Guidebook for Helsinki
Food Scene
Skiffer is something special. It's a restaurant that sits on an island off the Eira shoreline, so you need to take a ferry or a small boat to reach it. They serve special pizzas that they call liuskas. Warning to anyone interested - they're only open during summer months!
36 locals recommend
Ravintola Skiffer Liuskaluoto
Skiffer is something special. It's a restaurant that sits on an island off the Eira shoreline, so you need to take a ferry or a small boat to reach it. They serve special pizzas that they call liuskas. Warning to anyone interested - they're only open during summer months!
Putte's is a nice pizza place with a very active fanbase. They serve a small selection of artisanal pizzas and their cellar often hosts music events.
71 locals recommend
Putte's Bar and Pizza
6 KalevankatuPutte's is a nice pizza place with a very active fanbase. They serve a small selection of artisanal pizzas and their cellar often hosts music events.
Patrona is one of the original authentic Mexican food restaurants in Helsinki, a genre that has grown a lot lately. Since opening it has moved more towards fine dining, so it can be a little pricey, but it's still worth it. After all these years they manage to still stay consistently fully-booked, which is a testament to their originality.
9 locals recommend
Patrona Modern Mexican Kitchen
20 AnnankatuPatrona is one of the original authentic Mexican food restaurants in Helsinki, a genre that has grown a lot lately. Since opening it has moved more towards fine dining, so it can be a little pricey, but it's still worth it. After all these years they manage to still stay consistently fully-booked, which is a testament to their originality.
Mattolaituri is one of the newer additions to the shoreline and represents a more modern outlook. It sits in front of a historic carpet washing peer, where it also gets its name.
70 locals recommend
Kaivopuiston Mattolaituri Oy
3 A EhrenströmintieMattolaituri is one of the newer additions to the shoreline and represents a more modern outlook. It sits in front of a historic carpet washing peer, where it also gets its name.
Kabuki is one of Helsinki's oldest traditional Japanese restaurants and provides a lot more than just plain sushi. The owners are huge hockey fans, so don't be put off by the paraphernalia on the walls.
24 locals recommend
Kabuki
12 LapinlahdenkatuKabuki is one of Helsinki's oldest traditional Japanese restaurants and provides a lot more than just plain sushi. The owners are huge hockey fans, so don't be put off by the paraphernalia on the walls.
Cafe Ursula is a famous cafe right on the waterfront next to Kaivopuisto park. It's very cozy and pretty spacious, so you'll fit right in.
56 locals recommend
Café Ursula
3 EhrenströmintieCafe Ursula is a famous cafe right on the waterfront next to Kaivopuisto park. It's very cozy and pretty spacious, so you'll fit right in.
Cafe Carusel is an iconic cafe in the Eira district sat in the midst of great ocean scenery. It's really busy, but very spacious so it's easy to find seating. It's also a perfect place to work remotely, since they provide free Internet and a calm surrounding.
71 locals recommend
Cafe Carusel
10 MerisatamanrantaCafe Carusel is an iconic cafe in the Eira district sat in the midst of great ocean scenery. It's really busy, but very spacious so it's easy to find seating. It's also a perfect place to work remotely, since they provide free Internet and a calm surrounding.
Alfons' is one of the best pizza joints in Helsinki. It's very stylish and relaxed, and a great place to hang out. The dough is made from a mixture of organic wheat and spelt.
22 locals recommend
Alfons' Pizza
35 VuorimiehenkatuAlfons' is one of the best pizza joints in Helsinki. It's very stylish and relaxed, and a great place to hang out. The dough is made from a mixture of organic wheat and spelt.
Drinks & Nightlife
Steam is a brand-new alternative bar with a heavy emphasis on the steam punk aesthetic. Even if you're not that into bars, it might be interesting to check out only to see the interior.
14 locals recommend
Steam Hellsinki
1 OlavinkatuSteam is a brand-new alternative bar with a heavy emphasis on the steam punk aesthetic. Even if you're not that into bars, it might be interesting to check out only to see the interior.
Nosturi is one of Helsinki's most iconic gig venues. It's definitely worth checking out if only for the industrial backdrop.
7 locals recommend
Nosturi
8 TelakkakatuNosturi is one of Helsinki's most iconic gig venues. It's definitely worth checking out if only for the industrial backdrop.
Parks & Nature
Sinebrychoff Park, also known as Koffari, is a nice park with an incline. During the winter people go there to sled the hill, while in the summer it's always full of youths and young families taking in the sun.
35 locals recommend
Sinebrychoff Park
SinebrychoffinkatuSinebrychoff Park, also known as Koffari, is a nice park with an incline. During the winter people go there to sled the hill, while in the summer it's always full of youths and young families taking in the sun.
Ruttopuisto, namely Plague Park, is one of the most central parks in the city. It's a common hangout for young people during the summer and the adjoined church is host to a lot of weddings. The name comes from the fact that it's also a cemetary memorializing victims of the plague.
9 locals recommend
Old Church Park
BulevardiRuttopuisto, namely Plague Park, is one of the most central parks in the city. It's a common hangout for young people during the summer and the adjoined church is host to a lot of weddings. The name comes from the fact that it's also a cemetary memorializing victims of the plague.
Observatory Hill is a calm park with high elevation. You can see the Kauppatori shoreline from the top as well as half the city. It's a perfect place for a stroll.
27 locals recommend
Observatory Hill Park
Observatory Hill is a calm park with high elevation. You can see the Kauppatori shoreline from the top as well as half the city. It's a perfect place for a stroll.
Kaivopuisto is perhaps the most famous park in the city. It sits right at the shore and presents amazing views towards the sea. It's very much worth a visit, especially if it's sunny out.
8 locals recommend
Kaivopuiston tähtitorni
1 EhrenströmintieKaivopuisto is perhaps the most famous park in the city. It sits right at the shore and presents amazing views towards the sea. It's very much worth a visit, especially if it's sunny out.
Esplanadi is going to be difficult to miss if you're a tourist in the city. It's a long park in the middle of the city, surrounded by all the fancy shopping sites. It's always bustling with people and a venue for interesting events.
103 locals recommend
Esplanade
PohjoisesplanadiEsplanadi is going to be difficult to miss if you're a tourist in the city. It's a long park in the middle of the city, surrounded by all the fancy shopping sites. It's always bustling with people and a venue for interesting events.
Shopping
Stockmann is the most iconic and famous shopping mall we have in the country. It's housed in a multi-story building in the center of the city and is a clear mainstay of city life. They sell a wide range of things, but are known to stock various luxury goods unavailable otherwise.
256 locals recommend
Stockmann Helsingin keskusta
52 AleksanterinkatuStockmann is the most iconic and famous shopping mall we have in the country. It's housed in a multi-story building in the center of the city and is a clear mainstay of city life. They sell a wide range of things, but are known to stock various luxury goods unavailable otherwise.
Signora Delizia is a small shop and cafe that sells imported Italian groceries. During the summer they take over the kiosk right opposite the shop to serve authentic Italian gelato. Tucked in all the way in Katajanokka, it's well worth a visit.
11 locals recommend
Signora Delizia
5 SatamakatuSignora Delizia is a small shop and cafe that sells imported Italian groceries. During the summer they take over the kiosk right opposite the shop to serve authentic Italian gelato. Tucked in all the way in Katajanokka, it's well worth a visit.
The Old Market Hall is a historic market on the eastern shore of central Helsinki. A variety of small shops sell great-quality goods, and mainly food items. It's very active and bustling all through the year.
30 locals recommend
Covered Market
The Old Market Hall is a historic market on the eastern shore of central Helsinki. A variety of small shops sell great-quality goods, and mainly food items. It's very active and bustling all through the year.
Kannisto Bakery is a small store that sells baked goods in Punavuori. It's worth checking them out if you feel the need to brush up on some danish.
64 locals recommend
Kanniston leipomo
6 KankurinkatuKannisto Bakery is a small store that sells baked goods in Punavuori. It's worth checking them out if you feel the need to brush up on some danish.
Hietalahti Market Hall is a small shops market at the shore-end of Bulevardi. It's filled with independent shops, and it's also home to magnificent Roslund Burger and Street Gastro.
57 locals recommend
Hietalahti Market
34 LönnrotinkatuHietalahti Market Hall is a small shops market at the shore-end of Bulevardi. It's filled with independent shops, and it's also home to magnificent Roslund Burger and Street Gastro.
Getting Around
West Terminal is a harbor on the west side of town for cruise ships and with them incoming tourists. The terminal mainly serves ships going to and from Tallinn, Estonia.
18 locals recommend
West Terminal 2
14 TyynenmerenkatuWest Terminal is a harbor on the west side of town for cruise ships and with them incoming tourists. The terminal mainly serves ships going to and from Tallinn, Estonia.
Olympia Terminal is a harbor on the east side of the city that services mostly ships travelling to and from Stockholm, Sweden.
7 locals recommend
Olympia Terminal
Olympia Terminal is a harbor on the east side of the city that services mostly ships travelling to and from Stockholm, Sweden.
Kamppi Bus Terminal is a station in and around Kamppi shopping center, right in the middle of the city. The station mainly connects passengers to busses traveling all over the metropolitan area and beyond, but you can also use it to catch the metro.
29 locals recommend
Kampen (fjärrtrafikterminalen)
Kamppi Bus Terminal is a station in and around Kamppi shopping center, right in the middle of the city. The station mainly connects passengers to busses traveling all over the metropolitan area and beyond, but you can also use it to catch the metro.
The Central Railway Station is the hub for all train activity in the city, as well as some buses. It's the likely end-point if you're arriving from the airport using public transport. It's right smack in the center of the city and connects to all other transportation, such as trams, buses and the metro.
98 locals recommend
Rautatieasema station
The Central Railway Station is the hub for all train activity in the city, as well as some buses. It's the likely end-point if you're arriving from the airport using public transport. It's right smack in the center of the city and connects to all other transportation, such as trams, buses and the metro.
Sightseeing
Uspenski Cathedral is an Orthodox church that sits on a large mount next to the Presidential Palace. Its beautiful and decorative architecture is worth seeing for any visitor.
93 locals recommend
Uspenski Cathedral
1 PormestarinrinneUspenski Cathedral is an Orthodox church that sits on a large mount next to the Presidential Palace. Its beautiful and decorative architecture is worth seeing for any visitor.
St. John's Church is a Lutheran church in the middle of Ullanlinna district, surrounded by nice boutiques and cafes. It's twin towers jutting off to the sky makes it a great addition to the aesthetic of the area.
13 locals recommend
St. John's Church
12 KorkeavuorenkatuSt. John's Church is a Lutheran church in the middle of Ullanlinna district, surrounded by nice boutiques and cafes. It's twin towers jutting off to the sky makes it a great addition to the aesthetic of the area.
The Presidential Palace sits next to the great market square, Kauppatori, facing the sea. It's an interesting point to take note of when walking around in the city.
The Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
2 MariankatuThe Presidential Palace sits next to the great market square, Kauppatori, facing the sea. It's an interesting point to take note of when walking around in the city.
Mikael Agricola Church is a Lutheran church in the Punavuori district. The red-brick construction looks elegantly minimal with a green tower on top.
9 locals recommend
Mikael Agricola Church (Mikael Agricolan kirkko)
23 TehtaankatuMikael Agricola Church is a Lutheran church in the Punavuori district. The red-brick construction looks elegantly minimal with a green tower on top.
Market Square is an interesting place to visit in the center of town. It's a market place right on the shoreline with access to various ferries, for example to Suomenlinna. On the weekends, and more often during the summer, all sorts of merchants sell their goods in the square along with fresh food.
125 locals recommend
Market Square
EtelärantaMarket Square is an interesting place to visit in the center of town. It's a market place right on the shoreline with access to various ferries, for example to Suomenlinna. On the weekends, and more often during the summer, all sorts of merchants sell their goods in the square along with fresh food.
Kiasma is a contemporary art museum and a great hangout for anyone visiting the city. They host a number of high-profile exhibitions, so it's worth checking out. The architecture is also brilliant.
384 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
2 MannerheiminaukioKiasma is a contemporary art museum and a great hangout for anyone visiting the city. They host a number of high-profile exhibitions, so it's worth checking out. The architecture is also brilliant.
Huvilakatu is one of the most iconic streets in Helsinki, and certainly the most famous in Eira district. It's a two-block residential street that leads to the shore, and is lined by beautiful jugend houses of all pastel colors. On a sunny flag day it can be quite a remarkable sight.
Huvilakatu
HuvilakatuHuvilakatu is one of the most iconic streets in Helsinki, and certainly the most famous in Eira district. It's a two-block residential street that leads to the shore, and is lined by beautiful jugend houses of all pastel colors. On a sunny flag day it can be quite a remarkable sight.
Helsinki Cathedral is without a doubt the most iconic landmark of Helsinki. It's a massive white-and-green church that sits on a hill facing Senate Square. A large number of tourists visit it everyday to take photos on the steps leading to the cathedral door. If you visit, be sure to take a tour inside, as well.
210 locals recommend
Helsinki Cathedral
29 UnioninkatuHelsinki Cathedral is without a doubt the most iconic landmark of Helsinki. It's a massive white-and-green church that sits on a hill facing Senate Square. A large number of tourists visit it everyday to take photos on the steps leading to the cathedral door. If you visit, be sure to take a tour inside, as well.
Finnair Skywheel is a Ferris wheel located next to Market Square. A ride on the wheel costs 12€ for adults (12+) and 9€ for kids (3-11), and it's worth it to see a view of the whole Helsinki archipelago on a clear day.
22 locals recommend
SkyWheel Helsinki
2 KatajanokanlaituriFinnair Skywheel is a Ferris wheel located next to Market Square. A ride on the wheel costs 12€ for adults (12+) and 9€ for kids (3-11), and it's worth it to see a view of the whole Helsinki archipelago on a clear day.
Eira Beach is great hangout for some quaint shoreline strolls. The whole shore is lined with cafes and peers, and on a warm summer day you can even take a dip in the sea.
39 locals recommend
Eiranranta
EiranrantaEira Beach is great hangout for some quaint shoreline strolls. The whole shore is lined with cafes and peers, and on a warm summer day you can even take a dip in the sea.