Helsinki: Best places to get some work done
With more companies opting for home-office days for their staff, more people finding their way to entrepreneurship and generally way more flexibility in working for both Helsinki locals and visitors, here are the best places to get some work done in Helsinki!
*updated January 2023*
Being full-time self-employed or freelancing comes with pros and cons. Working at my own schedule and pace, wearing what I want and being where I want are my favourite perks. However, I’ve discovered at times that working from home isn’t the best option for me, especially on days when I really need to get busy – so here are some of the best places in Helsinki to get some work done.
I love spending my mornings at home, I’m slow then, and need plenty of coffee to get started. But as soon as I’m starting to try to get productive, often the fridge or the couch seem like more inviting options, so the safer way is to move somewhere else for the day.
During intense research, I’ve discovered the very best places in Helsinki to work from! Whether you’re a freelancer, visiting the city, a student or have out-days from your office, finding a good place to focus and avoid procrastination can be hard to come by, if you’re not all too acquainted. So let me help you fix that with this list of the best places to get some work done in Helsinki – always up to date!
Criteria: strong wifi and power plug availability, good coffee and snacks, general atmosphere such as mood and lighting, location.
Here are the best places in Helsinki to get some work done
Café Lasipalatsi
Mannerheimintie 22-24 – Opening hours: Mon–Tue: 8-18, Wed–Fri: 8-20, Sat: 10-20, Sun 11-18
Lasipalatsi café has always been one of my favourite places for that. I love the big windows and views out to Mannerheimintie and the trams and besides the strong, Finnish coffee there are also great breakfast and lunch offers.
Roasberg
Mikonkatu 13 – Opening hours: Mon – Thu 08.00 – 22.00, Fri 08.00 – 24.00, Sat 10.00 – 24.00, Sun 10.00 – 22.00
Located very close to the railway station, there is super easy access through various trams, busses and the metro, so that’s a plus. On top of a soup lunch, smaller options and snacks are always available. I particularly love the big windows that brighten up the place. The plug availability isn’t the greatest, so keep an eye out for that, but wifi is great – and a local favourite to get some work done in Helsinki.
Think Corner Café
Yliopistonkatu 4 – Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8–17, Sat-Sun closed
As part of the Helsinki University, many don’t know that the Think Corner Café is actually open for anybody. This place is stunning with high ceilings and stunning architecture of wood and concrete, natural light from the ceiling and most importantly – good coffee and proper wifi. Get there easily by trams 4, 5, 7, 9 or by metro to the University of Helsinki.
Oodi Library
Töölönlahdenkatu 4 – Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8-21, Sat-Sun 10-20
A library doesn’t seem like the most revolutionary choice to get some work done, but the Oodi Helsinki Central library deserves a special mention. The bright, open space is designed so that it absorbs sound, so you can have a normal conversation without disturbing anybody, the work stations are plentiful and the views magnificent. The café has lovely coffee, too.
Harju8
Harjutori 8 – Opening hours: daily 11- late
Ah the home feels! I popped in here just for a quick coffee the first time, and quickly returned for the memories of cafés in Luxembourg it brought me. Good coffee, and delightful service. Get there by metro to Sörnäinen or trams 8, 9, 6, 7, 1.
Hotel Marski by Scandic
Mannerheimintie 10
Not just one of the nicest hotels in the city, also a great spot for a meeting or to get some work done. The 7:01 café out to the front of the hotel or the cosy backside area next to the bar are very nice spots. Staff is friendly, wifi good, and if you need breakfast or a drink, you’re all set here too.
Sofia Helsinki
Sofiankatu 4 – Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9-16, Sat & Sun closed
More about Sofia Helsinki here soon – because Sofia is not only a co-working space offering day passes if you’re just dropping in. It is very inviting for a calm work session (and worry not, there’s also coffee) but also an event location, and great food options at their Restaurant. Probably the most beautiful location as well. Arrival by trams 4, 5, 7, 9 or by metro to the University of Helsinki. The Daypass includes unlimited coffee and use of the office space.
Lloyd's café & bakery
Pengerkatu 9 – Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10–18, Sat & Sun 10-16
Much loved amongst Kallio locals for many a reason: Lloyd’s café is your living room outside of your apartment and sometimes just what you need for a spark of inspiration. If the coffee won’t do it, Lloyd’s sparkling personality sure will.
Flät no 14
Viides Linja 14 – Opening hours: Mon-Tue 9-17, Wed-Sat 9-23, Sun 9-17
I’m particularly fond of their breakfast menu, from which you can select a bunch of smaller dishes that are all delicious. Lovely calm place to spend some time with good food and some work. Trams 3, 6, 7 and 9 stop right in front of the place, but the Hakaniemi metro stop is also not far.
St. George Bakery
Yrjönkatu 13 – Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat – Sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Not only is their bread amazing, but their good coffee and pastries are also great company for a little work session. Tucked under the St. George hotel, this bakery spot is probably one of my favourite little secrets to getting some work done.