Visit Helsinki

Kamppi

0.5 miles from downtown

There are 1001 things to do in Central Kamppi – and here’re four. Sample pints of craft beer at Teerenpeli microbrewery in Narinkka Square. Shop till your knees shake in a trillion different stores. Alternately, pull up a picnic blanket at Old Church Park. When evening falls, expand your mind at the artsy Tennispalatsi’s 3D cinema hall.

Places to stay from $28 a night

Punavuori

0.6 miles from downtown

This come-up district is filled with savvy shoppers. Dubbed part of the “Design District,” you’ll find the best Finnish, Nordic and Scandinavian names here. From pop-ups to permanent, from the quirky to the cool–this maze of stores sells it. Sinebrychoff Park’s not far and it’s lovely for post-shopping picnics.

Places to stay from $64 a night

Kruununhaka

0.6 miles from downtown

Seaside Krunikka offers more than salt-kissed air. Dense, urban and a helix of high-end vintage and up-cycled stores, this area is slice of creative consumerism. Iittala, the benchmark of Finnish glassworks, sells the cutest espresso cups on the planet. Unfurl post-shopping with a plate of bear from a Russian inspired cafe.

Places to stay from $79 a night

Katajanokka

0.9 miles from downtown

Walk Katajanokka’s windy maritime streets. The allure of living in a secluded part of the city drew affluent city dwellers to this district. Succumb to the sight of the beautifully bricked Uspenski Cathedral. In winter, gather your sisu (guts) and do as the locals do: go ice swimming! Or take off on a ferry to Estonia or Sweden.

Places to stay from $18 a night

Taka-Töölö

1.1 miles from downtown

A liveable and lovable borough. Taka-Töölö is set to a backdrop of parkland, and it’s only a stone’s skip from the centre. Wander for hours in Sibelius Park. Töölö Bay is a paradise for sun-seekers and bird-watchers, so you better bring your binoculars. Come winter, Keskuspuisto Park is flecked with cross-country skiers and snow bunnies seeking fresh air.

Places to stay from $80 a night

Kallio

1 miles from downtown

Stop and smell the beard oil. Every hipster magazine on the planet has a spotlight on Kallio. Start-ups, bike mechanics, and DIY musicians rule these roads. This former working class ‘hood is now awash in vintage shops, tattoo parlours, and artisan coffee. On Saturdays, the trendy and indie settle in at Sandro’s for the vegan/veggie brunch.

Places to stay from $152 a night

Kluuvi

0.1 miles from downtown

No country in the world consumes more coffee than Finland. Twin your cup of Joe with a korvapuusti (cinnamon bun) and prepare to shop writ large. Unwrap chocolates at Karl Fazer’s then detour to Stockmann’s for a look into the region’s faddish fashions. Finish your day at elegant Esplanade boulevard, energetic during summer.

Places to stay from $53 a night

Kaartinkaupunki

0.4 miles from downtown

Sleepy, stylish and seaside. Unfurrow your design curiosity at the Design Museum, then pay respects to legendary Alvar Aalto at the neighbouring Architecture Museum. For an afternoon of interior inspiration, peruse Marimekko’s flagship shop just down the road. Then end your day with a nap under the neo-Gothic spires of St. John’s church.

Places to stay from $59 a night