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  • Best Cafés in Helsinki: A Visual Guide to Unique Experiences

    Best Cafés in Helsinki: A Visual Guide to Unique Experiences

    (Updated in 9/2026)

    Helsinki has plenty of excellent cafés that offer visitors beautiful scenery, lively city views, or peaceful seaside spots – a wide range of experiences for coffee or tea lovers. Whether you’re passionate about coffee, tea, or the art of food, Helsinki surely has a café to match your taste. This wasn’t always the case, as I wrote back in 2012, but Helsinki café scene is coming up strong. In this article, I present some of Helsinki’s best cafés, each with its own unique charm. The cafés are listed in random order, and all the café videos linked here are filmed by me.

    You can also watch my full Helsinki café video collection here, just press the play button and be inspired!

    Collection of Helsinki café videos

    Best Cafés in Helsinki: A Visual Guide to Unique Experiences

    Café Strindberg cake at the terrace
    Café Strindberg cake at the terrace
    1. Café Strindberg
      Café Strindberg is a classic Helsinki café known for its elegant atmosphere and views of Esplanade Park. This long-standing establishment combines refined European café tradition with modern bakery craftsmanship. The selection includes fresh pastries, high-quality coffee and tea, and lunch dishes that can be enjoyed indoors or on the street-side terrace overlooking the city buzz.

    Pohjoisesplanadi 33
    www.strindberg.fi

    1. Ateneum Bistro and Café Höijer
      Located in the heart of Helsinki, Café Bistro inside the Ateneum Art Museum is a perfect spot for art lovers. The café offers a peaceful and somewhat sophisticated setting where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before stepping straight into the museum’s inspiring exhibitions. The combination of elegant décor and artistic surroundings makes this café a must-visit for those who want to blend art appreciation with relaxation. Visitors with a museum ticket can also enjoy refreshments in the stylish Café Höijer on the museum’s third floor.
      Watch a video from Café Bistro at Ateneum in Helsinki.

    Kaivokatu 2
    www.ateneumbistro.fi

    1. Café Kampela in Vuosaari
      Nestled between forest and sea in Vuosaari, Café Kampela provides a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. Surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect place to enjoy coffee amid greenery and sea views in summertime or snow and frozen sea in winter. Kampela is a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking calm, though in summer the terrace is often full.
      Watch a video of Café Kampela in Vuosaari.

    Uutelantie 1
    www.cafekampela.fi

    Carrot cake and house lemonade at Café Taideterassi
    Carrot cake and house lemonade at Café Taideterassi
    1. Café Taideterassi
      Café Taideterassi offers stunning city and sea views from high above central Helsinki. The panoramic view over Töölönlahti creates a tranquil atmosphere, turning a coffee break into a delightful experience. Their carrot cake is among the best in Helsinki – if simply not the best.
      Watch a video of Café Taideterassi.

    Linnunlauluntie 11 A
    www.artcafetaideterassi.fi

    1. La Torrefazione on Aleksanterinkatu
      La Torrefazione is a somewhat hidden gem located on the second floor along Aleksanterinkatu. From the café’s window tables, you get pleasant street views, as seen in the accompanying video. The café also offers delicious gluten-free options, both sweet and savory.

    Aleksanterinkatu 50
    www.latorre.fi

    1. Cat Café Helkatti
      Cat lovers will adore Cat Café Helkatti in Helsinki. This unique café combines coffee drinking with the company of friendly cats. The cozy interior, where the cats freely roam, creates a relaxing and heartwarming atmosphere. Helkatti is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon with a book and a furry friend. However, visits must be booked in advance – you can’t just drop by when the coffee craving hits.
      Watch a video of Cat Café Helkatti in Kamppi, Helsinki.

    Fredrikinkatu 55
    www.helkatti.fi

    Cake at cafe Cajsan Helmi in Helsinki
    Lactose-free and gluten-free caramel dream at Cajsan Helmi

    7. Cajsan Helmi
    Opened in 2024 in Helsinki’s Kaisaniemi district, Cajsan Helmi (Cajsa’s pearl) brings a charming touch from Porvoo with its extensive tea selection and superb gluten-free pastries. If you love romantic lace and vintage charm, this café is made for you. But laptop companions are not welcome here – conversation is. With its location, it’s a dream stop for train travel lovers.

    Kaisaniemenranta 6
    www.teehelmi.fi/cajsan-helmi.fi

    1. Café Engel – View of the Cathedral
      Café Engel, by Senate Square, is a stylish and iconic venue offering one of Helsinki’s most famous views – directly towards the Cathedral. Its historic setting, calm atmosphere, and excellent pastry selection make it a perfect spot for both tourists and locals. The summer terrace, in particular, is unforgettable on sunny days.

    Aleksanterinkatu 26
    www.cafeengel.fi

    1. Seaside Café Torpanranta in Munkkiniemi
      Café Torpanranta in Munkkiniemi is a true gem for sea lovers. The café offers a peaceful environment by the water, far from the city noise. Its beautiful location makes it a popular place to relax over a cup of coffee.
      Watch a video of Café Torpanranta.

    Munkkiniemenranta 2
    www.torpanranta.fi

    1. Café Ursula in Kaivopuisto
      Café Ursula, located in Kaivopuisto, is known for its wonderful sea views and cozy atmosphere. From the terrace, you can see the sea and Suomenlinna island. Friendly service and delicious offerings have made it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The café will close for renovation in autumn 2026 for about six months.
      Watch a video of Café Ursula in Kaivopuisto, Helsinki.

    Ehrenströmintie 3
    www.ursula.fi

    1. Café Succès in Ullanlinna
      In the beautiful Art Nouveau district of Ullanlinna, Café Succès combines historic charm with modern comfort. Its tasty treats and lovely surroundings make the terrace an ideal place for a peaceful coffee break during summer.
      Watch a video of Café Succès in Ullanlinna.

    Korkeavuorenkatu 2
    www.succes.fi


    12. Patisserie Teemu Aura in Hakaniemi
    Located in Hakaniemi, Patisserie Teemu Aura brings a touch of Parisian elegance to Helsinki. This patisserie offers high-quality products, including excellent gluten-free options, and is a perfect stop after a stroll around the Hakaniemi Market.
    Watch a video of Patisserie Teemu Aura in Hakaniemi.

    Siltasaarenkatu 12, Helsinki
    www.patisserieteemuaura.fi

    1. Café Kiasma
      Located inside the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in central Helsinki, this café has always charmed visitors with its location, outdoor terrace, and fine tea and gluten-free selections. After your coffee, you can check out an art exhibition or browse art magazines in the museum library – simply wonderful.
      Watch a video of a rainy afternoon at Kiasma Café.

    Mannerheiminaukio 2, Helsinki
    www.kiasma.fi


    14. Café Esplanad
    Situated along Esplanade Boulevard, Café Esplanad offers a prime location with a spacious terrace. It’s an ideal place to people-watch and enjoy the lively city atmosphere in central Helsinki. The terrace provides a pleasant space for coffee or a light meal while observing the vibrant street life. Note: The café was closed in 2024 but reopened in summer 2025 after renovation – now featuring an inner courtyard terrace as well.
    Watch a video of Café Esplanad in the center of Helsinki.

    Pohjoisesplanadi 37
    www.cafeesplanad.fi

    1. Café Berry
      Located on Annankatu in the heart of Helsinki, Café Berry is a new and stylish café-bakery that opened in summer 2025. It combines craftsmanship, aesthetics, and high-quality ingredients in a surprisingly delightful way. With its French-inspired atmosphere, Café Berry brings a touch of southern light and Parisian café culture to Helsinki. Its inviting outdoor terrace is the perfect spot for breakfast, a lunch break, or an afternoon glass of wine.

    Annankatu 27
    www.cafeberryhelsinki.com

    Pubbling under:

    Café Kasarmi in central Helsinki
    Pikku Finlandia summer terrace
    Seaside café in Lauttasaari
    Café Ekberg summer terrace

    I will keep adding great cafés to this list as time and new discoveries allow – so stay tuned and subscribe to my blog! You can also suggest cafés for me to try.

    – Café Biitsi in Vuosaari

    For those who enjoy a beachside ambiance, Café Biitsi in Vuosaari is an excellent choice. Situated by the beach, this café offers a laid-back atmosphere with stunning views of the sea. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a refreshing drink after a day of sunbathing or a leisurely stroll along the shore. The casual vibe and scenic location make Café Biitsi a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

    Watch the video of Café Biitsi in Aurinkoranta Beach, Helsinki

    – Café Lasipalatsi

    Located near the Amos Rex Art Museum, Café Lasipalatsi offers a blend of contemporary design and historical charm. The café’s modern interior and proximity to the museum make it a great place for art enthusiasts to relax before or after exploring the exhibitions. The vibrant atmosphere and artistic vibe in the terrace add to the café’s appeal.

    Watch the video of Café Lasipalatsi in Helsinki center

    More cafeterias will be added on this list, so stay tuned and bookmark this post!

    Get more travel ideas from my online guides:

    Trip to Finland – Visual travel guide

    Trip to Europe – Visual travel guide

    Read this post also in Finnish at indivue.fi

    This article is part of my
    → Trip to Helsinki – Visual Travel Guide.

    https://indivue.com/travel-guides/trip-to-helsinki

    You can find all my Helsinki travel videos
    → here.

    https://indivue.com/travel-guides/trip-to-helsinki/helsinki-travel-videos

  • Helsinki spring 2024 and the new Caisa tunnel

    Helsinki spring 2024 and the new Caisa tunnel

    It’s the last day of spring, end of May, and Helsinki is having a heatwave. It has been very hot summer type of weather the whole week. Everywhere is you can see green, flowers are blooming and birds are singing. Nature is at its best. But not so long ago, just some 3 weeks, the blooming was just about to start only. I made a video of walk in Helsinki 2024 spring and you can now see it for yourself, how was the Helsinki spring and what does the new Caisa tunnel look like. The Caisa tunnel was made to ease the bicycling and walking traffic in Helsinki centre from Kamppi to Kaisaniemi. The Caisa tunnel goes under the railroads of Helsinki centre. See it from this video!

    Video duration 16:00

    Spring in Helsinki centre and the new Caisa tunnel

    Helsinki in Spring is a season of awakening and renewal

    Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, undergoes a remarkable transformation in spring. As the city of Helsinki emerges from the long, dark winter, the streets, parks, and waterfronts come alive with a renewed sense of energy and vitality. Spring in Helsinki is a time of awakening, marked by lengthening days and blooming flowers.

    Spring in Helsinki typically begins in late March and extends through May. The season starts with a gradual thaw as the snow and ice that often, not always, blanket the city throughout the winter months slowly recede. The days grow longer, with daylight increasing by several minutes each day, bringing much-needed warmth and sunshine. By April, the temperatures often rise above freezing, and the city starts to shed its winter coat.

    Kaisaniemi park blossoming in spring

    Blossoming nature

    One of the most delightful aspects of spring in Helsinki is the resurgence of nature. Parks and gardens, which have lain dormant under snow, burst into color with a variety of flowers and blossoming trees. Cherry blossoms in particular are a sight to behold, and their delicate pink petals can be seen in places like Roihuvuori Cherry Park – of which I made you video earlier, drawing crowds of admirers. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses also make their appearance, adding vibrant splashes of color to the city’s green spaces.

    Outdoor activities

    With the return of milder weather, Helsinki residents eagerly take to the outdoors. The city’s extensive network of parks and waterfront promenades become popular spots for walking, jogging, and cycling. The Esplanadi, a green boulevard in the heart of the city, is a favorite destination for leisurely strolls and people-watching. Here, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the fresh air and the first warm rays of the sun.

    Cultural events and festivals

    Spring in Helsinki is also a time for cultural events and festivals. One of the most notable is Vappu, or May Day, celebrated on April 30th and May 1st. Vappu is one of the biggest festivals in Finland, marked by a carnival-like atmosphere with parades, concerts, and street parties. Students wear their traditional white caps, and the city comes alive with music, laughter, and revelry. The celebration often spills over into the parks, where families and friends gather for picnics and outdoor feasts.

    The new Caisa tunnel in Helsinki

    Culinary delights

    As the weather warms, Helsinki’s food scene also comes into full bloom. Outdoor terraces and cafes open up, providing the perfect setting for enjoying a meal or a drink al fresco. Seasonal ingredients such as fresh fish, new potatoes, and wild herbs begin to appear on menus, reflecting the bounty of Finnish nature. Traditional dishes like salmon soup and spring vegetable salads are particularly popular during this time of year.

    This year the Helsinki food festival will be celebrated from 24th of May to 16th of June, so you still have plenty of time to come and celebrate the culinary delights of Helsinki – either with the new Michelin start restaurants or some other nice restaurants or cafés I’ve mentioned in my Visual travel guide to Helsinki.

    Read more:

    This article is part of my
    → Trip to Helsinki – Visual Travel Guide.

    TRIP TO HELSINKI – Visual Travel Guide to Finland’s coastal capital

    You can find all my Helsinki travel videos
    → here.

    Helsinki Travel Videos

    Discover more Helsinki content
    → cafés / restaurants / attractions / events

    Best Cafés in Helsinki: A Visual Guide to Unique Experiences

  • Hanami 2024: A Glimpse of Japanese Culture in Helsinki’s Roihuvuori Cherry Park

    Hanami 2024: A Glimpse of Japanese Culture in Helsinki’s Roihuvuori Cherry Park

    Last to last weekend, the annual celebration of cherry blossoms, known in Japan as Hanami, took place in the Roihuvuori Cherry Park in Helsinki. This event has become a beloved tradition, drawing thousands of visitors eager to witness the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. Although only a few buds had blossomed into delicate pink flowers by Saturday, the atmosphere was far from dampened. The anticipation of the full bloom, coupled with the festive spirit, created an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

    Video duration 20:52

    Hanami 2024 celebrations in Helsinki, Finland

    A Glimpse of Japanese culture in Helsinki

    Hanami, which translates to “flower viewing,” is a traditional Japanese custom that dates back centuries. It involves gathering under blooming cherry trees, enjoying the transient beauty of the flowers, and celebrating with family and friends. This tradition has found a special place in Helsinki’s cultural calendar, particularly in the Roihuvuori district, where the cherry trees have been carefully cultivated to thrive in Finland’s climate.

    The Roihuvuori Cherry Park: A Blossoming Oasis

    Roihuvuori Cherry Park, established in 2007, has become the epicenter of Hanami celebrations in Helsinki. The park is home to approximately 200 cherry trees, creating a picturesque landscape that comes alive with color during the blooming season. The park’s design and the meticulous care of the trees reflect the Japanese aesthetic and philosophy, emphasizing harmony with nature.

    The Celebration: A Blend of cultures

    This year’s Hanami was marked by a blend of traditional Japanese and Finnish elements. Visitors enjoyed a variety of activities, including martial arts demonstrations, and performances of Japanese cosplay. Local food vendors offered a mix of Japanese and Finnish delicacies, allowing attendees to savor flavors from both cultures.

    Families and friends spread out picnic blankets under the cherry trees, sharing homemade treats and store-bought delicacies. Despite the early stage of the bloom, the park was filled with laughter, music, and the joy of communal celebration. Children ran around, playing games, while adults relaxed and soaked in the serene beauty of the park.

    Capturing the moment: A Personal experience

    As a travel influencer and a photographer, I had the privilege of capturing the essence of Hanami in Roihuvuori. My video, which I have shared below, offers a glimpse into the vibrant festivities that filled the park. In the video, lasting 20 minutes and 50 seconds, I exceptionally provide an improvised commentary in English. The video encapsulates the spirit of Hanami and the unique cultural fusion that makes this event so special.

    Read more:

    This article is part of my
    → Trip to Helsinki – Visual Travel Guide.

    You can find all my Helsinki travel videos
    → here.

    Discover more Helsinki content
    → cafés