INDIVUE – travel & art

Helsinki has gained a remarkable new attraction: you can now enjoy a cup of coffee at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Aalto Works – a collection of architectural masterpieces designed by the world-renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among them is the iconic Finlandia Hall, making it one of Finland’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The designation is expected to strengthen Finland’s appeal as a travel destination and introduce even more international visitors to Finnish architecture and design. Fortunately, you don’t have to admire Finlandia Hall only from the outside. The beautifully restored building is also home to the excellent Finlandia Cafe & Wine, where visitors can relax in a setting that combines outstanding architecture with quality food and drinks.

I visited Finlandia Cafe & Wine about a year and a half ago, shortly after Finlandia Hall reopened following its extensive renovation. One of the culinary highlights was the delicious antipasto potatoes, perfect as a light savoury snack. For dessert, I chose the beautifully crafted Finlandia Hall façade cake, inspired by the building’s famous marble exterior. Even the tea stood out for its quality, as it was prepared from real loose-leaf tea rather than ordinary tea bags.

During my visit, another memorable sight was Finlandia Hall illuminated in blue after sunset. The striking lighting added a splash of colour to Helsinki’s otherwise snowless January evenings in 2025 and created a beautiful contrast against the winter darkness.

If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, Finlandia Hall is now more than just an architectural landmark. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can experience Finnish design, culture, architecture—and enjoy a relaxing coffee break all in one place.

Find more inspiring things to do in Helsinki and Finland from my guides!