I ’ve always wanted to visit Finland—a land of serene landscapes, innovative design, and a culture so different from my own. So, when my friend suggested a quick escape to Helsinki, I jumped at the chance. Arriving by ferry from Tallinn added a touch of adventure. The streets were beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, and the city was having a very festive spirit. Contrary to popular belief, 40 hours in Helsinki isn’t a lot of time—but the city’s compact size makes it possible to savour its best experiences without feeling rushed.

Day 1:  Arrival by boat on a snowy place

• Arrival by Sea
  The ferry from Tallinn docks at Helsinki’s vibrant harbour, where we were instantly felt  the fresh colder Finnish  wind. A short ride on public transport brought us to our hotel at Kasaniemi—a perfect base for exploring the city, very close to public passport and with a food market just in front of us
• The Church of Silence
  Our first stop was the extraordinary Kamppi Chapel, often called the Church of Silence. It’s a chapel in the form of a boat. It´s simplicity and emptiness evoke a sense of purity and calm that’s hard to put into words.
• A Splash at Allas Sea Pools?
  Next, we headed to the Allas Sea Pools. I have read a lot about this place , but photos do not do it justice. There were heated outdoor pools in the middle of Helsinki Harbour with a view of the icy Baltic Sea and the city lights was a surreal experience. Coming out from the pool, you can walk straight to the outdoor saunas  with a temperature of below 0 degrees C . It is an forgettable experience.
• A Snowy Walk to the City Center
  From Allas we strolled back from the harbour to the city centre. I love walking in cold weather. It was a lovely walk as the city had already put up the Christmas decorations that made it glow in the dark. We enjoyed a meal and then took a tram back to the hotel. On our way back we visited central Station that was decorated all in gold like a huge box of chocolates!

Day 2: Islands, Markets, and Finnish Flavors

• Morning at Suomenlinna
  An early morning ferry ride took us to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sight of steam rising from the sea pools and the snow-covered surroundings  was another remarkable view.  We had a pleasant walk and even more pleasant coffee during our visit there. It was such a serene environment. Bear in mind that it is colder than the mainland , so  prepare more layers for your clothes.
• Old Market Hall near Esplanadi
  Back in the city, we stopped at the Esplanadi Food Market for a quick bite to eat. The lively stalls offered a feast of Nordic delights, and the fresh, hearty flavours were just what we needed to warm ourselves up. We tried delicious prawn sandwiches with cream and soups. I was a little bit hesitant in trying Finnish food, but I m so happy I got proven wrong. It is actually very tasty and the flavour combinations although unusual work and they can be a match made in heaven!
•  Café Regatta
  Later, we visited Café Regatta, an unmissable Helsinki experience. Located by the water, this quirky, red, cozy café served the best coffee alongside traditional korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls). Toasting marshmallows outside by the open fire was another unique  thing. I absolutely loved how it fitted into the surroundings. It is small, rustic but with a lot of character.  After the Cafe, we were planning to visit Sibelius, but unfortunately this was closed due to works. Due to this we headed to our next stops which were:
• Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
  Next, we visited the Rock Church, an architectural marvel carved into solid rock. While impressive, it didn’t quite compare to the tranquil beauty of the Church of Silence.
• The Marvelous Library
  We passed by the Oodi Library, an architectural gem that blends innovative design with community spirit. That was an absolute gem of a library, but not only  that. It also hosts small restaurants and you can heard  bands playing music, it is multipurpose  cultural centre.
• Kaisaniemi Food Market: A Culinary Finale
  For our final meal, we walked to the Kaisaniemi Food Market, conveniently close to our hotel. We have saved the  most popular dish for last trying the famous Finnish salmon soup. This was another delicious dish justifying the hype around it. Every bite was a celebration of fresh, clean flavours.

Highlights

For me, the highlight of our trip was Café Regatta. This cozy, quirky spot by the water captured the heart and soul of Helsinki, and its warm cinnamon rolls paired with a roaring outdoor fire were unforgettable. While our trip was short, it was packed with moments that left a lasting impression.

Helsinki Travel Tips

• Public Transport: The Helsinki Card covers most transit options, including ferries, and grants entry to major attractions.
• Winter Visits: Snow adds a magical touch to the city but pack warm layers and waterproof boots, but in summer there will be extended daylight hours
• Don’t Miss: Café Regatta, Suomenlinna, and the Church of Silence for unique experiences.
• Nordic Flavors: Try the salmon soup, korvapuusti, and local open sandwiches and the coffee—you won’t regret it.
• What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and a reusable water bottle.