Helsinki's Best Outdoor Cafes
A Cafe Crib Sheet for Finland's Capital
Your guide to the best outdoor cafes and bars to sample pastries, eat lunch, have a cocktail, and take in the views of Helsinki, Finland.
When summer starts to make its way back to the northern hemisphere and the temperature climbs to at least 18 degrees Celsius (about 62 degrees Fahrenheit), people in Finland take to the parks to lay in the sun and make a beeline to the outdoor cafes to meet with friends. Even if 18 degrees is too cold for you to sunbathe (like most other non-Nordic blooded folk) you can still enjoy the outdoor life and watch the world go by spending time in one of these great outdoor cafés.
Café Esplanad is an Old World European-style cafe located on one of Helsinki's main pedestrian and traffic thoroughfares, the Esplanad. This is a great place for a quick lunch in the self serve section or in the sit down restaurant inside. Also, this is my favorite place for pastries. Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 37.
Café Strindberg is similar in atmosphere to Café Esplanad. I prefer the food at Café Esplanad, but the people watching is better here since it is situated farther down on the Esplanad and gets more pedestrian passerby. Café Strindberg is part of the Kamp Galleria, an upscale shopping complex in the heart of Helsinki. Address: Pohjoisesplanadi 33.
Café Ursula has a huge outdoor terrace on the water with a view of Suomenlinna, Helsinki's original island military fortress. It is a short walk from the Olympia Terminal cruise ship terminal near Kaivopuisto park and the downtown shopping district. The atmosphere is peaceful and they serve one of the best salads in town. Order it with a Koff beer and you'll fit in with the locals. Address: Ehrenströmintie 3.
Café Carousel also has a huge outdoor terrace on the water and it is close to a large pleasure craft marina near Kaivopuisto. There are local bands playing on weekend nights and it is a popular destination for people to show off their expensive and well-maintained cars. You can catch a boat to an island beach, Pihlajsaari, from the dock next to the cafe. Address: Merisatamaranta 10.
Go to the roof of the Palace Hotel , order a vodka martini, and enjoy one of the best views around of Helsinki and the harbor. Address: Eteläranta 10.
Kappeli Café and Bar has a huge outdoor terrace in the middle of the pedestrian park on the Esplanad. On summer afternoons patrons can listen to bands or watch dance performances on the outdoor stage next to the bar. Address: Eteläesplanadi 1.
