Helsinki, Finland
In stark contrast to destinations like Rome and Vienna, Helsinki is only just getting started in many ways. Though it’s been inhabited since the Ice Age, there are literally theaters in California standing today that have been around for longer than Finland has been a country. For Helsinki, this is a blessing, as the city isn’t mired in outdated policy or ritual. Instead, it exists on the forefront of European innovation, has for decades championed gender and economic equality, and no doubt earns extra points from a certain sort of person for the fact that smalltalk is famously not tolerated here.
Know Before You Go
Library City
Helsinki has the most beautiful and convenient libraries in the world. Either we are talking about modern Oodi library (the newest library in Helsinki, which was built as a gift from the Helsinki government to the citizens on Finnish Independence Day) or the National Library of Finland (the biggest and oldest scholarly library in Finland), all of the libraries are stunning and, what is more important, they are well equipped, easy to use and open for everyone. Even if you are not into reading, it is always nice to feel the library atmosphere and to walk along the book shelves.
Finnish Icons
In Helsinki you can get face-to-face with the most iconic Finnish brands. First place you should check is Marimekko stores. Literally, any Finn has at least one thing from Marimekko, it could be a piece of clothing or something for interior. Go and grab yours! It is also worth paying attention to such brands as Iittala, Arabia (there is Iittala&Arabia Design Center where you can have a guided tour, to get to know Finnish brands history and even have a look at designers’ lab where the magic happens) and Artek – Finnish furniture company founded by world famous Finnish architecture Alvar Aalto.
Sweat It Out
Helsinki has the biggest amount of public saunas; here you will definitely find a sauna to your taste. For example, it could be the oldest swimming hall in Helsinki - Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, historically and artistically noteworthy, representing a fine example of Classicism. Or maybe Kaurilan sauna, a real Finnish wood heated sauna in an authentic 19th century sauna building, which is located just 15 minutes away from the Helsinki city center. Also, it might be Löyly – design sauna, which is located just by the sea and has a wonderful sea view! And many more other saunas, as I said, you will definitely find a sauna to your taste.
Cocktail Hour
Helsinki Distillery Company (HDCO) became operational in 2014 as the first distillery in Helsinki for over a century. Once you are in Helsinki, you should try HDCO products. The best option is to go straight to Helsinki Distillery Company and to get there Distillery Tour and Tasting. But if you have no time or do not feel like tasting a lot I would, personally, recommend to try HDCO lonkero (long drink, mostly gin with soda), which all Finns drink!
Open-Air Art
Seurasaari, an outdoor museum, is located on the island with the same name to the west of Helsinki. In Seurasaari, you can find old wooden dwellings of villagers, Finnish saunas, farm buildings, mills, and religious buildings brought from all over the country.
Old Market Hall
Shopping arcade on the shores of the South Bay, located in an elegant brick building from the 19th century. Old Market Hall has served its customers since 1889. The market offers a large selection of meat, fish, seafood, bread, various pastries. It is a fairly atmospheric place with carved wooden counters, small shops and friendly vendors.
Can’t-Miss Neighborhoods
Kallio
Kallio is the perfect neighborhood for young people, who love underground bars and techno music. Here you can enjoy a cup of freshly made coffee at cute and tiny bakeries in the morning, find a pair of old school 90's Levi’s jeans at vintage second-hand in the afternoon, have a relatively cheap wine glass with a friend at alternative bars in the evening and then to go to dance to the most famous techno clubs in Helsinki – Kaikku or Post Bar.
Kalasatama/Mustikkamaa
I combine these two districts, because you can get to Mustikkamaa Island through Kalasatama neighborhood. I choose this area, because I like the combo of new modern buildings on Kalasatama side and pure and beautiful nature on Mustikkamaa side. By crossing Grandpa’s bridge (Isoisänsilta) you find yourself in the very heart of nature, despite the fact that you are only a couple of kilometers away from the city center. This area symbolizes Finland in general and how nature and modern world can live along.
Punavuori
Punavuori is an amazingly stunning district where it is just nice to walk along the streets and admire the architecture of the buildings. It is located within the trendy Design District of Helsinki, that’s why here you will find a numerous amount of museums, art galleries, local designers’ trendy stores, antique shops, theatres, and other landmarks within the art and design scene.
When to Go
Tthe best time to go to Helsinki is December, because of Christmas Market at Senate Square, stunning Christmas decorations all around the city, glögi (mulled wine) and korvapuusti (cinnamon buns).
Of course, Finland is also wonderful in the summer; everything is beautiful in Helsinki at this time, you can swim at one of the city beaches, enjoy the sun at restaurants’ terraces, go to forest for picking berries or mushrooms and on your way definitely meet Bambi, yes, this little cute reindeer from Disney cartoon, rent Mökki (Finnish countryside house) to grill, to row a boat, to fish, to go to sauna and then jump to a cold lake and feel like a Finn! Doesn’t it sound cool?!
Featured Local: Jen Kon
I’ve lived in Helsinki for almost 5 years, but let’s count just half of it, because most of the time I have been traveling and living in different cities. So, I’ve lived in Tallinn(Estonia), Budapest(Hungary), Barcelona , Ayia-Napa(Cyprus) and I’ve visited over 30 other cities. It seems I was born with passion to travel in my blood. But hey, I like not only traveling, but also sharing my experience, telling others about secrets spots I’ve found or must visit places, hidden underground bars and young artists’ urban exhibitions and many more! That’s why I work in tourism industry:) What could be better than the feeling that you’ve made someone’s trip is unforgettable, huh?!
Jen’s Must-Dos
Temppeliaukio Rock Church
Another must visit place in Helsinki is a Lutheran church, which is situated in the heart of Helsinki, at the end of Fredrikinkatu. Temppeliaukio Church was built directly into solid rock in 1969, it is also known as the Church of the Rock and Rock Church. The church has excellent acoustics, so, many concerts and orchestra performances take place here, moreover, some of them are free of charge.
Senate Square
Senate square is the main square of Helsinki, most of local activities, festivals and events take place here. During winter tourists can enjoy gloggi at Christmas market and on New Year's Eve to see beautiful fireworks in front of Helsinki Cathedral. In addition to Helsinki Cathedral guests of Helsinki can find other historical monuments by Senate Square. For example, there is the statue of Aleksandr II in front of Cathedral, on the Southside of Senate Square lies Sederholm House, the oldest building in Helsinki, which was completed in 1757. In general, this quarter is the oldest one in the city, which give an opportunity for city guests to feel the atmosphere of old Helsinki.
More of Helsinki
Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands. It is very popular destination among tourists as well as local people . During summertime it is a wonderful place to have a picnic with family members or friends by the sea. Suomenlinna can be easily reached year-round by a 15-20 minute ferry ride from the Market Square. In summer there is also a water bus running to Suomenlinna from the Esplanadi side of the Market Square. Guests of Suomenlinna can find more than 6 km of the stone walls, more than 105 of the cannons, many tunnels, there are also various cafes, restaurants, a brewery, a summer theatre, a library, a church and other attractions.
Green Hippo
Green Hippo has the best avocado sandwich in town. This is a very nice and friendly place to visit, especially during the summer when they open their terrace. They also have smoothie bowls, porridge, pancakes & chia pudding on their breakfast menu. If you are in the mood, you can switch your coffee for a mimosa. Or do both!
Esplanadi
By the sea, tourists can enjoy a picturesque park in the heart of Helsinki - Park Esplanade. It is always a good idea to come to walk here or to sit and listen to street musicians. During winter time guests of the city can enjoy hot drinks at cozy and beautiful cafes located in the park, while in summer they can drink cold beverages and take sunbathes at cafes' terraces.
