A Local's Guide to Helsinki, Finland

With just 5.6 million residents, cool temperatures, the eighth-largest land mass in Europe and more saunas than cars, Finland is well-positioned as a relaxing “coolcation,” aka an alternative to Europe’s “hotter” destinations. It’s also a good swap for more expensive, more crowded destinations such as its Nordic neighbor, Copenhagen, Denmark. 

And now, capital city Helsinki has its very own world-class luxury hotel, The Hotel Maria, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection, which opened the final two of the four historic buildings that make up the 117-room hotel in June. Located among the art nouveau buildings of the prestigious Kruununhaka neighborhood, the property is ready to welcome luxury clients looking for amenities such as wellness concierges, in-room saunas or steam rooms, large suites (there are 38) and a light-filled spa.

Helping put the hotel on the map (and many “best of” lists) is Heli Mende, the hotel’s commercial director, who used to be the head of Visit Finland for North America. Here, she shares some tips for enjoying the city like a local.

For an epic day of eating, I would go to: Cafe Story in the Old Market Hall for a traditional salmon soup lunch, followed by a summer dinner at Restaurant Sarkanlinna, one of the most unique restaurants in Finland, located in an old fortress on an island. The restaurant is 100 years old, and serves toast Skagen with shrimp and roe, forest mushroom soup, glazed spring lamb with lemon thyme sauce and rhubarb pie. In the winter, I would go to dinner at Wellamo, a cozy restaurant in the Katajanokka residential area, where I would order the seasonal menu and a local gin.

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My favorite scenic spot in the city is: Senate Square, located in the oldest part of central Helsinki. Landmarks surrounding the square are the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the Sederholm House, the oldest building of central Helsinki dating back to 1757. Nearby, by the sea, is also the main Market Square of  Helsinki, where you can buy local delicacies such as "korvapuusti" (Finnish cinnamon buns) or fresh berries in the summer.

My favorite thing to do at Hotel Maria is: have lunch or dinner at our Garden Terrace restaurant. In the summertime, the seating is extended outdoors in the inner courtyard, a perfect setting for a dining experience, a cup of coffee or a glass of Champagne. In the wintertime, the restaurant is a great venue for enjoying a relaxed meal or hot drink and watching the romantic, snowy scenery.

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The most unique way I’ve experienced the sauna culture in Helsinki is: at Loyly, where you can dip in the sea after the sauna — even in the winter if you are brave — or at Allas Sea Pool, where you can choose to dip in a year-round heated pool or an unheated sea-water pool after your sauna.

My favorite day trip from Helsinki is: Finland’s vast lake district, which contains 188,000 lakes. I grew up by one of the bigger lakes, Lake Mallasvesi, and living by the water is part of my DNA. The closest lakes are only about a one-hour drive from Helsinki. We are also lucky to have so much natural water in Finland, and we have the best-tasting and cleanest tap water in the world — by far.

Something that surprises visitors to Helsinki is: how compact the city is, with a center that is easy to explore on foot. The public transportation system is also great and taking a tram is a wonderful way to explore. Visitors also get surprised by how friendly the locals are and how almost everyone speaks English.