A Treasure Hunt Through Time at Helsinki’s Iittala & Arabia Design Centre

A view of a copper-colored wall with shelves installed all over it, on which various designs of cups and saucers are neatly arranged.

The Highlight of My Helsinki Journey: The Iittala & Arabia Design Centre Underneath a clear Helsinki sky, the morning air was crisp. I was still basking in the afterglow of yesterday’s inspiring visit to the Marimekko headquarters and its delightful Maritori canteen. Today, however, a new design pilgrimage awaited. I boarded a tram, my destination Continue reading “A Treasure Hunt Through Time at Helsinki’s Iittala & Arabia Design Centre”

The Ultimate Marimekko Helsinki Lunch: A Food Lover’s Guide to the Maritori Canteen

A complete meal on a tray: beef curry and rice, chicken and vegetable salad, bread, watermelon, soup, strawberry cheesecake, and coffee, served on Marimekko-style dishes.

A Culinary Journey into the Heart of Finnish Design at the Marimekko Canteen To walk through Helsinki is to immerse oneself in a world where everything—the hue of the sky, the clean lines of the architecture, the very air people carry themselves in—feels like a deliberate piece of a grand design. For me, CityNomix, someone Continue reading “The Ultimate Marimekko Helsinki Lunch: A Food Lover’s Guide to the Maritori Canteen”

My Unforgettable Trip to the Marimekko Outlet in Helsinki: A Guide to Massive Savings

The exterior of the Marimekko outlet store. A red sign announcing a sale stands in front of the modern building's entrance.

Braving the Helsinki Heat for a Marimekko Pilgrimage A journey into the heart of Finnish design. For me, CityNomix, the top destination on my list has always been the Marimekko headquarters in Helsinki. On July 24, 2025, amidst a record-breaking heatwave, the trek to this hallowed ground was a trial by fire. But what awaited Continue reading “My Unforgettable Trip to the Marimekko Outlet in Helsinki: A Guide to Massive Savings”

Lapland Hotels Bulevardi Breakfast: The Ultimate Helsinki Morning Experience (A Photomo Review)

A hotel breakfast buffet. Various types of bread in baskets, pastries, colorful dips, and butter are beautifully arranged on a wooden table.

A Helsinki Morning Ritual: The Serenity and Flavor of the Lapland Hotels Bulevardi Breakfast Mornings on the road hold a unique magic. There’s the foreign light filtering through the window, the quiet hum of a city stirring to life, and the palpable anticipation of a day of discovery. As CityNomix, my mission for Photomo is Continue reading “Lapland Hotels Bulevardi Breakfast: The Ultimate Helsinki Morning Experience (A Photomo Review)”

The Ultimate Helsinki Souvenir Guide: Why a Local Supermarket is Your Secret Weapon

An assortment of Fazer chocolates from Finland, including blue boxes of Karl Fazer in milk chocolate, raspberry yoghurt, and blueberry truffle flavors, alongside silver boxes and bars of Fazermint and other Karl Fazer bars, all laid out on a white surface.

Finding the Perfect Helsinki Souvenir in the Heart of the City The gentle afternoon light was fading as I finished my coffee at Café Engel, with the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral standing sentinel outside. A quiet moment of reflection confirmed that my time in this beautiful city was drawing to a close. With just a few Continue reading “The Ultimate Helsinki Souvenir Guide: Why a Local Supermarket is Your Secret Weapon”

Cafe Engel Helsinki: The Ultimate Guide to Views, Salmon Soup, and Craft Beer

View from the window of Cafe Engel showing the Helsinki Cathedral under renovation, located in Senate Square.

An Encounter with History in the Heart of Helsinki: Finding Cafe Engel Stepping out from the serene, intellectual sanctuary of the National Library of Finland, the crisp Helsinki air feels wonderfully refreshing. With my mind buzzing from the architectural marvels I’d just witnessed, my next destination was a feast for the senses: Cafe Engel Helsinki, Continue reading “Cafe Engel Helsinki: The Ultimate Guide to Views, Salmon Soup, and Craft Beer”

A Cathedral of Books: Discovering the Breathtaking National Finland Library

An upward view of the magnificent interior of the National Library of Finland, showcasing its ornate domed ceiling with frescoes, arches, and balconies lined with bookshelves.

An Unexpected Turn in Helsinki Led to an Unforgettable Library Experience Sometimes, the best parts of travel are the detours. On a clear summer morning in Helsinki, after a delightful breakfast at Hotel St. George, I set off for the Hakaniemi Market Hall, full of anticipation. However, my excitement quickly faded. I was too early. Continue reading “A Cathedral of Books: Discovering the Breathtaking National Finland Library”

St. George Helsinki Breakfast Review: An Artistic Buffet Worth Waking Up For

A breakfast buffet laid out in a hotel restaurant. On a long wooden table, a variety of colorful cold dishes such as salads, fruits, cheeses, and hams are arranged. A bar counter is visible in the background.

A Helsinki Morning of Light and Serenity, Beginning at Hotel St. George The Helsinki morning arrives in a wash of clear light and profound silence. Yesterday was a day of intellectual pursuits, savoring a bilberry tart at the iconic CAFE AALTO inside the Academic Bookstore and searching for Moomins at the Stockmann department store. Still Continue reading “St. George Helsinki Breakfast Review: An Artistic Buffet Worth Waking Up For”

Stockmann Helsinki Moomin Guide: A Journey Through Adorable Souvenirs and the 80th Anniversary Exhibition

The exterior of the Stockmann department store in Helsinki. A giant, white, inflatable Moomin is sitting behind the large 'STOCKMANN' sign on the brick building's facade.

Entering the Moomin Universe at Stockmann, the Heart of Helsinki Walking under the clear blue sky of a Helsinki summer is an experience that enriches the soul. After indulging in a delightful bilberry tart, a true taste of the Finnish forest, at CAFE AALTO inside the Academic Bookstore, my feet naturally led me to the Continue reading “Stockmann Helsinki Moomin Guide: A Journey Through Adorable Souvenirs and the 80th Anniversary Exhibition”

An Unforgettable Taste of Helsinki: My Experience with the Cafe Aalto Bilberry Tart

The spacious interior of Cafe Aalto, located inside the Academic Bookstore. The cafe's name is displayed in golden letters on a marble wall, and numerous brass pendant lights hang from the ceiling. Black chairs and tables are arranged, with a few customers relaxing.

Savoring the Unforgettable Cafe Aalto Bilberry Tart, Embraced by Light and Literature Leaving the bustle of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport behind, I glided into the city center in an Uber. After checking into the St. George Hotel, my base for this journey, I noticed the light outside was still as bright as midday. The clock read 6:30 Continue reading “An Unforgettable Taste of Helsinki: My Experience with the Cafe Aalto Bilberry Tart”