Adding on to my list of Nordic Countries is always reason for celebration. Who doesn’t love freezing their butt off inside one of the most beautiful destinations on earth? Ha, that was a joke, sort of. I’ve visited Norway, Denmark and Sweden in my day and can see why these countries always try and outdo each other as the Happiest Place on Earth each year. They are drop dead gorgeous with good governance, great economies and cold climates. I’m not entirely sure how the cold correlates with happiness, but you can use your imagination 😉

Thanks to VisitHelsinki and their insider knowledge, I was able to do one of my favorite things on earth: visit like a local. With two weeks to spend meandering the city streets, popping into food markets and playing the ever exciting game of Who Can Throw A Rock Further On The Frozen Lake, I felt like I truly got to know the city. Hell, I even went to see Beauty & the Beast on opening night with about 200 of my Finnish bffs. That’s when you know you’re officially localized!

Useful Information: 

1) Rent a bike
If you’re visiting in winter or spring, renting a bike in 30something° weather may sound a bit daunting, but you’ll undoubtedly be wearing a parka and many layers. And gloves. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON’T FORGE THE GLOVES. Summer time in Finland is lit so a bike will be your best travel buddy. Helsinki has Uber and a great tram system with many routes and is super easy to hop on and hop off. With that being said, I found a bike to be the most economical and health conscious way of getting around, especially after inhaling all of the Helsinki carbs, meat and potatoes on offer. Keep it right keep it tight.

I plunged into the very icy sea (like, had to even kick ice out of my way as I was submerging!) and a love-hate relationship resurfaced. I can see why the locals are addicted. There’s something about the activity that allows a full body high to linger, leaving you wanting more. Locals and visitors alike visit Löyle for the sauna ritual, but it’s so much more than that. From inventive cocktails to a cozy fireplace and a great view, we stayed long past our welcome. Oops. May I suggest an afternoon visit following dinner in the Löyly restaurant? Reservations are a good idea since it’s become a popular spot. If you’re thirsty for more, Yrjonkatu Swimming Hall is the oldest public hall in Finland. The Roman-style baths are worth seeing.

3) Become one with nature at Nuuksio National Park, Espoo City

From the city into the “wild” (complete with power lines) it’ll take about 25mins via uber. Helsinki’s efficient public transportation shouldn’t be overlooked, however. The only reason we opted for Uber was because we missed the train as they are always on time, and I’m always late. Needless to say, we didn’t mesh very well. I recommend the train to Espoo and then bus 85A. The park spreads over forests and lakes with relaxed hikes to choose from. We even build a snowman. Winning.

4) Shop Marimekko Designs

Did someone say 60’s and 70’s fashion? Count me in. Celebrated Finnish entrepreneur Armi Ratia founded Marimekko in 1951 with a singular vision: create fresh designs that would never go out of style…and indeed they haven’t.

Armi was a rule breaker, which I can totally get on board with, and wanted to create something that would light up the lives of people after World War II. Her message of women’s right and equality resonates with politics even today. The company has over 150 stores in 40 countries around the world with over 3500 archived designs inspired by Finland‘s  nature, architecture, art and craftsmanship. The lifestyle brand that includes clothing, ceramic tableware and bedding is best seen at the Marimekko Herttoniemi Outlet store and factory located about 15-20mins northeast of the city. My stay in Helsinki included a cozy apartment decked in Marimekko designs. LOVE.

5) Meander the Design District

7) Sip n’ see at Sokos Hotel Torni

After days of searching for the perfect city view (I can consider myself Helsinki rooftop savvy now), I finally discovered it. Hotel Torni’s rooftop bar made for the best afternoon pick-me-up with its yummy coffee and unreal view of the city below. A high vantage point always allows me to fully orientate myself with a city, so it’s hilarious that I finally found this gem on my last day in Helsinki.

8) Exercise at a local gym

I like to eat. I’m human and love carbs and sugar galore. Finland also likes their carbs and sugar galore. I did my necessary “market research” and pretty much ate and drank my way through it. I was so excited to be visiting a nordic country because I thought they always placed a big emphasis on vodka consumption, my liquor of choice. Well, seeing how gin has taken over the world, I was misled with this “fake news” I picked up somewhere along the way. Perhaps I read it in a CNN article? Totally kidding. Needless to say, vodka was still on the menu, and I continued to order it as it made my tastebuds and liquor jacket warm for the walk home. Oh, woops. Got a little carried away there with the liquor discussion and forgot to even discuss the gym. Right. Toolo Gym for 12 euros/day isn’t bad since you can literally get lost inside it. I took an uber exciting photo of said gym below. Don’t miss it.

10) Rent a car and drive from Helsinki to Turku and the surrounding islands

Before Helsinki was named the capital of Finland, Turku, the oldest city in the country, clutched the title. It’s a great jumping off point to visit the Archipelago Trail consisting of 20,000 islands. Don’t be afraid to drive onto the ferries as it’s the easiest thing ever. If you do stop over in Turku, highlights include Koulu Brewery, Pinella Restaurant, the Market Hall and Smör. If we’re talking about leaving Helsinki city limits, Tallinn is in the cards, too. New post coming soon on that.