Where to go in Helsinki, atmospheric places. Helsinki at night: what to see, where you can relax alone and in company

It is popular not only among Finns, but also among guests of Helsinki from all over the world. Travelers know that here you can always have a great rest and breathe fresh air. In the park there are monuments to Finnish poets, the sculptural group “Fairy Tale and True Life”.

Eteläesplanadi-Pohjoisesplanadi (Kaartinkaupunki)

Not quite a place, but an unusual installation that appeared last fall at one of the Helsinki metro stations. This plaque installation adorns the ceiling of the Kamppi metro station. There are 375 signs in total that make up the installation. The exact coordinates and directions of the signs were determined by geographer Nina Kolu from the University of Helsinki, and the lighting was developed by light artist Taneli Pyyusalo.

The art object itself is a figment of the imagination of sculptor Otto Karvanen. Signs directly through the ground indicate the direction of settlements. According to the author’s idea, the plaques mark only those places from which people now living here moved to Helsinki. But, of course, not all are listed. Among the signs, a sign with the name “Kondopoga” was also found. They say Petrozavodsk should be there, but it hasn’t been found yet.

Kamppi metro station

It is a place where people come to spend time surrounded by wonderful green plants. It is located on the shore of Töölönlahti Bay.

The city Winter Garden was opened to the public on October 1, 1893. Quite recently it was restored. The greenhouse consists of three halls. Here, a variety of tropical plants bloom all year round and delight visitors with their beauty (there are about two hundred of them in total). There is also a fish pond in the garden. When you find yourself in this amazing place, you relax your soul and feel harmony with nature. It is probably for this reason that many residents of Helsinki and guests of the capital love to meet and wander in the Winter Garden. Nearby is the old district of Linnunlaulu, where you can see many old wooden cottages decorated with carvings. Entrance to the greenhouses is free.

Hammarskjöldintie 1

“Leave your mark” is exactly how the name of this extraordinary gallery is translated. The space is entirely dedicated to street art, which is of particular interest if only for the reason that it gives rise to double feelings. Many, for example, do not consider graffiti an art form, but some works will amaze even the most inveterate skeptics. Under the roof of the gallery, guests will see examples of graffiti, photographs, and other types of fine art. Exhibitions change every month.

Kaasutehtaankatu, 1

Koryamo is one of the largest cultural centers in Northern Europe. This unique Culture Factory is a multifunctional art venue where about 500 different events take place annually: theatrical performances, art galleries, concerts, discussions, bars and cafes and much more. Visiting the exhibition areas of the gallery and the tram museum is free.

Tallberginkatu, 1 G

It was created as part of a project dedicated to the theme “Helsinki - the capital of design”.

This place is usually a place to escape the hustle and bustle; many people come to the Chapel of Silence to meditate in an ecologically clean space. Critics have dubbed the Chapel of Silence a “sauna of the spirit.” Visitors include not only those interested in architecture. People also come here in search of spiritual support, for example.

The facades of the building are made of horizontal spruce slats bent at different radii, and the internal walls of the chapel are lined with black alder beams. The height of the main hall reaches 11.5 m. In general, there is always not just a calm, but a rather cozy atmosphere here.

House "Kaisa"

You can also get here through one of the exits from the central Kaisaniemi metro station; it leads directly to the second floor of the unusual library. Absolutely anyone can come here, not just students. The inside of the library is as beautiful and unusual as the outside - a high-quality and beautiful environment contributes to immersion in the learning process. But people come to the library not only to study: you can choose any book from the shelves and settle down in a pleasant book company on any of the nine floors. There is no need to present a library card or other documents; admission is absolutely free. The main thing is that if you do not have a reader's subscription, you cannot take the book home.

It’s simply comfortable to be here: cozy, functional and aesthetic rooms invite you to have a great time. There are “quiet” zones and zones for active communication. Anyone can sit down to work or read at a table near a huge panoramic window; and maybe in a secluded corner on a rocking chair. If you wanted to lie down, no problem. Welcome with a book to a soft sofa.

In this place they not only read, but also communicate. The goal of Finnish libraries is to be an attractive place for communication and meeting not only with books, but also with each other.

st. Kaisanimenkatu

One of the oldest and most beautiful parks in the capital. It’s interesting, but since the 30s of the 19th century, Russian aristocrats often spent their leisure time here. At that time, this place was considered a resort area with beaches and healing mineral waters. So, you can also find old mansions here. Notable, for example, is Villa Kalliolinna, built in 1839. In addition, in the summer they swim in the bay, and in the winter they go skiing and skating. It is worth mentioning another attraction of the park. There is a functioning Ursa Observatory here.

Runeberginkatu, 4

An active art gallery is located in the very center of Helsinki. The organization's mission is to support local contemporary art in Finland. This is a platform not only for exhibitions, but also for communication, because its owners try to consolidate everyone who cares about art. Here visitors will see the works of both young artists and recognized masters of Finland and northern Europe. In addition to painting, sculpture and photographic art, Helsinki Contemporary focuses on artists who take a physical, in-depth approach to their work. Such works and objects are exhibited outside the gallery - in public spaces or at temporary pop-up exhibitions throughout the city.

Photo: liveinternet.ru, vk.com, portal.do.mrsu.ru, checkinfinland.ru, vk.com/scantour, redigo.ru, blog.xo.ua, Mika Huisman

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, a small city, like many other European cities. There are not many attractions here, however, you will find something to do. To get a general impression of Helsinki, spending one day here is enough.

I spent one day in Helsinki, arriving here on the Princess Anastasia ferry. Previously, the site published an article about Tallinn, which was examined as part of the same cruise, you can read it.

How to get to the center of Helsinki?

As often happens, the most interesting places are located in the city center. When traveling on the Princess Anastasia cruise ferry, you have about 7 hours to explore Helsinki. If your plans do not include visiting the suburbs, this time will be enough. In good weather, I recommend walking to the center (about 30-40 minutes at a leisurely pace). The distances here are small, especially in comparison with Russian cities. However, if for some reason it is not possible or you do not want to walk, you can also get from the port to the center of Helsinki by public transport.

The Princess Anastasia ferry arrives at the Western Port terminal (West Harbor in English, Lansiterminaali in Finnish and Vastra in Swedish): Tyynenmerenkatu 8. Directly from the port, tram number 9 will take you to the center of Helsinki. As of 2014, the fare is 2.5 euros. Tram tickets can be purchased at the stop, from a special machine, or directly from the tram driver. Through a machine - a little cheaper.

What to see in Helsinki?

1. Swap meet

The first place we wandered into was a flea market. It’s interesting to walk around here - Finns come to the market and sell everything they could find in their grandmother’s chests. Sometimes you come across interesting things. I am not an expert on antiques, so I cannot judge their real value. Perhaps you will find something useful for yourself here. In addition to junk dealers, you come across such interesting characters.

Then we moved towards the central marine terminal along shopping streets. There are no attractions here, but in good weather it’s just nice to walk along these cute, cozy, typically European streets.

1. Fountain Havis Amanda

On Trade Square we came across this interesting fountain with fur seals. It’s embarrassing to admit, but... in fact, this fountain is not about them. It’s a shame because I found out about this when I was already at home and looking through the photos. It turns out that it is dedicated to a forest nymph named Manta, who is a symbol of Helsinki. There is an interesting tradition associated with the fountain. May 1 in Finland is Student's Day; on this day, a university cap is placed on a completely naked nymph and festivities are held next to her.

From the fountain there are just a few steps to the second sea terminal of Helsinki.

1. Suomenlinna Fortress

Not far from Helsinki, on several islands, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna is located, which is where we headed.

Suomenlinna is a piece of the past in the middle of the completely modern city of Helsinki. The age of the fortress is more than 250 years! It was founded at a time when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden, but soon the fortress surrendered to Russian troops and Finland passed to Russia. Until the Finns gained independence, a Russian garrison was located in Suomenlinna.

Suomenlinna Fortress is included in the UNESCO list and is an open-air museum. Those who like taking photos in medieval ruins will have a good time here. It is especially pleasant to walk around the fortress in the summer, when the bright sun is shining. The Finns themselves love to have family picnics and sunbathe here.

It is best to set aside a whole day to visit the Suomenlinna Fortress, but if time does not allow such luxury, at least a few hours. By the way, if you wish, you can spend the night in a hostel on the island.

• Tour of Suomenlinna Fortress

In the central part of the fortress you can pick up a map on which the route is marked (about 1.5 km). During the summer (from May 1 to September 30), the information center is open from 10:00 to 18:00. In winter (from October 1 to April 30) on a reduced schedule - from 10:30 to 16:30.

• How to get to Suomenlinna Fortress?

You can get to Suomenlinna Fortress by ferry, which departs from the Market Square (Kauppatori) approximately once every 40 minutes. You can find out more information on a special website - https://aikataulut.reittiopas.fi/linjat/en/ferry.html

A round-trip ticket costs about 5 euros, travel time is 15 minutes. Ferries run exactly on schedule and do not wait for latecomers, so keep an eye on the time!

If you have little time left after visiting Suomenlinna Fortress, I recommend taking a walk to Senate Square to admire the Cathedral. This cathedral is one of the few attractions of Helsinki. It may seem rustic to many, but it would be strange to visit Helsinki and not visit the cathedral. Once a week (on Wednesdays) you can listen to organ music here at 12:00, in the summer - twice a week (also on Fridays). Also in the summer there is an opportunity to listen to full organ concerts at 20:00 (on Sundays).

Where to eat inexpensively in Helsinki?

Prices in Helsinki, as well as throughout Finland, are not the most modest, so the question is quite interesting. From personal experience, I can recommend a place called Golden Rax Buffet (located at Turunlinnantie 6, not far from the train station).

For 9 euros (cheaper for children) you will have access to a buffet - there are soups, salads, hot snacks like meatballs or sausages and of course pizza. The price also includes drinks of your choice - tea, coffee, soda. For an additional 1 or 2 euros, you can complement your hearty meal with ice cream. It didn't fit into us.

The only thing that caused a slight difficulty was that the staff did not speak English, so I had to explain myself literally using my fingers. On the other hand, our English is far from perfect, so maybe the problem is not with the Finns...

In the summer, berries are sold everywhere on the streets of Helsinki - blueberries, strawberries, blueberries. Great dessert!

Shopping in Helsinki

If you are not indifferent to shopping, you will definitely like Helsinki. Yes, it’s not cheap here, but what quality! For sales, I advise you to come after Christmas and approximately after June 20, until the beginning of August. At this time, prices are reduced by 50-70% of the original cost! Look out for "ALE" signs - this means it's on sale.

In addition, department stores such as Stockmann and Sokos (located near the train station in the center of Helsinki) hold their own sales days in spring and autumn. It is better to check the exact dates on their official websites.

The most famous shopping streets in Helsinki are Mannerheimintie, Fredrikinkatu, Aleksanterinkatu, Bulevardi. There are many shops here to suit every taste and budget.

Tax Free in Finland

It would be a crime to write about shopping and not talk about Tax Free! This system allows you to return compensation for value added tax on goods after crossing the Finnish border. This way you can get back about 10-20% of the total cost of the product. To issue a refund, the amount in the receipt must be more than 40 euros. The registration procedure itself is simple and does not take much time. Even if you don’t speak English, you can simply tell the seller the magic phrase - “Tax Free”. You will be given a check where you need to enter your first and last name (in Latin letters, like in a passport), residential address and signature. Next, they will put a stamp on the same receipt and wrap the bag with the goods with adhesive tape. It is better not to open the goods until you cross the border and receive money.

To sum it up...

To be honest, Helsinki is not a city that has sunk deep into my soul; it doesn’t draw me back again and again... It’s very pleasant to be there, but perhaps only in the summer and subject to good weather. I can’t imagine what you can do here in winter (except maybe shopping). On the other hand, in Helsinki there is no bustle of large cities, everything is quite clean, neat and calm. One, maximum two days of leisurely, relaxed rest is what is ideal for this place.

The following articles will also be of interest to you:

An alternative scenario for tourists who have already seen all the most important things in Helsinki.

The portal eFinland.ru found out what non-standard entertainment Helsinki offers to tourists who have been here more than once and believe that they have seen everything.

Take a quest tour

If you are tired of standard excursion programs, then there is an excellent alternative - quest tours around Helsinki in Russian. Walking around the city in an unusual format is becoming increasingly popular among tourists from Russia. Quest excursions are ideal for those who often come to the capital of Finland and have already seen the main attractions. Quests, group, family or individual, provide an opportunity to get to know the city from an unexpected side and broaden your horizons.

During the quest, teams of participants, armed with a map of the area and task cards, explore a given route. To successfully complete the route, you will need logic and ingenuity: players will have to decipher clues and solve puzzles. During the quest, participants will learn historical facts about Helsinki and urban legends that are not known to all residents of the capital. The bravest ones choose a quest tour to find the missing treasures of Carl Faberge in the cemetery.

You can find out more about quest tours in Helsinki. Price participation in a group quest: 15 euros for an adult and 5 euros for a child, in an individual quest - by agreement. Quest tours are conducted in Russian.

Dine in complete darkness

Dinner in Helsinki will be memorable if you spend it in complete darkness. At the Sipuli restaurant you will be asked to turn off all electronic devices, put on a dark blindfold and be offered a dinner consisting of a cold appetizer, a hot dish and dessert. Starting to eat will not be easy - it is quite possible that you will need to feel the table and plate of food first. Many, by the way, feel freer in the dark and eat here with their hands.

The menu is kept secret and you will only be able to find out what you ate after finishing the “dinner by touch”. Guests rely only on their sense of smell, touch and hearing. So this gastronomic attraction will allow you to test how delicately you feel the taste of dishes. Waiters serving dinner are usually blind.

“The darkness was pitch black. At first I was afraid to even move, lest I drop something. It was quite difficult to eat - it was not clear where the plates of food were. But at the same time it was very interesting to communicate with each other in absolute darkness. A completely new experience."

Marina, dinner attendee

More information about dining in the dark can be found. A table must be reserved in advance. Price: 80 euros per person, alcohol is paid separately.

Become the main character of the game in reality

Even if you are a regular at quests in reality and have already repeatedly escaped from locked rooms of mad scientists, dungeons of medieval castles, labyrinths and cabins of out-of-control airplanes, the Finns will manage to surprise you. In Helsinki you will be invited to voluntarily... play in the box. “Not yet played in the box” - this is the name of the first quest in Finland of an unusual format, which is intended for two players. According to the terms of the game, both participants find themselves locked in large wooden boxes that stand next to each other. Getting out of the boxes is possible only through well-coordinated teamwork - players can talk to each other. No special knowledge is required to participate in such a quest, but you will need to use all the senses, logic and the ability to listen to your partner. Participants will receive hints from the game host that need to be combined.

The escape room is an intellectual game. According to its conditions, players are locked in a room from which they must escape within a certain time by solving puzzles.

Finding yourself in a locked box is creepy, but not as scary as it might seem. For the convenience of participants, the inside of the playing spaces is upholstered with a soft covering, air flows inside through special ventilation, there is enough space even for tall people, and all sounds outside the box are clearly audible. Of course, people with claustrophobia are not recommended to play this escape quest. But if you are not afraid of confined spaces, you will find it very interesting.

I really wanted to try something non-standard, new, not a quest in two or three rooms in which you need to go back and forth. Was it scary? No. It was great.

Egor, escape quest participant

You can “play the box” in the quest project Komnata. Price: 80 euros for a team of two people. The quest can be completed in Russian.

Take to the skies

If you want to go to the sky, but don’t have your own plane, then in Helsinki the dream can become a reality - Malmi Airport makes it possible to rent an aircraft for a half-hour flight. You can rent small light two-seater aircraft Ikarus C42 and Eurostar EV97. You will be given control instructions and given some time to fly the plane on your own. However, you should not expect that you will hold the helm for the entire flight - an experienced pilot instructor will fly the plane. On the ground you will be given a certificate confirming your flight.

If you have the opportunity to visit Helsinki, you should definitely take advantage of it. The city has many attractions, and one day is clearly not enough to see them all. This is a very interesting city with a long history. Tourists of all ages will be interested in walking along its streets, visiting museums, and visiting fortresses and cathedrals. But there are interesting places in the city for children, and where to go in Helsinki with a child, you can ask the travel agency.

How to get there?

You can get to the capital of Finland by any means of transport, by air, by land and even by sea. Three airlines operate daily flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg airports: Aeroflot, Finnair and Pulkovo Airlines. An hour of flight - and you are in Finland. From St. Petersburg you can come to Helsinki by high-speed train "Allegro", which delivers tourists to their destination four times a day. Travel time is 3.5 hours.

There are also two high-speed trains - the Finnish Sibelius and the Russian Repin. Lux Express buses run three times a day from the Northern capital of Russia to the capital of Finland. And this is the cheapest option. One way ticket -1400 rubles.

There is also a reliable connection on the St. Petersburg - Stockholm ferry. It will be a kind of small cruise. Departure from St. Petersburg in the evening, and get off the ferry to Helsinki, where you will arrive the next morning, at the South Port (Olimpiaranta, 1). But this type of transport is more suitable for the warm season.

Hospitable city

This is one of the cities in Europe that has created favorable conditions for tourism and recreation. The city has many different museums, attractions, and architectural monuments. It is enough to purchase a map of Helsinki, and “where to go and what to see” as a question should disappear by itself. Fans of walking around the city will find several developed routes that cover all the interesting places that the capital of Finland is rich in. For those who just came to relax with a large group, the guide will also find where you can spend a weekend and get acquainted with Finnish culture. There are many interesting places in Helsinki where you can go with your child. In general, you can go to your “Finnish neighbor” on a weekend from St. Petersburg, because it’s always a mini-trip to Europe, which is almost nearby. The main thing is to decide where you still want to go and what to see.

What is the Helsinki map?

Tourists who don't know what to do in Helsinki in one day can purchase an all-inclusive sightseeing package that allows them to see the best of the city while saving time and money. This package is called the Helsinki map. The card is available for 1, 2 and 3 days, depending on the period for which it is purchased. This card is a kind of all-in-one ticket. By purchasing it, tourists will subsequently receive free admission to 25 top attractions and museums, as well as a city tour and a panoramic bus tour to the tourist island of Suomenlinna, as well as free entry to the SkyWheel and SEALIFE Helsinki.

Budget travel option

For example, if tourists decide where to go in Helsinki without the above map, they will have to pay for each attraction or object of visit:

• Suomenlinna, sea fortress - museums and tour - € 37.00.
• Bus tour with panorama - € 32.00.
• Excursion along the beautiful canal - € 25.00.
• SkyWheel (discounted entry) - € 12.00.
• SEALIFE (discounted entry) - € 16.00.
• City tour by bus - € 28.00.
• Ateneum Art Museum - € 15.00.
• Temppeliaukio Church (rock church) - € 3.00.
• Museum of Contemporary Art "Kiasma" - € 14.00.

By visiting these 9 attractions without a Helsinki card, you will spend 182 euros, and in addition there will be costs for public transport. And the 3-day Helsinki Card costs €66.00 and includes free public transport, so the savings are obvious!

If you are passing through Helsinki

Sometimes the trip turns out to be unplanned. Perhaps this is a business trip, or you happen to be passing through this city. In this case, no one really thinks about where to go. In Helsinki you can just walk, and the streets will lead you to the embankment and the main Cathedral on Senate Square. Your feet will take you to the Old Market Hall - an ancient indoor shopping market. Very beautiful buildings and unusual for their maintenance. Who would have thought that the Finnish National Theater is located in a building that looks like an impregnable castle. The beautiful red brick building of the former customs house in 1900 and the Best Western Premier Hotel Katajanokka, located in a former prison, are made of the same brick.

Here's where you just need to look: Linnanmäki Amusement Park. This is one of the oldest parks, which houses rare wooden roller coasters, as well as new modern ones. Both of them work and delight both adults and children. The park has a tower with an observation deck. You can climb it and see Helsinki from a bird's eye view for free.

Museums in Helsinki

For those who are interested in the culture and life of the country's population, it will be interesting to visit the most popular museums in Helsinki. Typically, such an excursion is made in the autumn-winter period, when indoors are more comfortable than outdoors. The most interesting include the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma - Museum of Contemporary Art "Kiasma".

Visitors enter the museum through a spacious lobby with a glass ceiling. This location serves as the starting point for stairs, ramps, and corridors that curve to lead to the rest of the building. The irregular, subtly differentiated spaces of the museum serve as exhibition halls.

You can always find where to go in Helsinki. So, the Kaupunginmuseo - the Helsinki Museum - is interesting to visit. It documents and displays the history of Finland's capital. Those who are interested in natural sciences can visit the Finnish Museum of Natural History - Science Museum of Natural History. It is interesting for its exhibits Design Museum - Design Museum.

Traveling with children

Coming to Helsinki with children, many ask the question: “What to do with a child, where to take him so that he will be interested?” There are enough places like this for both kids and teenagers. These are museums and entertainment, Espoo and Vantaa, which can be visited in summer and winter. In a historical museum, a child might be interested in Vintti's workshop. Children learn to build a wooden frame or a wall from bricks. They will be allowed to grind grain and even work on a typewriter.

You can visit the island of Seurasaari with your child. This ethnographic complex is interesting because there are 80 buildings brought from all over Finland. These are peasant estates, shops and workshops. There is a school, a postal station and even a working mill on the territory of the complex. True, this complex operates in the warm season from mid-May to mid-September. On holidays such as Easter, Christmas and Midsummer Day, folk festivities take place on the island.

Helsinki in winter

For those parents who came to Helsinki, where to go with their child in winter, the question does not arise. They know that the city has the largest water park in Europe, Serena, which is popular with both adults and children. Children and adults will not be bored at the Eureka Science Center. Time spent there leaves a lasting impression.

After all, here you can sit in the cockpit of an airplane, imagining yourself as a pilot, ride a tightrope on a bicycle like a circus performer, or climb into a bear’s den. And in "Eric" there are no restrictions. You can touch everything with your hands. The main feature of "Eureka" is a planetarium showing 3D films. You can stroll through the park on the snow-covered island of Seurasaari. And if you come for Christmas, you should definitely check out the City Winter Garden. He will surprise you with his winter outfits.

Helsinki is interesting at any time of the year. It has so many attractions that, having been here once, a person does not feel satiated. The city of Helsinki is hospitable and incredibly beautiful.

For those traveling to Helsinki for the Flow music festival, The Village has prepared a short walking guide around the city. Three routes cover the main attractions, interesting places and establishments.

Route 1

Maritime Helsinki

Cafe Kokko

This elegant café's terrace overlooks the marina as well as some of the city's most picturesque and expensive areas: Katajanokka and Kruununhaka. The place was opened by a former photographer and now barista Pasi Kokko, so the atmosphere here is creative and intellectual. And the coffee is simply great, not to mention the raw food desserts.

Ferris wheel at Allas terrace

Walking just 300 meters along the canal towards the main market square, you will easily notice the Ferris wheel, which is located right at the water's edge, next to where transatlantic liners moor. If you have never been to Helsinki before, then this is probably one of the best ways to get to know the city - ride an attraction and get a bird's eye view of the city.

Suomenlinna Island

Directly from the market square, ferries run every few minutes to the island of Suomenlinna, the Swedish version of Sveaborg.

After a refreshing 15-minute journey, you can stroll around the island and also explore the fortress built by the Swedes in the mid-18th century as a defense against Russia. Which, by the way, was captured by the fleet of Alexander I, after which the hundred-year occupation of Finland (which was then part of the Kingdom of Sweden) by Russia began.

Ferry tickets can be purchased right there at the pier, and they cost exactly the same as other city transport - two and a half euros.

Cafe Piper on Suomenlinna

If you're in Suomenlinna and didn't bring anything with you for a picnic, then go straight to the cafe Piper. This wooden villa on a hill will charm anyone. It's very cozy and homely here. And although the menu here is nothing special, a piece of cake with a cup of tea with a view from the terrace Piper- this is a completely special feeling.

Old Market / Vanha Kauppahalli

One of the oldest indoor markets in the city has recently opened after reconstruction, and people come here again to try the delicacies. Here you will also find a place that serves simple but surprisingly tasty soups, such as excellent bouillabaisse. You can also order a platter of oysters with a glass of champagne at the fish shop.

Terrace bar Mattolaituri

After a short snack in the Old Market, it is pleasant to stroll along the embankment towards the respectable Eira district, famous for its villas and coastal terraces. If you have time, check out Kaivopuisto Park and climb the hill where the tiny observatory is hidden for incredible sea views.

As for the terrace itself, Mattolaituri (translated from Finnish as “carpet washing dock”) located right next to a real place for washing carpets, which, no matter how antique it looks in the modern world, is still used for its intended purpose. Despite this proximity, it is mainly the residents of Eira and those who have yachts and boats left nearby who vacation here. Relax here for a while with a glass of wine and go for a walk further along the embankment.

Terrace Birgitta

Walk along Eiranranta towards Hernesaari. There you will find one of this summer's new products - a terrace Birgitta. They cook excellent smoky burgers over an open fire, so if you're hungry again, you can refresh yourself. But it’s nice to just sit and admire the sea view. The cafe has open Wi-Fi and sockets.

Beach on the island of Pihlajasaari

If the weather has cleared up and you still have some strength, then go swimming and sunbathing on the island Pihlajasari. To do this, you will need to return along the embankment in the opposite direction to the cafe Carusel(a huge round building right on the shore) and from there take a sea tram to Pihlajasari.

Skiffer Cafe on the Island

In the late afternoon, dine at an open-air restaurant Skiffer. To do this, return to the shore and take the tram to Liuskaluoto. The tram stops a little further from the Carusel cafe, halfway towards Mattolaituri. Keep a close eye on the piers. The indicator of success will be a bunch of nice, cheerful young people waiting for something in a small group. IN Skiffer They prepare mind-blowing pizzas and salads. The pizza is especially good Soignon, that with goat cheese and strawberries. Sometimes DJs play here and unobtrusive, relaxed parties take place. In terms of parties, it happens every once in a while. But they will feed you excellently here.

Party or picnic on the island of Lonna

The new island opened to visitors only at the end of May this year, and it’s already difficult to imagine how to live without it. Water buses run to the island from the market square. Just 10 minutes - and you are there. Here you can dine in an excellent restaurant Lonna, you can spend time on the terrace watching one of the most beautiful views of Helsinki. Sometimes the club Poiju holds his parties here, and then the island does not sleep for a long time. If you are tired of the establishments, then you can come here with your picnic basket, sit on the bridge or on the rocks near the shore and spend a wonderful day.

Route 2

Main attractions
in one walk

Senate square

Walking along Senate Square in good weather is a pleasure. From here you can see the main university of the city and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, designed by the architect Engel. A favorite pastime of tourists is to take pictures on its steps, while students sometimes use this place simply as an open-air dining room where they can come and unwrap their sandwich.

Assumption Cathedral

The largest Orthodox church in Helsinki. The church was built on a rock on the island of Katajanokka, right by the sea, and is not only one of the main attractions of the city, but a notable monument of the Russian period.

Terrace Allas

Next year there will be an open-air swimming pool, similar to those in Copenhagen or Berlin. In the meantime, the place is occupied by a pleasant terrace, surrounded by neat lawns and greenhouses. Local musicians sometimes perform here in the evenings, but there are also daytime performances. It is better to familiarize yourself with the program in advance on the website.

Market Square

The seaside old market square is always teeming with people. Here you can buy seasonal berries, mushrooms and vegetables, as well as have a snack in one of the simple cafes in tents. Another magnificent panorama of the city opens from the market square. However, if you decide to eat on the go, beware of seagulls! This is not a joke, birds are really capable of taking away the last ice cream from a child without blinking an eye.

Esplanade

The Esplanade is a popular street for promenade and shopping. Almost all of Finland's iconic design brands can be found here: furniture Artek, home textiles Finnlayson, dishes Iittala And Arabia, household products Pentik, clothes Marimekko, as well as wonderful books from Akateeminen Kirjakauppa.

Parliament

The Finnish parliament, despite its strict appearance, is a rather liberal institution. People are quietly allowed here on free, rather interesting excursions, and at night the city rabbits frolic in front of the parliament. Directly opposite is the futuristic building of the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art - one of the must-see places even for those who visit Helsinki regularly.

Temppeliaukio Church

This church is better known as the church in the rock, simply because it was scraped out of a solid mass. The inside looks more like a spaceship than a church in its stereotypical sense. You'll be lucky if you come while the organ is playing: an amazing experience. You can also come here for specially organized concerts.

Restaurant Elite

The restaurant has been in its current location since 1932 - not much has changed since then. Previously, salons were held here and artists, performers and other creative intelligentsia loved to come here. Now the trip to Elite it is simply a sign of good taste and a demonstration of attention to eternal values.

Sibelius Monument

A pleasant walk through the tranquil and picturesque area of ​​Töölö and along the sea will lead you to a park named after the Finnish composer Sibelius. In the center of the park there is one of the most unusual, but at the same time logical monuments to composers.

Cafe Regatta

Not far from the Sibelius monument, right on the seashore, perched a red wooden hut - a charming cafe Regatta, one of the most favorite places for Helsinki residents. In the summer, it’s nice to sit on the terrace overlooking the water and selflessly pick at a cinnamon bun. (in Finnish - korvapuusti), and in winter - hide inside, drinking glögi.

Tori Hotel Tower (+ Vin Vin wine bar)

After enjoying the seaside idyll, return to the city center and go up to the top floor of the hotel Torni. There's a little bar there called Atelje. The bar is so-so, but it's worth being patient. Take a glass of fairly average and expensive wine to sit for a while on the terrace with the most beautiful view of the city. If you want to continue the evening with wine, then it’s better to go downstairs. Right opposite the hotel Torni on the street Kalevankatu you will find a great wine bar Vin-Vin with a wonderful card and cheeses.

Route 3

Hip Helsinki

Brunch or lunch at Sandro

During the day this is a fairly popular restaurant; in the evening DJs start playing here and the place looks more like a bar. IN Sandro come to dine on aromatic Maghreb cuisine, listen to music and people watch. In 2014 brunches Sandro were recognized as the best among mid-priced brunches, they really deserve attention. For 28 euros you can try more than 15 different dishes, not including dessert, and drink a glass of sparkling wine. The staff here is very friendly and helpful. But in order not to once again resort to their compassion: book a table on the website in advance.

Frida Marina

If you are lucky and during your visit there will be a flea market on one of the streets of Kallio, go there. For example, on Sundays, all summer long street flea markets on the street Aleksis Kiven katu and many other pop up markets. If it so happens that you arrived during the week, then after Sandro it’s nice to stroll through the places for which the bohemian district of Kallio is famous - namely, vintage shops and second-hand shops. Look, for example, at Frida Marina. You can sometimes stumble across shoes here Gucci 80s or an amazingly beautiful Finnish-made trench coat from the time of our grandmothers.

Made in Kallio

On one of the central arteries of Kallio - Vaasankatu Street - there is a design co-working space, a store and a cafe. An area of ​​more than 200 square meters houses workplaces for jewelers, tailors, designers and other creators. Many examples of their products can be purchased right there in the tiny store. There is also always an excellent cafe open here with vintage shabby chairs, a variety of creative-looking visitors and delicious ice cream. Sailors Tears

An ideal place to buy yourself some bright and inexpensive clothes for parties and festivals, for secondary consumption, so to speak. Here you can find a section with Aztec print shirts, 80s sweaters, baseball caps and bomber jackets, boilers and denim sleeveless vests.

The owners of the store are a lively Argentine-Finnish couple, Anna and Agustin, so a trip to the store easily turns into a dress-up party.

Cafe Ihana Kahvila

If possible, it is better to get here by bicycle. You'll have to go through almost the entire territory Suvilahti- the place where the thermal power plant used to be located, and now a music festival is held annually Flow. After that, follow the signs Ihana Kahvila and green markings on the asphalt. Walk along the walls where local artists practice graffiti, past the barracks of the old port, all the way to the end of Samposaari island. There, amid industrial desolation, you can finally lie in a hammock and drink a well-deserved lemonade. Now the island is being built up with new houses, and soon there may be no trace left of this cafe and all this industrial and maritime romance, so go before it’s too late.

Teurastamo

The former slaughterhouse has a grassy area with sun loungers and hammocks. There are no less than five different restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the area, serving fresh burgers, ribs, Chinese dim sum and handmade Italian sugar-free ice cream.

City Wi-Fi works here, so freelancers often come in to work. On weekends there are often various food festivals and other events. If you don’t want to be indoors, then bring your own ingredients and use the public grill.

Cultural sauna / Kultturisauna

The sauna has a laconic Japanese-Finnish design and is located right on the seashore. Pleasant music plays in the lobby, and only boiled eggs are served as food. It’s definitely worth going here, simply because going to the sauna is the Finns’ favorite pastime. And this sauna is one of the most interesting in the city. In addition, after the sauna you can plunge into cold sea water.

Wine bar Kombo

Spanish wine bar serving great tapas and great wine. Kombo employees will be happy to give you almost a lecture on winemaking, and if you come alone, the local French bulldog, Kiko, will keep you company.

Kaikku Club, Siltanenen Bar and Kuudes Linja Club

If after the wine bar you still have no strength left, then go straight to the courtyards of the local academy of arts. There, wall to wall, you will find three bars/clubs, and in one of them there will definitely be a party worthy of attention.