Helsinki is a place like no other. Unpolished, yet completely modern and Nordic. And that’s the way we like it. Helsinki allows you to be yourself and live life that looks like you – whether you take your metal black, heavy or extreme.

Our idea of a lively city is not just urban hustle and bustle. It’s something you can truly connect with – endless strips of calming seashore, untamed nature, ice dipping in the city centre, enjoying hot steams in a community sauna by the water and spontaneous outdoor parties blasting your favourite tunes from your metal playlist.

So, that’s a good life in Helsinki. Sometimes unexpected, a tad unconventional, and always welcomed, as are you.

No matter what time of year you visit Helsinki, you will always experience something new. Summer, autumn, winter and spring all dress the city in different clothing – all shades of black included – and offer lots of unique experiences. Why not visit MyHelsinki.fi and start exploring?

Design can be found everywhere in Helsinki. Good design is an integral part of life here, belonging to everyone and enhancing the quality of life of its residents. From functional furniture for decorating your personal vampire lair to innovative urban planning solutions which can e.g. make your journey from hotel to the nearest concert venue more flexible, Helsinki’s design ethos is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and beauty. Visitors to the city can experience firsthand how good design can improve the way we live, work, and play. Drumroll.

Finland’s world-renowned modern design heritage can be seen everywhere in Helsinki. Famous brands like Marimekko, Iittala, Artek and Arabia are a cool part of everyday life here. Not forgetting more recent additions to the well-known Finnish streetwear phenomena such as Makia, Karhu, R-Collection – and the always fashionable: classic black band t-shirt. Discover the countless boutiques of the Design District! Learn more about design in Helsinki at MyHelsinki.fi

Helsinki, long renowned for its artistic and cultural offerings, is now widely thought of as the hottest place for food lovers, drawing foodies from all over the world. The new generation of Helsinki-based chefs is elevating the capital’s dining scene, mixing modern and international culinary skills with unique Finnish traditions and a strong environmental ethos.

Try delicious local food from fresh seasonal ingredients, or treat yourself to a meal at one of the unique seaside restaurants. MyHelsinki.fi’s restaurant section is waiting for you. And as leaving Helsinki without trying out food that is uniquely Finnish, traditional and metal is unacceptable, do try out salmiakki, the salty liquorice that all locals love. As we all know, Finland is so metal, even our candy is black.

Helsinki is one of the few capital cities in the world where real nature can be experienced in the middle of the city. Helsinki breathes the sea with 130 km of shoreline and the city area includes around 300 islands, most reachable by bridges and ferries. Despite its energy, Helsinki hasn’t surrendered its tranquillity, silence and clean air. Some cities drain your energy, but in Helsinki you can recharge more of it.

Being the capital of Finland, it should be no surprise that Helsinki has some great public saunas – both traditional neighbourhood saunas and brand new design saunas. There’s no better way to relax after a long festival day than laying on a sauna bench and enjoying the hot steams in an authentic Finnish sauna! Start experiencing Helsinki’s saunas at MyHelsinki.fi.

Year after year, Finland tops the world Happiness index. Possibly, this trend is because Finns enjoy simple pleasures – like clean air, pure water and walking around in the woods – to the fullest. Finnish happiness is the calm and peaceful type; it’s an appreciation for how things work and the ability to pause and admire the little things in life. And keep in mind that besides being ranked as the happiest country in the world, Finland does boast more heavy metal bands per capita than any other country on earth. Coincidence?

Helsinki’s locals are extremely open and hospitable, and most speak English fluently, so don’t be afraid to ask us for advice. We’d love to tell you about Helsinki’s greatest secrets! Meet MyHelsinki.fi’s local guides.