Chocolate Fazer

Cafés worth visiting for a traveller are nowadays somewhat difficult to find in Helsinki, with many soulless coffee shop chains invading the city with their lattes, frappes and cookies that are the same everywhere. Luckily there are still both old-fashioned Finnish coffee houses and modern hangouts with a more unique touch.

Classical Cafés in Helsinki

Esplanadi features numerous cafés, but Café Esplanad (Pohjoisesplanadi 37) is one of the most famous ones. Confusingly there is also a coffee shop called "Café Esplanade", and while that is also a fine place, Esplanad is the place known for its scrimptious cinnamon buns, said to be the largest in Finland and big enough to make for a decadent lunch by itself.

Karl Fazer Café (Kluuvikatu 3) is definitely a Finnish classic. The candy factory and bakery hosts one of the largest coffee houses in Helsinki just a few steps from the massive café congregation of Esplanadi. Cakes, ice cream, savory goods, you will find it at Fazer. The selection of coffees, teas and hot chocolates is also impressive. Don't forget to buy some candy for souvenirs (if you can make them last that long).