooking the Gulf of Finland. It is conveniently situated ten minutes from Helsinki’s city center. The „midnight sun” view from the the delux rooms and suites are fabulous. Although the full midnight sun can only be experienced above the Arctic Circle, the nights are white throughout the country. Even Helsinki on the southern coast has virtual daylight around the clock. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, spa treatements, finnish saunas, fittness center and there is even a sandy private beach.

Your shopping district if you love luxury brands: Helsinki’s Pohjoisesplanadi is the city’s luxury enclave, a street where global luxury brands Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès are found alongside innovative finnish design labels: Aarikka, Arabia, Iittala, Finlayson, Kalevala and Marimekko. Weary shoppers in need of respite can retreat to the beautiful Esplanadi opposite, a French-style Park built in the thirties of the nineteenth century by the city architect Karl Ludwig Engel. This park comes alive in summer with theatre performances on the outdoor stage at Kappeli Café just few steps from the famous Havis Amanda fountain. In the winter you will find the trees dramatically encased in fairy lights. You can also enjoy the Christmas markets here at that time of year.

I am a watch enthusiast and modern watch collector, I also enjoy learning about them. My favourite boutique in Helsinki is Lindroos, located in Aleksanterinkatu 46 (and Helsinki Airport). Founded in 1878, Lindroos is a traditional jeweller’s company specialized in most respected watch brands, timeless classics and the latest models (Rolex, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Tudor, Longines, Chopard, Omega, IWC, etc.) Exceptional expertise, over 20 high-end watch brands and elegant jewellery selection combined with the country’s largest private owned after sales watch service makes Lindroos the industry leader in Finland.

Your ideal spots if you would like to find local high class designer products: Stockmann Helsinki Centre is a culturally significant business building and department store located located in Aleksanterinkatu 52B in the middle of Helsinki shopping district. This flagship store was built in nordic Art Deco style in 1930, covers 50,000 square metres of retail space in 10 floors and welcomes more than 17 million visitors every year. It is the largest department store in the Nordic countries. You will find everything you need at Stockmann – the latest fashion, luxury brands, trendy cosmetics, souvenirs and innovative world-famous Finnish design: Aarikka, Artek, Arabia, Fazer, Finlandia, Finlayson, Fiskars, Iittala, Kalevala, Karhu, Makia, Marimekko, Paulig, etc.

The gourmet shop where you can find the finest food: Fun fact, if you visit any supermarkets in Helsinki you can find the best quality food you’ve ever seen: honey-sweet mango, dragon fruit, rambutan, starfruit, perfect avocado, Finnish blueberries and forest fruits, mushroom variations, fresh salmon, herring, mussels and shrimp, spices and ingredients for all cuisines of the World. If you would like to have a picnic in one of the most spectacular islands in the capital area, just order a luxury high-quality gourmet box in advance from Fygë to experience the art of culinary. Relax and enjoy the finest food selection with an endless sea view.

The spa you shouldn’t miss: Hotel St. George Helsinki offers an entire way of living and being that brings mind, body, heart and soul together in harmony and balance. St. George care treatments are based on the philosophies of two brands, both of which embrace the power of nature: the Hungarian skincare line Omorovicza and Finland’s fresh skincare pioneer Niki Newd.

The hidden luxury secret of the city: Allas Sea Pool is located next to Market Square in the heart of Helsinki with a large pool area, sunbathing deck, magnificent saunas, outdoor gym, restaurants, cafes, and concert venue. Allas Sea Pool offers many options for wellness and culinary with breathtaking view over the sea, surrounding islands, the downtown: Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki City Hall and Uspenski Cathedral.

Löyly Helsinki is an Award-Winning urban sauna designed by Avanto Architects located in Hernesaari, which is a former industrial area on the Helsinki seashore. Traditional sauna is developed into an easy-going undulating building that is more part of the future coastal park than a conventional building. Interesting views open up to city centre and even to open sea between wooden lamellas. This complex includes a traditional Finnish smoke sauna and two other wood-heated saunas, a terrace and a restaurant. The saunas offer direct access to the outdoor seating area and the sea, where it is possible to enjoy a refreshing swim, all year round.

Float Kallio in Helsinki has been my favorite hidden luxury secret in the city so far. Experience deep mental and physical relaxation in body-temperature salt water in a sound-proof isolation tank. In sensory deprived zero gravity environment you are totally free of distractions. Your muscles can relax completely, your mind can become quiet and still, and you can achieve a feeling of weightlessness and relaxation.

Photos: PR, intro pics: Mr. Takács’ own, Krog Roba, Hotel St. George Helsinki
27th of May, 2021