1. Open hearts & open art: see the city sing

Under the endless summer light, Helsinki’s art scene spills onto streets, parks, and waterfronts. You can practically hear the city hum with the sun. Three picks to get your creative flow going this summer:

• Art among the archipelago. Seurasaari Island, a quiet treasure just off the mainland, offers an open-air museum with rustic cottages and wooden churches. It’s a step back in time, with summer underfoot.
  Block Party Bash. Throughout the summer, Helsinki’s neighbourhoods come alive with local festivals, music, and great – mostly vegetarian or vegan! – food. Strangers become neighbours as live music fills the air. Kallio Block Party is iconic.
  Park Pictures. From July to August, enjoy classic films in Kaivopuisto Park, where the sea breeze mingles with the magic of cinema under the stars. Like neighbourhood parties on the streets, these film nights are very accessible and easy to reach. 

2. When the sky never sleeps: Helsinki doesn’t either

When the sun barely sets and the city slows its pace, Helsinki’s Midsummer unfolds like a timeless escape. Midsummer, or Juhannus, celebrates the summer solstice and the peak of light. While many Helsinkians venture to their lakeside cottages, here’s why you might want to stick around:

• Helsinki islands and beaches hold magical milieus and traditional bonfires (juhannuskokko). Places like Seurasaari,  Pihlajasaari and Tali allotment gardens invite everyone to sing, dance and play some age-old Finnish games together. During a Midsummer cruise, you can see all the bonfires along the shoreline!
• Juhannus dance and music come to life across the city. Celebrations often include traditional folk dances and live performances accompanied by a magical atmosphere. Kallio and Vallila are the best areas to find midsummer dances that last until the wee hours (prepare to see the sun shining most of the night!)). 
• Explore Helsinki’s quieter side. As crowds gather in parks and shorelines, the city’s streets are often left untouched. Try sitting on the Cathedral’s majestic steps and experience the magic of midnight sun. A traditional and peaceful Midsummer sauna can also be enjoyed at one of the many public saunas in Helsinki.

3. Sunny days, Helsinki’s vintage ways

When sunshine makes the city shift, even shops turn inside out. Flea markets pop up in parks, courtyards, and cobblestone streets, each stall telling a story. Here are three picks to explore:

• Aleksis Kiven Katu Flea Market is where Kallio’s vibrant pulse meets Helsinki’s nostalgic charm. Held every Sunday throughout the summer season, this market is hard to miss. Best of all, it’s an open-air street fair, and anyone can set up shop!
• Forgot your beach-read? Lucky for you Hietalahti Flea Market is on the way to Helsinki’s favorite beach. Set by the sea, this bustling market offers everything – tasty treats, vintage finds, and a truly local feel.
  Tucked in the heart of Kallio, Helsinki’s bohemian paradise, you can find Karhupuisto Flea Market. As eclectic as its neighbourhood, here locals gather under leafy trees to trade antiques, handmade goods, and stories – accompanied by music and good vibes!
  

4. Secret shores to explore: swim with Finns

As summer stretches its golden days, Helsinki’s hidden beaches beckon. Venture off the map and find the city’s beautiful shores and saunas. Top three picks:

• Along the shores of the Sompasaari waterfront, you can find Sompasauna, a truly Helsinkian take on the Finnish sauna tradition. This self-built, woodfired sauna offers a raw, community-driven experience where locals and visitors alike come to sweat, swim, and embrace the city’s urban outdoors.
• Accessible by duckboards from the mainland, Kuusiluoto is a quiet greenery, perfect for a short escape. You can even find some sheep here, as they too spend their summer months on this idyllic island!
• While most visitors flock to Suomenlinna’s fortresses, its beach remains a haven, understood and enjoyed by only a few. Here, you can leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Baltic.

5. Summers at your feet: Helsinki by foot

Helsinki summer streets are a playground for wanderers. Every corner, every park, and every bench blooms with the season’s spirit. The city’s story is written in the path beneath your feet, here’s where to start:

• Summer strolls in Helsinki are all about the perfect blend of nature, sea, and something sweet. Walk through the city’s lively parks or scenic coastline, indulging in authentic Helsinki-made gelato at one of the cute ice-cream kiosks.
• When the sun sets over the Esplanade Park, the sound of music fills the air, as Espa becomes Helsinki’s ultimate summer stage. At the heart of it all: Jazz-Espa, coined the longest jazz festival in Finland, during which you can submerge yourself in free live music every day of July!
• In the summer, Helsinki’s Design District comes alive with creativity and colour. As you stroll through cobbled streets, you’ll discover a world of Finnish design from stylish boutiques, antique shops and art galleries to unique cafés and even street art.

6. Making waves in Helsinki: Helsinki by water

Helsinki is a city defined by its water. The coastline curves around the city, the harbor hums, and ferries glide by. Here’s how to get up close:

• Helsinki’s summer isn’t complete without a paddle. Rent a board at SUP Helsinki and glide through Töölö Bay to see the city in an entirely new way! If you’re up for a challenge, you can rent kayaks all over Helsinki and explore the archipelago your way.
• If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through a maze of islands, Helsinki’s archipelago is the place to make that dream come true. Hop on a ferry, there are plenty of stops around the city, and discover what Helsinki hides from the coast.
• What better way to soak up the sun than by taking a dip in one of the city’s most loved outdoor pools? Only open during summertime, these local spots are the ultimate summer hangouts. Head over to Stadikka (Helsinki Swimming Stadium) or Kumpula Outdoor Swimming Pool to join in on the fun.

7. Tastes to last a lifetime: from breakfast to beer

Whether it’s a morning pick-me-up at a local café, a laid-back lunch in the heart of Kallio, or a refined rooftop restaurant, Helsinki serves up flavours from morning to midnight. Here are some culinary gems to try:

• Helsinki’s summer outdoorsy food scene spills into parks and waterfronts, where pop-up restaurants and outdoor eateries flourish. Kasarmitori and Senaatintori squares hold summer terraces from late spring till early autumn. 
• Helsinki’s Market Square and Market Hall are where the city’s past and present meet. By the harbor, Kauppatori Market Square bustles with outdoor stalls, fresh and seasonal produce, and fried fish. Right around the corner, Market Hall’s 19th-century building invites you to step inside for a taste of Helsinki’s history.
• Helsinki’s summer is a feast for food and drink lovers, with two unmissable festivals to savor. Around mid-June, The Helsinki Food and Wine Festival offers gourmet delights paired with fine wines. As the season draws to a close, The Helsinki Beer Festival held from mid-August, brings together craft brews from around the world.