Mother’s Day in Helsinki 10 May 2026 – these tips will make mum happy

It’s worth kicking off Mother’s Day already on Saturday with a staycation. After all, what could be nicer than leaving everyday life behind a day early and drifting off in a luxurious hotel bed, wrapped in a fluffy duvet and piled-high pillows.

Our pick is Pier 4, set right by the sea at Katajanokanlaituri. And pay attention when booking: make sure you get a room with a sea view, as that’s the whole point of this hotel. Also check that mum gets some time to herself to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, like the yoga and Pilates studio.

There’s a stunning rooftop terrace, and breakfast leans towards seafood to match the maritime setting. If mum’s a fan of bacon, though, she won’t find it here.

The best card is, of course, one you make yourself. But if that’s not possible for one reason or another, the next best thing can be found at Papershop on Fredrikinkatu – which also has a great selection of speciality papers if you fancy making your own.

Make sure to buy mum a present in advance! Nothing makes her feel more loved than a gift brought to bed by the whole family – followed by a big group hug.

Easier said than done, right? Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that gift hunting isn’t exactly a strength for many men. So what’s the solution?

Luckily, there’s My o My, a gift shop on the upper floor of Kämp Galleria, where you’re almost guaranteed to find something that warms the heart. A reminder to the more practically minded partners: the gift doesn’t have to be useful or perfectly spot-on. It’s the thought that counts.

You can find more great gift ideas on the page Best shops in Helsinki.

My o My has stores in Forum as well as on the second floor of Kämp Galleria.

The best brunch in Helsinki is found… over in neighbouring Vantaa, part of the capital region. Kahvitupa Laurentius sits in an idyllic setting among the wooden houses of Helsinki Parish Village, the place where Helsinki actually began. On offer are authentic Italian treats, from high-quality cured meats to melt-in-your-mouth lasagne. Brunch begins with a shared glass of sparkling wine.

Especially on Mother’s Day, it’s worth booking Kahvitupa Laurentius well in advance. If you miss out, a great alternative for breakfast is the French-style Brasserie Lionne on Pohjoisesplanadi, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Parisian film scene for a moment.

Mother’s Day is best spent doing something together as a family. The Paradox Museum is perfect for that, with playful, illusion-filled sets where you can snap fun family photos. Just remember to take turns behind the camera so mum makes it into the pictures too, rather than spending the whole time taking them.

What’s better than mum saving the day? Then again, that’s nothing new. She’s solving the family’s problems pretty much every day – it just feels a bit more heroic in an escape room.

Despite the name, escape rooms aren’t scary, but a fun way to spend time together and crack puzzles as a team. A particularly great option for the whole family is Huone in Tapiola. Check out our guide to Helsinki’s escape rooms.

Kites take to the skies above Helsinki on Mother’s Day at the Kustaanmiekka ramparts in Suomenlinna from 13–16. Organised by the Finnish Kite Association, the event has become something of a Mother’s Day tradition. Free entry.

A fail-safe way to treat mum is to take her to a spa to unwind. Helsinki’s spas offer plenty of choice, from rooftop saunas and sea pools to Asian-style day spas.

Where should you go for a treat on Mother’s Day? If you’ve got your heart set on a restaurant, it’s not entirely straightforward, as most places in Helsinki are closed on public holidays. But don’t worry – here are our picks of restaurants that are open on Sundays.