Guide to HelsinkiGuide to Helsinki
Welcome to your happy place! The city of Helsinki is one of our official partners. In collaboration, we have gathered recommendations on where to eat, shop, and unwind–so you can enjoy your time in our beautiful capital city. Additionally, our official hotel partner, Scandic Hotels, offers plenty of accommodation options for our international guests, as well as locals who dream of a staycation during Flow or all year round!
Accommodation
Find your perfect festival hotel! Scandic Hotel offers something for everyone. Hotels in Helsinki city center:
The official festival hotel is the epicentre of the Flow atmosphere throughout the summer, featuring live Summer Club performances leading up to the festival. Marski is a vibrant city hotel in the heart of Helsinki, offering an intriguing interior, a cosy restaurant, and a legendary bar, guaranteeing a great stay.
Experience the city vibes at Scandic Helsinki Hub, where a great atmosphere, modern rooms, and a wellness area offer you the perfect chance to unwind and recharge. It’s the ideal spot to soak in the urban charm of Helsinki.
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Enjoy a first-class experience and timeless elegance in this historic building, designed by renowned Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, and located in the heart of Helsinki.
Stay close to the festival area and enjoy the comfort of the Hilton! With sea views, a wellness area featuring an indoor pool and sauna, a great restaurant, and a stylish cocktail bar, it’s the perfect festival home. Conveniently located just 1.9 km from the festival area and near the city centre.
Located in the vibrant Kallio district, Scandic Kallio is a great choice for festivalgoers looking to stay close to the action. Enjoy excellent service, a great hotel breakfast, and easy access to Suvilahti and the city centre on foot or by tram.
Just a short 1,5 km walk from the festival site, Scandic Paasi offers excellent service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a peaceful location in Siltasaari, Hakaniemi. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the festival.
Just 1.7 km from Suvilahti, Scandic Hakaniemi offers a comfortable stay with easy access to the festival, letting you enjoy the event with maximum convenience.
Perfect for early flights or late arrivals, Scandic Helsinki Airport offers a seamless travel experience. Stay here for convenience and comfort before or after the festival.
Clubs and bars
The best clubs and bars in Helsinki are located close to Suvilahti. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Kaiku
Post Bar
Tanner
Ääniwalli
Siltanen
Ambient Bar
Marski Bar
Restaurants
Helsinki’s restaurant scene is booming! Find the most interesting restaurants in Helsinki in the World of Mouth & Flow’s Helsinki for Food Lovers restaurant guide.
Shopping
In Helsinki, shopping is a great way to get to know the city better. From small boutiques to flagship stores, from vintage to thrift shops. You can find whatever you’re looking for in Helsinki.
Beamhill & beam.
Beyond
Marimekko
My O My & My O My home
Second-hand and vintage
Almost New
Beyond Retro
Black Spot Merch.
Fintage Store
Gemma
Kasino
Relove
In addition to vintage and second-hand stores, there are a lot of great thrift stores, such as Hietalahden kirpputori.
Read more about shopping in Helsinki from MyHelsinki.fi.
Saunas
Helsinki is the home of many excellent public saunas. We listed some of our favourites below.
Islands and green areas
Helsinki is surrounded by a plethora of beautiful islands that you can easily get to from the city centre. For example, you can enjoy the historic fortress and beautiful nature at Suomenlinna sea fortress. Along the way, you can stop at the charming little island of Lonna, which offers a restaurant, a waffle café and a public sauna, as well as various events.
If you prefer to stay on dry land, Helsinki offers a wide selection of beautiful parks to enjoy in a relaxing atmosphere.
Other recommendations
The Helsinki Central Library Oodi is an architectural landmark that has rapidly become a popular social space. The terrace balconies offer beautiful views over the city in summertime.
Museum-goers should definitely visit the Amos Rex art museum, which deserves a close look from the outside as well. Also, the Museum of Modern Art, Kiasma, is located just next door.
More sustainable attractions can be found on the MyHelsinki.fi website.