N Europe Travel

» Catherine Tse - Helsinki's Cafes

Reading your article evoked memories of my trip to Iceland. It was stunning and the people were lovely but... the food and drink were so expensive! I'm curious about how you find prices in Finland. And I'm also curious about the cafe culture. Is it a a very social scene for locals or just ex-pats or for everyone?

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» lisamarie71 - Helsinki's Cafes

In response to Helsinki's Cafes posted by catherine101:

Finland is also pretty expensive, by North American standards. A cup of filtered coffee can be 2.50 euros. If you want anything fancier, be prepared to pay more. But, I figure I'm also paying for the atmosphere, so that's how I justify it for myself! Going to the cafes and ordering a salad or a sandwich is a good way to have an affordable lunch because they are more affordable than sit down restaurants. Some of the cafes (like Cafe Ursula, which I mentioned in the article) have a hot buffet entree for about 8 euros, which is always a good deal. Many times the entrees are Finnish dishes, so this can be a good way to sample Finnish cooking without breaking the bank.

One of the nice things about Helsinki is that the cafes really are for everyone. I can't think of any cafes that are "tourist traps," like you might find in other European capitals. Hanging out in a cafe is a fun way to observe how the Finns interact with each other and with foreigners.

-- posted by lisamarie71

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» Amanda Kendle - Helsinki's Cafes

In response to Helsinki's Cafes posted by lisamarie71:

Hi Lisa,
I experienced Helsinki in the winter (I'd spent Christmas up at the Arctic Circle, and had a couple of days in Helsinki on the way back) and have to agree, even in the dark depths of winter the cafes there had atmosphere. Unfortunately I don't remember the name, but I can still picture very clearly a large cafe near the centre with really perfect hot chocolates, lots of space and lots of interesting locals to watch! I never felt any tourist-trap presence in Helsinki, what a wonderful city! I look forward to reading more of your articles.
cheers
Amanda

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» Barbara Rogers - Helsinki's Cafes

In response to Helsinki's Cafes posted by catherine101:

One of the things I love most about Helsinki is haw easy it is to feel like part of the local scene, instead of a tourist.

It's not open yet, but in the late fall and winter, the sailing ship Kathrina moors in the harbor at the end of the Esplanadi, right by the market hall. Walk up the gangplank and down the hatchway and you'll drop into a wonderfully cosy warm cafe. The soups are delicious and come with a generous serving of Finnish bread. Everyone is friendly, and you're likely to end up talking to locals -- who all seem to speak English.

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» lisamarie71 - Helsinki's Cafes

In response to Helsinki's Cafes posted by ciaomondo:

Barbara,

Thanks for the tip!

I will definitely try it this winter. Many cafes in Helsinki serve pea soup on Thursdays, so maybe I can get a good bowl on the Kathrina. Or, the creamy salmon soup is good too.

-- posted by lisamarie71

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