For the past five years, The World Happiness Report singled out Finland as the happiest country on the planet; and recently, in the prestigious NUMBEO Quality of Life European City Index, Finland’s capital city, Helsinki, received a ranking of 14th-best city out of 267 European cities chosen for their quality of life. All of Helsinki’s neighborhoods are safe and filled with lovely food and drink venues; interesting boutique shops; and lots of walking, running and biking trails to suit the Finns’ love of year-round exercise, from warm summer days to the snowy months of winter.
Many neighborhoods lie within proximity of downtown Helsinki. A short tram ride takes you from the city center to Kallio, known for its bohemian atmosphere, while Suomenlinna, a small island neighborhood of about 800 residents, still manages to support a hospital, library, school and regular ferry service to the mainland.
One of the nicest neighborhoods close to downtown Helsinki is Töölö (pronounced too-low), large enough to contain two sections: Taka and Etu-Töölö. Töölö contains several important buildings, including Parliament House (in Etu-Töölö), and tourist sites such as Temppeliaukio Church (also called Rock Church), known for its unique location carved into solid rock. Visitors also enjoy Töölö’s architecture, from historical wooden homes and farmhouses to the wonderful modernist architecture designed by Finland’s Alvar Aalto (1898–1976), especially in the Töölönlahti Bay area. Outi Pulkkinen, like many residents who grew up in Töölö, considers her neighborhood the best place to live in Helsinki.

Helsinki City Museum © Jussi Hellsten for City of Helsinki
“The seashore was close to my house and just a few blocks from Mannerheimintie, the main road to downtown Helsinki,” said
Pulkkinen. “There is also the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, a public park for kids and adults to walk, run or swim. Another good swimming spot is Hietaniemen Uimarant, a small beach close to Cafe Regatta, a café built in 1887 on Töölönlahti Bay with the best coffee, hot chocolate and cinnamon buns. I love walking from the café to Sibelius Park with its monument dedicated to Jean Sibelius, Finland’s most famous composer.”
Visitors to Töölö who want to keep up with the energetic Finns will find several branches of the gym chain Forever Töölö as well as numerous cycling routes in central Helsinki and Töölö. Fitness aficionados will appreciate the deluxe Crowne Plaza Helsinki, an IHG Hotel, located in Töölö at 50 Mannerheimintie. A standard king room for two people in April starts at $165 per night and includes breakfastas well as the use of the gym, swimming pool and sauna in the ground-floor Forever Töölö Fitness Club.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 23, 2025Up Your RV Game with All-Electric Luxury RV, New Gear
If you’re chomping at the bit to head into the wilderness and set up camp, we’re with you. For a dose of luxury, enjoy an off-grid adventure for up to seven days with the new Pebble Flow. With a sleek, aerodynamic futuristic profile, the Pebble Flow also boasts a dual-motor Active Tow Assist System to allow for pulling with an electric vehicle. Features include lightweight composite and sustainable materials; panoramic windows with a 270-degree view; convertible furnishings; and a modern, minimalist design aesthetic. The chef-inspired kitchen, silent HVAC system and spa bathroom provide travel comfort, and nature-inspired colors including Sky, Fern, Poppy and Sand add to the overall sense of serenity. Bonus: The Pebble Flow can sight, align and hitch all on its own, while The Pebble App and dual-motor drivetrain let you maneuver, reverse, park and position with ease.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
May 2025
May 23, 2025Relax, Rejuvenate and Heal at StolenTime
At the namesake luxury, 5-star all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, the concept of “stolen time” used to be reserved for couples escaping to canoodle, reconnect and perhaps rekindle in sumptuous accommodations during a romantic getaway on the lush Caribbean island. But when StolenTime by Rendezvous rebranded in late 2022 to welcome all adult guests and focus more on wellness, the philosophy expanded to encompass self-reflection, personal growth and enrichment. After all, time is our most precious commodity, one that’s finite and too quickly slips through our grasp; we need to find those moments that matter and make them count.
Daily
May 23, 20254 High-Altitude Hotels for Summer Travel
Travelers looking for a summer escape with less crowds and cooler temps should consider a visit to these four hotels in high-altitude destinations.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
May 23, 2025First Zetter Hotel in 10 Years to Open in London’s Bloomsbury Neighborhood
In early 2026, Zetter Hotels opens its first hotel in 10 years in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood. The Zetter Bloomsbury will bring Georgian charm and elegance to life across its design-forward guestrooms and suites.
Hotel Nice Beau Rivage Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 21, 2025eFlyer News
May 21, 2025Raffles Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Mexico in 2029
Raffles Hotels & Resorts will debut in Mexico with Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences in 2029, marking the hotel brand’s entrance in North America. Set to occupy a stretch of unspoiled beachfront in Los Cabos’ East Cape community, which extends from San José del Cabo to Los Barriles, the resort and residences will feature 60 guestrooms and 46 branded residences in the first development phase.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
eFlyer Deals
May 21, 2025Celebrity Cruises Launches Limited-Time Sale
Celebrity Cruises’ Spring Sale is a can’t-miss. For travel now until June 2, save up to 75 percent on the second guest and get an additional $400 off per sailing.
ShareThis