Roots in Helsinki •
When you want to feel closer to the people and sense the city’s heartbeat—whether for aesthetic reasons or budget considerations.
We created this section of our guide to help you truly discover the city by exploring places where the spirit of the past and present still lingers. “Roots” are spots on the map that exist outside of fashion and trends, reflecting the city’s history, revealing its culture, and showcasing the character of its locals.
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If a café can be called iconic, this is it: equally loved by locals, expats, and tourists. People come here for the laid-back Finnish atmosphere, where you can chat for hours over coffee and a cardamo...
OutskirtVery basicLocal spotCheapEsthetic spotDIY-interior
Helsinki’s oldest café and bakery. Operating since 1852, it has seen everything from the noble ladies of the Grand Duchy of Finland to Tove Jansson. The minimalist counter design, the elegance of the ...
DowntownHistorical interiorPopular spotPriceyInstagrammableEsthetic spot
A legendary café in the perfectly picturesque district of Ullanlinna. For 60 years, it has been a favorite meeting place for generations. The crowd is diverse—from grandmothers in elegant hats and the...
DowntownPopular spotInstagrammablePriceyEsthetic spotHedonistic mood
Hakaniementori or Hakaniemen Tori is a genuine alternative to the well-known market square Kauppatori, which locals tend to avoid. Instead of squeezing through noisy crowds of tourists, they prefer th...
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Wellbeing – Physical and mental health activities; Community – Communities and initiatives; Roots – Places with true local spirit; Creative spaces – Workspaces and creative hubs; Arts – Cultural highlights and attractions; Caffeine – Brunch and specialty-coffee spots; Gourmet – Gastronomic experiences; Spirituosos – Local and craft spirits bars; Hangout – Best party spots and events; Shops – Shopping therapy havens.Explore and adapt in cities
Browse to find new ideas, great places, and close-knit communities. Discover, adapt, socialize, and build connections. Whether you’re finding your circle or making your mark in a new environment, the journey starts here.
