Cafe Regatta

Why I recommend it

The first thing I love about Cafe Regatta is how quickly the city seems to disappear. You are only a few kilometres from the centre of Helsinki, but with the water in front of you, the little red cottage behind you and the smell of the fire outside, it feels much more like the Finnish countryside than the capital. The café itself even describes the idea as bringing “the countryside into the city.” Sadly, it is definitely not a hidden gem anymore, and chances are you will not have the place entirely to yourself. But that does not make it less worth visiting. Find a spot by the water, slow down for a while and enjoy one of those simple Helsinki moments that is popular for a reason.

What to do

Keep it traditional: coffee and a fresh cinnamon bun. Cafe Regatta is especially known for its freshly baked cinnamon buns, and they also serve blueberry pie and other sweet and savoury pastries. If you are there on a colder day, a hot chocolate with whipped cream also feels very appropriate.

Good to know

Do not skip it just because you have seen it all over Instagram or travel guides. Yes, it can get busy, but the setting still makes it one of the nicest places in Helsinki to sit down and do absolutely nothing for a while. The outdoor area is a big part of the experience and is used year-round. There is even a fire where you can warm up and grill sausages bought from the café. in strong winds, the fire may not be lit for safety reasons.