Summer courtyards (= napping spots) in central Helsinki

You can find the updated version of the summer courtyard article here.

Article first published on 22.5.2018

On a warm summer day, Helsinki’s parks are wonderful places to spend time. In addition to parks, Helsinki has many different summer courtyards where you can take a break in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle or even catch a short nap. Pienellä Helsingki’s list shows the summer courtyards found around the city and encourages you to explore the city through inner courtyards and behind stone walls. Tips updated with 2019 information.

National Museum's inner courtyard

The National Museum's summer courtyard is a secret oasis in the middle of Helsinki: behind the museum, behind sturdy stone walls, is a lush summer paradise where you can take a break in the middle of the city's hustle and bustle, admire trees, flowers and a vegetable garden, nap in a stroller or even enjoy a picnic. An incredibly wonderful place that is easy to overlook. Read more: National Museum

[caption id=“attachment_4343” align=“aligncenter” width=“1024”] The National Museum’s summer courtyard surprises.[/caption]

Riku's summer courtyard

On the inner courtyard of Rikhardinkatu Library, a summer paradise opens on Helsinki Day, June 12, 2019. In previous years, events have been held here, people have danced, read, played, crafted and enjoyed the summer. More information about this year's program coming soon. Read more: Riku's summer courtyard

Tori Courtyards Central Park

The Tori Courtyards summer courtyard is located in the City Hall inner courtyard (Sofiankatu 1-3/Katariinankatu 2). On the sheltered courtyard there is a sandbox and sand toys, a hammock, benches, flower plantings, an herb garden and a nice atmosphere. On the courtyard you can enjoy picnics, play, take a break and just relax away from the bustle of the surrounding city. Around the summer courtyard you'll find several restaurants and, for example, the City Hall restaurant terrace, where you can enjoy lunch while children play or nap. Read more: Tori Courtyards

[caption id=“attachment_60” align=“aligncenter” width=“828”] Tori Courtyards summer courtyard.[/caption]

Annantalo's summer courtyard

Annantalo in central Helsinki offers programs, relaxed activities and things to do in the cultural center's courtyard during the summer months for children and young people. In the back courtyard you'll find A•lava, where in summer 2019 there are, for example, music classes, concerts, urban dances and other performances. In summer 2019, a community garden also grows on the courtyard, and everyone can participate in maintaining it. Annantalo's café is the city's most child-friendly Skidilä (unfortunately closed in July). Read more: Annantalo

Teurastamo's summer courtyard

On the Teurastamo courtyard you can lounge in hammocks and sun loungers, grill on a public grill with, for example, picnic food, enjoy and relax. Various businesses operate in the courtyard area, including the Jädeliino ice cream factory and Teurastamo restaurant. Read more: Teurastamo area

Also remember: Good parks in Helsinki with children can be found in the Helsinki places article.