Guidebook for Helsinki
Food Scene
Elite
22 Eteläinen HesperiankatuA Finnish institution. Famous for its Finnish menu and its arty guests.
This is my favourite restaurant in Helsinki, and it's less than five minutes away from the flat. Restaurant Aito (Aito meaning authentic in Finnish) is a small and cosy high quality restaurant, which is fully independent and not part of any big chain. They serve Scandinavian food using as much local ingredients as possible. Their Cheeses come from small Finnish farms and their wines are simply delicious. Service is always excellent.
28 locals recommend
Restaurant Kuu
27 TöölönkatuThis is my favourite restaurant in Helsinki, and it's less than five minutes away from the flat. Restaurant Aito (Aito meaning authentic in Finnish) is a small and cosy high quality restaurant, which is fully independent and not part of any big chain. They serve Scandinavian food using as much local ingredients as possible. Their Cheeses come from small Finnish farms and their wines are simply delicious. Service is always excellent.
Sightseeing
Temppeliaukio church (often called the rock church as it resides inside a rock) is very famous for its architecture and is one of the musts to see in Helsinki.
258 locals recommend
Temppeliaukion Church
3 LutherinkatuTemppeliaukio church (often called the rock church as it resides inside a rock) is very famous for its architecture and is one of the musts to see in Helsinki.
Parks & Nature
Walk around Töölönlahti and buy a cup of coffee in a summer kiosk whilst enjoying the views.
58 locals recommend
Töölö bay
Walk around Töölönlahti and buy a cup of coffee in a summer kiosk whilst enjoying the views.
Take a boat to the Pihlajasaari island from outside Cafe Carusel in Kaivopuisto and spend a day sunbathing and swimming on this pretty little island where there are no cars.
49 locals recommend
Pihlajasaari
Take a boat to the Pihlajasaari island from outside Cafe Carusel in Kaivopuisto and spend a day sunbathing and swimming on this pretty little island where there are no cars.
Hietaniemi beach is the place where locals go to enjoy a sunny day. It's particularly popular for beach volley. The original pavilion was built in the 1930's but has been replaced with more modern facilities. Take a look at the sun clock designed by Gerda Qvist that has been telling the time since 1931.
153 locals recommend
Hietaranta Beach
HiekkarannantieHietaniemi beach is the place where locals go to enjoy a sunny day. It's particularly popular for beach volley. The original pavilion was built in the 1930's but has been replaced with more modern facilities. Take a look at the sun clock designed by Gerda Qvist that has been telling the time since 1931.
Seurasaari island is a beautiful outdoor museum. The museum was founded in 1909 when old wooden buildings were transported to the island from all around the country to be protected and preserved for future generations. You can take your own picnic to the island and enjoy a BBQ there. It feels like going 100+ years back in time when visiting this exquisite place. There are no cars allowed on the island (apart from one or two serving the restaurant ). You can visit the island for free. Take your own towel in case you fancy a dip in the sea.
174 locals recommend
Seurasaari
15 SeurasaarentieSeurasaari island is a beautiful outdoor museum. The museum was founded in 1909 when old wooden buildings were transported to the island from all around the country to be protected and preserved for future generations. You can take your own picnic to the island and enjoy a BBQ there. It feels like going 100+ years back in time when visiting this exquisite place. There are no cars allowed on the island (apart from one or two serving the restaurant ). You can visit the island for free. Take your own towel in case you fancy a dip in the sea.
Arts & Culture
Museum of Modern Art. There's always something interesting going on.
384 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
2 MannerheiminaukioMuseum of Modern Art. There's always something interesting going on.
Visit Ateneum to see the master pieces of famous Finnish painters like Albert Edelfelt, Hugo Simberg and Ellen Thesleff.
253 locals recommend
Ateneum
2 KaivokatuVisit Ateneum to see the master pieces of famous Finnish painters like Albert Edelfelt, Hugo Simberg and Ellen Thesleff.
The Natural History museum is recently renovated and it is absolutely brilliant. My children love the section where you can study how do poos of different animals look like ;)
89 locals recommend
Finnish Museum of Natural History
13 Pohjoinen RautatiekatuThe Natural History museum is recently renovated and it is absolutely brilliant. My children love the section where you can study how do poos of different animals look like ;)
Entertainment & Activities
Great place to see films on a big screen. Good choice for rainy days.
135 locals recommend
HAM - Helsinki Art Museum
8 Eteläinen RautatiekatuGreat place to see films on a big screen. Good choice for rainy days.
Helsinki swimming stadium was built for the 1940 olympics that never took place because of 2nd World War. 12 years later it was finally used for its original purpose. The stadium is designed by architect Jorma Järvi. It has 3 swimming pools: 50m long pool, a separate pool for jumping and a children's pool. Entrance fee is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children over 7 years old.
Opening hours:
8.5. - 18.9.2016
Mon - Sat 6.30 - 20.00
Sun 9.00 - 20.00
Ticket sales close at 20.00, swimming time ends at 20.30 and washing premises close at 20.45. You must leave the stadium by 21.00
62 locals recommend
Helsinki Swimming Stadium
5 HammarskjöldintieHelsinki swimming stadium was built for the 1940 olympics that never took place because of 2nd World War. 12 years later it was finally used for its original purpose. The stadium is designed by architect Jorma Järvi. It has 3 swimming pools: 50m long pool, a separate pool for jumping and a children's pool. Entrance fee is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children over 7 years old.
Opening hours:
8.5. - 18.9.2016
Mon - Sat 6.30 - 20.00
Sun 9.00 - 20.00
Ticket sales close at 20.00, swimming time ends at 20.30 and washing premises close at 20.45. You must leave the stadium by 21.00
Drinks & Nightlife
This is the place to be if you want to have a drink or two whilst enjoying fabulous views over the city. The bar is located in the tower of hotel Torni. Take your drink to the balcony and look around. Simply beautiful!
35 locals recommend
Restaurant Torni
5 KalevankatuThis is the place to be if you want to have a drink or two whilst enjoying fabulous views over the city. The bar is located in the tower of hotel Torni. Take your drink to the balcony and look around. Simply beautiful!
Essentials
Alepa Caloniuksenkatu is your nearest grocery store where you can buy food & toiletries. It is 4 minutes walk away from the flat.
17 locals recommend
Alepa Caloniusgatan
28 RuneberginkatuAlepa Caloniuksenkatu is your nearest grocery store where you can buy food & toiletries. It is 4 minutes walk away from the flat.