Helsinki Staycation Magic - My Ideal Urban Retreat

Planning a Helsinki staycation? Stay at Radisson Blu Seaside for cozy rooms and a superb breakfast, and enjoy hearty Finnish dishes at Salve. and enjoy 360° views from Verkkokauppa’s free rooftop observation deck. Book early to save, and bring a camera!

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Why I Fell in Love with This Helsinki Staycation

I’ve lived in Helsinki for over half of my lifetime, and I’m always looking for ways to rediscover my city like a tourist. This staycation—staying at Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, dining at the historic Salve restaurant, and visiting Verkkokauppa’s rooftop observation deck—was a wonderful 24 hours. It’s affordable, relaxing, and packed with special experiences, and I learned something new. Following is my step-by-step guide to help you plan the perfect day trip getaway, whether you are a local or a tourist.

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Checking In at Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel: A Relaxing City Getaway

Walking into Radisson Blu Seaside was a case of escaping Helsinki's hustle without moving from its heart. Located in the trendy Ruoholahti area, this 4-star hotel is waterfront and just a 10-minute tram journey away from Helsinki city centre to Länsilinkki tram stop or a 10-minute walk from Ruoholahti metro station.

These are the reasons I liked it

Rooms: The standard room was compact yet cleverly designed. It featured a comfortable bed and a window framing the harbor view, which turned every moment into a postcard.

Breakfast: The Super Breakfast buffet was a highlight for starting a new day. Think of different breads, Finnish specialties like warm Karelian pies, and other continental breakfast items. I spent an hour enjoying it!

Amenities: Although I did not use them, the hotel's gym and Finnish sauna are popular. Guests can take sauna sessions for an authentic Nordic feel.

Service: The staff was friendly and efficient. Check-in was easy and smooth since the room was prepaid, even with a short queue.

Money Saving Tip: Book through Trip.com at least 14 days in advance to get the best available price. I paid 138€/night, which is a bargain for Helsinki.

My Experience: I came in about 4 PM, and even with a few people ahead of me, my experience was smooth and easy. The accommodation was spacious enough for two people, and the bed was so comfy I slept like a baby. The best part was the breakfast buffet with lots of options. The dining area is a warm, open space perfect for enjoying your morning. One downside? The parking garage costs 29€/day, so I took the metro and tram instead to save money.

Dinner at Salve Restaurant: A Taste of Finnish Flavours

Just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, Salve has been a Helsinki institution since 1897. Its nautical vibe and legendary herring dishes make it a must-visit.

Here’s what stood out

Ambiance: The wooden interiors and maritime art (miniature ships etc.) gave it a cozy, old-school charm. I felt like I was in a sailor’s tavern.

Food: I ordered Salve skagen (9,90€) for starter and grilled arctic char, new potatoes, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce (28€) for the main course. Both dishes were so yummy - perfect Finnish comfort food. My friend got the escargots in garlic and blue cheese (18,50€) for the starter and grilled beef liver (31€) for the main course.

Drinks: Their wine (approx. 12€/glass) paired perfectly with the meal. They also have non-alcoholic beverages, like soft drinks and juices. Service: The staff was friendly but busy, so I would recommend reserving a table ahead of time, especially on weekends.

Money-Saving Tip: We skipped dessert, even though both of us have a sweet tooth. We did this because we had treats in our hotel room, which we snacked on while we watched a movie.

My Experience: Dining at Salve felt like stepping into Helsinki’s past. The starters and mains were lovely. If you want true Finnish food, this is the place! My only regret is not having the dessert and trying the Salve pancake, which I will save for next time.

Verkkokauppa’s Rooftop Observation Deck: Helsinki from Above

Verkkokauppa.com’s rooftop observation deck in Jätkäsaari is one of Helsinki’s hidden gems, and the best part: it’s free! A 15-minute walk from the hotel, this electronics store’s roof offers 360° views of the city and harbor.

Here’s why I loved it

Views: I saw a panoramic view of Helsinki and the Baltic Sea. I was also interested in something special: a MiG-21 interceptor fighter! This fighter was used by the Finnish Air Force until 1998. It will interest little boys and anyone who likes military equipment or aviation.

Access: Take the elevator to the 7th floor. It’s open during the shop's opening hours from 1. April till 22. November, and there’s no ticket needed.

Vibe: It’s low-key, just walk around the roof and enjoy the view and the MiG-21 fighter.

Tip: Do it on a sunny day or sunset for optimal light, and bring a jacket in case it becomes windy!

My Experience: It took me around 15 minutes, snapping photos and recognizing landmarks. It was as if a hidden place that some of the locals are unaware of. At least, I didn't know about the observation deck. The only downside was the weather as it was cloudy.

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Planning Your Staycation: Tips to Save Time and Money

The following is how I made this staycation convenient and budget-friendly:

Timing: Book a Sunday-Monday or Monday-Tuesday stay to avoid weekend crowds and get cheaper hotel rates.

Transport: Use Helsinki’s trams and metro (buy a €9 day pass) instead of taxis. The hotel is 120 meters from Länsilinkki tram stop. From Ruoholahti metro station, it takes just a 10-minute walk.

Reservations: Book Salve at least 3 days in advance via their website. The observation deck doesn’t need booking at all.

Packing: Pack comfortable walking shoes and a refillable water bottle to cut back on beverages.

Total Cost: This two-person staycation costs approximately €270, which includes €138 for the hotel, €112 for dinner, and €9/person for tram and metro tickets.

Why This Staycation Stands Out

Unlike generic Helsinki itineraries, this staycation for two is hyper-local and affordable. Radisson Blu Seaside offers Nordic comfort, Salve delivers authentic Finnish flavors, and Verkkokauppa’s deck is a free, unique spot to visit. I have done this itinerary myself and it is perfect for couples, singles, or friends looking for a short getaway.

Conclusion

This Helsinki staycation made me understand that sometimes you can have an excellent holiday without the need to travel far. I hope this itinerary helps you to plan a Helsinki staycation! If you enjoyed this guide, consider subscribing to my Substack for more travel tips or buying me a Finnish coffee to keep the adventures coming!