Day 1: Arrival and inspiration

Where to stay

Check into a hotel that embodies Finnish design, from historic elegance to fresh sustainability:

• Bob W Kaarti – A carbon-neutral apartment hotel with private saunas, smart amenities, and a local, design-led aesthetic.
• Hotel St. George – A luxurious blend of art, design and wellness in a landmark building.
• Klaus K Hotel – Inspired by Finland’s national epic, Kalevala, this boutique stay is rich in stories and style.
• Hotel Torni – Helsinki’s first ‘skyscraper’, this 1931 icon helped shape the city’s skyline and reputation.
• Hotel Maria – A new pinnacle in Nordic luxury with exquisite materials, service and refinement.

Breakfast options nearby:

• Ekberg 1852 – Helsinki’s oldest café, serving a timeless breakfast buffet with fresh bread and sweet pastries.
• Andante – A tranquil café-flower shop hybrid with specialty coffee and a minimalist vibe.
• Cafferino Oba or Cafetino – Friendly Mediterranean-inspired cafés with hearty, comforting plates.
  

Late morning: Hit the streets

Familiarise yourself with Helsinki’s design cradle with a leisurely stroll through the district. The area has beautiful architecture from several time periods, art nouveau being especially visible throughout the area. Rikhardinkatu Library of books and art is a gorgeous building to explore, St. John Church is one of the prettiest church buildings in the city, and the home of moomins and the atelier of their creator, Tove Jansson, can be found at Ullanlinnankatu. And for simple but pretty treats, check out Old Church Park – or as the locals call it, ‘ruttopuisto’, the plague park (we swear the nickname is just an affectionate leftover from the 1700s). Stroll down Fredrikinkatu and its side streets to ease into the design mood—think boutiques, galleries, bakeries and calm Scandinavian facades. For maps and a full overview, visit the Design District Website.

Lunch suggestions:

• Canvas Canteen – Seasonal lunch bowls and soul-warming soups and salads in a minimalist space.
• Café Tampopo – A Japanese-inspired café serving sando sandwiches, sweets and vinyl spins.
  

Afternoon: Design heritage up close

Visit two of Finland’s most significant cultural institutions:

• Design Museum – Trace the evolution of Finnish design from everyday classics to future-thinking innovations.
• Museum of Finnish Architecture – Learn how Finland’s built environment reflects its people, climate and creativity.
  

Dinner with a view

• Savoy – An iconic fine-dining experience designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto, overlooking Esplanadi.
• Goose Pasta Bar – A relaxed, wallet-friendly pasta bar (no reservations, but worth the queue!).
• Pinocchio – For a stylish nightcap, head to this intimate wine bar with small bites and good vibes.
• Bob’s Laundry or Chihuahua Julep for late-night cocktails in charming, tucked-away settings.

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Day 2: Hands-On Design and Shopping

Breakfast favourites:

• Relove Freda – Brunch and vintage fashion under one beautiful roof.
• Lazy Fox – All-day breakfast done right: think pancakes, breakfast burgers and great coffee.
• Enchanté Café –  A cosy French-inspired café perfect for a slow, elegant start.

Midday: Explore Local, sustainable, and second-hand design

Explore shops that highlight sustainability and Finnish craftsmanship:

• Finarte – Sustainable textiles rooted in Finnish tradition, reinvented for modern homes.
• Kuviokioski – Cheerful, graphic goods made with top-quality materials.
• Asuna – Stylish Finnish wardrobe staples curated with care.
• hálo – High-quality fashion from Finnish Lapland with bold silhouettes.
• Lokal – Part concept store, part gallery. A home for small-batch ceramics and poetic everyday items.
• Lilja the Label – Ethical, Finnish-made swimwear with bold prints and timeless cuts.
• Artek 2nd Cycle – Rescued Finnish design classics from past decades.
• Fasaani Antiikki & Mendera – Two go-to addresses for vintage furniture, lighting, and décor.
• Tingeling Toy Shop – A creative, design-driven toy store full of Nordic imagination.
• Relove – For even more curated pre-loved fashion.
  

Lunch ideas:

• Natura – Refined, seasonal, and sustainably sourced Finnish dishes in a relaxed setting.
• Nolita – A modern Euro-bistro with Mediterranean flair and natural wines.
• Elm – A stylish neighbourhood bistro known for seasonal ingredients and a relaxed, elegant setting.

Afternoon: Visit Art Galleries

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at one or more of the following:

• Bronda gallery – Showcasing contemporary Art in Helsinki since 1978 Bronda offers changing exhibits every 4 weeks and a wide range of graphic art on sale. 
• Cable Factory – Houses 3 museums (The Finnish Museum of Photography, Theatre Museum and Hotel and Restaurant Museum), restaurants and cafés, artists, art schools, galleries, sport clubs, advertising, consultancy and architect’s offices, artisans, bands and other companies active in the creative industry. 
• Helsingin Taidehalli – Kunsthalle Helsinki hosts 7-8 major exhibitions, in addition to events, concerts and a cross-disciplinary programme. The focus of the exhibitions is on contemporary art. Building is in itself the must-see sight for architecture and design lovers!
• Galleria Sculptor: Showcases contemporary Finnish sculpture.
• Sinne – A space for Finnish and international contemporary art. Entrance to the gallery is free.
• tm•galleria – Focusing on Finnish Contemporary Art, the Finnish Painters Union  tm•gallery has a versatile profile. Exhibitions here at the artist’s own gallery are both open-minded and full of surprises.

Dinner with flavour and flair

• Yes Yes Yes – A plant-based hotspot with a punchy palette and vibrant dishes.

Apotek Wine Bar – Once a pharmacy, now a beautiful bar with thoughtful small plates and an excellent wine list.Day 2: Work art, play art

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Day 3: Relaxation and Reflection

Breakfast:

• Levain: Offers high-quality breakfast options, including savory dishes and waffles, in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Fazer Café Kluuvikatu 3 – A modern classic café serving breakfast and lunch during weekdays and brunch during weekends, with a selection of pastries and confections.

Midday: Final Shopping and Souvenirs

Pick up unique souvenirs from:

• Johanna Gullichsen: Known for bold textile designs rooted in Finnish tradition.
• Paja: Offers handcrafted jewelry and hosts workshops for those interested in making their own pieces.

Lunch:

• Pastis – A French-style bistro with classic favourites and excellent service, perfect for those wanting to linger over a glass of wine.
• Vinkkeli – Fine Nordic dining in an understated, art-filled dining room. Known for precision, balance, and beautiful lunch menus.

Afternoon: Sauna Experience

Wrap up your design-filled weekend with a seaside sauna at Löyly, one of Helsinki’s most photographed—and genuinely beloved—architectural landmarks. Built with sustainably sourced wood, this modern take on the Finnish sauna tradition is the ideal place to reflect, relax, and let everything you’ve seen soak in.