A UNESCO City of Design, Helsinki is known for its innovative architecture, furniture, and fashion. The city is surrounded by green spaces and has a strong focus on sustainability, recently being recognised as the most sustainable city for tourism. The capital of Finland boasts a unique blend of historical charm and modern design, creating a captivating atmosphere. Its culture is deeply intertwined with coffee, design, and a strong sense of community.
Helsinki's cafes offer a range of experiences from traditional Finnish filter coffee to innovative, locally roasted brews. When we talk of cafe culture in Europe, we often think of Paris, but Helsinki is gaining recognition for its modern and innovative coffee culture, and its focus on specialty coffee and local roasters is appealing to coffee enthusiasts.
Paris is not the only city in Europe renowned for its café culture. Helsinki, too, boasts an excellent café scene, featuring a diverse array of cafés that serve great coffee, delicious food, and offer a welcoming atmosphere. Many of these cafés are situated in unique historical buildings or provide outdoor seating with beautiful views.
In Helsinki, you can find everything from traditional Finnish cafés to trendy modern spots. The city presents a captivating blend of historical charm and contemporary design, deeply rooted in a culture that values coffee, creativity, and a strong sense of community. If like us, you too are a coffee lover and go on the trail of the best cafes in the cities you visit, here is a guide to some special cafes in Helsinki.
Founded in 1852, Café Ekberg is a beloved institution in Helsinki and holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating bakery and café in the city. Located on the charming Boulevard in the Kamppi district, it provides a glimpse into the past with its ornate decor and traditional offerings. Café Ekberg is renowned for its strong coffee culture, seamlessly blending traditional café experiences with a sense of history and community. Originally situated on Aleksanterinkatu, it moved to its current location in 1915. Ekberg plays a significant role in Helsinki's rich coffee culture, offering a wide variety of coffee drinks and brewing methods.
Address: Bulevardi 9, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Located in the Punavuori district, near the Design Museum, Andante is a specialty coffee shop known for its cosy atmosphere, vintage decor, and high-quality coffee sourced from various roasters around the world. They offer a range of coffee drinks, including lattes and iced coffee, which are celebrated for their rich chocolate and espresso notes. The café also has a selection of homemade pastries, such as Basque cheesecakes and brownies, often topped with coffee cream. The warm ambience, complemented by a vintage-inspired interior, makes Andante a great place to relax or catch up with friends. Andante also operates as a florist, which enhances the unique charm of the café. The surrounding area is known for its design shops, thrift stores, and bookstores, making it an ideal spot to explore while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Address: Fredrikinkatu 20, 00120 Helsinki, Finland
Café Engel in Helsinki is renowned for its traditional Finnish dishes, cosy atmosphere, and excellent coffee. It boasts a prime location in the heart of Helsinki, offering stunning views of the Helsinki Cathedral. The café provides a quintessential Finnish experience with its warm ambience and delicious menu. Housed in one of Helsinki's oldest buildings, dating back to the 17th century, Café Engel is particularly famous for its selection of pastries and coffee. Guests can choose to sit indoors, enjoying the charming interior, or dine outdoors with picturesque views of the cathedral. In the summer, the café's courtyard transforms into "Kesäkino Engel," an outdoor movie theater, adding a unique aspect to its offerings.
Address: Aleksanterinkatu 26, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Visit this rustic café by the sea for a unique traditional Finnish atmosphere, a charming seaside location, and delicious freshly baked goods like cinnamon buns. Café Regatta was established in 2002, but the building itself—a former fishing shed—dates back to 1887. Originally, it served as a shed for fishnets next to a family villa. The café is located in a small red cottage by the sea in Töölö, Helsinki, evoking a traditional Finnish countryside setting. The interior is decorated in a vintage countryside style and is known for its cosy, cabin-like atmosphere. The café offers beautiful waterfront views, especially during sunrise and sunset. People visit for the excellent coffee, famous for its freshly baked cinnamon buns and blueberry pie. Additionally, visitors can purchase sausages and grill them at the café's outdoor fire pit.
Address: Merikannontie 8, 00260 Helsinki, Finland
