CityBuddy
Oodi Central Library (Oodi)
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings when study areas are quiet and natural light fills the main hall. Evenings and weekends are best for concerts and special events.
Budget tips
Free entry to all public areas; many exhibitions and workshops are free, while specialized maker studio sessions and equipment rentals carry a fee, so book online for discounts.
Recommended for
Architecture lovers, Families with children, Remote workers and students, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Walk in and you’re greeted by a warm, wood-lined hall where natural light ripples off a dramatic roof, people lounge on stair-like seating, and the mix of conversation, coffee and keyboard clicks feels as integral as the books. Beyond the stacks a makerspace bristles with 3D printers, a recording studio and workshop tools, so you can borrow a novel, build a prototype and record a podcast all in one visit.
Highlights: On the third floor there’s a warm, wood-lined living-room style space with floor-to-ceiling glass where you can smell fresh espresso and hear the low whirr of 3D printers in the makerspace below, the building opened in December 2018 and spans about 17,000 square meters. A quirky local habit is to bring homemade cinnamon buns to the long communal tables after weekend story hours, and you can even book a recording studio or print a tiny 3D souvenir on the spot to take home.
Insider tips
- Arrive early on weekdays to photograph the main stairwell and claim a quiet study spot.
- Wear comfortable shoes, the building covers several floors and the rooftop terrace often has a breeze.
- Check the event calendar in advance and reserve workshop slots, popular sessions fill up fast.
- Grab coffee from the ground-floor café and take it to the windows for city views.
Where to Stay in Helsinki
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in HelsinkiPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Helsinki, Finland, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
