Helsinki is a unique Nordic Capital, between East and West. There are lots of interesting shops, restaurants and sights that you can find, with the help of this little guide, including some inside tips from real people living in Helsinki. As a Helsinki native myself, many of these places on the list are my favourite places, as well. In this list I have included the favourites of trendy city people living in the heart of Helsinki.
The writer of this article is Kata, a Finnish flight attendant living in Helsinki.
Shopping
Finnish design:
- Marimekko
- Marimekko Outlet
- Iittala
- Artek
- Minna Parikka
- Moomin shop
- Aarikka
- Pentik
- Ivana Helsinki
- Stockmann
Finnish souvenirs:
- Market Square
- Torikortteli
- Kauppahalli
- Stockmann
Famous International Brands:
- Stockmann
- Louis Vuitton
- Luxbag
- Della Marga
- Furla, Boss, Michael Kors etc. Galleria Esplanad
- L’Occitane
- Mulberry
Flea Markets:
- Hietalahti Square
- Konepajan Bruno
- Vallilan Stoori
- Kaivarin Kanuuna
Restaurants
Finnish Cuisine:
- Saaga
- Lappi
- Juuri
- Nokka
- Olo
- Havis
- Saari
Asian Cuisine:
- Restaurant China
- Long Wall
- Kabuki
- Koto
- Samrat
- Namaskaar
- Farang
- Gaijin
International Cuisine:
- Saslik (Russian food)
- Boulevard Social
- Bronda
- Pjazza
- Yume
- Grotesk
- Sandro’s
Cafés:
- Kamome (A Japanese film “Kamome” was partly filmed in this cafe), Address: Pursimiehenkatu 12
- Café Engel
- Café Esplanad
- Café Strindberg
- Kappeli
- Aschan Cafe Jugend
- Café Veranda (Finlandia-talo)
- Fazer Café
- Ekberg
- Johan & Nyström (Katajanokka)
- Marke Square and Kauppahalli
Bars:
- Kafe Moskova
- Putte’s Bar & Pizza
- Grotesk
- Teatteri
- Kiila
- Pjazza
Terraces and seaside cafés/bars:
- Torni Ateljé Bar
- Ursula
- Café Carousel
- Birgitta
- Hernesaaren ranta
- Mattolaituri
- Piritta
Island restaurants:
- Restaurant Saaristo
- Saari
- Restaurant Boathouse
- Restaurant NJK
- Restaurant Pihlajasaari
Great picnic spots:
- Suomenlinna Fortress Island
- Kaivopuisto
- The stairs of the Helsinki Cathedral
- Pihlajasaari
- Seurasaari
Sauna and swimming:
- Löyly design sauna (New in 2016!)
- Allas Sea Pool (New in 2016!)
- Yrjönkadun uimahalli
- Stadionin uimala
For families & kids:
- Finnair Sky Wheel
- Linnanmäki
- Sea Life
- Korkeasaari Helsinki Zoo
- Suomenlinna
- Natural History Museum
- Science Center Heureka
Daytrips outside of Helsinki:
- Ferrytrip to Tallinn (Estonia)
- Nuuksio
- Porvoo
- Fiskars
- Tammisaari, Hanko