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Our edit of what to see and where to go in the buzzing Finnish capital.
Helsinki Central Railway Station | Photography: Kissa Castañeda
Helsinki isn’t a newly-minted design destination—it is, after all, the land of Alvar Aalto–but the creative renaissance spanning food, fashion, arts and more has brought a renewed energy to the city. Reykjavik and Oslo aside, it has also become one of the hottest (or the coolest?) Scandinavian destinations. Lucky for us living right on the equator, Finnair has just launched a direct Singapore-Helsinki route aboard the new A35o XWB. Whether you’re planning to stopover or explore the rest of the country, here’s our shortlist of design-driven spots you shouldn’t miss.
Scope: Architectural Heritage
From afar, Helsinki’s cityscape seems humble, even somewhat quaint. But the real beauty of the city’s architecture reveals itself on street level. On foot, one can truly appreciate the myriad styles that dot the metropolis—from Jugend to the largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings—ideal for a day of flânerie. After visiting landmarks such as the Senate Square and Upenski Cathedral, head to the Helsinki Railway Station and Post Office, both of which have distinct, stunning typography adorning their facades.
Photography: Kissa Castañeda
Stay: Hotel Lilla Roberts
Housed in a former power plant designed by architect Selim Lindqvist in 1909, Hotel Lilla Roberts is an excellent example of adaptive reuse. Situated in the city’s design district, it’s the perfect base to explore museums (the Design Musuem is a mere 5 minutes away), visit boutiques (to score some vintage Arabia ceramics), and get a sense of Helsinki’s creative pulse. Glamourous art deco touches define the interiors but the sleek style doesn’t overshadow the convivial atmosphere. Score a Negroni at the lobby bar Lilla E; whatever your tipple of choice, it’s best enjoyed next to the crackling fire.
Dine: Spis
Although Spis can only accommodate 18 diners at a time, the lauded restaurant of Perttu Jokinen and Antero Aurivuo features a wide array of fresh Nordic produce served up in delicious, delicately put-together plates. The sparsely styled dining room echoes their commitment of going back to basics, highlighting small producers and brands in their food offerings as well as drink selections. Start off with an expertly mixed G&T made with the local, multi-awarded Napue gin then choose from a short or long tasting menu made up of four or six courses respectively. Reasonably priced yet executed to a very high standard, it’s a must-visit for vegetable-loving gastronomes.
Photography: Anton Sucksdorff
Relax: Löyly
Sauna has the distinction of being the only Finnish word to become part of everyday vernacular. Not surprising, given that there’s around 3 million saunas in the country (an average of one per household). Given those numbers, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd, but this is precisely what Löyly has managed to achieve since it opened last May. Named after the Finnish word for the steam that rises when you sprinkle water on the rocks, the public sauna boasts a modern slatted facade crafted from FSC certified wood and the rare luxury of a traditional wood burning sauna. Sweat it out while looking out onto the expansive sea then cap your session off with a healthy meal at the café.
Photography: Ken Wu | Lightseed Studio
Shop: Artek, Marimekko and Iittala
Helsinki is heaven for design and shopping lovers, and these three storied brands are just the starting point. Founded in 1935 by four progressive designers, namely Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl, Artek has become synonymous with Finnish design. The expansive showroom allows you to peruse their iconic designs up close; there’s also an in-store customisation service for the classic Stool 60. There are plenty of Marimekko stores to choose from in the city—15 to be exact—but head on to their flagship outlet at Galleria Esplanad, which unveiled its refreshed interiors just a year ago. Iittala is staple in every Finnish household. Visit the Esplanadi boutique, a historic space that opened its doors more than six decades ago, to pick up some pieces for your own abode.
Artek Flagship Store
See: Academic Bookshop
A design itinerary won’t be complete without at least one Alvar Aalto pilgrimage. If time is on your side, his well-maintained suburban home is well worth a visit to see how the legendary architect lived as well as to get a better understanding of his design philosophy. Should a trip to the Aalto House and Aalto Museum be out of reach, drop by the airy Akateeminen Kirjakauppa (Academic Bookshop) for an introduction to his legacy, noted for its timeless quality that reinforces the power of simplicity.
Aalto House | Photography: Kissa Castañeda
A version of this story was originally published at our sister publication, Home Journal. Photographs courtesy of brands unless stated otherwise.
Kissa is part of Tatler Asia's regional team, responsible for overseeing the design and travel content across Asia and on all platforms spanning print, digital, social, and video. She was formerly editor-in-chief of Tatler Singapore and Home Journal and her work has appeared in Wallpaper*, Travel + Leisure, ELLE Decoration and more. Based in Singapore, Kissa has lived and worked in Tokyo, Manila, and Hong Kong, as well as travelled to over 50 countries. She documents her latest lifestyle discoveries on Twitter and Instagram at @kissacastaneda, plus her design finds on @tatlerhomes.
