Paula’s guidebook to Helsinki
Naapurustot
Helsinki offers an ideal place to get to know Finnish design and to buy top-class Finnish design products. Located in the centre of Helsinki, the Design District Helsinki is an area full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, trend-setters and so much more.
The Design District Helsinki plays a large role in boosting Helsinki’s reputation as a city of design. It’s a cluster of creative businesses and it’s a neighbourhood association that offers residents and visitors shopping, dining, accommodation and experiences. The Design District comprises over 200 members.
Design District Helsinki is a neighbourhood and a state of mind. It is 25 streets and 200 spots on a map from shops to galleries and from design studios to design hotels. It is creativity, uniqueness, experiences, design and Finnish urban culture.
8 locals recommend
Design District
Helsinki offers an ideal place to get to know Finnish design and to buy top-class Finnish design products. Located in the centre of Helsinki, the Design District Helsinki is an area full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, trend-setters and so much more.
The Design District Helsinki plays a large role in boosting Helsinki’s reputation as a city of design. It’s a cluster of creative businesses and it’s a neighbourhood association that offers residents and visitors shopping, dining, accommodation and experiences. The Design District comprises over 200 members.
Design District Helsinki is a neighbourhood and a state of mind. It is 25 streets and 200 spots on a map from shops to galleries and from design studios to design hotels. It is creativity, uniqueness, experiences, design and Finnish urban culture.
Kaivopuisto
Nähtävyydet
Asunnossani Korkeavuorenkadulla olet kävelymatkan päässä Helsingin parhaisiin nähtävyyksiin, kaupunki avautuu ympärilläsi koko loistossaan!
Market Square
EtelärantaDuring December, until 21.12 there will be a Christmas market on Senate square. Enjoy some glögi/mulled wine and browse in the kiosks selling Finnish handicrafts and Christmas goodies.
Senaatintori, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
During December, until 21.12 there will be a Christmas market on Senate square. Enjoy some glögi/mulled wine and browse in the kiosks selling Finnish handicrafts and Christmas goodies.
Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
32 EsplanadiMuseums
There is a great exhibition of the first Finnish female architect, Wivi Lönn running until early 2023. This museum is next door to the Design museum. You can buy one entry to both museums.
16 locals recommend
Museum of Finnish Architecture (Arkkitehtuurimuseo)
24 KasarmikatuThere is a great exhibition of the first Finnish female architect, Wivi Lönn running until early 2023. This museum is next door to the Design museum. You can buy one entry to both museums.
Design Museum Helsinki
23 KorkeavuorenkatuGlimpse through decades of Finnish design, and you’ll be surprised how many internationally known names and familiar design objects you will find in the permanent collection. You’ll find the changing exhibitions in https://www.designmuseum.fi/en/
There is a nice museum store and a restocafe that serves a soup and salad lunch and is a great place for your afternoon coffee.
149 locals recommend
Design Museum Helsinki
23 KorkeavuorenkatuGlimpse through decades of Finnish design, and you’ll be surprised how many internationally known names and familiar design objects you will find in the permanent collection. You’ll find the changing exhibitions in https://www.designmuseum.fi/en/
There is a nice museum store and a restocafe that serves a soup and salad lunch and is a great place for your afternoon coffee.
The National Museum of Finland
34 Mannerheimintie
Amos Rex
22-24 MannerheimintieMuseum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
2 MannerheiminaukioKunsthalle Helsinki
3 NervanderinkatuFood scene
All the restaurants I recommend here are within walking distance from the apartment. Some require an advance booking. You can find them from tableonline.fi or DinnerBooking.fi
In the summer months, many of the restaurants have a summer terrace for your outdoor dining experience.
Ravintola Vinkkeli
8 Pieni RoobertinkatuPurpur
4 RikhardinkatuRestaurant Ask
8 VironkatuDemo
9-11 UudenmaankatuSpis
26 KasarmikatuOsteria & Caffé Ventuno
21 KorkeavuorenkatuMaxill
4 KorkeavuorenkatuGastrogrill Muré
17 PohjoisesplanadiAll vegetarian restaurant Magu, innovative menu and nice atmosphere in the restaurant which has two rooms in the back, so it is much more than what you see to the street
Magu
27 KorkeavuorenkatuAll vegetarian restaurant Magu, innovative menu and nice atmosphere in the restaurant which has two rooms in the back, so it is much more than what you see to the street
Green Hippo Café
2 PunavuorenkatuAn all vegetarian restaurant close to Korkeavuorenkatu, casual and very popular
47 locals recommend
Yes Yes Yes
1 Iso RoobertinkatuAn all vegetarian restaurant close to Korkeavuorenkatu, casual and very popular
Ragu
3-5 LudviginkatuThe Cock
17 FabianinkatuPAISANO
45 KorkeavuorenkatuBronda
20 EteläesplanadiRestaurant Alexanderplats
22 EteläesplanadiResturant Teatern
2 PohjoisesplanadiBoon Nam
4 LönnrotinkatuSkiffer Erottaja
11 ErottajankatuCafé Bar No 9
9 UudenmaankatuCapperi - Rikhardinkatu
2 RikhardinkatuBest pizzas around the corner from Korkeavuorenkatu
Restaurant Gillet Bar & Bistro
Boulevard Bar & Seafood
Restaurant Ora
Ravintola Emo
Café Savoy
Strindberg
33 PohjoisesplanadiBistro Bardot
Cafés
Espresso House Iso Roba
Ekberg 1852 Ltd
9 BulevardiKaffa Roastery
29 PursimiehenkatuTraveler advice
Getting around
Helsinki yellow citybikes for tourists and locals alike
Citybikes have been a great way to see the city since 2016. They are yellow and sponsored by supermarket chain Alepa. The closest stations are to be found at Etelä-Esplanadi (3 locations) or Kasarmitori.
Here are instructions for visitors on how to register and use them for a small fee. Enjoy and drive safely!
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/quick-guide-city-bikes
Traveling with kids
Travel free with a stroller in trams and buses
The person traveling with a stroller and a baby/toddler can enter the trams and buses through the central entrance and can travel for free.