In many cities, after-work routines can feel like a never-ending loop—you close your work laptop at 6pm (or later), sit through a long commute, make dinner, watch a show, and then it’s off to bed, only to do it all over again the next day.

But in Helsinki, things look a little different. Most people wrap up their workday around 4pm, and with extra daylight during the summer months, you’ve got loads of time to make the most of your evenings. And don’t worry, there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy the winter, too.

Whether you’re planning to expand your business to Helsinki or you’ve already joined the ranks as a Helsinkian, this article highlights why wellbeing is at the heart of our city’s success. Prioritising a high quality of life doesn’t just benefit individuals—it drives efficient, energised, and creative teams.

At Helsinki Partners, we get how important after-work time is for a healthy life-work balance. That’s why we always weave it into our programs and client hosting. For example, as part of the 90 Day Finn 2024 program, we organised these cultural events:

Explore nature in all seasons 

Embracing the great outdoors in Helsinki is a no-brainer. The beauty of the city is that you don’t have to venture far to find green spaces or water—little pockets of nature are all around. And don’t let the weather put you off. “When you learn to dress appropriately for Finland’s varying weather conditions, you’ll expand your world,” says Denise Wall, a long-time resident of Finland, co-founder of the strategic and creative agency Aspidistra, and host of the podcast Finland: Through the Looking Glass.

Forest walking is a favourite among locals, which is especially refreshing after a long day of sitting at work. Explore areas like Arabianranta, Lammassaari, Mustikkamaa, and Tervasaari. The coastal walk from Helsinki Market Square to Eira is another great option.

In summer, you can enjoy a classic rock picnic. Marii Juht, founder of Intero Integration, suggests the Vallila neighbourhood, which offers great views and warm rocks to enjoy a nice meal al fresco, but you can find these rock spots all over the city. In winter, Café Regatta is a cosy spot to enjoy a warm drink and pulla (a Finnish sweet treat) by the fire pit. 

Vincent Marsland, CEO at Marsland Institute and a 90 Day Finn 2024 shares: “The proximity of the sea cannot be understated. Nearly everywhere you go within the city you have a beautiful view of a harbour, the sea, and/or some islands in the distance. We have found it a calming and engaging view on breaks at the local café.”

Parthvee Jain, another 90 Day Finn 2024, and Senior Associate at Nasscom adds: “The serene atmosphere here, with calm waters surrounding me, brings a sense of peace that relaxes both my body and mind. It creates space in my head to reflect deeply on life and fuels my thoughts towards innovation in every aspect.”

Embrace old (or new) hobbies 

In Helsinki, hobbies aren’t just for kids—they’re a big part of the culture. Here at Helsinki Partners, a lot of us are dancing, doing pottery, gardening, hiking, or embracing our inner foodie by checking out new restaurants after work. 

Many companies in Helsinki invest in employee wellbeing by offering subsidised cultural benefits from providers like Epassi and Smartum. These benefits—including exercise, culture, massage, and other perks—are tax-free for employees and tax-deductible for employers. Offering these benefits is a smart business move: the World Economic Forum highlights a 115% increase in earnings per share for companies prioritising employee wellbeing, compared to just 27% among their competitors.

Denise suggests: “If you’ve got a particular interest or hobby, reach out to groups or organisations that will provide an opportunity for you to find your tribe.”

But don’t limit yourself to your usual interests—venturing beyond your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a boost in confidence that benefits all areas of your life, including business. Denise adds, “That’s where the real magic happens in building new relationships and networks.” 

Even Finnish language classes offer more than just language skills—they’re a natural way to meet people from all backgrounds. Trying out different hobbies after work can help you build connections and embrace the open, collaborative spirit that sets Helsinki apart.

Get moving 

Physical activity is second nature to Finns. With excellent air quality and plenty of sports facilities, Helsinki makes it easy to stay active, whether you’re cycling, hitting the gym, or just taking a stroll. And it’s no secret that healthy employees do better work: regular exercise reduces stress and boosts energy, contributing to a more focused and efficient workforce. 

Marina Barboza, Head of Innovation at Venturus and a 90 Day Finn 2024, signed up for a half-marathon during her time here, and made connections at a Founders Running Club session. She says: “Helsinki combines exceptional quality of life, a deep connection to nature (which is perfect for someone like me who loves running and outdoor sports), and a community that is eager to help and collaborate.”

The city’s layout means you’re never far from what you need, making it easy to fit sports into your after-work routine without lengthy commutes. Vincent shares: “Helsinki is very much focused on the future and sustainability, while also being well built for families and good connectivity. It’s simple to get from one end of the city to the other and you can expect a safe, clean, and peaceful transit.”

Varpu Rusila, founder of Her Finland, shares her advice on building business connections in Helsinki: “Finns are efficient and love being active. So, when making plans, suggest a sport or outdoor activity. It’s a great way to connect, and it’s often more comfortable for Finns because with activities like walking or jogging, you don’t need constant eye contact.” 

Helsinki’s outdoor gyms are perfect to get moving and are open year-round (don’t forget gloves in winter). In the colder months, you can dive into activities like avanto (ice swimming), skating, and skiing, just to name a few. 

The obvious: sauna  

Saunas in Helsinki aren’t just for spa days—they’re a big part of daily life and business culture. Many offices have their own saunas, creating a relaxed atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration. Veronika Marsland, Founder & Director at Digital Squirrel Studios and a 90 Day Finn 2024, says: “When you go to sauna and suffer in the heat together, it makes everyone equal.”

You can try everything from traditional smoke saunas to modern city saunas in Helsinki. Visit Löyly for an urban sauna experience and a dip into the Baltic Sea, or head to the more rustic Sompasauna, a self-service, community-run spot.  

Diego Vazquez Lozano,CEO and Founder of Detachment East Ltd and a 90 Day Finn 2024, perfectly captures the sauna culture: “Sauna is more important than people realise. It relaxes the body, clears the mind, and opens up conversations.”

Incorporating this Finnish tradition into your after-work routine is not only a great way to unwind but also serves as a unique setting for business chats and idea generation.

Dive into the local culture and communities

While Helsinki can offer a sense of calm, it’s always buzzing with activity. As Shwetank Verma, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Leo Capital and a 90 Day Finn 2022, puts it, “I’d say it’s peaceful yet buzzing. That contradiction captures the essence of Helsinki.” 

My Helsinki Events page, Eventbrite, and Facebook events are great resources to find after-work events worth checking out. To get a feel for the local vibe, explore Helsinki’s museums, cafes, restaurants, and bars. And don’t miss out on local festivals—they’re a great way to immerse yourself in Helsinki’s cultural scene. 

Depending on your mood, Marii recommends Teurastamo for a relaxed dinner, Kallio for a lively evening out, and Punavuori for top-notch restaurants. “Take public transportation to random areas and walk around. It will help you better understand the city,” says Marii. 

Veronika Marsland, who’s working on a documentary called Café Culture, visits a new coffee shop almost every day. “I love how each place has its unique character,” she shares. “Unlike cities dominated by big chains, Helsinki’s independent coffee houses are refreshing and inspiring.”

If you’re keen to meet new people, networking events are a great start. Check out organisations like Spouse Program, Luckan Integration, Epicenter, Maria01, and Startup Sauna. “These are perfect for building your support circle and finding like-minded people to collaborate with,” says Marii. 

For more informal networking, Varpu has a tip: “Go to a karaoke bar—you’re bound to meet new people there.” Many visitors are surprised to find out just how seriously Finns take their karaoke—you can find small and large karaoke bars all over the city. This shared experience can help break the ice and build connections in a casual setting.

Second-hand shopping is also popular and encouraged in Helsinki, with flea markets a big part of the culture. This reflects a broader circular economy mindset that benefits Finland’s business ecosystem. “The philosophy Finnish people follow is how to optimise, be more efficient, and stay pragmatic,” says Sagar Tandon, Partner at Beyond Impact and a 90 Day Finn 2024.

Explore Helsinki for yourself 

So there you have it—there’s no shortage of options to enjoy Helsinki’s after-work scene. The Finnish mindset of less overtime and more quality time is a powerful business advantage that not only boosts personal wellbeing, but also workplace efficiency and creativity. 

Embracing this balance can set your business apart. 

Curious about what it’s like to do business in Helsinki? 

Set up your business in Helsinki to tap into the EU market, join a thriving tech scene, and enjoy life-work balance (in that order). Welcome to the capital of the world’s happiest country, where work works.