helsinki - nordic oddity

7/31/2019 Helsinki - nordic Oddity

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An authentic adventure,

an alternative perspec-

tive to explore the city.

Pamper,

indulge

and enjoy

yourself

with luxury

experiences.

Inexpensive and creative ways to see

the city through the eyes of the locals.


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Nordic Oddity is a 24-hour-guide for open-minded individuals

looking for unique experiences in Helsinki. Introducing the

most interesting places and coolest happenings in the city,Nordic Oddity is a way to an alternative adventure. It embraces

information on where to explore, enjoy and ease off - be it

shopping, the extraordinary, luxuries, locals, urban legends or

the vibrant nightlife one is after. Its like ones best friend from

Helsinki guiding you through the multidimensional urban culture.

introduction & symbols

Shopping Sights&activities Bars&clubsEat&Enjoy Culture&events Ferry&waterbus


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08:00-12:00 breakfast & brunch

Brunch at SiltanenOn weekends from 11am to 4pm youcan enjoy brunch at Siltanen, thetrendiest restaurant in Kallio district.Select from four brunch menus: Berlin

Brunch, Buddha Brunch, NYC Brunchand Wafe Brunch. In summertimeyou can eat outside on the sunny ter-race away from the trafc. Siltanenalso serves lunch all day long and playsclub music in the evenings.Hmeentie 13 B, www.siltanen.org

Brunch at Pacico

Situated in the heart of Kallio, Pacicoserves a generous and inexpensive

brunch buffet on weekends, and veg-etarians are not overlooked. The res-taurant itself has a romantically casuallook, and the food is delicious, so youare bound to enjoy yourself. In the

evenings Pacico also serves a widerange of drinks, including strawberrymargaritas that will carry you away.Helsinginkatu 15, www.pacico.

Breakfast is always better on

the other side of the fence?

If you want to test what kind of break-fast the hotel next door serves, goright ahead. In Helsinki you can enjoyhotel breakfasts without having to stay

at the hotel in question. Just let thehotel staff at reception know beforeyou dig into the buffet! The designhotel Klaus K serves particularly stylishbreakfasts, while Hotel Kmp lets you

enjoy breakfast in historic surround-ings. For a unique breakfast experi-ence, try the hotel BW Katajanokka, aformer prison in Katajanokka district!

Hotel Kmp, Pohjoisesplanadi 29,www.hotelkamp.Hotel Klaus K, Bulevardi 2-4,www.klauskhotel.comBW Katajanokka, Merikasarminkatu1 a, www.bwkatajanokka.

Brunch beside

Tlnlahti BayEnjoy a luxurious Scandinavian brunchalongside the beautiful TlnlahtiBay at the restaurant Tlnranta.Help yourself to starters and dessertsfrom the generous buffet, while maincourses are served to your table. Top itall off with a glass of sparkling wine!This brunch experience is made all themore special by the splendid viewsover the bay, both in summertime andwintertime.Helsinginkatu 56,www.toolonranta.

Alia in MustikkamaaFor the nest brunch in town, head forMustikkamaa just a short bus ride fromthe city centre. The exquisite food isenhanced by the beautiful villa milieuwith its sunny verandas. Mustikkamaa(Blueberry Field) is an island fromwhich you can also get to Helsinki Zooon the neighbouring island of Korkea-saari. Although Mustikkamaa was orig-inally named after the blue shades ofits granite rocks, blueberries can alsobe freely picked on the island.Take Bus 11 directly from Railway Squareto Mustikkamaa.Mustikkamaankuja 1,www.alia.

Luxury breakfast atCaf Villipuutarha

The wild garden caf is like a tiny oa-sis in the city. Here you can relax andforget the hustle and bustle outsidethe small and cosy caf. You can alsobuy about everything you see in thecaf (decoration, clothes etc.). Theluxury breakfast is denitely worth try-ing, just remember to reserve a tablein advance!Kaarlenkatu 13, www.villipuutarha.

Coffee in Hakaniemi Market or

Market Square

Enjoy affordable morning coffees intown at Hakaniemi Market or MarketSquare. Try also the delicious cinna-mon rolls. You can enjoy the marketatmosphere throughout the year. Onweekends the lively atmosphere alsoincludes accordion music. After break-fast you can visit the historic markethalls. Hakaniemi Market Hall and theOld Market Hall both open at 8am. Theeasiest way to get to Hakaniemi is bymetro or tram.

Hakaniemi Market Hall,Hakaniemen torikatu,www.hakaniemenkauppahalli.Old Market Hall, Etelranta,www.wanhakauppahalli.com

Cafe Regatta beside the sea

Imagine a small red cottage beside

the sea. The lovely aroma of coffeeand freshly baked buns wafts out ofthe cottage. If it is summer, the sunis shining soothingly on the tablesin the garden, while a warm breezeblows off the sea in front of you. If itis winter, the sun reects brightly offthe snow and ice, while the wind feedsthe ames in the re as you wrap upwarmly in a blanket and enjoy a nicewarm drink. Its a nice image, and onethat you can experience for real at

Cafe Regatta, a seaside caf in Tlthat is worth looking for. Although thecaf itself is tiny, you can sit outside all

year round. Here you can really enjoy along breakfast, as you get 5 cents back

for every extra free cup of coffee thatyou order so the more you drink, themore money you save! Credit cards arenot accepted.Merikannontie 10

Espresso Edge

This colourful and lively caf in Kruu-nunhaka serves a mini breakfast thatis light on your wallet but plenty foryour tummy. The small caf is an idealplace to sit and watch the passersby.

After breakfast you can pop into theOrthodox icon shop Tuohus next door.Espresso Edge, Liisankatu 29Tuohus-Valamo monastery shop,Liisankatu 29

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Morning in Arabianranta

Pick up a copy of the Arabianranta artmap from Tourist Information and jumpaboard the number 6 tram. Enjoy allthe art in the Arabia district and ad-

mire the traditional buildings at AnnalaManor. You can eat lunch at the res-taurant Dylan and drink coffee at thecaf inside the Arabia Centre. Visit theArabia Museum and shop in the IittalaOutlet. Such a perfect day, Im gladthat I spent it at Arabia!

Helsinki City Tourist Information,Pohjoisesplanadi 19,www.visithelsinki.

Dylan, Hmeentie 135B,www.dylan./arabia

Arabia Museum and Gallery,Hmeentie 135, www.arabiamuseo.Iittala Outlet, Hmeentie 135,www.iittalaoutlet.

Sderskr Light House

Approximately two hours from Helsinkiby ferry is the impressive SderskrLighthouse. The breathtaking archipel-ago and sparse granite island will makea lasting impression on you. AboardRoyal line you can enjoy delicious ar-chipelago food and refreshments. Fer-

ries depart from the Market Square acouple of times a week from the end ofJune to mid-August.www.soderskar., www.royalline.

Metro adventure to

East Helsinki

Helsinkis metro is orange and operateson only two routes to the east of thecity centre. Head for the Central Rail-way Station and stop aboard a metroto explore East Helsinki. After theSrninen stop the metro surfaces outof the tunnel and offers nice views tothe sea. The metro stops every coupleof minutes in the eastern districts ofthe city. You can get off at any stop,look around the neighbourhood andthen continue your ride. A new metro

comes along every 5 minutes or so from

six in the morning until eleven in theevening. At the Itkeskus stop you can

visit one of the biggest shopping cen-tres in Helsinki - Itis. After Itkeskusthe route splits. In Vuosaari there is acampsite and public swimming beachwhere you can swim all year round. Theroute terminates at the small KolumbusShopping Centre in Vuosaari. The laststop is also the northmost metro sta-tion in the world!Itis Shopping Centre, www.itis.Rastila Camping, www.rastilacamping.Kolumbus Shopping Centre,

www.columbus.

Winter fun on skates

Helsinki is surrounded by the sea. When

the sea freezes over, do as the localsdo and try walking across the ice. Ofcourse, if you see signs warning you tostay off the ice, dont take any risks! Youcan also experience the joy of winter inHelsinki by renting a pair of ice skatesat the Helsinki Icepark in the city cen-tre next to the Central Railway Station.Dress warmly, tie up your laces tightlyand try to stay on your feet! Sledding isalso a popular activity, especially at theend of winter when the snow is covered

by a thick crust. If you dont have yourown sled, try using a plastic bag instead.

Helsinki Icepark, www.jaapuisto.

08:00-12:00 activities

Island hopping

A great way to spend a summers orwinters day is to jump aboard theferry from Kaivopuisto to Pihlajasaari,Uunisaari or from the Market Square

to Suomenlinna just off the coast ofHelsinki. Helsinki has many small is-land paradises where you can enjoy thesea, smooth granite rocks and sandybeaches in the summertime.

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08:00-12:00 activities

shop Papaija, the boutique Fem, thewallpaper shop Tapettitalo and the vin-tage shop Ansa. If you want to enjoy abeer, check out the Sivukirjasto restau-rant behind the library.

To get to the Bear Park, take either thenumber 3B or number 9 tram.Bear Park Cafe, www.bearparkcafe.netKulmakahvio, Agricolankatu 13,www.kulmakahvio.Kallion Library, Viides Linja 11,www.lib.hel./kallioPapaija, Agricolankatu 11, www.papaja.Fem, Fleminginkatu 5,

Kallion Karhupuisto

The Bear Park was once notorious forthe shady people who used to gatherthere, but the local residents associa-tion drove them out by planting ow-

ers and reclaiming the park. In sum-mertime you can relax at the Bear ParkCaf, while in wintertime you can enjoycoffees on the other side of the parkat Kulmakahvio. When you go to theBear Park, it is worth visiting also KallioLibrary. There are also many interest-ing shops nearby, such as the jewellery

Nature reserves

Helsinki has 48 nature reserves,

many of which can be reached eas-ily by public transport. Summertimeis a great time for visiting the Haltialaold-growth forest, Uutela, Viikki andLammassaari. It is easy to get to Lam-massaari by following the signs fromthe Old Town Bay (Vanhankaupungin-lahti) in Arabia and walking down thewooden path for one kilometre thewalk alone is worth the visit! It is fun towalk around the island, climb the birdwatching tower and admire the small

allotment cottages. As in other naturereserves, it is important to follow therules, stay on the path, not disturb

nesting birds or other animals, not pickplants and not litter.

For more information about naturereserves in Helsinki, go to: www.hel.

Up with Kallioinvitesvisitorstodiscover

theneighbourhoodsunique

boutiquesandrestaurants.

seethemap, blogand

descriptionsonlineat:

www.upwithkallio.fi

femcollective.blogspot.comTapettitalo, Fleminginkatu 4,www.tapettitalo.

Ansa, Flemininginkatu 8,vintageansa.blogspot.com

Sivukirjasto, Fleminginkatu 5,www.facebook.com/Sivukirjasto

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Recycled products

Helsinki has several boutiques that sellclothing, accessories and items madeout of recycled materials. Globe Hopeis an innovative Finnish design company

that designs ecological products out ofrecycled materials, such as hospital andarmy textiles, worker uniforms, adver-tisement banners and ags, recycledsails, seatbelts and vintage home tex-tiles, such as curtains, tablecloths andbed sheets. Wear a skirt that was a towelin its previous life! EDEL City offers Finn-ish eco-luxury design products madefrom recycled or organic raw materials.Their focus on high-design and their

stylish urban look is a welcome depar-ture from other green design concepts.

Globe Hope Lasipalatsi,Mannerheimintie 22-24Globe Hope Kiseleff, Aleksanterin-katu 28, www.globehope.comEDEL City Concept Store,Fredrikinkatu 33EDEL City Flagship Store, Kluuvi

Shopping Centre, Aleksanterinkatu 9,www.edelcity.com

Record shops

You have a dirty bottom! Greetingsfrom the sarcophagus! These are theeccentric marketing slogans of therecord shop x in the Tl district.

What it has to do with records is un-clear, but x is denitely worth a visit!Popular record shops can also be foundin the Viiskulma neighbourhood. Inter-ested in rap music? Then check out

The Funkiest. And dont forget alsoStupido Shop!

Levykauppa x, Arkadiankatu 14b,www.levykauppax.Digelius, Laivurinrinne 2,www.digelius.comEronen, Laivurinrinne 2,www. dubjazzsalsa.comThe Funkiest, Mechelininkatu 12-14,www.thefunkiest.

Stupido-Shop, Iso Roobertinkatu 23,www.stupido./shop

Finnish design

Finland has made a name for itselfaround the world for fashion and de-sign. IVANAhelsinkis delightful prints,Tiia Vanhatapios dresses, Hanna Sarnsclogs (as seen on Sex and the City),Minna Parikkas exquisite footwear andAki Choklats leather accessories have allrisen to international acclaim.

IVANAhelsinki, Uudenmaankatu 15,

www.ivanahelsinki.comTiia Vanhatapio at the House ofKiseleff, Unioninkatu 27 B,www.vanhatapio.Hanna Sarn, hannasaren.netMinna Parikka, Bulevardi 24,www.minnaparikka.com

Aki Choklat, www.akichoklat.com

Farm marketsThe Farm Market inside Lasipalatsiand Juuri Shop next to the restaurantJuuri both offer Finnish organic andlocal food. Eat & Joy in Kluuvi MarketHall is a new establishment that is de-nitely worth a try! Its specialties includea bread oven heated by birch logs, a shsmoker, fresh milk that you can buy in ametal container, and a milk bar that alsoserves oven-cooked porridge. And if youare in Tl, pop in to Anton&Anton!

Maatilatori, Mannerheimintie 22-24Juuren Puoti, Korkeavuorenkatu 27,www.juurenpuoti.Eat & Joy, Kluuvi Market Hall,www.kluuvi.

Anton & Anton, Museokatu 19,www.antonanton.

Muotikuu

The display windows of Muotikuu aloneare impressive enough, so dont hesi-tate to take a look inside. The boutiquesells outts designed by its founderJaana Varkki-Terho, as well as importeditems from Europe.Muotikuu, Fabianinkatu 14

Flea marketsThe most popular ea markets in town

are Hietalahti (Hietsu) and Valt-teri. Hietsu is a sure sign of summer,as the open-air market is open dur-ing the warmer months. And since thesummers are getting longer, Hietsu isnow open all the way into December!On the other side of town, Valtteriis situated inside a historic redbrickwarehouse and is open year roundon Wednesdays and weekends. Theneighbourhood association Kallioliikeorganises ea markets in local parks,

where anyone is free to sell their treas-ures. These park markets have been abig success, and why not hundreds ofsellers turn up selling everything fromhomemade food, and buyers and sell-

ers alike are kept entertained by musi-cians and DJs.

Hietsun kirppis, Abrahaminkatu 3,www.hel.Valtteri, Aleksis Kiven katu 17,www.kirpputori.comKallioliike, www.kallioliike.org

Saiturin PrssiIf you are looking for anything, useful

or useless, at a very low price, checkout Saiturinprssi. Crocs copies arealways on sale, and you can also buybulk quantities of Fazer chocolate tobring home with you!Porthaninkatu 9, www.saiturinporssi.

NumptyThis boutique sells vintage clothing,accessories and other items, offeringa glimpse of Finnish style over thedecades! The boutique also rents out-

ts. The shopkeeper Eeva-Helena de-scribes herself as a numpty appar-ently Welsh slang for absentminded.The shop is open on Saturdays only.Merimiehenkatu 29, www.numpty.

12:00-16:00 shopping

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Veggie restaurantsSilvoplee is arguably the most popularvegetarian restaurant in Helsinki. Situ-ated next to Hakaniemi Market Hall,the restaurant offers vegetarian dishes

that you can select from the buffet andpay by weight. At lunchtime you canalso enjoy delicious vegetarian foodat the restaurant Zucchini, close to theOld Market Hall. Even the most diehardmeat eaters could be converted yet intovegetarians at these restaurants!

Silvoplee, Toinen linja 3,www.silvoplee.com

Zucchini, Fabianinkatu 4

Lupolo

The gastropub Lupolo in Punavuoriserves tasty and simple food. The at-mosphere is laid back and friendly.We hear only good things about this

restaurant!Punavuorenkatu 3, www.lupolo.

Bar 9Cafe Bar No 9 is a simple, cosy and liv-ing room-like establishment that hasattracted a cultural clientele for years.The menu is served from lunchtime un-til late in the morning. There are alsoart exhibitions every month.Uudenmaankatu 9, www.bar9.net

Benjams Bistro

When discussing the best pizzerias inHelsinki, the name Benjams Bistro al-ways comes up. Situated behind Parlia-ment House, this small establishment

gets great reviews for its food, pricesand service. Try for yourself!Dagmarinkatu 5

Kokomo

If it is windy and rainy, step into Koko-mo where the sun always shines! En-joy a great lunch, or hang out at theTikibar in the evening.Uudenmaankatu 16-20, www.kokomo.

Caf PirittaThe jewel of Hakaniemi, Piritta is abright and lively caf-restaurant by thewater. The large windows afford de-lightful views over the Tokoinlahti bay.Piritta serves caf products, lunch anddinner. It also has an interesting en-tertainment programme ranging fromArgentinian caf tango on Sundays toMurder Mystery nights. In summertimeyou can get to Piritta by ferry from theMarket Square.Elintarhantie 12, ursula./piritta

JuuriThis popular dining restaurant alsoserves lunches made from the bestFinnish seasonal ingredients. Reserva-tions cannot be made for lunch but arerecommended for dinner. Try Juuris ta-pas, which it calls sapas. Next to the res-taurant is the Juuri Shop and Latva Bar.

Juuri, Korkeavuorenkatu 27, www.juuri.Juuri Shop, Korkeavuorenkatu 27,www.juurenpuoti.Latva, Korkeavuorenkatu 25,www.latva.

Ethnic restaurantsThe fragrant and delicious Lemon

Grass is one of the most popular Thairestaurants in the Kallio distrcit. Thesmall establishment is always busy atlunchtimes, but you can surely t in.If you are around the centre, try thenew New Bamboo Centre, which is ru-moured to serve the best curry in Hel-sinki. This Chinese restaurant is situ-ated in the same building as the localSobriety Club and accordingly does notserve any alcohol.

Lemon Grass, Kolmas Linja 12

New Bamboo Centre, Annankatu 29,www.newbamboocenter.com

Hesburger

The specialty of this Finnish hamburg-

er chain is its delicious mayonnaise se-lection. Try a hamburger on traditionalFinnish rye bread!www.hesburger.

Affordable lunch prices

Nearly all restaurants in Helsinki offervery reasonably priced lunch specialsfrom 11am to 3pm.Unicafe - the cafeterias of the Uni-versity of Helsinki serve world-famoushealthy Finnish school food also for visi-

tors. Lunch prices are very affordable,and you can also purchase caf prod-ucts. The Unicafe in the main buildinghas a real old academic atmosphere,

while a newer Unicafe in the city centrein Kaivopiha is open also on Saturdays.

Unicafe, Fabianinkatu 33 andUnicafe Kaivopiha, Mannerheimintie3 B, www.unicafe.

12:00-16:00 lunch places

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Boathouse

Casual and relaxed. Stylish and fun.Magnicient sunset. Those wouldmost likely be the words used to de-scribe Boathouse if it was situated inMarthas Vineyard. In fact, Boathouseis situated on Liuskasaari Island offthe coast of Kaivopuisto Park. The res-taurant offers a Lazy Sunday brunchthroughout the summer.www.palacekamp./ravintolat/boathouse/

Lunch in moko interior shop

How does that sound, enjoying lunchwhile surrounded by delightful interiordesign? At Moko Market & Cafe youcan do just this, as the caf in the mid-

dle of the shop serves breakfast on Sat-urdays and lunch on weekdays.Permiehenkatu 10, www.moko.

QulmaThis tiny corner caf is situated inthe Jugend district of Kruununhakaand serves a very popular soup buffetlunch. After lunch you can shop amongthe many local boutiques and admirethe charm of this beautiful district.Mariankatu 13 B,www.qulma.

CrustumIf you are not afraid of a few carbo-hydrates, try the fresh, additive-freebaked goods at Crustum. Salads andsoups are also served for lunch. Crus-tum represents German baking tradi-tions, but it suits Helsinki like butteron warm fresh bread!Pursimiehenkatu 7, www.crustum.

Market hallsHelsinkis two main market halls

are great places to nd affordablelunches. Try the Soup Kitchen, a su-perb lunch place that can be found inboth Hakaniemi Market Hall and theOld Market Hall. Bouillabaisse is theirspeciality, and its served everyday! InHakaniemi Market Hall, Marian Kon-ditoria offers affordable and delicioussalads and baguettes. In the Old Mar-ket Hall, K-Shalmasi serves large saladsat a very low price.

Hakaniemi Market Hall,

www.hakaniemenkauppahalli.Old Market Hall,www.wanhakauppahalli.com

12:00-16:00 lunch places

Picnics in the parkIn summertime the most affordable

and delightful way to enjoy lunch isto buy everything you need from themarket and enjoy a picnic in the park.Try deliciously unhealthy Finnish meatpies or healthy and delicious rye breadsandwiches. For dessert, try fresh do-nuts, buns or even a salt liquorice icecream from one of the kiosks! Or enjoythe mouth-watering Finnish strawber-ries, blueberries or peas.

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Indian Summer

An Indian summer is a meteorologi-cal phenomenon that occurs in theautumn. Except in Kaisaniemi, IndianSummer occurs also in summer, winter

and spring! This tiny clothing boutiquesells vintage, army surplus, music andart books. Live entertainment is alsooffered on After Work Fridays!Vuorikatu 22,www.indiansummerstore.com

Secret Shop

This tiny little kiosk can be found inthe public square in front of the Mu-seum of Contemporary Art Kiasma.Salakauppa is brimming with child-

ish and inventive products designedby Aamu Song and Johan Olin, suchas their Pinguadult wear, Winter Tie,Beard Wear and Noodle Shoes. Guar-anteed to make you smile!

Postikatu 1, www.com-pa-ny.com

Five Corners

The Viiskulma neighbourhood is fa-mous for its record shops and otherinteresting boutiques. Get a classicmens haircut at the Barber Shop, shopfor macho shoes at Cold War, check outthe 50s clothing and accessories atGarageland, or hang out at the hippyEast of the Sun, West of the Moonshop.

Fredrikinkatu 19, www.thebarbershop.Cold War, Fredrikinkatu 19,www.garageland.Garageland, Fredrikinkatu 19,www.garageland.

Auringosta itn Kuusta lnteen,Fredrikinkatu 19,www.auringostaitaan.

Art and culture in the

Tennis PalaceTennispalatsi is a former tennis hallthat now houses the biggest culturaland recreational centre in the city cen-tre. The complex includes cinemas, anart museum, a museum of cultures,cafes, restaurants and small boutiques.Helsinki Art Museum, www.taidemuseo.

Cinema, www.nnkino.

Teashops

Soothe your senses at Thhuone,admire the nostalgic interior at TheOunce, and discover new blends atDemmer Teehaus. If you happen to bein Kluuvi Shopping Centre, check outChaya teekauppa!

Thhuone, Eerikinkatu 10,www.thehuone.comThe Ounce, Fredrikinkatu 55,

www.ounce.Demmer Teehaus, Annankatu 13,www.demmer.Chaya teekauppa, Aleksanterinkatu

9, www.chaya.

Johanna Gullichsen

Textile craft & design Flagship Store of-fers a collection of modern woven fab-rics with geometric patterns. The selec-tion includes kitchen and table linens,bath linens, bags and other fashion ac-cessories. Johannas one-woman textilestudio originally started from her homein 1989. Over the years her business hasdiversied from a home studio to twoof her own stores, one in Paris and theother here in Helsinki. All products aremade in Finland from natural materials.Fredrikinkatu 18www.johannagullichsen.com

NinasNinas on Bulevardi sells internationalbrand clothing in a charming boutiquenamed after its owner, Niina Kurkinen,one of the most successful and famousFinnish models. She is also one of thefaces of Finnish Lumene cosmetics.Bulevardi 13, www.ninas.www.lumene.

Warehouse Brand Outlet

If you want to buy brand items for less,

hop on metro and head for Ruoho-lahti. Warehouse Brand Outlet is a jointventure by several importers and sells awide selection of footwear and cloth-ing, with new items every day!Ruoholahti Shopping Centre,Itmerenkatu 21, www.warehouse.

Punnitse & Sst

The most affordable place to purchaseFinlands super food, dried blueberries,is Weigh & Save. Here you can pur-

chase berries and other organic foodin precisely the quantities that you re-quire, so you dont have to pay for un-necessary packaging which is goodfor your wallet and the environment!

Fredrinkinkatu 55,Hmeentie 50,

www.punnitsejasaasta.

Shop & support worthy charities

If you fancy second hand and you wantto support worthy charity causes, thenvisit the Emmaus ea market and Fida.Emmaus is a politically and religiouslyunafliated international shop thatsupports the poor and suffering, peaceand justice. In Helsinki the Emmaus eamarket is in Vallila. Fida Second HandShops can be found throughout Hel-

sinki, including on Iso-Roobertinkatu inthe centre. To nd the Fida shop nearestyou, go to: www.lahetystorit.

Emmaus, Mkelnkatu 24,www.emmaushelsinki.Fida International, www.da.info

Hietaniemi Cemetery

A cemetery can be anything but a gloomy

place. Peaceful, green and dignied arebetter adjectives for describing a walkthrough Hietaniemi Cemetery. A numberof famous Finnish artists are buried inthe old cemetery along lot 21a, includingauthors, composers, painters and actors.Bus 24.

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Bowling in shopping center

Kamppi is a shopping center wherestyle comes rst. There is offer over120 stores across six oors and over30 cafs and restaurants. You can also

nd the trends for home decorationand beauty care. On the top oor youwill nd a bowling hall where you canenjoy with friends or family.Kamppi Shopping Centre, 4th oor.www.varaarata.com

Mary Pelannes hatsEver since it was established in 1942,the Mary Pelanne fashion boutique hasbeen located at the same address, Al-bertinkatu 12. The hat shop is now runby costumier and burlesque model Fio-na Timantti, who is restoring Pelanneshat collection. To visit this fascinatingold shop, you will have to send an e-mail to Fiona, but anyone is free toadmire the window display.

Albertinkatu 12,mariapelanne.blogspot.com

Helicopter to Tallinn

Tallinn is just 18 minutes from Helsinkiby helicopter, and ights are offeredthroughout the day. The medievalOld Town is a fantastic destinationfor shopping, dining and even beautytreatments.www.copterline.comwww.tourism.tallinn.ee

Design DistrictSituated in the heart of Helsinki, theDesign District encompasses 25 streetsand over a hundred design attractions,including boutiques, galleries, restau-

rants, studios and hotels. At the centreof the Design District is Design Forum,a showroom for contemporary Finnishdesign and the Design Museum. Pickup a copy of the Design District mapfrom Tourist Information. Next to theDesign Museum you can admire Finn-ish wooden architecture at the DesignPavilion. Helsinki is World Design Capi-

tal in 2012, and for good reason. De-sign is everywhere!www.designdistrict.www.designmuseum.www.designmuseum.www.wdc2012.

Design is everywhere

In Helsinki you dont necessarily have

to go to a museum to enjoy ne artand architecture a stroll throughthe city is enough! For example, therevolving doors in the main buildingof the University of Helsinki representpractical design at its nest. They weredesigned by Aarne Elvi in the 1950s.While walking down Aleksanterinkatu,look up and admire the ne relief onthe roof of Aleksi 13 designed by theSelim A. Lindqvist. When your neckgets stiff, look down outside the Stock-

mann Department Store and discoverthe kite-and-dart street tiles designedby English mathematician Sir RogerPenrose. On the wall of the Corona Bar

you will see a surrealistic mural paintedby Finnish author-artist Rosa Liksom.

And of course, dont forget the numer-ous buildings designed by legendaryFinnish architect Alvar Aalto, such asthe Rautatalo Ofce Building (Kes-kuskatu 3), the Enso Gutzeit Head-quarters (Kanavanranta 1), AcademicBookstore (Pohjoiesesplanadi 39) andFinlandia Hall (Mannerheimintie 13).www.alvaraalto.

Porthania, Yliopistonkatu 3Aleksi 13, Aleksanterinkatu 13Stockmann Department Store,

Keskuskatu 3

Public transport

One of the true treasures of Helsinki is

its public transport system, which is ef-cient, inexpensive and practical. Knownby its Finnish initials HSL, Helsinki Re-gion Transport comprises the metro,local buses and trams. Tickets can bepurchased from sales points and drivers.The best ticket option for visitors is thetourist ticket. Trams operate in the citycentre and between the districts, themetro will take you to East and WestHelsinki, while local buses will get youfurther aeld. You can plan your journey

easily on the HSL website. Note also thecheerful colour scheme of public trans-port in Helsinki: metro trains are orange,buses are blue and trams are green.www.hsl.

12:00-16:00 afternoon activities

Kamppi Bowling Centre & Bar

Kamppi Bowl is only 200 metres fromthe Railway Station, in Kamppi Shop-ping Center. The bowling area is di-vided into two six-lane sides. The

automatic scoring system makes bowl-ing easy and children appreciate thebumpers. Glowbowling daily from 2pm. Relax between bowling in the el-egant Dolphin Bar. Bowling in Kamppiis not just a sport, its much more...

Kamppi Shopping Mall 4th oor,Urho Kekkosen katu 1,www.varaarata.comtel. +358(0)207 12 12 12.Open: Mon-Tue 11-22,Wed-Sat 11-24 (01), Sun 12-20.

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12:00-16:00 cafs

TyyniSituated next to Tlnlahti and sport-ing a grass roof, the Tyyni caf-kioskhas won the hearts of local residentsand added yet another reason for tak-

ing a walk around the bay. The caf isopen whenever there is no snow on theground. In summertime you can evenroast sausages and sing camp songsaround a re!Helsinginkatu 56

Svy

This tiny caf in the Srninen dis-trict, next to Vaasanaukio square, isworth looking for. One of the ownersis a Finnish Cup Tasting Champion, so

youre sure to get great coffee! OnTuesdays Svy serves its own deliciousapple-lled buns.

Aleksis Kiven katu 12,www.kahvilasavy.

Wanha Pehtoori

If you want to experience Finnishcountryside life, head for the animalfarm in Haltiala. You can also enjoya coffee in the Wanha Pehtoori caf,

housed in a hundred-year-old build-ing that is straight from Finlands ruralpast. To get there, take bus number67 from Railway Station Square all theway to the last stop. Ask the driver forinstructions how to get to the Haltialafarm from the bus stop.www.wanhapehtoori.com

Mattolaituri

Helsinki has numerous rug washingpiers that can be used freely by localresidents. The impressive new cafMattolaituri overlooks the piers next toKaivopuisto park and affords beautifulviews to the sea.Ehrenstrmintie 3 A,www.mattolaituri.com

MarikahvilaThe Marimekko agship store in KmpGalleria has its own caf decorated withMarimekko design products. Naturally,

you can also admire the designs as usedin the table settings and uniforms.Pohjoisesplanadi 33,www.strindberg./marikahvila

KakkugalleriaThe Cake Gallery serves cakes thattaste as good as they look the indi-vidual pastries are like tiny works of art.Some of the locations have an All youcan eat Sunday offer that is really toogood to pass up!

Bulevardi 34and Fredrikinkatu 41,www.kakkugalleria.com

Ihana Kahvila

A brand new residential area is be-

ing developed beside the sea next toSrninen. Before Kalasatama is com-pleted in around 2030, its undevelopedareas are being used as recreationalareas. To date Kalasatama has seen apizza oven, urban gardens, a graftiwall, a swimming beach, a picnic areaand Ihana Kahvila, a truly lovely cafthat has been built in a container andaffords a breathtaking view of the Hel-sinki shoreline. To get to Kalasatamaand Ihana Kahvila, follow the signs from

the Kalasatama metro station. The one-kilometre walk to the tip of Kalasatamais worth the effort, giving you a com-pletely different perspective on Hel-sinki. By the way, another Ihana Kahvila

has opened in honour of World DesignCapital 2012 at Aleksanterinkatu 7 (see

map yellow numbers 21-22).www.uuttahelsinkia./kalasatamawww.ihanakahvila.

Classic kiosks

Helsinki still has around twenty classicwooden kiosks, most of them alongtram routes or beside parks. They werebuilt in the late 1930s, and althoughnot all of them are no longer used ascafs, fortunately a few are. Check outBear Park Caf in Karhupuisto, the

kiosk next to Katajanokka Park, thekiosk next to Hietaniemi Flea Market,Caf Kasarmitori in the Kasarmitorisquare and Caf Kauppis in Tl.

Bear Park Cafe, Karhupuisto

Katajanokka, Rahapajankatu 3Hietaniemen lippakioski,

Hietalahdenranta 1Cafe Kasarmitori, Fabianinkatu/Pohjoinen MakasiinikatuCafe Kauppis, Runeberginkatu 14-16

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Ateneum Museum Shop

The best souvenirs from Helsinki canbe found in the Ateneum MuseumShop. How about a purse that lookslike a Karelian pie? Or a stress toy that

looks like a snowball? Of course, whenvisiting the shop you should also take apeek into Ateneum Art Museum, hometo the Finnish National Gallery.Kaivokatu 2, www.ateneum.

Grape Station & R/H

Two girls from Lapland came to Helsinkiand opened a design boutique thatsells clothing, accessories and interior

decorating products. In addition to theirown designs, the girls also sell productsby other designers. The shop is verymuch like the Kallio district itself bo-hemian and modern. At the same time

you should check out the R/H clothingboutique next door. R/H (designers Rii-helinen and Hernesniemi) is a new lineof womens clothing made out of suchexotic materials as reindeer leather.Grape Station, Hmeentie 32,www.grapestation.comR/H, Hmeentie 26,www.rh-the-label.com

Lande

This interior design shop in KamppiShopping Centre offers a taste of thecountryside in the big city. Lande sellsFinnish products whose patterns are

inuenced by Finlands traditions, his-tory and country lifestyle.Urho Kekkosen Katu 8,www.lande.

Stockmann Herkku

- DelicatessenA wide range of goods and produce,expert personnel and a central locationmake Stockmann Delicatessen an un-beatable combination. It could even beconsidered Helsinkis only deluxe foodmarket. Before or after shopping youcan relax at the F8 restaurant world,where you can taste how well choco-late and champagne go together.

Aleksanterinkatu 52 B,www.stockmann., www.f8.

Bokns

This Finnish furniture company beganwith a second-hand bookshop and theneed to nd a good way to store all thebooks. Unsurprisingly, Bokns is par-ticularly famous for its bookcases! Theshop also sells other interior design ob-jects that you can take home with you.Fabianinkatu 29, www boknas..

Au3This jewellery shop was founded by ateam of goldsmiths who are continu-ing the traditions of St. Petersburg whyfavouring contemporary designs. Au3is situated in the House of Kiseleff,which also has many other interestingboutiques.

Au3, the House of Kiseleff,Unioninkatu 27, www.au3.

Ethnic shopping in Hakaniemi

If you are hooked on ethnic avours

and want to satisfy your habit also onholiday, stroll down Hmeentie roadfrom Hakaniemi Market Square to-wards the Srninen district and youwill pass many ethnic shops selling In-dian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Africanfood products.Hmeentie

16:00-20:00 early evening shopping

Recycled products

The greenest shopping place in the city

is the Kierrtyskeskus recycling centre,where you will nd used clothing, foot-wear, kitchenware, furniture, books andeven free items. Take tram number 6 tothe recycling centre in Hietalahti or busnumber 68 from Railway Station Squareto the recycling centre in Kylsaari.

Kierrtyskeskus Hietalahti,Lnnrotinkatu 45 andKierrtyskeskus Kylsaari,Kylsaarenkatu 8,www.kierratyskeskus.

Marimekko outlet store

Many Finnish brands sell their products

at discounted prices in their outlet stores.The Marimekko outlet store is situated inthe Herttoniemi district in East Helsinki,which is easy to get to by metro.Marimekko Outlet, Kirvesmiehenkatu 7,www.marimekko.

Design:JussiLouesalmi/Au3;

Photo:JuliaWeckman

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16:00-20:00 early evening attractions

Public saunasGet ready for the evening ahead at oneof the many public saunas in Helsinki.The Kallio district is home to two verytraditional local saunas: Kotiharjun

sauna and Arlan sauna. Both saunasoffer the opportunity to try cupping, atraditional Finnish folk remedy. You willneed strong nerves!Further information about saunas:www.visithelsinki.

Kotiharjun sauna, Harjutorinkatu 1,www.kotiharjunsauna.

Arlan sauna, Kaarlenkatu 15,www.arlansauna.net

Sneakers on -

lets go skateboarding!

Popot is a small shop that lives forcool and rare sneakers by such brandsas Converse, Adidas, Reebok, Puma,

Nike and Vans. Once you have the ap-propriate footwear, its time for someskateboarding action. The best placesfor skateboarding include outside theMuseum of Contemporary Art Kiasmaand the skateboard parks at Elintarhaand Kaivopuisto Park.

Kiasma, Mannerheiminaukio 2Elintarha Skateboard Park,Nordenskidinkatu 20Kaivopuisto Skateboard Park,Eiranranta 1

TeerenpeliGet your evening started at the res-taurant Teerenpeli, a cosy pub next toKamppi Shopping Centre. Teerenpeliserves its own range of home brewedbeers. You may not understand thenames of the beers and ciders, buttheres no doubting the great taste!Olavinkatu 2, www.teerenpeli.com

Atelje BarYou can catch your breath while ex-ploring the city by visiting the AteljeBar on the top oor of the Hotel Torni.The outdoor terrace offers a spectacu-lar view over the rooftops and is a greatplace to enjoy your rst drinks of theevening as you watch the sun set. Youcan even admire the scenery throughthe window in the toilets!

Atelje Bar, Kalevankatu 5,www.ravintolatorni/ateljeebar

A night at the opera

What better way to the start the even-ing than with an opera or ballet per-formance? The Finnish National Operais located next to the Tlnlahti bay,and you can get there conveniently bytram if you dont want to walk in yourfancy shoes. The opera house itselfrepresents contemporary architectureand was completed in 1993. Go onlineto see what operas and ballets are be-ing performed and reserve a ticket!Helsinginkatu 58, www.ooppera.

Rent a limousine

For a taste of luxury and a ne way toenjoy sightseeing around Helsinki, renta limousine!Limusiinit.com, www.limusiinit.comLimousine Service Ltd.,www.limousineservice.

Wooden house districts

Helsinki has some beautiful wooden

house districts, the most famous beingPuu-Vallila and Puu-Kpyl. WoodenVallila is an idyllic wooden house dis-trict that was built in the 1910s. The en-tire district can be easily walked on foot,and in the centre of the neighbourhoodis a small local pub called Pikku Val-lila, which is more like a living room.Wooden Kpyl was also built in theearly 1900s and has its own charminglocal pub, The Headless Chicken!

Pikku Vallila, Vallilantie 19 c

Ptn Kana, Pohjolankatu 2,www.nyyrikki.net

Happy hour for

sparkling drinks

Many restaurants serve sparklingdrinks at special prices. The restaurantBakers has sparkling hours from5pm onwards on Tuesdays to Satur-days. The restaurant and nightclub LeBonk has happy hours from 4pm to9pm on Wednesdaysto Fridays. After workprices also include ap-petisers. Cin cin!

Bakers, Manner-heiminkatu 12,

www.ravintola-bakers.comLe Bonk,Yrjnkatu 24,www.lebonk.

Sunset cityAs the day comes to an end, climb up

the steps outside Helsinki Cathedraland marvel as the sunset bathes thecity in gold. Take a drink and snackswith you and relax as you admire theview! Helsinkis legendary amusementpark Linnanmki is another excitingplace amidst the evening lights. Takeyour friend by the hand and share acandy oss. There is no entrance feeto the grounds, so you can just strollaround and soak up the atmosphere.For the best views, check out the Pan-

orama observation tower admissionis free of charge!

Senate Square, Aleksanterinkatu20-22Linnanmki Amusement Park,Tivolikuja 1www.linnanmaki.

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city full of events

Restaurant DayOn Restaurant Day anyone can set upa restaurant or a bar for a day. Event isheld several times a year in courtyards,parks and private apartments through-

out the city. All the pop-up restaurantsand menus are listed on the campaignwebsite. Remember to bring cash!www.restaurantday.org

We Love Helsinki

How about dressing up for a good oldfashioned dance? We Love Helsinkiorganises both Midsummer and NewYears dances. Visit their Facebook siteto nd out when and where the nextdance will be held, and remember tolook your best!www.facebook.com/welovehelsinki

TuskaIn summertime throngs of leather-jacketed heavy metal fans descend onSuvilahti for some head banging at theTuska Festival. This three-day event

has become a major happening on theheavy metal scene. Despite appear-ances metal heads are a jolly lot, andafter the concerts you can join themfor some heavy karaoke at the CornerBar. Check out also the PRKL Club!

PRKL Club, Kaisaniemenkatu 4,www.prklclub.Corner Bar, Hietaniemenkatu 2,www.heavycorner.com

Flow Festival

If you are into the latest rhythm music,this 3-day urban festival offers amazingperformances from morning to night.The festival takes place at Suvilahti, a

former power plant that is now a cut-ting edge cultural centre, and the ca-tering is traditionally provided by someof the trendiest restaurants in town.Kaasutehtaankatu 1,www.owfestival.com

Viapori Jazz

This annual jazz event takes place insummertime at Suomenlinna, attract-ing top names in jazz and other formsof music. The historic fortress islandsprovide a spectacular setting for theconcerts. Ferries to Suomenlinna de-part from the Market Square, and thepleasant crossing takes around 20 min-utes. Suomenlinna is a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site, but also a lively residen-tial district and recreational area.www.viapori., www.suomenlinna.,www.jt-line.

Huvila Festival TentThe Helsinki Festival takes place everyyear in August, offering a wide rangeof top-quality events including con-certs in the Huvila Festival Tent. Thelawns outside are packed with peopleenjoying picnics while listening to themusic coming from inside the tent. Af-ter the concert you can continue theevening in nearby restaurants where

you can dine, listen to live music orsimply enjoy the nightlife.Huvila Festival Tent, Elintarhantie 6,www.helsinginjuhlaviikot.

Night of the Arts

One night in August the centre of

Helsinki is packed with the arts and afestival atmosphere. On the Night ofthe Arts the citys museums and gal-leries are open, and bookshops, cafsand restaurants host a wide range ofperformances. Special events also takeplace around the Tlnlahti bay. Nightof the Arts is without doubt one of thehighlights of the year in Helsinki.Helsinki Festival,www.helsinginjuhlaviikot./taiteiden-yo

Block parties

Many districts have their own neigh-bourhood parties in summertime, llingthe streets with ea markets, music andall kinds of fun local events. Check outthe parties in Kpyl, Kumpula and Roi-

huvuori, for example. In the city centreyou can join in the Kallio Bloc Party and

Punajuuri Bloc Party. To nd out whatson during your visit to Helsinki, checkout the Tourist Information website!

Fun in the parksIn summertime local residents ockto the parks, many of which host freeevents. Alppipuisto next to LinnanmkiAmusement Park offers free concertsalmost every weekend throughout thesummer. Every year at the end of Maycountries from around the world pay a

visit to Kaisaniemi Park, where you canenjoy multicultural music, art, theatreand food. You can also nd out moreabout development co-operation andglobalisation.

Alppipuisto park

Kaisaniemenpuisto parkwww.alppipuistonkesa.infowww.maailmakylassa.For more information about the parks, goto www.visithelsinki. > Whats on

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20:00-24:00 evening restaurants

Salve

This sailors pub rst opened in 1897and still serves delicious fried herringwith mashed potatoes and melted but-ter. Old timers and sea dogs hang out

on the ground oor, while the restaurantupstairs is quieter and more civilised.Hietalahdenranta 11,www.ravintolasalve.

Puttes Bar & Pizza

As its name suggests, Puttes Bar &Pizza is a bar that serves pizza. But notjust any pizza really good pizza! Eve-ryone in town is talking about Puttes!Kalevankatu 6,www.puttes.

Troikka

This restaurant in Tl representsRussian dining at its best. Behind thewhite lace curtains you can enjoy Rus-sian cuisine and friendly service. The

bill is even presented in a matryoshkadoll. Did you know that Finland waspart of Russia until it became inde-pendent in 1917?Caloniuksenkatu 3,www.troikka.

Olo

Helsinkis latest Michelin-starred res-taurant represents contemporary Nor-dic gourmet cuisine. Olo can be foundclose to Esplanade Park.Kasarmikatu 44, www.olo-ravintola.

MuruMuru is modern. Muru is tasty. Muru isa restaurant. Muru is also Finnish andmeans sweetheart, love. And its easyto love Muru!Fredrikinkatu 41, www.murudining.

EliteOne of the most famous cultural res-taurants in Finland, Elite has beenserving artists, diplomats, businessleaders and local residents since the1930s. The interior is historic and thefood traditionally good. Finnish lmlegend Tauno Palo used to be a regular,and his favourite meal is still includedon the menu. His regular table is stillthere too!Etelinen Hesperiankatu 22,www.elite.

Bar Loose

Helsinkis best known rock bar also

serves great food, including inexpen-sive yet delicious burgers. They areserved every day, and on some dayseven up to 3am! After a burger youcan move downstairs to take in a gig orhang out at the stylish bar.

Annankatu 21,www.barloose.com

PelmenitPelmenit is an uncomplicated and cosyUkrainian restaurant in the Srninendistrict that offers extremely afford-able Russian home cooking. Pelmenitis a type of dumpling similar to raviolithat is lled with minced meat.Kustaankatu 7

PitapitaPitapita on Iso-Roobertinkatu serves

fast food at its best. The menu includesdishes from around the world, so dontworry if one of you wants Yum YumChicken, the other Chili con Carne andanother a Caesar salad!Iso-Roobertinkatu 2, www.pitapita.

Wanha KettuThis pub in Kamppi dates back to the1800s. According to local legend, itwas closed only for one month backin the prohibition years! The Old FoxPub has served workers and gentle-men alike over the years, and it contin-ues to offer affordable meals in a greatatmosphere.Malminkatu 22, www.wanhakettu.

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20:00-24:00 bars Heated terraces

Finns love their restaurant terraces somuch they dont give up even in win-tertime! Several heated terraces can befound in Helsinki, including the restau-

rants U.Kaleva and Villi Win at thestart of Kalevankatu.Villi Win, Kalevankatu 4,www.villiwaino.U.Kaleva, Kalevankatu 3 a,www.ukaleva.net

Arena House

On the corner of Hakaniemi Squarestands a triangular building designed

by legendary Finnish architect LarsSonck. Inside Arena House you willnd three popular restaurants: Rytmi,Caf Talo and Svel. Tour the build-ing, admire the architecture and try all

three restaurants!Svel, Hmeentie 2, www.kallionsavel.Rytmi, Toinen linja 2, www.rytmi.netCaf Talo, Hmeentie 2, www.cafetalo.

Fish pubsDespite their name, Helsinkis shpubs do not serve seafood. They aresimply named after different sh. Pu-navuoren Ahven is named after perch,

Hilpe Hauki in Srninen is namedafter pike, Vastarannan Kiiski in Etu-Tl is named after ruffe, JanoinenLohi in Taka-Tl is named after salm-on, and Kaunis Kampela in Lauttasaari

is named after ounder. All of thesepubs serve a comprehensive range ofbeers and ciders.For more information, seewww.delifox./kalaravintolat.

Punavuoren Ahven,Punavuorenkatu 12Hilpe Hauki, Vaasankatu 7Vastarannan Kiiski,Runeberginkatu 26

Janoinen Lohi, Linnankoskenkatu 12Kaunis Kampela, Lauttasaarentie 10

Party cruisesNRJ@ Sea party cruises. What betterway to start your night out than bydancing through the archipelago! Thisfour-hour party cruise aboard a speciallyadapted Sun Lines vessel is the perfectway to spend a summer evening to mu-sic played by guest DJs and artists.www.stromma.

Cocktail bars

A fantastic evening deserves a fantas-tic start, for which reason Helsinki hasnumerous cocktail bars to choose from.The bottles and glasses are kept spin-ning in Shaker, Sling In serves over 900different drinks, and A21 Cocktail hasbeen called the best bar in the world!

Shaker, Fredrikinkatu 65,www.shaker.

Sling In, Mikonkatu 8, 2. krs.,www.slingin.

A21 Cokctail Lounge,Annankatu 21, www.a21.

NamuThis diverse restaurant directly op-posite the Central Railway Station isa great place for eating, drinking anddancing. The interior is inviting and theviews extremely urban.Kaivokatu 6,

3rd oor,www.namu.

Laiska KarhuThe Lazy Bear in Tl is an old-

fashioned local pub that seems to befrozen in time. When you step in fromthe windy Mechelininkatu street, youare like a bear crawling into its den!Laiska Karhu, Mechelininkatu 25

Kallio bars

The Kallio district is home to manysmall bars that serve cheap bear amidstan authentic local atmosphere. Strollalong Porthaninkatu street, whichbegins at Hakaniemi Market by the

round house. You can sing karaoke inthe restaurant Oiva, get to know lo-

cal rock musicians in the Beaver Bar,or relax in the friendly Pub Porthan.

You can continue your pub crawl alongFleminginkatu and Helsinginkatu. Thenumber 3B and 9 trams will get youthere and back in one piece. Most ofthe restaurants in the neighbourhoodclose already at 2am.Oiva, Porthaninkatu 5,www.kantri./oivahelsinkiBeaver Bar, Porthaninkatu 9,www.facebook.com/majavabaariPub Porthan, Porthaninkatu 10

Erottaja Bar

The trendiest karaoke bar in Helsinki.Providing amazing karaoke experiences.The new section of the bar has karaokeuntil 4am! The Night bar has karaoke8pm-1:30am and 1:30-4am disco!

Erottajankatu 15-17, (09) 611 196karaokebar.net/erottaja.Mon-Sat 3pm-4am, Sun 8pm-4am.

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Iso Roobertinkatu

Iso Roba is a pedestrian street that ispacked with bars and restaurants. Youcould spend an entire day here goingfrom one cool establishment to the

next. There is also a convenient taxistand nearby!

Live music

You can enjoy live music in Helsinkijust about every night of the week.Gigs usually begin between 9pm andmidnight. Tavastia is the most legend-ary rock club in Finland, but you canalso catch great bands at Nosturi, Bar

Loose, On The Rocks, Virgin Oil Co.,Club Liberte and Molly Malones.

Tavastia and Seminal, Urho Kekko-sen katu 4-6, www.tavastiaklubi.Nosturi, Telakkatu 8, www.elmu.Bar Loose, Annankatu 21,www.barloose.comOn The Rocks, Mikonkatu 15,www.ontherocks.Virgin Oil Co., Mannerheimintie 5,www.virginoil.Liberte, Kolmas linja 34,www.clubliberte.Molly Malones, Kaisaniemenkatu 1 cwww.mollymalones.

Kafe Moskova

According to urban legend, Finnishlm director Aki Kaurismki openedthe most uncomfortable restaurantin town where no one would want to

visit so that he could eat and drink inpeace! This was not to be, however,and today Kafe Moskova isa popular hangout. In thesame complex you willnd the Corona Bar andthe Dubrovnik Lounge& Lobby, the latter aconverted cinema.Eerikinkatu 11,www.andorra.

24:00-04:00 nightclubs

TeatteriSee and be seen! Conveniently situ-ated at one end of Esplanade Park,and connected on the other side to theSwedish Theatre (Svenska Teatern),Teatteri attracts the most stylish party-goers in town, from models to local ce-lebrities. In summertime you can relaxupstairs on the outside terrace, or youcan party hard indoors at the coolestnightclub in Helsinki.Pohjoisesplanadi 2,www.royalravintolat.com/teatteri

Casino Helsinki

Spend a fancy and exciting night outat the casino! In addition to traditionalgaming, Casino Helsinki also offers awide range of entertainment. Listento live music, enjoy show and dinnerevenings, and take in a musical. CasinoHelsinki is also the only casino in theworld where all proceeds go to charity.Remember to take with your passportor Schengen ID.Mikonkatu 19,www.casinohelsinki.

TigerOne of the citys nest nightclubs isThe Tiger on the roof of Kamppi Shop-

ping Centre. The views over the cityat night are fantastic, and all the localcelebrities hang out here.Urho Kekkosenkatu 1 a,www.thetiger.

CircusAnother popular nightclub can befound next to Kamppi Shopping Cen-tre. The Circus covers 2000 square me-tres and also hosts international artists.

Salomonkatu 1-3,www.thecircus.

Caf Mascot

The biggest names in Finnish rhythm

music perform at the Caf Mascot. Theprice of admission is very affordable,and during Helsinki Poetry Slam eve-nings anyone can get up on the stageand recite their poetry. If you are tooshy to perform or cant stand the mu-sic, you can always go upstairs to playbilliards!Neljs linja 2, www.soffa.tv/juise/mascot

Jam sessions

Many restaurants host jam sessions

when professional and amateur mu-sicians can get into the groove. Thestage is free, and often the most re-markable performances can be heardfrom nobodies to celebrities alike.Bar Mendocino on Eerikinkatu hostsMendo Monday Open Mic evenings, atClub Liberte the house band is happyto back you up on Sunday evenings,and Perinnearkku Ry hosts folk musicjams throughout the city.

Bar Mendocino, Eerikinkatu 28,

www.barmendocino.comClub Liberte, Kolmas Linja 34,www.clubliberte.Perinnearkku folk music jam sessions,www.perinnearkku.net

Spend the evening outdoors

A cheap, alternative and fun way to

spend the evening is to stay outdoors although this is only recommendedin summertime! Bring with somethingto eat and drink, gather your friendstogether and enjoy the Helsinki night ina park, on a rug washing pier or on thebeach at Hietsu. The citys parks andbeaches are also perfect hangouts in thedaytime too. Just remember to alwaysclean up your litter when you leave!Rug washing piers: www.hel.Parks: www.visithelsinki.

Hietsu (Hietaranta) Beach, Bus 55 A

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Karaoke

Finns love to sing karaoke. Patass isthe most popular karaoke restaurantin town, with singing every day of theweek and as early as 9am on week-

ends! Probably the most bizarre placeto sing karaoke in Helsinki is Restroom,a converted public toilet that attractskaraoke fans from all over town. Youcan also order a karaoke taxi and drivearound town singing! Other popularkaraoke venues include Anna K, Satu-maa, Erottaja Night and Ykypeli.

Patass, Snellmaninkatu 13,Restroom, Tehtaankatu 23A,

Anna K, Annankatu 23,Erottaja Bar, Erottajankatu 5-7,

Ykypeli, Fabianinkatu 17,

Jones, Kaisaniemenkatu 13,Populus, Aleksis Kiven katu 22,www.karaokebar.net

Satumaa, Arkadiankatu 2,www.karaoke./satumaa

Singstartaxi, www.singstartaxi.

Reggae Sundays

End the week at the restaurantBassment enjoying the laid back reg-gae every Sunday, including the citysbest DJs and performers.

Pohjoinen Rautatienkatu 21,www.bassment.

Popkellari

This unique nightclub has an ice bar,karaoke bar, poker bar and hagglingbar, where you can haggle the price ofeach drink! The establishment also hasa fortune teller and hotdog kiosk!Yliopistonkatu 5,www.popkellari.

24:00-04:00 nightclubs

KnigBetween the main shopping streetAleksanterinkatu and the Esplanadeis a tiny alley, Wanha Kauppakuja.For years known among locals as thegrandma tunnel, it is now referred toas the puma outlet. The nicknamerefers to the restaurants and bars inthe alley, which cater to a more matureclientele. There are ve restaurants al-together, including Knig. In additionthe Knig Bar, you should check outthe dancing in the Knig Club.In summertime Knig has a lively ter-race shared with the other restaurantsin the alley.Mikonkatu 4,www.raa./konig

Baarikrpnen

Baarikrpnen was opened in 2001

and its still having a good time. Theclientele at the Bary is young andlively, but there is no upper age limit.Mikonkatu 15, www.baarikarpanen.

Pub MagneettiIn Vallila, across the main Mkelnkaturoad that divides the wooden housesfrom the stone buildings, you will ndPub Magneetti, which has become afavourite hangout among young bo-hemians and urban hippies.

Pub Magneetti, Mkelnkatu 20 b

Karaoke Bar Patass

The most famous karaoke bar in Fin-land, thousands of songs in differentlanguages and sports lounge.

Snellmaninkatu 13, (09)626 076,karaokebar.net/pataassa.

Mon-Thu 5pm-3am, Fri 3pm-3am,Sat-Su 9am-3am.

Nearby is Kolme Kruunua, Liisankatu 5,serving traditional Finnish food.

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04:00-08:00 early morning

Grill kiosks

After a night out on the town, order adelicious meat pie with two sausagesand all the toppings. Helsinkis leg-endary grill kiosks include Tuomasgrilli

on Iso Roobertinkatu, Jaskan grilli onDagmarinkatu opposite the restaurantManala, and Harrin Nakki in Karhupu-isto Park in the Kallio district. Vegetar-ians head to Vegemesta, which serveshealthy vegetarian burgers, such as thepopular hempburger.

Tuomas-grilli, Iso Roobertinkatu 9Jaskan grilli, Dagmarinkatu 2Harrin Nakki, Agricolankatu 11Vegemesta, Pieni Roobertinkatu 2-4and Vaasankatu 6

Breakfast partiesRestaurants in Finland must close up at4am, but if your feet are still dancing,hang around until 5am for the breakfastparties where you can dance until mid-

day! Breakfast parties are organised atClub Playground and Kuudes Linja.

Club Playground, Iso Roobertinkatu10, clubplayground.Kuudes Linja, Hmeentie 13,www.kuudenslinja.com

Costo

When the time comes to go to sleep,you may nd yourself thinking aboutthe funny bobble hats you saw peoplewearing earlier in the day. These Costo

hats are made to order out of recycledmaterials and are very popular rightnow. Before you fall asleep, surf onlineto the Costo online shop and order atailor-made souvenir that will be wait-ing for you when you get home.www.costo.

Namaste!

If you want to do your Ashtanga yogaexercises while on holiday in Helsinki,the Astanga yoga school on Annan-katu offers Mysore exercises beginningat 6am. Check their website for exacttimes. You do not have to register inadvance, and you can pay in cash.Mysore exercises are meant for peopleexperienced in yoga, but the schoolalso offers lessons for beginners.

Annankatu 29 B, www.astanga.

Morning at the spa

Helsinki Day Spa and Elegia Day Spaopen their doors already at 8am. Hel-sinki Day Spa offers a unique milieuin which to relax the entire day or toprepare for an important meetingwith a Fix and Go facial, for example.Elegia Day Spa offers such specialtiesas a warm chocolate massage and rice-wasabi scrub.

Helsinki Day Spa, Erottaja 4,www.dayspa.Elegia Day Spa, Fredrikinkatu 20,www.elegiadayspa.

Brooklyn Caf

For a slice of New York in Helsinki,head for Punavuori where the Brook-lyn Caf opens its doors at 6:30am andserves bagels, lattes, smoothies andbrownies. The caf is run by two sistersfrom Brooklyn, of course!Fredrikinkatu 19

What to do today?

The quiet hours of the morning are the

perfect time to surf the internet andplan the day ahead. A comprehensiveevent calendar can be found on theTourist Information website. For thetrendiest shops and restaurants, go tothe We Are Helsinki website. You canalso download the World Design Capi-tal 2012 application to your phone andnd out what the design capital has tooffer today.www.visithelsinki.www.wearehelsinki.

www.wdchelsinki2012.

Trams 3T and 3B

An inexpensive and convenient way to

see the city is to catch the trams 3T or3B, also in the early hours of the morn-ing. The rst tram of the day departsat 6am. Many of Helsinkis main sightsand attractions lie along the route. Ad-mire the sunrise, which takes place insummertime as early as 3am-4am. Inwintertime you will have to wait untilafter 9am to see the rst rays of light.Exact times of the sunrise in Helsinki canbe found on the website of the FinnishMeteorological Institute: www.fmi.

For more information about public trans-portation, see www.hsl.

Start your day with a swim

Helsinki has several impressive swim-ming halls where you can swim fromas early as 7am, including YrjnkatuSwimming Hall, a work of art in itself,Mkelnrinne Swimming Hall and theSwimming Stadium, which is openfrom May to the end of September.www.hel./liv, www.urheiluhallit./

makelanrinne.htmlYrjnkatu swimming hall, Yrjnkatu 21Mkelnrinne swimming hall,Mkelnkatu 49

Swimming stadium,Hammarskildintie 3

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BEST OF HELSINKIBEST OF HELSINKI

helsinki - nordic oddity

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