Welcome to the Capital of Finland; Helsinki is one of the world's most charming and captivating cities. This vibrant capital city is known for its impressive architecture, cultural landmarks, inspiring design, and cutting-edge gastronomy. But what makes Helsinki stand out is its unique urban energy and natural beauty blend.
Following our one night in Turku, we arrived safely and comfortably in Helsinki on the ever-efficient VR train.
Sunday afternoon was spent checking into the perfect Airbnb in Helsinki, an absolute gem. Nestled in the trendy design district, it offered a taste of local life and a front-row seat to the city's vibrant energy.
We were utterly blown away by the beautiful architecture surrounding us and the waterside just a stone's throw away. The apartment was comfortable, spacious, recently renovated, and sprinkled with that unique Finnish sense of humour. Talk about finding the perfect home away from home!
With limited time in Helsinki, we embraced the spirit of wanderlust and explored this captivating city on foot. Monday was our day to unwrap Helsinki, lose ourselves in its streets and stumble upon hidden treasures.
As we navigated the winding streets, we were pleasantly surprised by the stunning scenery that hugged the water's edge. Funky beach clubs with breathtaking views and sun lounges beckoned to us, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We couldn't help but imagine how incredible it would be to experience a boat cruise here, especially with Helsinki sitting on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, the surrounding islands weaving a picturesque backdrop. All these beautiful surprises will need to wait; we will be back!
By the time our feet had given up, our hungry bellies demanded attention. We sourced a local restaurant to enjoy the day we know best, and we found a foodie paradise at Ravintola Vinkkeli. We were delighted, too; being a weekday, we discovered that most restaurants offered three-course lunches for business-savvy folks. An insider tip—these business lunch menus were absolute value for money.
It was the perfect spot, right at the design district's corner. We enjoyed our post-lunch champagne by the streetside, immersing ourselves in the local vibe and striking up conversations with friendly Finns who were also savouring a slow Monday lunch. The energetic and kind team made us feel right at home, and we were grateful for their warmest welcome.
Although our time in this incredible country was limited to eight days, we barely scratched the surface of all it had to offer. I felt a sense of pride and honour, even though I had only experienced a taste of my heritage that I am proud to be part of.
A very special thank you to all the family members for your welcoming hospitality and generosity; we loved meeting you all and counting down the days until our return to Finland. There's so much more to discover and share with all of you!