The Urban Foodie

You will be greeted by our guide in the airport, and together you go to enjoy a light lunch, where you will enjoy a presentation of the history and background about Finland , its rich history and food culture.
Private transfer from the airport to Hotel Lilla Roberts in Kaartinkaupunki. The building has both a power plant and police history, and has now been transformed into a quiet Art Deco hotel a bar and restaurant on the ground floor. The location in the middle of the Design District makes it easy to stretch your legs in the surrounding area before a sauna or dinner.

In the afternoon, you head to Kuusijärvi Smoke Sauna in ​​Vantaa. Here, there are traditional public saunas and unique smoke saunas right on the lakeshore, with ice baths in winter and bathing from the beach in summer. There are no reservations for public times, and towels or swimwear can be rented on site.

Back in town you dine at Sea Horse in Ullanlinna. The place dates back to 1933/34 and is known for its unpretentious atmosphere, large sea frieze painting and a diverse audience. The menu is classic Finnish: crispy fried Baltic herring, cabbage rolls, vorschmack and the famous onion steak. The portions are generous, the service is old school, and the space feels authentically Helsinki.

Breakfast at the hotel.
Then a trip to the award-winning Furuvik Seaside Sauna that sits on a sheltered sandy bay, with the steam room and terrace opening straight to the Baltic Sea.
Sessions fit about 12–14 guests, with a small changing room, two bathrooms, shower and a locker for valuables.
Between rounds you cool off outside and swim from the shore. An outdoor hot tub can be added.

This session is followed lunch on your own and the afternoon open for private planning.

Early evening we meet for a shared cooking session at Flavour Studio in the Teurastamo district (The old meat district)– Here a local chef will guide us through a rustic, personal cooking workshop with a focus on Finnish dishes. The finished meal is enjoyed at the communal table.

Breakfast at the hotel.
At 11am we visit the iconic  Löyly Sauna – a modern social hub where city life and Finnish sauna traditions meet. This award winning sauna is a must-see for all sauna enthusiasts. Lunch is served right by the water line, overlooking Helsinki Harbour.
The afternoon is spent on the Helsinki Food Tour. A 2-hour guided tour with local tastings (reindeer, fish, bear, classic soups and desserts).
Insights into food culture and history, starting and ending in the Old Market Hall.

In the evening, dinner at Finnjävel in central Helsinki, a two-part house: Salonki (one Michelin star) and Sali.
The kitchen renews Finnish classics with precise technique - curing, fermenting and smoking—guided by the season.
Calm, intimate room with Finnish-crafted tableware and thoughtful design that gives a distinctly local feel.

Breakfast at the hotel.
The morning starts with Lilli & Viivi who welcome us inside Pidot Productions, a bright studio kitchen, where we will make lunch together. The menu is Nordic and seasonal, typically three courses: local fish or a green main focus, seasonal root vegetables and cabbage, mushrooms and berries in a simple dessert. Our guides tell and instruct, and finally we collect the dishes and eat at the long table.

Later, we will visit Kotiharjun Sauna in Kallio—Helsinki’s oldest wood-fired public sauna (1928), with separate men’s and women’s sections. Expect steady, traditional löyly; if you wish, add a pesijä—a traditional wash and scrub-woman, and experience Finnish sauna culture at its absolute core.
When the heat peaks, step outside for a simple cool-down on the bench, and have a chat with the local population.

Dinner in the evening at Restaurant Savoy, an Alvar Aalto-designed institution with a view and finesse, where Finnish food and design culture meet in the best possible way.

Breakfast at the hotel.
The day starts at Allas Sea Pool that sits beside Helsinki’s Market Square, right on the harbour.
Year-round you move between a 27°C heated freshwater pool and a filtered seawater pool, then step into one of the amazing 5 public saunas. 
A simple city spa where everyday swimming meets open-air Baltic views. If you are thirsty or hungry Allas Café & Terrace is open year-round, so is the Seagrill restaurant, and a seasonal rooftop Sky Bar is also accessable.
The rest of the day is free for your own experiences.

In the evening you will dine at the Russian restaurant Saslik. Saslik is a legendary Helsinki restaurant that has honored the intersection of French, Slavic and Russian culinary traditions since 1972.

Departure

Breakfast at the hotel
and departure.
For those with late flights, extra sauna or city walks can be added. No fixed program – just a peaceful farewell and a suitcase full of fantastic food and sauna experiences.