From Wikitravel

Helsinki (Finnish, English) (Helsingfors (Swedish)) [1] is Finland's capital and something of an international metropolis. Founded in 1550, it has been the Finnish capital since 1812. Helsinki's current population is about 560,000, but the Helsinki region with the neighboring suburban cities of Espoo and Vantaa has a population of over one million.

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

Helsinki was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a trading post to compete with Tallinn to the south in Estonia, which was Danish at that time. In 1809, Finland was annexed to Russia during a war of that period and the capital of Finland moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812. The Czar felt the Grand Duchy of Finland needed a capital of grand proportions. The architects Johan Albrecht Ehrenström, a native Finn, and Carl Ludwig Engel, from Germany, were given the task of rebuilding the city in Empire style. This can be seen today, for example, around the Lutheran Cathedral, which was completed in 1852. The same style and even architects are also a part of Saint Petersburg's history; Helsinki has been used as a politically friendly set to represent Saint Petersburg in American movies.

[edit] Orientation

The county of Helsinki forms the core of Finland's largest urban area, known in Finnish as the "capital area" (pääkaupunkiseutu). The Gulf of Finland lies to the south, while the posh suburban municipality of Espoo with the embedded tiny enclave of Kauniainen is to the west and the more industrialized municipality of Vantaa is to the north. Beyond these three the suburbs rapidly give way to farms and forests, notably Nuuksio National Park at the intersection of Espoo, Vihti and Nurmijärvi.

Within Helsinki itself, the city center is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare Mannerheimintie (or just Mansku). Both the central railway station and the main bus terminal are here. Shopping streets Aleksanterinkatu (or Aleksi for short) and Esplanadi (or Espa) connect to Senate Square (Senaatintori), the historical center of the city. See the Helsinki Guide Map for an interactive searchable map of the city.

[edit] Culture

Helsinki is by far Finland's most cosmopolitan city and, while no London or New York, there is a fairly good selection of people from all around the world.

Around 90% of the residents in Helsinki are native Finnish speakers. As usual in Finland, nearly everybody speaks English, and it is not unusual to meet people in Helsinki (especially among students) who speak four languages or more. Staff at some stores like Stockmann wear name tags with national flags representing the languages they speak.

[edit] Festivals

Helsinki's celebrations are among the most exciting in the country.

• Vappu (Walpurgis Night), April 30-May 1. Originally a North European pagan carnival, now mostly an excuse for students in brightly colored overalls to party. At 6 PM on April 30, the statue of Havis Amanda at the Market Square is crowned with a student's cap and the revelry begins on the streets, with a party in every bar and club, and Vappu lunches in restaurants. The next morning those not too exhausted by the partying head to the Kaivopuisto park for a champagne picnic even if it's raining sleet — up to 70 000 people can show up if the weather is fine. The left-wing political May Day is celebrated on the same day, but events in Finland are more inclusive and all political parties participate in giving speeches.
• Helsinki-päivä (Helsinki Day), June 12. The birthday of the city traditionally starts with the mayor's morning coffee and is celebrated through out the day with a variety of concerts, performances, exhibitions and guided tours around the city.
• Juhannus (Midsummer Festival), Friday between June 19 and June 25. A large bonfire is lit in Seurasaari. The city quiets down a bit as it is a tradition to celebrate "the nightless night" at summer cottages in the countryside.
• Taiteiden Yö (Night of the Arts), near the end of August (August 22 in 2008). Called "little vappu" by many as streets are full of revelers, but the official content is performing arts through the night. Founded by bookstores in the 1990s, the night is nowadays organized by the city itself. Part of the larger Helsinki Festival [2].
• Joulu (Christmas), throughout December. Aleksanterinkatu is festively lit up and the Esplanadi hosts an open-air Christmas market.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

All international and domestic flights land at the compact, modern and airy Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (IATA: HEL, ICAO: EFHK), 15 kilometers to the north of the city. International and domestic terminals are separate but connected by a walkway.

The cheapest public transport option to the city center is the regional bus 615, which takes around 40 minutes and costs €3.80 to the Central Railway Station in the heart of Helsinki. The national airline Finnair operates its own bus which also offers direct service to city center for €5.90 and is slightly faster (and more comfortable) than the regional bus. Other options include bus 61 to Tikkurila (center of Vantaa, the closest railway station for train connections - all north and east-bound trains stop here) or Mellunmäki (one of metro's terminus stations, trains depart every 8-10 minutes towards city centre and Itäkeskus) and bus 519 to Itäkeskus and the eastern parts of the city.

Taxis to the center cost €30-40, although the shared Airport Taxi (tel. 0600 555 555 for bookings) mini-vans start from €22.

If you need a place to crash between flights, there are three reasonable hotels in or very near the airport:

• Cumulus Airport Hotel, Robert Huberin tie 4, ☎ +358-9-41577100, [3]. Mid-range Finnish chain hotel, 10 min away by free shuttle bus. Renovated in 2007. €120.  edit

• Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, ☎ +358-9-73220, [4]. Full-service hotel right next to the airport, opened in late 2007. Soundproof windows, bar, restaurant, sauna. €150.  edit

• Scandic Gateway-Helsinki Airport, ☎ +358-9-8183600, [5]. This rather unique transit hotel is located under the runway, so all rooms are small and windowless, but it's located airside (Schengen area) and directly accessible from the international terminal. Free wifi. Fairly expensive for what you get. €150.  edit

For general aviation (small planes) the Helsinki-Malmi Airport (IATA: HEM, ICAO: EFHF) is available, with fuel and customs facilities available at the airport.

[edit] By helicopter

On April 9, 2008 Copterline restarted scheduled flights to Tallinn. The flights use a dedicated heliport at Hernesaari, in the port area to the south of the city center (bus routes 14B, 16), but in case of bad weather, flights can also use Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The journey takes only 18 minutes.

[edit] By train

All long-distance trains from throughout Finland and the Russian cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg terminate in the heart of the city at the Rautatieasema (Central Railway Station), which also provides easy interchange to the metro and tram lines.

[edit] By car

Expressways connect Helsinki to Turku to the west, Tampere and Lahti to the north, and to Porvoo and towards Saint Petersburg in the east.

[edit] By bus

Long-distance buses terminate at the new underground Central Bus Station (Linja-autoasema) in the Kamppi Center (Kampin Keskus). The station is adjacent to Mannerheimintie, directly connected to the Kamppi metro station and within a short walking distance from the Central Railway Station.

[edit] By boat

Helsinki is well connected with ferry services to Tallinn (Estonia) and Stockholm (Sweden), and there are limited services to Saint Petersburg (Russia) and northern Germany.

Ferries arrive at three harbours with six terminals:

• West Harbour (Länsisatama) - West Terminal - Hietasaarenkuja 8

Tallink ships (M/S Star and M/S Galaxy, also M/S Superstar starting April 21, 2008 to Tallinn; M/S Superfast VII, Superfast VIII and Superfast IX to Tallinn and Rostock) and Eckerö Line ship M/S Nordlandia use the West Terminal. The terminal has luggage lockers, café, a trolley rental, kiosk, a restaurant, public transport ticket machine, bank, an ATM and the Eckerö Line and Tallink Silja Oy service points. Bus no. 15 goes from the terminal to Ruoholahti metro station and bus no. 15A to Helsinki Central railway station.

• South Harbour (Eteläsatama) - Olympia Terminal - Olympiaranta 1 - West shore of the bay

Tallink Silja cruiseferrys M/S Silja Serenade and M/S Silja Symphony arrive to Olympia Terminal. The terminal has a money exchange, an ATM, luggage lockers, a trolley rental, a restaurant, kiosk, and the Silja Line service point. Trams no. 1A, 3B and 3T provide connection with the city centre, tram no. 3T is also Tourist Tram, as it passes some of the important sightseeings.

• South Harbour (Eteläsatama) - Makasiini Terminal - Eteläranta 7 - West shore of the bay

Express ships from Tallinn (Linda Line catamaran Merilin, SuperSeaCat Three and SuperSeaCat Four) arrive to Makasiini Terminal during open water season. The terminal has a kiosk, currency exchange, luggage lockers and Linda Line and Silja Line service points.

• South Harbour (Eteläsatama) - Kanava Terminal - Katajanokanlaituri 2 - Right shore of the bay

Nordic Jet Line express ships Nordic Jet and Baltic Jet arrive to Kanava Terminal. The terminal has luggage lockers, a café, a kiosk and the Nordic Jet Line service point. Trams 4 and 4T stop "Katajanokan puisto" is located about 150 metres NE from the terminal.

• South Harbour (Eteläsatama) - Katajanokka Terminal - Katajanokanlaituri 8 - Right shore of the bay

Viking Line ships (M/S Rosella, M/S Gabriella, M/S Mariella, also M/S Viking XPRS starting April 28, 2008) arrive to Katajanokan Terminal. The terminal has a restaurant, kiosk, an ATM, a currency exchange, luggage lockers, and the Viking Line service point. Tram no. 4T-s route end and stop is located in front of the terminal. Trams only depart from the terminal 10-12 AM, 3-5 and 8-9 PM. In schedules, trams that drive the route 4T have "T" after departure time.

• Sörnäinen Harbour or North Harbour (Sörnäisten satama) - Hansa Terminal - Parrukatu 4

Mainly, it's a cargo port, but some Finnlines ships to Travemünde, Lübeck and Århus depart from Hansa Terminal. The terminal is open only when ships are in port. Nordic Ferry Center service point is located in the terminal. Buses 16 and 68 stop "Käenkuja" (on Sörnäisten rantatie after Esso service point).

See the Port of Helsinki for the latest details.

[edit] Get around

All public transportation (with the exception of suburban trains) within the city of Helsinki operate under the aegis of HKL, while the regional transportation connecting Helsinki to the neighboring Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen are operated by YTV (Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council). The following basic ticket types are available:

• Tram ticket (raitiovaunulippu) (€2 from the driver, travel card button "0" €1.35) — valid for one hour of tram trips, unlimited transfers
• City ticket (kertalippu) (€2 by mobile phone or in ticket machines, €2.20 from the driver, travel card button "1" €1.80) — valid for one hour within city limits, unlimited transfers
• Regional ticket (seutulippu) (€3.80, travel card button "2") — valid for 80 mins within and between Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, unlimited transfers
• Full region ticket (€6, travel card button "3") — a regional ticket that also covers Kerava and Kirkkonummi

Note: The City ticket allows you to travel by almost any public transportation method (buses, trains, trams, the subway known as metro, Suomenlinna ferry) within the boundaries of Helsinki, long distance trains and buses excluded. The Regional ticket as well allows you to travel by almost any public transportation method within the boundaries of Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo and Kauniainen. However, if you purchase a specific Tram or Train ticket, you are allowed to travel only by tram or train respectively.

Fares can be paid by cash when boarding, or by Travel Card (matkakortti), a reloadable smartcard sold at R-kiosks and HKL offices. The Travel Card costs €9 (nonrefundable) and gives a 15% discount on fares. Using it is slightly cumbersome, as you must hold your card against the reader and simultaneously press the numbered button corresponding to the desired ticket type. Wave the card without pressing anything to see the remaining value or to register a transfer.

Alternatively, you can opt for the Helsinki Card (1 day €25 to 3 days €45) or HKL Tourist Ticket (matkailijalippu) (1 day €6, 3 days €12 or 5 days €22), both of which offer unlimited travel within the city. The Tourist Tickets are sold at HKL offices, R-Kiosks located in the city center, ticket vending machines or by the driver (1-day ticket only). The Helsinki Card also offers free admission to a number of museums and attractions, but at a higher price.

Journey Planner will get you from a street address, place or sight to another by suggesting possible public transport connections. It covers metropolitan Helsinki (incl. Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen and since 2006, Kerava too). Try Airport or Railway station for place names.

Getting around by night can be a bit tricky (or expensive), as most public transportation stops around midnight. There is a limited night bus network that charges approximately twice the price of a daytime ticket and only runs on weekends and public holidays.

[edit] By tram

Bar Tram Of particular note is the SpåraKOFF Bar Tram, a bright red tram converted into a pub on wheels. The tram runs during the summer only from Wednesday to Saturday, once an hour from 2PM to 9PM, with stops at the Railway Square, Linnanmäki amusement park, Opera House, Aleksanterinkatu and the Market Square. The tour lasts about 40 minutes. Price €7 does not include any drinks.

For tourists the most convenient (and scenic) means of travel is the extensive tram network, especially line 3T which does a figure-eight circuit around the city — you could say that the "T" stands for "tourist" and it usually stocks an informative leaflet listing attractions along the way. For a slightly offbeat experience, take the line 3B which is essentially 3T in the opposite direction.

[edit] By bus

While the trams operate in the city center, buses cover the rest of the city. The main stations for northbound and eastbound buses are on the two squares adjacent to the Central Railway Station: Eliel Square (Elielinaukio) and Railway Square (Rautatientori). Westbound buses operate from the underground bus station in the Kamppi Center which is adjacent to the Kamppi metro station.

[edit] By metro

A metro line runs from the center to the eastern suburbs. After Itäkeskus, the line splits in two, with one line going to Mellunmäki and the other to Vuosaari. Travelling between Ruoholahti and Mellunmäki or Vuosaari usually takes about 21-22 minutes. If you stay at the Rastila Camping then metro will take you there, Rastila metro station is only 200 metres from the camping area.

[edit] By train

VR's suburban trains operate north from the Central Railway Station, branching out in three directions, none of them particularly interesting though. HKL tickets are valid within city limits, YTV (regional) tickets on suburban trains to Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen.

[edit] By ferry

The HKL ferry to Suomenlinna from the Market Square (Kauppatori) is a cheap and popular summer getaway. Another HKL operated ferry, mostly used only by the island's residents, leaves from the eastern end of Katajanokka. In addition, private operators provide ferries to Suomenlinna and various other islands during the summer; however, schedules can be sparse. HKL's Tourist Ticket and mobile-phone ticket are both valid also on Suomenlinna ferry.

[edit] By taxi

You don't need to worry about being cheated or robbed by a taxi driver in Helsinki, they are already expensive enough. Cab fares are regulated by the government's Ministry of Transport and Communications, so getting into a taxi costs you €4.50 (€7 at night and on Sundays), and then the meter ticks at €1.16/km — although the rate increases if there are over two people and there are surcharges for large bags or leaving from Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport.

During weekend nights and some popular events or holidays it can be a bit difficult to get a ride. Local practice is to take a walk to the nearest taxi stand or try to book by phone. Tel. 01000700 gets you the main taxi booking center; if it's hopelessly congested, try calling direct to Taksione at +358-50-5455454 or Kajon at 01007070. Drivers are not required to pick up a person hailing them on the street, and they usually don't, but it's worth a try if you see one cruising by.

Yellow Line [6] is a good, cost-effective option for getting from the airport to the city center. It's a typical sort of airport shuttle, where you share a minivan among up to seven or eight passengers, and the van stops at their destinations one by one. You can hook up with the shuttle at their bright yellow desks in arrivals lounges 1 and 2. The cost is €20 shared among one or two passengers, and less per person if there are more people.

[edit] By bike

In the summer time you can "rent" a citybike [7] by paying a deposit of €2 which you get back when you return the bike. There are 26 Citybike stands around the city center – if you see a free bike on a stand, it's yours. Bicycle helmets can be borrowed from Jugendsali (Pohjoisesplanadi 19). You are required to remain within the boundaries of the city center shown on the attached map. You can hardly miss a Citybike since they are painted lime green. If you are looking for guided bike trips, try Bike tours Helsinki [8], which organizes few different bicycle sightseeing tours around city.

If you bring your own bike with you, you will find a pretty extensive network of bike routes within the city. Cycling downtown can be a bit tricky as the bike lanes are usually situated on the pavement (instead of next to car lanes on the street) so pedestrians can get in your way – don't be afraid to ring your bell! Furthermore, the bike routes are not always that well thought-out: you may end up in a "dead end" as the bike lane ends and you are supposed to get off your bike and continue by foot. A map of downtown bike lanes is available [9] as well as a journey planner for cycling [10] . Once you get out of the city centre, the bike lanes work better and cycling is faster in general.

[edit][add listing] See

Surrounded by sea and a vast archipelago, Helsinki is at its best in the summer when the dialogue between the city and nature is at its fullest. Classical Helsinki's sights can be divided into an eclectic set of churches and a wide variety of museums.

[edit] Islands

A beautiful archipelago (saaristo) surrounds the Helsinki city center. In addition to the major islands listed below, there are scheduled services to many smaller islands, and you can also tour them by sightseeing cruise. Most of the cruises depart from the Western corner of the Market Square and last from one to several hours. Note most ferries and cruises operate only in the summer high season.

• Suomenlinna, [11]. The greatest sea fortress on the Baltic, which Sweden ignominiously surrendered without a fight to Russia, which resulted in Finland's autonomy. Still living in its own time with only old buildings, few cars and loads of old fortifications, catacombs and cast iron cannons, today the sprawling complex houses a few restaurants, theaters and museums and is a very popular place for a picnic on a fine summer day, watching the vast passenger ferries drift by on their way to Estonia and St. Petersberg. It was included in Unesco’s World Heritage List in 1991 as a unique monument to European military architecture. Accessible by ferry from Market Square (the HKL ferry is the cheapest and most convenient).

• Seurasaari, [12]. A pleasant little island to the north of the center, filled with walking trails and authentic old Finnish houses collected from all over the country. An excellent half-day trip, especially in the summer. Entry to the park free, entry into the museum buildings 5€. Take bus 24 from Erottaja (at the northern end of Esplanadi) to the terminus (20-30 minutes), then walk across the bridge.

• Korkeasaari, [13]. A large island in the central Helsinki, connected to dry land. On Korkeasaari lies the Helsinki Zoo with approximately 200 different animal species. A 15-minute ferry connection from Hakaniemi and Market Square; for land access, take the metro to Herttoniemi and then bus 11 from the Herttoniemi metro station to the zoo gate. Entry to the zoo 5€/3€.

[edit] Parks

• Esplanadin puisto. It's really hard to miss this park situated between Kauppatori and the Swedish theatre. In the summer time it is full of people sitting on the lawn, meeting their friends and quite often also having a picnic (a must for all budget travellers). In the summer there are often also free concerts given by local artists on the stage close to Kauppatori, facing restaurant Kappeli.

• Kaivopuisto. A beautiful park by the sea in the southmost part of the city. In summer you might want to sit down for a cup of coffee in one of the seaside cafes and enjoy the view of sailboats at the sea and people on the promenade. Housing surrounding this area is the most expensive in Helsinki.

• Töölönlahti. Located northwest from the central railway station, this is a bay surrounded by a nice park (and lots of wild European rabbits!), dotted with attractions such as the Finlandia Concert Hall and the National Opera. Töölönlahti is partly in natural state which is quite rare in major cities. Walking and jogging around the bay is a popular outdoor activity.

• Sinebrychoffin puisto. Also known as "Koffin puisto", located in Punavuori disctrict next to the Sinebrychoff art museum. Popular with young people, in the summer it is full of people on picnic or just drinking pussikalja (literally: "beer in a bag"), in the winter kids ride sleds down the snowy slope.

• Keskuspuisto (Central Park). A huge park starting just north of the Olympic Stadium and extending for ten kilometers north, encompassing an area of over 1 000 hectares. The park is mostly in natural state.

[edit] Churches

• Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko). Aleksanterinkatu, [14]. 9AM-6PM daily. The unofficial symbol of the city, this striking white cathedral dominates the central Senate Square. Based on designs by Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1852, the cathedral has recently been refurbished and looks better than ever, with the 12 apostles on the roof once again looking down at the world below. Free.

• The Church in the Rock (Temppeliaukion kirkko, literally "Temple Square Church"). Lutherinkatu 3 (tram 3B/T), +358 9-494698. 10AM-5PM daily. An atmospheric if minimalistic church literally dug out of solid rock, resembling a crashed UFO from above. The roof is made of 22 kilometers of copper strips. Completed in 1969, this has become one of Helsinki's most popular attractions. Concerts are often held here thanks to the excellent acoustics. Free.

• Uspenski Cathedral. Kanavakatu 1, +358 9-634267, [15]. T-Fr 9:30AM-4PM, Sa 9:30AM-2PM, Su noon-3PM. May-Sep MWeSa 9:30AM-4PM, Tu 9:30AM-6PM, Su noon-3PM. Uspenski Cathedral is the largest orthodox church in Western Europe. Free.

• St. John's Church (Johanneksenkirkko). Korkeavuorenkatu 12, +358 9-7092370. Mo-Fr 12-15PM. The largest church in Helsinki and a fine example of gothic revival architecture. Free.

• Church of Kallio (Kallion kirkko). T-Fr 12AM-6PM, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM. On top of the hill at the end of Siltasaarenkatu. The church is built of grey granite (1912) and its massive looks dominate the view from Hakaniemi. It was designed by the famous Finnish architect Lars Sonck. The church has both baroque and French romantic organs and concerts are organized frequently. Free.

[edit] Museums and galleries

Many of Helsinki's museums are as interesting from the outside as from the inside. Architecture buffs will get a kick out of Helsinki's Neo-Classical center, centered around Senate Square (Senaatintori). Aleksanterinkatu and the Railway Station square also have some beautiful neo-classical buildings — look out for the Romantic Kalevala-esque themes on many — but unfortunately these areas also have many concrete monstrosities mixed in. Starting January 2008, all museums and exhibitions operated by the Helsinki City Museum [16] are free of charge.

• Ateneum Art Museum, Kaivokatu 2, tel. +358 9 173361 (+358 9 17336228 for tickets), [17]. Tue Fri 9AM-6PM, Wed Thu 9AM-8PM, Sat Sun 11AM-5PM, Mondays closed. Ateneum can be considered the most nationally significant art museum, and it has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in Finland. Particularly notable is the collection of works by major Finnish artists. Works include renowned interpretations of the national epic Kalevala. Entrance fee €6 / €4, or during special exhibitions €8 / €6.5. Free admission for visitors under 18. First Wednesday of the month 5PM-8PM free admission.

• Design Museum. Korkeavuorenkatu 23, +358 9 622 0540, [18]. Tue 11AM-8PM, Wed-Sun 11AM-6PM, Mondays closed. Exhibitions of modern commercial and industrial design and modern art. The permanent exhibit in the basement showcases the history of consumer-goods design over the course of the 20th century, with a particular focus on the contributions of Finnish designers. Entrance is €7 for adults, €3 for students, and free for children.

• Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. Mannerheiminaukio 2, tel. +358 9 1733 6501, [19]. Tue 10AM-5PM, Wed-Sun 10AM-8:30PM, Mondays closed. Located near Ateneum, Kiasma is everything Ateneum isn't. The sometimes unusual collections mostly include works by contemporary Finnish artists and artists from nearby countries. In addition to this, there are also periodical exhibitions. The building itself is arguably a work of art. Entrance fee €6 for adults, €4 for students, senior citizen and groups with at least 7 people. Free admission for visitors under 18. First Wednesday of the month 5PM-8PM free admission.

• National Museum of Finland (Kansallismuseo), Mannerheimintie 34, [20]. Tue-Wed 11AM-8PM, Thu-Sun 11AM-6PM, Mondays closed. A beautiful classical building houses this old museum, which has recently been renovated. The exhibit includes displays of artifacts and items relating to Finland's history. Admission €6 / €4, free admission for visitors under 18. Tuesdays 5:30PM-8PM free admission.

• Museum of Cultures (Kulttuurien museo), Tennispalatsi 2nd floor, Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 8, [21]. Tue-Thu 11AM-8PM, Fri-Sun 11AM-6PM, Mondays closed. One of Helsinki's quirkier museums, concentrates on changing exhibitions of cultures outside Finland. Admission €5 / €4. Tuesdays 5PM-8PM and Fridays 11AM-6PM free admission.

• Heureka Science Centre, Tikkurila (near Tikkurila train station), Vantaa, [22]. Mon-Wed, Thu 10AM-8PM, Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun 10AM-6PM. If you have children, this is a great place for a day trip. Hands-on science tests and exhibitions plus Verne super-cinema. There's also a Heureka Shop, where you can buy interesting science-related memorabilia. Admission (exhibitions and one super-movie) for adult costs €19, for children (6-15) €12.50.

[edit] Olympic sights

Helsinki is an Olympic city, the host of the 1952 Olympic Games.

• Olympic Stadium, [23]. Mon-Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat Sun 9AM-6PM. Recently renovated for the 2005 World Athletic Championships. Next to the stadium are soccer fields. There is Museum of Sport in the stadium building. Another stadium called Finnair stadium is not far from the Olympic site.

• Olympic Tower. The stadium features 72m high tower that offers a great view over the city. €2 (adults) / €1 (children).

[edit] Other

• Sibelius Monument, Sibelius Park, [24]. The world-famous composer Jean Sibelius' monument was designed by sculptress Eila Hiltunen and unveiled in 1967. It is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Helsinki as nearly every guided tourist tour is brought to Sibelius Park to marvel at this unique work of art resembling organ pipes, welded together from 600 pipes and weighing over 24 metric tons.

• Parliament House (Eduskunta), Mannerheimintie 30, [25]. The House of the 200-seat Parliament of Finland was designed by J.S. Sirén in the classic style of the 1920s and officially inaugurated in 1931. The interior is classical with a touch of functionalism and art deco. Tours in English at 11AM and noon on Saturdays; at noon and 1PM on Sundays; in July and August also on weekdays at 1PM. Free.

• Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13, [26]. Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM. Designed by Finland's best known architect Alvar Aalto and located across the street from the National Museum, the marble Finlandia Hall is a popular congress and concert venue in Helsinki. The building itself is worth a visit especially for architecture buffs, with guided tours available (€6 / €4, check website for schedule). Be sure to view the building also from across the Töölönlahti bay in the evening when it is floodlit. Free.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Classical music and Finnish jazz. Kansallisooppera (National Opera), Kansallisbaletti (National Ballet) and classical orchestras of the city (e.g. Helsingin kaupunginorkesteri, RSO, Avanti!) are high class and tickets internationally cheap because of heavily subsidized prizes by the government. Helsinki located UMO Jazz Orchestra is an important part of Finnish jazz life and it is known as performing especially new Finnish music alongside interesting shows e.g. with new circus.  edit

• Hietaniemi Beach, Hietaniemenkatu. It's safe to say that most people don't come to Helsinki for the beaches, but on a hot summer day Hietsu (as it is known among the locals) is a good place to be. Beach volleyball, swimming and various events are popular. Bus 55A from Kamppi/Rautatientori, or just walk (15-20 min from the centre).

• Linnanmäki, [27]. The oldest amusement park in Finland and famous for its wooden rollercoaster. Entrance to the park is free of charge, all-day passes €28 (adults) / €18 (children). Open only during the summer, but the adjacent Sea Life [28] aquarium at Tivolikuja 1 is open throughout the year. Tram 3T, 3B or 8 and bus 23.

• Serena Water Amusement Park, Tornimäentie 10, Espoo (bus 339), tel. +358 9 88705555, [29]. 11PM-8PM daily. The largest water park in the Nordic countries with some 2,000 m² of heated pools indoors. The buildings have seen their best days, but kids love the water slides. An extra 1000 m² of outdoor area is open in the summer, but Serena is at its best in winter when you can kick back in a jacuzzi and watch people ski on the other side of the glass windows. All-day pass €19, evening pass (from 4PM) €15.

• Härmälä Farm, Mäntykummuntie 6, Vantaa, tel. +358 9 876 7339, +358 (0)400 880 539. Open by arrangement around the year. A typical Finnish farm located in the village of Sotunki and surrounded by a picturesque landscape. On the farm you can meet animals representing the traditional Finnish stock: cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and pets. Admission €3, families €10.

• Kotiharjun sauna, Harjutorinkatu 1, [30]. One of the few wood burning public saunas in Helsinki. Separate saunas for men and women. Washing service and folk medicine (kuppaus) also available. There's a good chance to find a top level chess match in the dressing room. Don't miss cooling off outside, especially in winter. On Saturdays you'll find bachelor partyers (Kotiharju is pretty near to Kallio's nightlife). €8 for adults, students €6.5.

• Bike tours Helsinki (Tours start at Senate Square, opposite of main cathedral.) (info@biketours.fi), [31]. Start at 11, 14 and 17. Bicycle tours around Helsinki starts daily from Senate Square. 10-20 euro.  edit

[edit] Learn

Most of Finland's exchange students end up in Helsinki's universities. Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki School of Economics and University of Art and Design Helsinki are currently in the process of being merged into one large "innovation university", scheduled to open in August 2009.

• University of Helsinki. [32]. With over 40,000 students, this is Finland's largest university and its alumni include Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system.
• Helsinki University of Technology. [33]. "Finland's MIT", located in Otaniemi, Espoo, just across the municipality border.
• University of Art and Design Helsinki. [34]. The biggest art university in Scandinavia. Has the highest rate of exchange students of all Finnish universities.
• Helsinki School of Economics. [35].
• Sibelius Academy. [36]. The only music university in Finland and one of the largest in Europe.

[edit] Work

As elsewhere in the country, obtaining work in Helsinki may be difficult. See the main Finland article for details.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Shopping in Helsinki is generally expensive, but fans of Finnish and Nordic design will find plenty of things of interest. Most large shops and department stores are open weekdays from 9 AM to 9 PM. As in the rest of Finland, note that most shops close by 6 PM on Saturday and are closed entirely on Sunday (except in summer and before Christmas, when they typically open at noon). A notable exception is the Asematunneli complex, located underground adjacent to the Central Railway Station: most shops there are open until 10 PM almost every day of the year. A supermarket in Kamppi Center (see below) is also open until 10 PM. Small grocery stores and the R-Kioski convenience store chain are open on Sundays year-round, too. In Punavuori area there is a Delish convenience store open 24h year round

[edit] Department stores and shopping malls

Helsinki's main shopping drag is Aleksanterinkatu (Aleksi), which runs from Senate Square to Mannerheimintie and is packed with large stores. The parallel Esplanadi boulevards have specialist (and generally very expensive) boutiques. Access to the area is easy, as trams 3B/3T, 4/4T and 7A/7B all run down Aleksanterinkatu, and the area is just a stone's throw from Central Railway Station and Kaisaniemi metro stations.

• Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa). Keskuskatu (opposite Stockmann), [37]. The largest bookstore in Northern Europe, with extensive selections in English too. An underground passage connects the bookstore to Stockmann. Tram: 6, 7.

• Stockmann. Corner of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie, [38]. Helsinki's (and Finland's) premier department store. When Helsinkians meet "under the clock" (kellon alla), they mean the one rotating under the main entrance to Stockmann. Large selection of souvenirs and Finnish goods, and the Herkku supermarket in the basement offers an amazing range of gourmet food from all over Europe. There are also smaller branches of Stockmann at Itäkeskus, Jumbo, Tapiola and the airport. Tram: 6, 7, 4, 10.

• Itäkeskus. [39]. The largest shopping mall in Finland (and the entire Nordic region) with some 240 shops. Metro: Itäkeskus, some 16 minutes from the center.

• Kämp Galleria. Between Mikonkatu and Kluuvikatu, [40]. Helsinki's fanciest shopping mall, with brands like Marimekko, Aarikka, and Iittala goods. Tram: 6, 7.

• Kampin Keskus. [41] New shopping mall in the center of Helsinki. Plenty of international brands and restaurants. Long-distance bus terminal in the basement. Metro: Kamppi.

• Kauppakeskus Ruoholahti. [42]. Compared to others, a B-category shopping mall, which is mainly notable for its computer and electronics store, which is the best in Helsinki. There's a very cheap brand outlet Warehouse, too. It sells very low-priced international brand-name clothes. Metro: Ruoholahti. Tram: 8.

• Sokos. A large department store conveniently located right next to the railway station. Tram: 1, 3B/T, 4, 6, 10, Metro: Rautatientori/Järnvägstorget/Central Railway Station.

In the suburban cities of Vantaa and Espoo you can also find big shopping malls. Vantaa has Jumbo[43] and Myyrmanni[44], while Espoo has the centers of Iso Omena[45] and Sello[46]. All of these are easily accessible by commuter transport or by car.

[edit] Design

There are high-end design stores around Aleksanterinkatu and Etelä-Esplanadi. Many of Helsinki's smaller design stores are located around Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu.

• Aero, Yrjönkatu 8, [47]. New and vintage design furniture, lighting, textiles, jewellery, glass. Finnish designers represented include Eero Aarnio, Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, Timo Sarpaneva and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Not for a budget traveller.

• Arabia Factory Shop. Hämeentie 135 (Tram 6 terminus), [48]. Mon-Fri 10AM-8PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4PM. Factory outlet for Arabia ceramics and Iittala glassware, best known for selling slightly defective goods at modestly discounted prices.

• Design District Helsinki. An area around Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu, 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. Visit Design Forum Finland [49] at Erottajankatu 7 to get a map of shops and galleries, or download it here.

• Helsinki 10, Eerikinkatu 3, tel. +358 (0)10 5489801, [50]. Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM, Sat 11AM-6PM. This bright-white "lifestyle department store" sells both international and Finnish (designer) labels such as Raf Simons, Wood Wood, Acne and April77 as well as second-hand clothes, accessories, records, magazines etc.

• Iittala Shop. Pohjoisesplanadi 25, [51]. Mon-Fri 10AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-4PM. An airy concept store for the Iittala brand of Finnish glassware, pans, kitchen utensil et al. Personal service by the friendly staff.

• Ivana Helsinki, Uudenmaankatu 15, tel +358 9 6224422, [52]. Internationally recognized designer clothes, handmade in Finland.

• Myymälä2, Uudenmaankatu 23, [53]. Gallery and shop for young designers, artists and musicians. And while you are there, also check out Lux shop on the opposite side of the street.

• Wunder, Laivurinrinne 1, [54]. Mon-Fri noon-7pm, Sat noon-6pm. A small clothes shop with a sparse yet exclusive selection of designer labels such as Daniel Palillo (one of the owners), Marjan Pejoski, Gaspard Yurkievich and Stephan Schneider. Affordable vintage sunglasses for sale, too.

• TOKYO22zakka, Fredrikinkatu 60, tel. " +358 (0) 50 406 5171, [55]. Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 11AM-4PM. TOKYO22zakka features Japanese Designer Fashion and lifestyle items for men and women. Kiminori Morishita, HAlb, SIVA, Tsumori Chisato, NDEUR, Hana & Guitar...

[edit] Markets

• Hakaniemi Market Hall (Hakaniemen kauppahalli) and Hakaniemi Open-Air Market (Hakaniemen tori). A busy market frequented by locals, this is where you can find specialities at affordable prices. The first floor of the market hall is largely food, head to the second floor for handicrafts and souvenirs. Hakaniemi open-air market offers fresh vegetables and seasonal products. Walking up Hämeentie from Hakaniemi market will get you past most of Helsinki's African, Near- and Far-Eastern grocery stores. Metro: Hakaniemi. Tram: 1, 3B/3T, 6, 7.

• Hietalahti Antique and Art Hall, Hietalahdentori (tram 6), tel. +358 9 670145, [56]. Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-3PM. Here you can find many antique shops in one place, just few kilometers west from the city centre.

• Hietalahti Open Air Flea market. Next to Hietalahti Antique and Art Hall is the most popular flea market in Helsinki. Open around the year, but the busiest season is from May to August.

• Market Square (Kauppatori). At the end of Esplanadi facing the sea, this open-air market sells fresh fish and produce from all over Finland. Open all year around but busiest in summer, although the Christmas Market in December is also worth a look. One section of the market is devoted to souvenirs, but best buys here are the fresh berries and other produce. In summer, try the sweet green peas (herne): just pop open the pod and eat as is.

• Old Market Hall (Vanha kauppahalli), [57]. Right next to Market Square, this old brick building houses Finland's best collection of gourmet food boutiques. Try to find the stall which sells beaver sausage!

• Valtteri Flea Market, [58]. Wed Sat Sun 9AM-3PM. An indoor flea market popular among locals. Located in an old industrial building in Vallila district. Trams 1, 1A, 3B, 3T and buses 17 and 70T.

[edit] Records

Helsinki has a selection of great record stores, unfortunately they are located off the center so that a random visitor rarely stumbles upon them. That's why here's a list of those underground stores with a greatly varying selection of both Finnish and international music with different weightings. Most of them also sell vinyl (12"/10"/7"). Finland isn't a cheap country to buy music, but there are some nice artists you might want to check out and get their records here.

If you have only a limited amount of time, it is suggested to check out the Viiskulma record store concentration first due to the simple fact that it has the most record stores on a small area you can walk through in ten minutes.

• Viiskulma record store concentration:
  • Eronen, [59], Laivurinrinne 2. Dub/jazz/salsa.
  • Ah Records, [60]. Used rock/Finnish/funk.
  • Lifesaver, [61]. Electronic/soul/disco/funk/hip-hop/jazz.
  • Popparienkeli, [62]. Rock/pop.
  • Digelius, [63]. Jazz/classical.
  • Levylaivuri, Laivurinkatu 41.

• Close to Viiskulma:
  • Darkside records, Albertinkatu 12.
  • Fennica records, [64].
  • Stupido, [65]. Rock/indie/misc.
  • Green Grass, Fredrikinkatu 60.

• Close to the center:
  • Disndat Records, [66].
  • Keltainen Jäänsärkijä, [67].
  • Streetbeat, [68]. Electronic.

• A bit further:
  • The Funkiest, [69]. Hip-hop/Funk & Jazz reissues.
  • Compact Records (Dark Side of the), Lönnrotinkatu 23.
  • Music Hunter, [70] Rock.
  • Black & White, [71]. Rock.
  • Hippie Shake records, [72].
  • Jazz & Soul Records, [73], Toinen Linja (Hakaniemi district).

[edit][add listing] Eat

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	Under €10
Mid-range	€10-30
Splurge	Over €30

Helsinki has by far the best cosmopolitan restaurants in Finland, and is a good place to escape the usual diet of meat and potatoes... if you can foot the bill, that is. As usual in Finland the best time to eat out is lunch, when most restaurants offer lunch sets for around €6-10. Lunch sets are typically served from 10:30AM to 2PM, but the times vary between venues. In the evening, only budget places are less than €10, while splurges cost well over €30 per head.

[edit] Budget

Budget choices are largely limited to fast food, although there are a couple of workaday Finnish eateries in the mix. In addition to McDonalds (around 30 outlets, as a price reference, a Big Mac meal is ~7€) and its Finnish imitators Hesburger/Carrols (around 50 outlets), Helsinki is also full of pizza and kebab places, where a meal typically costs around €7-8 (sometimes as low as €4-5, especially in Kallio). A more healthy option is Unicafe [74], a chain of restaurants owned by the Helsinki University student union, which has around 10 outlets in central Helsinki and offers full meals from €5.70, including vegetarian options.

• Bar No 9, Uudenmaankatu 9, [75]. Popular bar that also serves a variety of dishes with a twist of cross-kitchen style, priced from €4,90-15,90, most main courses under €10. Tends to be packed at lunch and dinner time.
• Golden Rax, Forum 2nd floor, Mannerheimintie 20 / Mikonkatu 8, [76]. Cheap and greasy all-you-can-eat pizza buffet, including soggy pasta, wilted salad, and drinks. €7.99 per person, €8.99 with ice-cream.
• Kahvila Suomi, Pursimiehenkatu 12, tel. +358 9 657422. Mon-Fri 7AM-6PM. Huge portions of no-nonsense Finnish food like meatballs and mashed potatoes, which explains the dock workers that crowd here at lunchtime. The Japanese tourists, on the other hand, come because the cult hit movie Kamome Shokudo was filmed here! Most mains under €10, including salad bar, drink and coffee.
• La Famiglia, Keskuskatu 3, tel. +358 9 85685680, [77]. 11AM-midnight daily. Unpretentious Italian food even for under €10, although the most items on the menu should rather be listed under the Mid-price section. The weekday lunch buffet of soup, salad and two kinds of pasta (€7-10) is still particularly good value.
• Unicafe Ylioppilasaukio, Mannerheimintie 3 B, [78]. Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 11AM-5PM. The biggest and most centrally located student restaurant and cafeteria, only a two-minute walk away from the main railway station. The lunch price is only €4-6 including milk, bread and the salad buffet, and €2.35 if you happen to own the Finnish student card. There are also some reasonably priced sandwiches available.
• VPK, Albertinkatu 29, [79]. Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM. Run by the Volunteer Fire Brigade, this restaurant serves a daily changing buffet of hearty Finnish fare in a cafeteria straight from the 1950s, complete with grim portraits of moustached Hosemasters staring down at you. Pea soup and pancakes on Thursday are particularly popular. €7.70 per head.
• Sky Express, Annankatu 31. A pizza spot close to the center. It's a relatively small place, but the service is fast and the place is open late at night. Opens around 11AM. You should order the "Päivän jättipizza" (The king size pizza of the day), which is a large (but thin) pizza with a varying selection of fillings plus a 0.4 liter soft drink. This costs €6, which is almost unbeatably cheap if you aren't a student.

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Finnish

• Keittiö & Bar Juuri, Korkeavuorenkatu 27, +358 9 635 732, [80]. Mon-Sat 11AM-midnight, Sun 2PM-8PM. Tiny restaurant known for its special Finnish entrées called sapakset (a play on tapas), with roots in Finnish food tradition. Try the cabbage roll with crayfish or the egg cheese with marjoram. All sapakset €2.7, main dishes €19. Lunch sets €7-9 (weekdays 11AM-3PM only).
• Konstan Möljä, Hietalahdenkatu 14, +358 9 694 7504, [81]. Traditional Finnish food. Lunch buffet €7.90, main dishes €15+.
• Kosmos, Kalevankatu 3, +358 9 647 255, [82]. A Helsinki institution dating to 1924, proudly serving "Helsinkian" food — a melange of Russian, French and Swedish influences. Try one of the three classics: Vorschmack with duchess potatoes, the Sylvester Sandwich au Gratin and Baltic herrings with mashed potatoes. Mains €15-25. Trams: 3B/T, 4, 6, 10
• Kynsilaukka (Garlic), Fredrikinkatu 22, +358 9 651939, [83]. Mon-Fri 11AM-11PM, Sat Sun 1PM-11PM. Good Finnish-influenced food from people truly dedicated to garlic. From the wonderfully intense garlic butter served with the bread to the sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle overtones in most of the dishes, this place is a delight for the garlic lover. Portion sizes are large, so if you're saving room for dessert (and you should), either skip the starters or else order the smaller size of both starter and main dish. The cinnamon pie dessert is particularly recommended. Main dishes €12-20. Trams: 3B/T.
• Manala, Dagmarinkatu 2, +358 9 5807 7707, [84]. Tasty, no-nonsense Finnish food from noon till 4AM. Main dishes €10-18. Trams: 3B/T, 4, 7A/B, 10.
• Messenius, Messeniuksenkatu 7, tel. +358 9 2414950, [85]. This fine neighbourhood place outside the city centre is famed for the "catch of the day", often caught by the fishing enthusiast owners themselves. Also fairly good steaks for the carnivores amongst us.
• Sea Horse, Kapteeninkatu 11, +358 9 628 169, [86]. The former low-boozer was established in 1933 and the functional interior and the menu have been preserved from that time. Try the famous herring dishes. Helsinkians usually call Seahorse sikala, which means a pigsty. Meals between €10-30.
• Weeruska, Porvoonkatu 18, +358 (0)20 7424 270, [87]. Serves simple, but tasty home-made style food. The clientele at lunch time is mostly blue-collar workers and the portions are sized accordingly. Meals between €8-17.
• Zetor, Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie 3-5, +358 9 666 966, [88]. Tourist restaurant with lots of character and great quality Finnish food. Plenty of old tractors and Finnish memorabilia. Main meals between €10-20.

[edit] International

• Belge, Kluuvikatu 5, +358 9 6229620, [89]. A reasonable selection of Belgian beers, a nice range of bistro fare, and a good location for people watching. The dining room upstairs is non-smoking. Main dishes €12-17.
• Benjam's Bistro, Dagmarinkatu 5, tel: +358 9 492 322. Run by Italians, for Italians. You want home made Italian cooking in Helsinki? Here it is. Benjam's is run by an Italian family, so don't be surprised to get mediocre service. Atmosphere is cozy, but some of the food comes directly from the supermarket, tortellini and many desserts, for example. Main dishes €10-15.
• Everest, Luotsikatu 12 A, +358 9 6942563. Good Nepalese food. Main dishes €10-20.
• Gastone, Korkeavuorenkatu 45, +358 9 666116. Nice restaurant with an Italian flavor.
• Mai Thai, Annankatu 31-33, +358 9 685 6850, [90]. One of the best Thai restaurants in Helsinki - simply incredible! Make sure to reserve a table in advance.
• Mandarin Court, Lönnrotinkatu 2, +358 9 278 2700. One of the best Chinese restaurants in Helsinki. Has a nice selection of dim sum. Main dishes €11-15.
• Mt. Everest, Lapinlahdenkatu 17, +358 9 6831 5450, [91]. Good Nepalese food. Main dishes €10-20.
• New Bamboo Center, Annankatu 29, +358 9 6943117. Well-known and popular downtown Malaysian-Chinese restaurant. Cheap lunch/dinner. Vegan-friendly with several vegan dishes. If you like elbow room you might want to give it a miss, since the seating is somewhere between "intimate" and "cramped". The food is very good, though.
• Romanov, Yrjönkatu 15, +358 9 642 394, [92]. Serves very tasty Russian food in an homely milieu with a dedicated waitress/owner. Main dishes €12-42.
• Sawat Dee, Alppikatu 5, +358 9 773 2745. Serves very tasty Thai food in a milieu resembling backwoods gas station bar. Main dishes €10-12, lunch set €7.5.

[edit] Vegetarian

• Silvoplee, Toinen linja 3, +358 9 726 0900, [93]. Vegetarian restaurant specializing in living and raw foods but also serves warm dishes. Buffet, pay per weight. Closed on Sundays.
• Vegemesta, Vaasankatu 6, +358 44 9385 212, [94]. Best vegetarian burgers you could imagine. Take away. Ask your burger with dark bred. Cash only. You can get there by taking metro to Sörnäinen.

[edit] Splurge

Two classes of fine dining stand out in Helsinki: fresh seafood and Russian. During the dark days of the Soviet Union, it was sometimes said that the best Russian restaurants in the world were across the border in Helsinki. For something authentically Finnish and uniquely Helsinki, try Vorschmack, an unusual but surprisingly tasty mix of minced lamb and herring, served with chopped pickles and sour cream (smetana).

[edit] Finnish

• Carelia, Mannerheimintie 56, tel. +358 9 27090976. Finnish-French with a strong fish and seafood emphasis. Oysters and other seafood in Winter, local fish in the Summer season. Located in the premises of an old pharmacy with some of the pharmacy interior still intact. One of the best (if not the best) wine cellars in town: there are 37 different champagnes alone on the wine list.
• Chez Dominique. Rikhardinkatu 4, tel. +358 9 612 7393, [95]. Finland's only Michelin two-star restaurant, run by famed Finnish chef Hans Välimäki. Set dinner courses of innovative French food with fresh Finnish ingredients and modern twists start at €79 per head, not including drinks. Reservations essential. Trams 3B and 10.
• Fish Market, Pohjoisesplanadi 17, tel. +358 9 13456220, [96]. Another high quality seafood restaurant with relaxed atmosphere. Trams 1 and 1A.
• Havis, Eteläranta 16, tel. +358 9 68695660, [97]. The successor of the legendary Havis Amanda ("Daughter of the Baltic") and still the best upscale seafood restaurant in town. Trams 1 and 1A.
• Karljohan, Yrjönkatu 21, tel. +358 9 6121121. Very nice restaurant opposite the Hotel Torni with Swedish and Finnish traditional cooking and keeping high standards. It's worthwhile to try the Scandinavian mushy pea soup (and pancake dessert) at Thursday lunches.
• Rivoli, Albertinkatu 38, tel. +358 9 643455. Traditional fine dining restaurant quite close to the SAS Royal and Scandic Simonkentta hotels. Specialities include oysters, shellfish and mussels in season (this was the first place to import them at all) and Zander in a onion and cream sauce traditional style.
• Saaga, Bulevardi 34 B, tel. +358 9 74255544, [98]. Traditional Lapp food in kitschy Lapp surroundings — reindeer horn chandeliers and the lot — but unlike some of the competition, they don't compromise on food quality. The octolingual menu runs the gamut from smoked elk to bear meatballs; don't miss the buttermilk pancakes (äkäset) for dessert. €50 for a full meal.
• Savoy, Eteläesplanadi 14, +358 9 684 4020, tel. [99]. A luxurious restaurant with a magnificent view of downtown Helsinki's rooftops. Savoy is decorated just as Alvar Aalto designed it in the 30's, and they still serve some of the dishes that Field Marshal Mannerheim used to order, such as the famous Vorschmack (a comparatively cheap €18). Other mains from €40, while the opulent "Menu Savoy" will set you back €102.

[edit] Russian

• Bellevue, Rahapajankatu 3, tel. +358 9 179560, [100]. The oldest Russian restaurant in Helsinki was founded by emigrants from the Rodina in the turbulent year of 1917. Fitting location in the shadow of the Orthodox Uspensky Cathedral and a professional kitchen dishing out Russian traditional favorites with a French twist.
• Kasakka, Meritullinkatu 13, tel. +358 9 135 6288, [101]. Less well-known thanks to its location slightly out of the way and on top of a steep hill to boot, this restaurant must be doing something right to have stayed in business since 1969. Indeed, Joseph Raff from Fielding's Europe names it as his favourite of Helsinki's Russian restaurants. Mains €20-30, set menus €38-55.
• Saslik, Neitsytpolku 12, +358 9 74255500, [102]. Traditional Russian delicacies. Russian music and decor of old samovars, stained-glass windows and paintings. Try traditional blinis or Saslik's bear specialities. Meals €20-35, bear dishes €66-76.
• Wellamo, Vyökatu 9, tel. +358 9 663139. Not strictly Russian, but a longtime favorite of both bohemians and the Orthodox community from nearby Uspensky Cathedral. Apart from the wonderful Russian dishes lighter Mediterranean fare is also available.

[edit] International

• Farouge, Yrjönkatu 6, +358 9 6123455. Probably the only Lebanese restaurant in Finland. Friendly service and excellent food. The hand made baklava might be the best this side of the Mediterranean. Main dishes €14-38. Lunch 11AM-3PM on workdays. Closed on Sundays.
• Kabuki, Lapinlahdenkatu 12, +358 9 694 9446, [103]. Helsinki's best-known Japanese restaurant and a favorite of Finnish celebrities, which explains the signed ice hockey jerseys and Star Wars memorabilia scattered throughout. Alas, while the food is decent, it's not quite the real thing. Reservations recommended for dinner. Closed Saturdays.
• La Petite Maison, Huvilakatu 28, +358 (0)10 270 1704, [104]. Classic French cuisine on one of the most idyllic streets in Helsinki. Only 22 seats. Bib Gourmand recognition in the 2006 Michelin guide. Menus (three to six courses) €61-89.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Helsinki has plenty of hip places for a drink, but they are uniformly expensive. If intent on getting plastered, follow the Finns and drink up a good "base" at home or hotel before going out on town. Note that, while entry to bars and clubs is often (but not always) free, you must use and pay for the coat check (narikka), usually around €2, if you're wearing anything more than a T-shirt. In many places you must pay even if you don't leave anything at the cloakroom. If a ticket price is advertised, it usually does not cover the coat check.

A lot of bars and clubs have age limits of 20 or 22, so it may be difficult for people between 18-20 to find a suitable bar in the center of the city. On weekdays the bars are generally more flexible with the age limits.

If you're not interested in the more trendy downtown nightclubs/bars, or are on a budget, you might want to head over to Kallio district that has heaps of bars with relatively cheap beer and an offbeat atmosphere. Popular places include Heinähattu, Roskapankki, Kola and Tauko but there are lots more to choose from - walking along Helsinginkatu or Vaasankatu will get you past many of them. The sometimes "decadent" bar culture here might not be everyone's cup of tea, though. You can reach Kallio from the center by walking, by tram (lines 1, 3B, 6 or 7B) or by metro (get off at Hakaniemi and walk uphill, or Sörnäinen, and head west). Bars in Kallio usually close at 2AM, whereas in city centre there are many that are open until 4AM.

In city centre, a cluster for convenient bar-hopping can be found around Iso-Roobertinkatu (trams 3B/T, 6 and 10), with many other options stretching between that area and the Central Railway Station.

Information on clubs and live performances can be found in free, Finnish-language tabloids such as City, which can be picked up at many bars, cafes and shops. A free Nightlife guide [105] can also be found from bars and hotels.

[edit] Cafes

• Ateljee Baari, Hotel Torni (14th floor), Kalevankatu 5. Despite the name it's more like cafe located on top of Hotel Torni, Finland's first high-rise. Excellent view over Helsinki downtown – even from the (famous) toilets. Highly recommended. Find the elevator close to lobby to get there, but be prepared for expensive drinks. If you're on a tight budget, you can just enjoy the view on the elevator level.
• Café & Eepos, Runeberginkatu 29. A hidden gem near Temppeliaukion kirkko. Delicious pastries, pies and buns - and it's full of books you can read. There are even glasses available for those with poor eyesight.
• Cafe Engel, Aleksanterinkatu 26 (opposite the Lutheran cathedral). Where the locals go for tea and snacks. Very relaxed, lovely courtyard out the back with films projected late into summer evenings.
• Café Kafka, Pohjoisesplanadi 2 (Swedish Theatre). Lovely building and a relaxed place where you can find one of the best espressos in town.
• Cafe Succès, Korkeavuorenkatu 2, tel. +358 9 633414. This traditional cafe serves excellent delicacies. Famous for their cinnamon rolls (korvapuusti, also available in Cafe Esplanad [106]).
• Kipsari, Hämeentie 135 E, [107]. Student cafe at the University of Art and Industrial Design in Arabia. Relaxed atmosphere with music at times. Nice students.
• Strindberg, Pohjoisesplanadi 33, [108]. One of the oldest and most historical cafés of Helsinki. Great terrace on the posh Pohjoisesplanadi with views to the Esplanadi park. Very popular among locals.
• Fazer, Kluuvikatu 3, [109]. This 110-year café has been an institution since its birth. The Fazer Café is famous for its decor, architecture, ice-creams, pastries and coffees. There's also the Fazer Bakery's shop next to the café. If you are visiting, pay attention to the round room topped with a dome. People say that if you tell secrets here, the other customers will hear them across the room due to the acoustics of the dome.
• Kakkugalleria, Erottaja 7, [110]. French type cafe in Design Forum. Try the lovely Sacher cake. Take away is cheaper.

[edit] Bars and pubs

• Ahjo, Bulevardi 2 (Klaus K), tel. +358-20-7704711, [111]. Named after the forge where the mythical Sampo of the Kalevala was made, this is a slick modern bar-lounge with two sides to it: a pure white space as you enter, with a bar counter and sofas, and a darker back room with nooks and crannies for a quieter chat. Drinks €6-8, try the Ahjotonic.

• Baarikärpänen, Mikonkatu, right next to the Main Railway Station. Offers RnB and Top 40 hits in a nice lounge-type bar with big comfortable sofas and a dance floor. Advertised for the (relatively) cheap prices.

• Baker's, Mannerheimintie 12, [112]. A great place to start up your party since from Tuesday to Saturday they have a sparkling wine happy hour: from 5PM, for 100 minutes, a glass of cava costs 100 cents (that's one euro). The service might be somewhat rough. Also lots of young people there on weekends. Has a bar, nightclub, pub and serves also food.

• Corona Bar & Billiard, Eerikinkatu 11, [113]. A bar & billiard hall owned by the brothers Aki and Mika Kaurismäki, who are both film directors, and echoing the melancholic mood of their films. Also check out the affiliated Kafe Moskva [114] bar next door for authentic Soviet style experience, complete with Russian music played on dusty vinyls and Russian vodka and champagne. Downstairs is Dubrovnik [115], a small club-cum-movie theater that can be rented for private events and host occasionally live gigs or clubs.

• Erottaja Bar, Erottajankatu 15-17, tel. +358 9 611 196. A small, consciously crude bar with a young trend and media clientele. You'll have troubles finding a free chairs after around eight o'clock in the evening, but unless it gets really packed, you can still stand next to the DJ table.

• Foxy Wine House, Iso Roobertinkatu 3-5 (inner court), tel. +358 9 644956, [116]. Mon-Thu 4PM-midnight, Fri Sat 4PM-2AM, Sundays closed. Wine houses haven't really caught on in Finland, but this new privately-owned spot is determined to have a go at it. The cozy venue is run by two wine enthusiasts. The wines are reasonably priced and the place easily approachable. Small tapas style dishes also served. Wines €5-8.

• Molly Malone's, Kaisaniemenkatu 1, [117]. An Irish pub/nightclub near the Central Railway Station, popular among Finns and touritst alike. Live music every night. Selected as one of the top 50 Irish Pubs in Europe.

• Loose, Frederikinkatu 34, [118]. A very street-credible rock bar, highly popular among Finnish rock musicians.

• On The Rocks, Mikonkatu, visible right from the Helsinki railway station. Located next to Baarikärpänen and Texas, this is a rock-oriented bar with occasional live bands and stand up comedy acts.

• Mbar, Lasipalatsi, Mannerheimintie 22-24, [119]. A pleasant and popular living room-ish space in the heart of the city with local Dj's playing Drum&Bass, House and Chilly beats. Computers with Internet access (subject to fee), free wi-fi for laptop owners. Drinks €4-5.

• Royal Onnela, Fredrikinkatu 48, [120]. Just around the corner from the Helsinki bus station (Kamppi). As a something-for-everybody venue, it features Finnish table-dancing, a large mainstream disco area and also a small metal/rock section. There's also a Lapland-style street bar and karaoke downstairs. Cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Sports Academy, Kaivokatu 8, [121]. One of the best sports bars in Helsinki, and definitely the place for you if you are keen of some football (soccer) game. A two-story building just opposite the railway station, full of TV sets, and several giant projectors. A small variety of food also served. There can be long queues before popular events - get in early!

• Vanha ylioppilastalo (usually just Vanha), Mannerheimintie 3, [122]. A bar/café just opposite Stockmann, owned by University of Helsinki's filthy rich students' union. Not very special in the winter, but the rooftop patio in the summer is nice. The club evenings attract mostly slighly-over-18 audience.

• Vinyl, Yliopistonkatu 8, [123]. An interesting combination of cocktail bar and DJ record store. Drinks are prepared from fresh fruits and juices as well as from herbs and berries. Records played by DJ's vary from downtempo to house. Drinks €6.5.

[edit] Nightclubs

• The Club, Simonkatu 6. A very popular venue offering three separate bar/club areas with a varying theme. The Club tries to profile itself as a nightclub for trendy young crowd. Music varies from Finnish to mainstream hits and RnB, depending on the area.

• DTM, Iso Roobertinkatu 28, [124]. Mon-Sat 9AM-4AM, Sun noon-4AM. Formerly "Don't Tell Mama", DTM is the largest combination of gay cafe, bar, disco and nightclub in Scandinavia. Saturdays 2nd floor club is ladies-only. Popular among many celebrities. Entrance €7-10 (Saturdays and special nights only).

• Fever, Annankatu 32. Mostly popular with 20-something crowd this club plays the current Top 40 list. As a rather unusual feature in the Helsinki scene, this club is open every day of the week.

• Helsinki Club, Yliopistonkatu 8. An old party venue that keeps discovering itself again and again. Hesari has offered its services for party goers since 1971 and still hosts some of the hottest parties in Helsinki even today. Recently renovated.

• Hevimesta, Hallituskatu 3, tel. +358 9 174395, [125]. Heavy metal clubs are rare - this one's also hosting heavy metal karaoke. Do not be fooled by the building, which looks more like a museum or a university.

• Kaarle XII, Kasarmikatu 40, tel. +358 9 6129990, [126]. Thu-Sat 10PM-4AM. A Helsinki institution better known as Kalle, this former church hasn't had a renovation in years but still continues to pack in a hard-partying thirtysomething crowd, especially on Thursdays. No less than six different bars/dancefloors (all small), playing top 40 tunes, rock and Finnish pop — the last of these gets particularly packed and people dance on the tables every night. Age limit 24.

• Kuudes linja, Hämeentie 13 (entrance from the inner court at Kaikukatu 4), [127]. Wed Thu 9PM-3AM, Fri Sat 10PM-4AM. A live music oriented nightclub for the somewhat arty crowd. Located a 10 min tram/bus ride away in the Kallio district, Kuudes linja usually offers more experimental/alternative music than the mainstream downtown clubs and also hosts electronic music parties. Arrive early to avoid queues on popular nights — admittance is not guaranteed once the place gets full. The terrace on the courtyard is open in summer time from 6PM (Tue-Fri) / 1PM (Sat-Sun) and is especially popular on Sundays with live dj's. You can also bring your own food to the terrace and prepare it on their gas grill.

• Lost & Found, Annankatu 6, [128]. Formerly a hetero-friendly gay club and nowadays more likely vice-versa, this nightclub is open every day till 4 AM. Mysteriously popular despite the sweaty atmosphere in the somewhat cheesy disco downstairs, there's always action here on late nights even on weekdays. One of the best places for celebrity-spotting in Helsinki. Sundays especially good.

• Lux, Urho Kekkosen katu 1 (Kamppi Center), [129]. Wed-Sat 10PM-4AM. A rather new nightclub in the Kamppi shoppin