Helsinki, the capital of Finland, blends modern design with rich history. What better way to enjoy its charm than by visiting its historic cafes?
These cafes offer more than just coffee. Their timeless interiors and unique flavors bring history to life.
Here’s a personal guide to the best historical and modern cafes in Helsinki. Each one is perfect for coffee lovers.
History of Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. King Gustav I of Sweden founded it in 1550. He wanted it to compete with the city of Tallinn.
At first, Helsinki was a small trading town. It grew slowly. In the early 1800s, Finland became part of the Russian Empire. In 1812, Helsinki replaced Turku as the capital.
Russian influence changed its architecture, especially Senate Square. After Finland gained independence in 1917, Helsinki became an important cultural and economic center.
The best cafes in Helsinki for authentic Finnish coffee
“Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”— Anne Morrow Lindbergh
1. Café Ekberg A Slice of Old-World Charm
Location: Bulevardi 9, 00120 Helsinki
Vibe: Walking into Café Ekberg feels like stepping into a time capsule. Established in 1852, this is Helsinki’s oldest bakery and café.
The atmosphere is timeless, with its crystal chandeliers, marble tabletops, and large windows overlooking Bulevardi. It’s a place that invites you to linger, surrounded by whispers of Helsinki’s past.
On a crisp autumn morning, the sunlight streams through the windows, bathing the café in a golden glow a perfect setting for a reflective moment or a romantic coffee date.
What to Get: Their breakfast buffet is a must-try, featuring freshly baked bread, croissants, cheeses, smoked salmon, and an array of pastries.
If you’re there later in the day, the Napoleon cake and their classic pulla (Finnish cardamom bread) are unbeatable.
Prices: Breakfast buffet is around €15-20, and individual pastries start at €4. It’s a little on the pricier side, but worth every cent for the ambiance.
Personal Note: I visited Café Ekberg on a snowy February morning. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the sweetness of pastries warmed me instantly.
Sitting by the window, watching snowflakes fall on Bulevardi, was a magical experience. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re part of Helsinki’s story.
2. Regatta Cozy by the Water
Location: Merikannontie 10, 00260 Helsinki
Vibe: This tiny red cottage by the sea is as quirky as it is cozy. Regatta feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The interior is a mix of vintage decor and Finnish countryside charm, while the outdoor seating by the water is perfect for summer days.
There’s always a fire pit going outside where you can grill sausages or warm your hands. It’s a little slice of rural Finland right in the city.
What to Get: The cinnamon buns (korvapuusti) here are legendary, and their hot chocolate is rich and indulgent. Pair it with a freshly brewed coffee for a quintessential Finnish experience.
Prices: Very affordable, with most items under €6. It’s a budget-friendly gem.
Personal Note: Regatta holds a special place in my heart. On my first visit to Helsinki, I stumbled upon this charming spot after a long walk along the Sibelius Monument.
The friendly staff and the scent of cinnamon instantly made me feel at home. Sitting by the fire, sipping hot chocolate while overlooking the frozen sea, is a memory I’ll always treasure.
3. Café Engel Views of the Cathedral
Location: Aleksanterinkatu 26, 00170 Helsinki
Vibe: Located in a historic building in Senate Square, Café Engel offers one of the best views in Helsinki. The interior is elegant yet understated, with vintage wooden furniture and soft lighting.
It’s the perfect place to sit and admire the iconic Helsinki Cathedral while enjoying a leisurely coffee.
What to Get: The salmon soup here is hearty and delicious, but if you’re just stopping for coffee, try their creamy cappuccino with a slice of their signature chocolate cake.
Prices: Main dishes range from €12-18, and coffee with a pastry will set you back around €10.
Personal Note: I’ll never forget my visit to Café Engel during Helsinki’s long summer evenings. The golden light of the midnight sun illuminated the cathedral, creating a breathtaking backdrop for my dinner. It was one of those moments where time seemed to stand still.
4. Kappeli Elegance in Esplanadi
Location: Eteläesplanadi 1, 00130 Helsinki
Vibe: Kappeli is not just a café; it’s a piece of Helsinki’s cultural history. This glass pavilion has been a meeting place for artists and writers since 1867.
The interior is grand and opulent, with high ceilings and intricate details. Sitting here feels like being transported to a bygone era.
What to Get: The salmon tartare and Karelian pies are excellent, but their desserts steal the show. Try the lingonberry mousse or the traditional Runeberg torte.
Prices: On the higher side, with dishes ranging from €15-25. Coffee and dessert will cost around €12-15.
Personal Note: I visited Kappeli on a rainy afternoon, and the cozy atmosphere inside was a stark contrast to the drizzle outside. Watching people stroll through Esplanadi Park while sipping on a cappuccino made me appreciate the city’s beauty even more. It’s a place that inspires you to slow down and savor the moment.
5. Good Life Coffee Modern Meets Cozy
Location: Kolmas Linja 17, 00530 Helsinki
Vibe: This café is a modern take on Helsinki’s coffee culture. Known for its minimalist design and focus on high-quality coffee, Good Life Coffee is a haven for coffee enthusiasts.
The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, making it an excellent spot to catch up with friends or get some work done.
What to Get: Their flat white is perfection, and the cardamom bun is a delightful twist on a Finnish classic.
Prices: Coffees are around €4-6, and pastries are similarly priced. A reasonable option for coffee lovers.
Personal Note: As someone who loves specialty coffee, Good Life Coffee quickly became one of my favorite spots in Helsinki. Their attention to detail and passion for coffee is evident in every sip.
It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the art of coffee-making.
6. Way Bakery & Wine Bar The Perfect Blend
Location: Agricolankatu 9, 00530 Helsinki
Vibe: Way Bakery is a trendy yet unpretentious spot in the Kallio district. With its rustic interior and friendly staff, it’s a place that feels both hip and cozy. In the evenings, it transforms into a wine bar, making it a versatile destination.
What to Get: Their sourdough bread is phenomenal, as are their seasonal pastries. For something more substantial, try their brunch plates.
Prices: Pastries are around €4-7, and brunch options start at €12.
Personal Note: I discovered Way Bakery during an aimless walk through Kallio. The smell of freshly baked bread lured me in, and I ended up spending hours there, chatting with locals and savoring every bite.
It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.
Romantic Movement in Helsinki’s Café Scene
The 1930s marked a time of great cultural and artistic change in Helsinki, and its cafés played a central role in this evolution. Cafés like Kappeli became gathering spots for writers, poets, and artists who were inspired by the romantic ideals of the time.
These establishments weren’t just places to enjoy coffee; they were cultural hubs where ideas were exchanged, and creativity flourished.
Sitting in these historical cafés today, you can almost feel the echoes of those conversations. The interiors, preserved with care, transport you back to an era when cafés were more than just places to grab a quick coffee. They were the beating hearts of the city’s intellectual and cultural life.
Is Helsinki safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Helsinki is very safe for solo female travelers. I visited the city alone and felt comfortable the whole time. The streets are clean and well-lit.
The locals are friendly and ready to help. Public transport is easy to use, even at night. I explored quiet neighborhoods, sat in cozy cafes, and walked by the water without any problems.
Like in any city, it’s good to stay aware of your surroundings. But Helsinki feels calm and welcoming, perfect for solo trips.
How to get cell phone data when visiting from abroad?
When I traveled abroad, I wanted to stay connected. So, I planned ahead for cell phone data. There are a few easy options. First, I checked with my mobile provider.
I wanted to know if they offer an international plan. Some providers have good deals for travelers. But I also found that buying a local SIM card was cheaper in some places.
I went to a store after arriving and got a prepaid SIM card. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you go. Another option is using portable Wi-Fi hotspots.
I found this very helpful when I wanted to share data with friends. Either way, I had plenty of ways to stay connected!
What is the best time for a trip to Helsinki?
The best time to visit Helsinki depends on what you want to do. I loved going in late spring, around May. The weather starts to warm up.
The days get longer, but it’s still not too crowded with tourists. You can explore the parks and enjoy outdoor cafés. I also took a boat ride to nearby islands.
If you enjoy winter, December through February is beautiful. Helsinki looks like a snow-covered wonderland.
You can enjoy cozy activities like visiting saunas and sipping hot drinks. For me, May felt like the perfect time, but each season is special!
Do people speak English in Helsinki?
Yes, many people in Helsinki speak English. This is especially true in tourist areas, cafés, restaurants, and shops. Finland has a high level of English skills.
Most Finns can speak English, especially younger people. Those working in the service industry also know English. Finnish and Swedish are the official languages. However, English is widely spoken and understood in Helsinki.
Do I need cash?
When I visited Helsinki, I didn’t need cash much. Most places accept cards. This includes cafés, shops, and even small market stalls. The city is very modern. Most places use contactless payments, which made it easy to pay.
I did see a few small shops that only took cash. But this didn’t happen often. It’s a good idea to carry some cash just in case. But honestly, I used my card most of the time and had no problems.
How many days do I need in Helsinki?
When I visited Helsinki, I found that 3 days was the perfect amount of time. It was enough to enjoy the city without feeling rushed. On the first day, I saw the main sights like Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Market Square. On day two,
I visited museums and took a relaxing boat trip to Suomenlinna. On the last day, I wandered through trendy neighborhoods, enjoyed cafés, and did some shopping.
If you have more time, you can explore more of the city’s history and nature. But for me, 3 days felt just right!
Destinations nearby that are worth exploring!
If you’re in Helsinki, there are some great travel destinations nearby that are worth exploring!
“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Porvoo – A charming, historic town just a short drive from Helsinki. It’s known for its colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and beautiful old town by the river.
Tallinn, Estonia – A quick ferry ride away, Tallinn has a medieval old town, cute cafés, and cobbled streets. It’s a perfect day trip for history and culture lovers.
Suomenlinna – A sea fortress located on a group of islands just off Helsinki’s coast. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great place to explore on foot.
Nuuksio National Park – About a 30-minute drive from Helsinki, it offers peaceful forests, lakes, and hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers.
Lapland – While a bit farther, it’s well worth a trip for the northern lights, winter sports, and Santa Claus Village, especially if you’re visiting in winter.
Espoo – Close to Helsinki, Espoo is home to beautiful nature reserves, like the Nuuksio National Park, and modern attractions such as the Oittaa Beach.
Vantaa – Known for the Helsinki Airport and the popular Heureka Science Center, a fun place for kids to explore hands-on exhibits.
These destinations are easy to reach and offer a mix of history, nature, and culture!
Pros and Cons traveling to Helsinki:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich Culture & History | Cold Winters |
| Helsinki has amazing museums, historic sites like Suomenlinna, and cultural experiences. | The winter weather can be very cold and dark, especially from November to February. |
| Easy to Get Around | Expensive |
| The city has an efficient public transport system, and many places are within walking distance. | Helsinki can be pricey, especially for dining and accommodation. |
| Beautiful Nature & Islands | Limited Daylight in Winter |
| The surrounding nature, parks, and nearby islands like Suomenlinna are great for outdoor activities. | In winter, there are very few daylight hours, which can feel limiting. |
Conclusion
Helsinki’s café scene is a delightful mix of the old and the new, each with its unique charm. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a coffee aficionado, or someone simply looking for a cozy spot to unwind, there’s a café in Helsinki waiting to welcome you.
These spaces aren’t just about coffee; they’re about experiencing the city’s soul, one cup at a time.
FAQs
Q1:What is the Helsinki Card?
The Helsinki Card is a tourist pass that gives you free entry to many attractions, unlimited public transport, and discounts on various activities.
Q2: How far is Helsinki from Tallinn?
Helsinki and Tallinn are only about 2 hours apart by ferry, making it a great option for a day trip.
Q3: Is there Wi-Fi in Helsinki?
Yes, Helsinki has free Wi-Fi in many public places, including cafés, libraries, and public transport.
Q4:What is the Helsinki Card?
The Helsinki Card is a tourist pass that gives you free entry to many attractions, unlimited public transport, and discounts on various activities.