Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for seven years in a row

It’s no surprise Helsinki is perhaps the happiest capital in the world. According to a survey by Taloustutkimus, nearly nine out of ten Helsinki residents are satisfied with their lives.

Well-functioning healthcare, clean air and high-quality education may have something to do with it, but Helsinki is also full of small pleasures that make everyday life good.

1. Atmospheric dinners in sustainable restaurants

It is easy to eat and drink well in Helsinki, as the city is full of high-quality restaurants. They pride themselves on being sustainable and using seasonal ingredients such as berries and wild herbs picked from nature or sourced from as close as possible. 

The city offers Michelin experiences, cosy neighbourhood bistros, casual pizzerias and classics that take you back in time.

Try the small and atmospheric Kuurna in Kruununhaka or Vinkkeli in Kaartinkaupunki, known for its excellent service. If you’re in the mood for something a little more relaxed, taste the most queued-for pasta in the city at Goose Pastabar.

2. Seasonal treats

If you thought winter is a cold and dark season in Helsinki, guess again. People hang decorative lights on their balconies and yards in November and some will leave them be until March. The city center is filled with light during the dark months from October to February.

Helsinkians enjoy skiing, sledding down sledding hills (even in the city center!), ice skating and ice swimming. Swimming in icy water is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s refreshing and really good for your health. In December Helsinki is full of Christmas markets and fairs where you can buy unique presents.

Helsinkians agree upon one thing: every season is suitable for sauna. The Finnish sauna culture is part of UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Helsinkians celebrate The First of May by gathering around the statue of Havis Amanda on the 30th of April wearing their graduation caps. The next day you’ll see probably the biggest picnic of Helsinki in Kaivopuisto Park.

For many, the highlight of the spring is when the outdoor swimming pool at The Swimming Stadium opens its doors in May. The most enthusiastic swimmers jump into the pool when the city is just waking up.

Summer is the season for festivals and just hanging out in parks, nature and restaurant terraces sipping refreshments.

In Helsinki, autumn means picking mushrooms and marveling at leaves that turn red, orange, purple and brown.You can find mushrooms in Central Park and all around the city – nature is never far away. In the fall Adult education centers are full of students who enjoy affordable courses in arts, language, history – you name it, we got it. 

3. Swimming in the sunset

The summer months in Helsinki are June, July and August. During this short but quite magical period Helsinkians make the most of the long sunny days. In June the sun will rise around 4 AM and go down at 11 PM. 

Everyone in Helsinki lives less than 10 kilometres from the seashore. The city has 25 public beaches where you can swim and soak in the sun. The carpet washing piers in Helsinki are not only for washing carpets, but also to swim, relax and enjoy the summer. One of the best places to visit in Helsinki is the carpet washing pier in Kaivopuisto. You’ll find a nice restaurant called Mattolaituri right next to it. When the sun sinks into the waves, the horizon turns pink. This feels like an invitation to swim.

4. Delicious cake on the terrace

Helsinki has many excellent cafes. Drink a cup of in-house roasted coffee at Kaffa Roastery, which was recently voted Finland’s best cafe, watch the lively Kallio district on Way Bakery’s terrace or taste Layers Bakery coveted croissants, which look like works of art and sometimes run out in the middle of the day (so try and get there before noon!).

5. Plate of steaming hot rice porridge on the market

Kallio is the Brooklyn of Helsinki. If you want to start your day like a local in the summer time, sit down at the Hakaniemi Market Square and order a bowl of rice porridge from the Kahvisiskot – with cinnamon and sugar, of course.

6. A relaxing picnic in the park

In Helsinki, you’re surrounded by nature anywhere you go. In the parks people meet friends, have lunch and take a break in the middle of the workday. You can even have a picnic in your own backyard. The heart of the city centre is the Esplanade Park, which is filled with picnic entourages and ice cream stalls on sunny days. The street musician tunes their guitar, the seagulls scream and the passers-by rush on their way. You can just sit and watch.

7. Pink little Japan

In the spring, many Helsinkians visit the Roihuvuori Cherry Park – Kirsikkapuisto. The Roihuvuori Society and Japanese culture associations in Finland organize a Hanami celebration in May to celebrate the blossoming of cherry trees. Here you can see performances, music, calligraphy art and tea ceremonies and taste Japanese delicacies. During Hanami the park turns into a pink little Japan (and a selfie spot for thousands of locals).

8. Snack at a canopy kiosk

Helsinki has twenty charming old canopy kiosks, some of which were given a new life in the 2000s as summer terraces, cafes and wine bars. Find your inner Finn and taste at least Piirakkaleipomo Räty’s traditional Eastern Finnish delicacy, fresh Karelian pie. The kiosks are open during the summer.

9. Summer days at city festivals

Are you wondering what the best places to visit in Helsinki are? If you like culture, you can always find something to do in Helsinki. Every year, the city hosts numerous festivals, cultural events and village parties.

At the beginning of August, tens of thousands of Helsinki residents celebrate the end of the summer at the Flow Festival. In 2025 it will be held from 8th to 10th of August. Flow’s international programme fills the rustic power plant environment of Suvilahti with people who love music, food and urban culture – and the choice of festival outfit is the biggest topic of the previous week.

At the end of June, you can spot quite a few pairs of black leather trousers in the same place when the largest metal festival in the Nordic countries, Tuska Festival, is held in Suvilahti.

Helsinki Pride is a colourful cultural event that fills the city with a fascinating programme. The Pride month in June culminates in a parade and a park party at the end of June or beginning of July. In the park you can hang out, listen to artists and celebrate diversity.

10. Inspiring museum visits

You’ll find a lot of inspiring museums and galleries in the happiest capital in the world. If you’re looking for things to do in Helsinki, try the Ateneum and Kiasma art museums that are the landmarks of the city centre. The Amos Rex underground exhibition space is a sight in itself.

If you want to experience something different, you can book a tour in the Kirpilä art home. It is an art museum located in a private home in Töölö and a great glimpse into upper class life in the late 1900s.

11. Art on the way to work

Helsinki has invested in art installations making public art available to everyone. Approximately one per cent of the costs of public construction projects are reserved for art.

Ambitious art events are organised in Helsinki every year. The international Helsinki Biennial brings contemporary art to the beautiful archipelago nature of Vallisaari every two years from June to September, and the Lux Helsinki light festival spreads light art around the city every January.

12. Leisurely walks

Nature is one of the top attractions in Helsinki. Going outdoors is easy, and you can walk around the streets safely. There is plenty of space, and no one will bother you if you choose to stay quiet. Sometimes it is good to take a little time for yourself.

13. Feeling of safety

Judged by the experiences of the residents, Helsinki is one of the safest capitals in Europe. Most locals feel that it is safe to walk in the city centre, even on weekend evenings.

14. Working out under the trees

In the world’s happiest capital, you can exercise in the gym in the middle of your commute. There are numerous free outdoor gyms around the city that anyone can use. Even the leg press feels a little lighter when you look at the treetops while training. There are also plenty of jogging trails and cycle routes in Helsinki.