Slush-Helsinki Guide •
27 places and ideas for things to do
The Slush Helsinki Guide by Salute has been specially curated for conference attendees to enhance their experience in Helsinki. It provides insights into the city’s best dining spots, work-friendly cafés, and unique places to explore, making it an indispensable companion for participants.
Slush is a leading startup and tech event held annually in Helsinki, Finland. It brings together a curated audience of European startups, world-class investors, and tech journalists, emphasizing relevance over scale to deliver tangible value and actionable company-building advice. The event features four world-class stages where successful founders, investors, and ecosystem players share insights on building generational companies.
With the largest gathering of venture capitalists globally and 5,500 founders and operators comprising 70% of attendees, Slush fosters a hyper-relevant crowd within the global startup ecosystem.
Our curated picks & insights
Oases of creative consumption — each one is perfect for spending half a day or an entire night
Communities that create unique opportunities for connection and leisure
People come here primarily for the food (and only then for everything else)
Art is more than just museums and famous landmarks. We bring you cultural insights and spots worth your attention. We don’t limit ourselves to “must-see” and the biggest museums on the main streets, so we also recommend those that most guides and travel books overlook. Here, you’ll find both classic works and contemporary art that truly resonates. It doesn’t matter what inspires you—avant-garde exhibitions or quiet galleries—what matters is that the art connects with you and stays with you
Top brunch spots and specialty coffee shops to discuss it
There are hundreds of bars in the city, but only a few elevate the consumption of alcohol to the level of art
Bars and clubs that are definitely worth visiting on Friday or Saturday (but not limited to just those days)
Wellness and self-care practices that enhance your physical and emotional well-being
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The New Central Library Oodi in Helsinki is not just about books; it’s a space for continuous creative exchange. The entire second floor is equipped with workshops where you can sew, record music, cre...
R-Founders — is №1 community and business content for founders & C-levels. We connect founders and C-level executives from similar stages and industries to collaborate on a peer-to-peer level.
Over 2,500 startup founders targeting global markets, as well as venture capital investors, representatives of creative agencies, and other key players in the VC and IT sectors.
Peloton is a bicycle-themed spot that’s both a bike shop and a restaurant, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner. The interior is simple and cozy, welcoming both athletes and anyone who wants to enjoy good food in a bike-friendly environment.
A modern art museum where the exhibits reflect contemporary trends and ideas, inviting visitors to think and be inspired. There’s something for everyone here, whether it's an engaging exhibition or an exciting event. Photo by Max Van Den-Oetelaar.
The Riviera Cinema Kallio offers an atmosphere similar to that of Twin Peaks, enveloping visitors in a mysterious and immersive vibe, almost transporting them to another reality. In these cozy halls, ...
This small neighborhood café in Vallila is a great choice for specialty coffee lovers, quick breakfasts on the go, and fresh pastries.
A cozy place with a friendly atmosphere and stylish vintage interior. They serve fresh pastries and quality coffee.
A restaurant in the Kamppi district in central Helsinki. They serve European cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. The menu includes a variety of dishes from appetizers to desserts. The interior ...
Kuurna is a restaurant located in the Kallio district of Helsinki. It specializes in modern Finnish cuisine, offering dishes made with local ingredients and traditional recipes. The menu changes with the seasons and the availability of ingredients.
Located in the city center of Helsinki, the first Finnish private bottle shop was founded by two lifelong friends in 2016, with a passion for great fresh beer – and this was the beginning of the entir...
An excellent neighborhood gastropub with a unique selection of wines and cocktails, a great menu of snacks and dishes, all in a modern setting that makes it a popular spot for meeting friends.
Take a swim at Allas Sea Pool right in front of the Presidential Palace, whether under January snow or August sun—whichever you prefer. This spa center is open year-round.
Kulttuurisauna is a modern sauna with an art gallery vibe. It features separate steam rooms (towels instead of swimsuits), a chance to dip in the cool sea, and a terrace or fireplace to relax afterward.
Rikhardinkatu is one of the oldest libraries in Helsinki and served as the city's main public library until 1986. Designed by architect Theodor Höijer in 1881, it became the first public library building in Northern Europe.
A running club in Helsinki where the love of running is combined with useful socialising.
This is a community dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.
Its mission is to invest in early-stage startups led by LGBTQ+ founders across Europe and beyond.
The communi...
This is not just an art museum; it's an immersion into the history and culture of Finland through an outstanding collection of artworks. Visit to see the world through the eyes of Finnish masters and enjoy an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration.
A blog about Finnish culture, a lecture theatre, a tour desk, a meeting place and of course a community of people interested in culture.
Andante doesn’t offer much food, so it’s more of a place for a snack and a chat rather than a full meal. They serve a very creamy Basque cheesecake with coffee cream, more like custard than cottage cheese.
Not everyone in the local scene loves Kaffa—they say it’s lost its charm, but that’s not entirely true. While its frequent mentions in reviews have indeed attracted crowds, the coffee here is still go...
Avgust is a restaurant in Kamppi that brings Mediterranean dishes to break the Scandinavian minimalism. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The interior is simple bu...
Bar offers local craft beer and natural wines in a casual and slightly rockier atmosphere. This popular downtown bar attracts those who love local beer and a slightly brutal atmosphere.
A wine bar near Karhupuisto Park in the center of Kallio, specializing in a wide selection of wines, including natural wines. The unique wine selection is complemented by refined bistro-style cuisine....
Kaiku is a club that has become legendary among party-goers. So far, there’s nothing better in Helsinki. It hosts amazing parties from Wednesday to Saturday, with big-name guests and fresh talent from...
Löyly is another popular spot, though it's more like a city resort with multiple saunas, including a traditional smoke sauna. There's a lounge area, a sea-facing patio, and a restaurant with slightly ...
Stories about Helsinki
Locals and expats in Helsinki
Mysterious expert
The man who remains behind the scenes, made an invaluable contribution to the creation of this guide.
Lucky
A cute and curious dog who helped us find some dog-friendly places
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