A drink over the rooftops

Loiste is has a wonderful terrace in the summertime. But also during this time of year it's worth a visit. Also from inside you have a beautiful view over the city. From up here you can see Mannerheimintie, Kamppi Kauppakeskus, Narinkka and more. And if you come here in the evening you have the nice asset of seeing the city's lights (something that doesn't have the same effect in summer).

They serve some nice cocktails up here and you will also find some good wines and beers from the tap.

Have a nice weekend!

Sit down and read

Akateeminen Bookstore in the city center is definitely one of the best bookstores you can find in Finland. And did you can also come there to just read into a book first before buying it.

On the first floor you find a few sofas hidden between the book shelves. Grab a book and get comfortable here. It's actually quite a nice athmosphere as well. You also find a tablet attached to each sofa that can give you an overview over Akateeminen's catalouge.

Check it out and enjoy your book!

Here comes the sun

How nice it is to see the sun again. Feels like the beginning of spring already. And it seems like we should get some more of this beautiful weather at least for a few more days.

Enjoy it! Maybe with a nice walk along the sea.

Get your work done at the Urban office

If you work as an entrepeneur or freelancer and don't have your own office you might realize that at times it might be quite tough to stay motivated and focused while working at home. Sure there are libraries and cafés or you could just rent a desk at one of the open offices in town. But the easiest way is to just use Helsinki's and Espoo's Urban Offices.

There are four different location where you can just come and work on your projects at no costs whatsoever. Especially nice is the one right in the center in Lasipalatsi. One level up from Café Lasipalatsi you find plenty of space to work. And if you like, just grab a cup of coffee, a sandwhich or a muffin from the café below or have a lunch break down there.

Of course you have a free wifi connection there as well as access to meeting rooms, presentation technology and printer (printing is not for free). And if you have any question just ask the friendly receptionist. For more information and to find out more about the different locations visit the Urban Office website.

Blini at the Glas Palace

Ravintola Lasipalatsi is one of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in the city center of Helsinki. It is always worth a visit but if you like Finnish blinis then you should go there during the next week.

Till March 10 the blini weeks are still ongoing at Ravintola Lasipalatsi. That mean that in addition to their usual menu they offer several all-you-can-eat blini menus. You can choose between three or six toppings (like fish roe with smetana, smoked salmon, shrimps and more). Your waiter will bring a freshly baked blini to your table as soon as you have finished the last one. And they are really good at that. But you will most likely anyway not be able to eat more then three to four of them.

But also outside the blini time Lasipalatsi is a great place to visit. Since it's located right in the city center you have a wonderful view towards the busy Mannerheimintie while enjoy your food and drinks. Also the interior is worth mentioning. Lasipalatsi hasn't undergone any major rennovations since it was built in the 30s and has kept the functionalist idea and flair really well.

So check it out and enjoy some exceptionally good blinis.

Seurasaarenselkä in February

This is the new spot for the monthly picture. It's taken from the bridge between Lauttasaari and Kaskisaari with a view over Seurasaarenselkä.

Due to almost constant plus degrees the ice is already slowly melting here.

Let's see how it will look next month. Will the ice already be gone completely by then?

The Mexican from Shanghai

Do you already have some plans for the next days? What about a lovely dinner with delicious Mexican food?

One of the best Mexican places you can find in Helsinki is Shanghai Cowboy. Well, and as the name already suggests it's not pure Mexican but Mexican fusion kitchen with a hint of Asia.

The here has a really fresh taste and the combinations they use remind a bit of Farang and Gaijin. Still it's a completely different experience. Try e.g. their Salmon on Stone Bread which is a good started to share for two.

A wonderful main dish (also good for sharing) are the Beef Tacos. The absolute highlight from their kitchen are the Choclate and Coke Ribs. You'll love them, believe me. And don't let the name scare you away. You can check out the whole menu from their website.

Shanghai Cowboy is located at Erottaja and shares entrance and premises with Adam's. It's a rather small restaurant so get a reservation especially if you plan on coming here during the weekend.

Skating at the Olympic Stadium

Wouldn't it be cool to once skate inside the Olympic Statium in front of the ranks that are normally crowded with peope for big sports events or gigs?

This weekend you still can. Today (10:00 - 20:00), tomorrow (10:00 - 18:00) and on Sunday (10:00 - 18:00) the ice rink inside the stadium is still open for the public. The entrance fee is 3 € for adults, 1,50 € for kids and under 7 years free.

You just have to bring your own skates. They don't have a skate rental service.

Have a nice weekend!

One year ago...

Pretty much one year ago it looked like this in Helsinki. Temperatures were way below zero, the sky was clear, the sun was shining and there was a thick layer of ice on the sea.

Which weather do you prefer? Last year's or this year's?

Brooklyn's best

The Brooklyn Café in Frederikinkatu is probably one of the nicest small, cute cafés Helsinki has. And their pastry is just amazing. It's freshly made every day by the two owners and one of the best things about this wonderful place.

Did you know that it's also possible to have their gorgeous cakes, muffins, cupcakes and more also as a take away? Just a few meters up the street from the café you find the Brklyn Bakery that has all those wonderful treats for you to take home with you.

Check it out and enjoy!