Cafés to while away your summer day
No summer day in Helsinki is complete without a stop at its many outdoor cafés.
The sure sign of the summer in Helsinki is the café tables and chairs appearing outdoors around the city. Many cafés that are open year round spread out on the streets and patios, in addition to the multitude of small cafés that are open only during the summer. Supervised beaches and many parks will also have a café or kiosk serving refreshments.
Why not start your leisurely café crawl from Café Krypta, popular for its prime location and unique atmosphere. Situated in the crypt of Helsinki Cathedral, the café is run by volunteer staff and is open from June until September.
In an equally central location is Café Köket, which is now on its second summer. Watch the world go by in the busy Market Square at this open-air café, located right next to Havis Amanda statue. Café Köket is open from May until September.
A classic among summer cafés is Sininen Huvila (Blue Villa) in Linnunlaulu, a short stroll from the centre through Kaisaniemi or along the shores of Töölönlahti bay. Open from May ‘til September, the relaxed café has stunning views over the bay and the surrounding 19th century villas.
A short distance east from Linnunlaulu is the Bear Park Café in Karhupuisto, in the former working class district Kallio. The café serves – weather permitting – coffee, premium ice cream scoops, cinnamon rolls and other refreshment from a traditional kiosk. The café is open from April to September.
A little further east, near the Sörnäinen and Kalasatama metro stations, is the delightful and artistic Café Aaltopelti. Located at the former Suvilahti gas works, currently a cultural centre, the café hosts art exhibitions, gigs and other cross-artistic activities.
If you feel like venturing a little further afield, Villa Ullas in Vuosaari or Café Mutteri in Lauttasaari might be good choices. Villa Ullas is located in an idyllic 250-year-old building overlooking Kallahti bay and serves for example fresh homemade buns. Café Mutteri makes a nice destination for a biking trip because of its great location and delicious cakes and pastries.
Café Compass, in a prime seaside location in Merisatama at the southern tip of Helsinki, is hugely popular and favoured for example by bikers.
Stepping into Café Regatta, in Taka-Töölö near the Rowing Stadium, is like stepping into a little granny’s cottage. Most of its seating outdoors, the café is open from dawn to dusk, weather permitting. The outdoor seating area, this too with a sea view, has an open fire for barbequing sausages. Topping up your coffee is not only free in Café Regatta, they will actually give you 5 cents back!
Helsinki has several cafés on boats. The lightvessel Relandersgrund in Meritullintori, by the sea in Kruunuhaka, and the Flying Dutch by the Pitkäsilta bridge on the way from the city centre to Hakaniemi, are among the many worth a visit. The historical lightvessel Relandersgrund has great views over Katajanokka and if it gets chilly, they have blankets to keep you warm on the deck. The Flying Dutch serves, for example, a good selection of special coffees and often has live music.
Links:
Café Krypta (in Finnish) Café Köket Bear Park Café Café Aaltopelti (in Finnish) Flying Dutch
Text: Ilona Heitanen/ Annukka Salo
Photo: City of Helsinki Picture Bank / Paul Williams
