Gay Helsinki Helsinki City Guide City Guides > Finland > Gay Helsinki Helsinki Curation by Jamie McGhee, words by Ian PackhamDespite occupying a stunning location on the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is often overlooked in favour of better-known Baltic capitals such as Stockholm and Tallinn. But short of being the dull capital that might be implied by its moniker ‘white city of the north’ – which stems from the light-coloured granite favoured as a building material – Helsinki is actually one of Europe’s hottest destinations. An impressive architectural history blends with richly-stocked boutiques and innovative galleries in a country ranked one of the best in the world for being gay. Rainbow flags welcome people to most of the capital’s shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, where same-sex relationships are accepted as a part of life and gay marriage has been recognised since 2017. Here’s our Helsinki gay city guide. Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design The best hotels in HelsinkiIts luxurious suites may recall the wilds of Finland’s far north, with beds crowned by deer antlers and chairs draped in the softest of reindeer skins. However, Lapland Hotels Bulevardi lies not in the north but at the heart of the capital, just a short distance from the modern art museum and other significant Helsinki points of interest. The atmospheric suites combine the best of contemporary Finnish design with long-held national customs – the on-site sauna is open daily, while private versions are included in larger suites. Located nearby in the Design District is Hotel Lilla Roberts. Set within a fine example of the country’s National Romanticism architectural movement, the public spaces and rooms bubble with personality, decorated with attractive print art and numerous quirky touches that bring soul to the monochrome interiors.The five-storey Hotel Fabian has a tranquil setting, yet is just five minutes on foot from the busy cafes of Market Square. Its chic rooms are bathed in natural light, as is the planted interior courtyard, which guests are welcome to enjoy throughout the day. The hidden courtyard at Hotel F6 can be found just off the Esplanade; part major thoroughfare, part urban park, it is an equally short stroll from Market Square. Its rooms are elegantly decorated in natural colours enhanced by black and gold accents, giving each space a unique cosiness. The hotel’s Runar bar is equally full of joie de vivre, whether a fruit juice or a craft beer is your tipple of choice. Atmospheric stays continue across the bridge to the distinguished residential area of Katajanokka Island, just a short tram ride from Market Square and the city centre. Hotel Katajanokka is housed within an early nineteenth-century prison, as its quirky passageways and thick walls soon testify. However, its rooms are anything but institutional, with a richly-textured décor that is a far cry from the building’s origins as a correctional facility. Photo: Toa Heftiba Photo: Tapio HaajaThank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the Book Explore more Enjoy the best of gay Argentina: from vibrant towns to the most amazing national parksWhatever you’re looking for, Argentina will take you there via the scenic route, surprising you along the way with flavoursome cuisine, immense natural wonders and modern culture mingled with unique European and indigenous heritage. Read story > The ultimate California road trip - how to plan your dream California vacationCalifornia road trips are a bucket list experience. The trustworthy weather makes it a joy to explore the state’s cities and national parks. Make the most of your trip to California with this drive from San Diego to San Francisco, that includes Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Big Sur and the National Parks. Read story > 10 days Kenya itinerary: the very best of a trip to wild and gay KenyaAfter landing on urban treasures in Nairobi, take a Jeep ride across the savannah in the company of Kenya’s unrivalled wildlife. From there, go coastal in the nation’s underrated beach towns and outlying islands for a taste of Swahili culture amidst ancient UNESCO-listed settlements. Read story > Subscribe to our newsletterYou can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Sign up for exclusive insider promotions SIGN UP