Kamppi and Southwestern Helsinki
Map of Helsinki/Kamppi and Southwest
Kamppi and Southwestern Helsinki is here defined as the part of the city raying out to the southwest of the city core, stretching along freeway 51 to the border of next-door Espoo. Kamppi is for the purposes of this article delimited by Baana and Hietaniemi cemetery in the northwest, Mannerheimintie in the east and Bulevardi in the southeast. In addition to Kamppi, Ruoholahti and Jätkäsaari the article also covers Lauttasaari.
Southwestern Helsinki has something for everyone. The part next to Mannerheimintie with the shopping centers of Kamppi and Forum are not much different from the rest of the downtown, though just a block or two into Kamppi the environment becomes much more residential. There is no lack of restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs, though and aside of downtown itself and Kallio, this is a good place to go out for a drink.
Ruoholahti, still in the 1980s a somewhat rough and dirty part of the city is now modern and clean with glass and steel office and apartment buildings, partially built on land reclaimed from the sea. Still the former cable factory (nowadays a cultural center), the Salmisaari power plant and the shipyard reminds of the former industrial character. A bridge to the west lays the island of Lauttasaari, mostly residential.
Get in
The eastern parts of this district are practically part of the downtown and the rest of Kamppi within walking distance from it. Ruoholahti is best accessible by metro or tram 9 from the central and eastern parts of the city, by tram 8 from the Töölö. The new metro extension takes you all the way to Lauttasaari and beyond.
If you travel in from Espoo or western Uusimaa by bus or metro, this part of Helsinki is the first you will reach. The same is true if you're arriving from Tallinn on Tallink's or Eckerö Line's ferries, from St. Petersburg by ferry or on a massive cruise ship that can't dock in central Helsinki.
To the ferry terminals, take tram 7.
Get around
Getting around in the western parts is no struggle, you can use the buses, the trams or the metro to get wherever you want, not forgetting going afoot. Even though the options for public transport are great, don't immerse yourself only in them and remember the option of going on foot; it might save your time since especially the trams might be slow.
See
- 1 Helsinki Old Church (Helsingin Vanha Kirkko) (between Lönnrotinkatu, Bulevardi, Georginkatu and Annankatu). A neoclassical wooden church built in the early 19th century, which is the oldest church in central Helsinki. It's in the middle of the Park of the Old Church, which is also known as the Plague Park (Ruttopuisto) because it was used as a cemetery for many of the victims of the plague of 1710.
- 2 Lönnrotinpuistikko. A tiny little park next to the Old church. In the middle there's a statue of 19th century author and scientist Elias Lönnrot (author of Kalevala, the Finnish national epic).
- 3 Amos Andersson Art Gallery, Yrjönkatu 23. M Th F 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00. In the Forum block. The largest private gallery of contemporary art in Finland. Adults €10.
- 4 Helsinki synagogue, Malminkatu 26. The center of the Jewish community in Helsinki; there are also a Jewish school, kindergarten and a kosher store on the premises. You probably have to call ahead for visiting.
- 5 Metropolia Polytech main building. This impressive 19th-century building next to the Hietalahti square hosted the Helsinki Technical University until the 1950s, nowadays it's the main building for the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. As you're there, check out the Hietalahti market hall and market square.
- 6 Aleksanterin teatteri, Albertinkatu 32. The Alexander theater, named after the Russian czar Alexander II and finished in 1879 is likely Helsinki's most beautiful venue for performance art. Occasional shows and concerts in English.
- 7 Computer and video game museum, Tyynenmerenkatu 11 (Verkkokauppa.com building). Interested in old video games, game consoles, computers and related paraphernalia? Then this place is definitely something for you.
- 8 Lasipalatsi. Another of Helsinki's most iconic functionalist buildings right next to Mannerheimintie, the "glass palace" by Viljo Revell, Heimo Riihimäki and Niilo Kokko was finished in 1936 and is functionalist both on the inside and outside. It was planned as a temporary office building and shopping mall, to be replaced by a bigger one in the future but that never happened. In the 1980s and 90s the building was in a fairly sorry state but due to opposition by citizens and the Board of Antiquities it wasn't demolished but underwent a major restoration at the turn of the millenium. Today the gorgeous white building with colorful neon signs houses shops, restaurants, the movie theater Bio Rex, and beneath it, the art museum Amos Rex.
- 9 Amos Rex, Mannerheimintie 22–24 (entrance located at the right hand side of Lasipalatsi, in the near vicinity of the central station), ☏ +358 9 6844 4633 (bookings), +358 9 6844 460 (customer service). M 11-20; W-F 11-20; Sa/Su 11-17, closed on Tu. A modern arts museum that tends towards immersive, often audiovisual installations and has rapidly gained in acknowledgement since its opening in 2018. While entrance and shop are in Lasipalatsi, the actual museum is a piece architecture playing with organic forms located below the square located behind the visible building; sculpural forms extend into the square, portholes on their top allow a glimpse into the museum. General admission 20 €, reduced 15 €, students/under 30 years 5 €, under 18 years 0 €.
- 10 Crusell Bridge (Crusellinsilta), Länsisatamankatu. A cable-stayed bridge, which connects the districts of Ruoholahti and Jätkäsaari. It is named after the Swedish-Finnish composer and clarinetist Bernhard Henrik Crusell (1775–1838).
In addition the district of Ruoholahti is one of the few places in Helsinki to see modern glass and steel architecture, and of course the Crusell bridge across Ruoholahti bay. Lauttasaari is one of the greenest areas in Helsinki. The island's landmark, the 1950s water tower, was dismantled in 2015.
Do
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- 1 Aleksanterin teatteri, Bulevardi 23-27.
- 2 Annantalo, Annankatu 30. M-F 08:00–20:00, Sa Su 10:00–16:00. Feel creative? Annantalo, a multimodal "house of art" arranges art workshops and courses for both kids and grownups, as well as performances and exhibitions.
- 3 The Cable Factory (Kaapelitehdas or just Kaapeli), Tallberginkatu 1 (tram 8). The former cable factory in Ruoholahti is nowadays a multi-purpose culture center. It hosts concerts, fairs, art workshops and odd/original museums like the restaurant museum and photography museum. There is a Restaurant/Café/Bar Hima & Sali in the building. At lunch time you can choose your meal from a daily menu or watch the cook prepare your wok from ingredients you selected. Good place for vegetarians.
- 4 Huone, Länsisatamankatu 16, ☏ +358 20 78 51 440. 08:00-00:00 mostly. Huone ("Room") claims to be the world's first event hotel, providing premises and services for their customers to hold their own events. There are twelve rooms of different sizes, and each can be rented for a day, a morning or an evening. Huone can host various kinds of events such as business meetings, birthday parties or sauna evenings. The customer holds the event - Huone provides the premises and services, including catering, with alcoholic drinks or without. €44-59 per person.
- 5 Kasinonranta Beach, Lauttasaari, Tiirasaarentie (Buses 20N, 55A and 66A, stop Hevosenkenkäpuisto.). A popular place in summer with a large playground for children and a pleasant café Kasinonranta (in summer season open M-F 15:00-19:00, Sa Su 10:00-19:00). At the beach and the park around you can picnic, kick a ball, play a beach volleyball, swim, canoe or skatefurf. In winter it is possible to snowkite here or hike, skate or cross country ski on frozen sea around Lauttasaari island and even reach some nearby islands.
- 6 [dead link] Outdoor skating Lauttasaari, Lahnalahdentie 2 (Short walk from Lahnalahdentie bus stop (lines 102, 110, 147, 154, 167) or Lahnalahden puisto bus stop (lines 20, 65A, 66A)). Daily 08:00-21:00. Two outdoor skating rings, open approximately 2 Jan - 24 Feb, depending on weather.
- 7 Little Theater (Lilla Teatern), Eerikinkatu 2.
- 8 Salmisaaren Liikuntakeskus, Energiakatu 3 (next to Helsinki Energia @ Ruoholahti). New sports mall in Helsinki, includes indoor beach, bowling, ice hockey, wall climbing, gym, Megazone, restaurant and lots more...
- 9 Tennispalatsi, Salomonkatu 15. The Tennispalatsi ("Tennis palace") was built to house tennis events for the 1940 and 1952 Olympics. Nowadays, it retains no trace of its Olympic past. Instead, it functions primarily as Helsinki's biggest movie theatre, with more than ten halls on two floors, showing movies both from Finland and abroad. As well as functioning as a movie theatre, Tennispalatsi also houses cultural exhibitions, small stores, restaurants (including Pizza Hut and Hesburger) and cafés.
- 10 Uusi Sauna, Välimerenkatu 10. Tu-Sa 16:00-00:00, closed Su M. A stylish and spacious public sauna and bar in Jätkäsaari. Separate saunas for men and women. You can bring your own towel or rent one from the bar. The bar has a diverse selection of drinks and you can bring your drink to the dressing room (not to the actual sauna though). The bar has live music playing on special event nights. Sauna €18, beer around €10.
- 11 Yrjönkatu swimming hall (Yrjönkadun uimahalli), Yrjönkatu 21b (across from the Torni Hotel), ☏ +358 9 310 87401. An art-deco bath house with three types of saunas and a swimming pool. Take a sauna and swim in the nude. There are separate days for women and men. Bathing suits are not banned, but almost everyone goes without one. Men's swimming days are: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; Women's days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday. 1st Floor €5 (or €5.40 with a lockable stall or 'cabin'), 2nd Floor €14. The second floor (accessible only the afternoons from Tuesday to Sunday) includes access to a steam sauna and a wood-heated sauna, as well as a café.
Buy
- 1 Kamppi Center (Kampin Keskus) (Trams: 2, 9 Metro: Kamppi.). Big shopping mall in the center of Helsinki. Plenty of international brands and restaurants. Long-distance bus terminal in the basement.
- 2 Forum (corner of Simonkatu and Mannerheimintie). Kamppi center's next door older brother with plenty of shops, restaurants and other services.
- 3 Kauppakeskus Ruoholahti (Metro: Ruoholahti. Tram: 8.). Quite small compared to the suburban malls along the ring roads, but this urban mall still has a Citymarket and a couple of speciality stores and cafes.
- 4 Verkkokauppa.com (Metro: Ruoholahti - entails some walking; Tram: 9; Bus: 15A). 2 km from the Helsinki city center in the Western Harbour (Länsisatama). Northern Europe's and possibly Europe's largest home-electronics store with 20 000 m2 of retail space. The best spot for electronics, computers, digital cameras, mobile phones and gadgets in general in Helsinki. They not only sell electronics but also imported snacks (mainly from the USA) to enjoy while watching TV or barbecuing - think soda, chips, barbecue sauce, candies and such. In addition to being a store it features a couple of fast food outlets one of them with Australian meat pies, and a computer game museum on the 5th floor. Literally on the top of it all, the 7th floor features Finland's largest sightseeing terrace with views of Helsinki, the sea and prime view of cruise ships in the summer and in the middle of it a real MiG-21BIS fighter plane, the entrance is free. Free parking underground and on an outdoor parking area behind the complex.
- 5 Ruslania (Ruslania Books Oy), Bulevardi 7 (The buses 14, 18 and 21 stop near the store. Although, the trams 1, 3 and 6 are stop right next to it and tram is the best way to get there from the north.), ☏ +358503889439, customerservice@ruslania.com. 09:00-18:00, 09:00-16:00. Ruslania offers Finnish and Russian products (which includes for example souvenirs, literature, music, candy, posters and cards). A nice, not that big shop full of mostly Russian products which makes it a heaven for lovers of Russian culture or Soviet-y stuff.
Shops
- 6 [dead link] Helsinki 10, Eerikinkatu 3, ☏ +358 10 5489801. M-F 11:00-20:00, Sa 11:00-18:00. This bright-white "lifestyle department store" sells both international and Finnish (designer) labels such as Raf Simons, Wood Wood, Acne and April77 as well as second-hand clothes, accessories, records, magazines etc.
- 7 Paloni, Eerikinkatu 7, ☏ +358 50-5894131. Open M-F 11:00-19:00, Sa 11:00-16:00. Paloni is a creative design concept store. It sells items that are designed and made by over 70 independent designers. Paloni's product range covers women's clothing, accessories, jewellery, home decor, gift items and children's clothing.
- 8 Keltainen Jäänsärkijä, Urho Kekkosenkatu 4-6 A. Helsinki's largest indie store, covers virtually everything except classical and electronic. Lots of indie vinyl at reasonable prices.
- 9 Keltainen Ruusu, Malminrinne 2-4 (in Kamppi; about 100 meters from the metro station), ☏ +358 96 855 5270, myynti@keltainenruusu.fi. Su–Th 12:00–03:00, F–Sa 12:00–06:00. A sex store.
- 10 Compact Records (Dark Side of the), Lönnrotinkatu 23.
- 11 Siisti Kirppis, Suezinkatu 3 (in Jätkäsaari), info@siistikirppis.fi. Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Weekend 12:00–17:00. A flea market.
Markets
- 12 Hietalahti Old Market Hall, Hietalahdentori (tram 6), ☏ +358 9 670145. One of Helsinki's three traditional market halls until the turn of the millenium, after that concentrating on antiques and as of 2019 a kind of a food court, with some gift shops.
- 13 Hietalahti Open Air Flea market. Next to Hietalahti Old Market Hall, this is the most popular flea market in Helsinki. Open year round, but busiest from May to August.
Eat
Budget
- 1 Barbarossa, Yrjönkatu 29. Good price-quality ratio pizzaplace, always fast service. Very small location though, so you might have to eat your pizza elsewhere.
- 2 Eerikin Pippuri, Eerikinkatu 17. One of the more popular kebab places in town. On the same street as many bars, so good for a midnight meal as well.
- 3 Pompier (VPK), Albertinkatu 29. M-F 11:00-15:00. Run by the Volunteer Fire Brigade, this restaurant serves a daily changing buffet of hearty Finnish fare in a cafeteria straight from the 1950s, complete with grim portraits of moustached Hosemasters staring down at you. Pea soup and pancakes on Thursday are particularly popular. €12.60 per head..
- 4 Santa Clara, Kuubankatu 3 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 44 989 99 69, santaclararestaurantbar@gmail.com. A lunch restaurant with bar.
- 5 Shinobi, Albertinkatu 38, ☏ +358 10 229 3062, shinobi@shinobi.fi. W-Th 17:00-23:00, F-Sa 16:00-00:00. A Japanese restaurant featuring classic and contemporary dishes.
- 6 Singapore Hot Wok, Kamppi Shopping Centre, E floor, Urho Kekkosen katu 5 B. Select from a few tasty plates of Wok. €9.50 per head..
- 7 Sky Express, Annankatu 31. A pizza spot very close to the city center. It's a relatively small place, but the service is very fast and the place is open late at night. Opens around 11:00, and closes at 23:00 (22:00 on Sundays). Try the Päivän jättipizza ("Daily giant pizza"), which is a large, thin pizza with a varying selection of fillings plus a 0.4 liter soft drink for €6, which is almost unbeatably cheap. They also offer a liter of beer + the daily giant pizza for €13.
- 8 Yeti-Nepal, Itämerenkatu 12, ☏ +358 9-6933010, yetinep@gmail.com. M-Th 10:30-22:00, F 10:30-23:00, Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-22:00. One of many Nepalese places. It might not be the cheapest one, but the food is great. The restaurant is well visited and often full at lunch time. Main dishes €10-15, lunch menu from €8.50.
- 9 Osakuntabaari, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6 D (The door to the right of Tavastia's main door, press the door buzzer), ☏ +358 50 325 2698, osakuntabaari@hys.net. M-F 11:00-15:00. A student restaurant that offers affordable and delicious lunches also for outsiders. €8.50, dessert €1.30.
- 10 Pappa Peruna, Välimerenkatu 5 D (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 44 244-27-87, info@pappaperuna.fi.
- 11 Sodexo Restaurant Sisäpiha, Lapinlahdenkatu 1 B, ☏ +358 50 5969 116, ravintola.sisapiha@sodexo.com. M-F 11:00-13:30. Lunch restaurant. €10.90.
Mid-range
- 12 Baba's House, Atlantinkatu 10 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 41 715 8870, info@babashouse.fi. A pizzeria.
- 13 Bites Burgers, Lapinlahdenkatu 3. Tasty burgers made to order, with a regular, vegan, vegetarian and special option that can be further customised. They have a good selection of sodas and craft beer. In their Kamppi location there's also an inner yard open during the summer with live music most nights. They also have a restaurant in Vallila and in the Kaivopiha food court. €10-12.
- 14 Boneless Jätkäsaari, Välimerenkatu 24 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 45 342 0502. A hamburger restaurant.
- 15 Empire Plaza, Urho Kekkosen katu 1, Kamppi Shopping Centre. Tasty Chinese food. Main dishes €7-20, lunch buffet €8.50.
- 16 Faro, Kellosaarenranta 2, ☏ +358 10 424 9830, myynti@faroravintola.fi. A rather nice restaurant and bar located right at the seashore, offering nice views. Serves lunch and à la carte menu. Lunch is affordable, if not quite cheap, but the à la carte menu is a bit on the pricier side. Also functions as a bar. Serves a variety of cuisine, lunch varies daily. Lunch €10 to €13, main courses €20 to €30.
- 17 Fisken på Disken, Urho Kekkosen katu 1, ☏ +358 401971157, info@fisken.fi. 11:00-21:00. The name means "The fish on the table" in Swedish, and the restaurant indeed focuses almost exclusively on fish and seafood. Located on the fifth floor of the Kamppi shopping centre amongst other restaurants, easy to find as it's right next to the escalators. Rather crowded so reservations are recommended, although not mandatory. Try the fish and chips, available at €16. Main courses €10 to €28.
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- 18 Halikarnas, Ruoholahdenkatu 18, ☏ +358 9 685 1862. 11:00-23:00 mostly. One of the most famous Turkish restaurants in Helsinki. Famous for its Mediterranean-style buffet, served not only on working days but on weekends also (it's a bit more expensive on weekends though), but also serves quality Turkish à la carte dishes. The coffee, although served from a nondescript thermos can, is one of the best coffees available in Helsinki. Spacious with stylish Turkish decor, with artwork depicting ancient Mediterranean cities on the walls. Buffet around €10, à la carte dishes €14 - 22.
- 19 India House, Simonkatu 8, Forum (Tram 2, 9), ☏ +358 504630155, indiahouse@indiahouse.fi. M-F 10:30-22:30, Su 12:00-23:00. The only Indian restaurant in Helsinki accepted as decent by Indians here. Mains around €20, lunch €10.
- 20 Ka-Shing, Lauttasaarentie 14, ☏ +358 9 676 319. M-F 10:30-21:00, Sa Su 12:00-21:00. Probably the best Chinese restaurant on the residential and office district of Lauttasaari. Rather small, and can be quite packed at lunch time. Lunch is very cheap, usually €7-8, but on evenings and weekends à la carte courses cost €12 - 20. The restaurant provides Donald Duck comic books in Finnish for the customers to read.
- 21 Konstan Möljä, Hietalahdenkatu 14, ☏ +358 9 694 7504. Traditional Finnish food. Very nice if you want to try all kinds of Finnish meals! Lunch buffet €7.90, main dishes from €15, dinner buffet €20..
- 22 Kosmos, Kalevankatu 3 (Trams: 3, 4, 6, 10), ☏ +358 9 647 255. A Helsinki institution dating to 1924, proudly serving "Helsinkian" food — a melange of Russian, French and Swedish influences. Try one of the three classics: Vorschmack with duchess potatoes, the Sylvester Sandwich au gratin and Baltic herrings with mashed potatoes. Mains €15-25.
- 23 Krung Thep Thai Bistro, Bermudankatu 5 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 50 351 1336. A Thai restaurant.
- 24 Limone, Nahkahousuntie 1, ☏ +358 50 562 5010, lauttasaari@limone.fi. 11:00-21:00 mostly. A real Italian restaurant in the mostly residential district of Lauttasaari, serving authentic Italian cuisine, mostly pizzas and pastas. Easy to arrive at as it's located almost right next to the terminus of bus line 21V. Open for lunch (weekdays only) and à la carte dining. Main courses €13-26.
- 25 Mai Thai, Annankatu 31-33, ☏ +358 9 685 6850. One of the best Thai restaurants in Helsinki. Make sure to reserve a table in advance, and heed the chilli ratings when ordering.
- 26 Meritähti, Itämerenkatu 14, ☏ +358 451712277, ravintola@meritahti.net. 11:00-23:00 mostly. The name means "starfish", but despite that, there is actually very little seafood on the menu. The menu is very meat-oriented, with the restaurant specialising in Hungarian cuisine. The restaurant is rather small, and about half of it consists of a pub area. Very easily accessible as it is next door to the Ruoholahti metro station. Main courses €12-30.
- 27 Morton, Ruoholahdenranta 8, ☏ +358 400 805 062, helsinki@morton.fi. 10:00-21:00. A restaurant specialising in tasty burgers. Various burgers available with either beef, mutton, chicken or vegetarian options. The entire restaurant has been built from old cargo containers, giving it a unique appearance. Burgers around €16.
- 28 Mt. Everest, Lapinlahdenkatu 17, ☏ +358 9 6831 5450. Good Nepalese food. Main dishes €10-20.
- 29 Pikku-Nepal, Annankatu 29, ☏ +358 9 6931778. A very good Nepalese restaurant. Good vegetarian options. Main dishes €13–25.
- 30 Ravintola Poiju, Jaalaranta 5 (in Jätkäsaari; next to the Ruoholahti canal), ☏ +358 9 685 6638, contact@ravintolapoiju.com. An Indian-European restaurant.
- 31 Restaurant Lasipalatsi (Ravintola Lasipalatsi), Mannerheimintie 22-24 (at Lasipalatsi), ☏ +358 20 7424 290, ravintola@ravintolalasipalatsi.fi. A unique restaurant complex with pleasant café in the heart of the capital. Main dishes €24–36.
- 32 Salve, Hietalahdenranta 11, ☏ +358 10 7664 280. Harbour restaurant. Salve's operations began in 1897 as a small food kiosk for sailors. Even now, you can catch the feeling of Salve's past - a time when ships were made of wood and men were made of steel! Herrings of Salve you should taste.
- 33 Suburritos, Yrjönkatu 29, ☏ +358 441 709 0777, suburritos@suburritos.fi. 11:00-21:00 mostly. Mexican-style restaurant near the Forum shopping centre. Famous for its lunch buffet, where you can fill up tortillas and tacos with toppings of your own choosing. Buffet and burritos €9, main courses €13-25.
- 34 Urbine, Tyynenmerenkatu 7 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 45 692 4310. A a living room style cafe-restaurant.
- 35 Uuno Pizza, Atlantinkatu 20 B (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 40 040 6199, info@uunopizza.fi.
- 36 Sen Việt Vegan Restaurant, Atlantinkatu 18 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 41 311 3868, senviet.suomi@gmail.com. A Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant.
Splurge
- 37 Gaijin, Bulevardi 6, ☏ +358 10 3229386, info@gaijin.fi. 17:00-00:00. One of Helsinki's finest Asian cuisine restaurants, serving a mixture of Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisine. Famous for its tasting menus. As the restaurant is very popular and a bit cramped, prior reservations are recommended, although not mandatory. The food is a bit expensive but extremely tasty, and the staff are very friendly. Main courses €26-42, tasting menus €62-66.
- 38 Kabuki, Lapinlahdenkatu 12, ☏ +358 9 694 9446. Helsinki's best-known Japanese restaurant and a favorite of Finnish celebrities, which explains the signed ice hockey jerseys and Star Wars memorabilia scattered throughout. Alas, while the food is decent, it's not quite the real thing. Reservations recommended. Closed Sat.
- 39 Karljohan, Yrjönkatu 21, ☏ +358 9 6121121. Very nice restaurant opposite the Hotel Torni with Swedish and Finnish traditional cooking and keeping high standards. On Thursdays, try the traditional lunch of pea soup and pancake.
- 40 Lappi Restaurant, Annankatu 22, ☏ +358 9 645 550. Although Lapland (Lappi) is on the other edge of Finland, you can enjoy cuisine of Lapland in Helsinki too.
Drink
Cafes
- 1 Ateljee Baari, Kalevankatu 5 (Hotel Torni (14th floor)). Despite the name it's more like a cafe, located on top of Hotel Torni, Finland's first high-rise. Excellent views over Helsinki's downtown. You even have a view from the (famous) toilets. Highly recommended. Find the elevator close to the lobby to get there, but be prepared for expensive drinks. If you're on a tight budget, you can just enjoy the view on the elevator level.
- 2 Banu Café, Länsisatamankatu 24 A (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 40 373 3390, contact@banu.fi. A Persian fusion coffee shop with cozy bakery.
- 3 Café Ekberg, Bulevardi 9, ☏ +358 9 6811 860. One of the classic Helsinki cafés and a Bulevardi institution. Was renovated in 2017 and at that lost some of its old flair.
- 4 Cafferino Oba, Kalevankatu 47, ☏ +358 45 184 2038. Café with a Mediterranean food.
- 5 The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33. Tu-F 10:00-17:00. A quaint Austrian-style café in Kamppi. Serves Austrian coffee, Austrian beer and Austrian delicacies.
- 6 Gran Delicato, Kalevankatu 34, ☏ +358 9 694 0403. M-F 08:00-22:00, Sa 10:00-18:00, Su closed. A very cosy cafe serving Mediterranean salads and paninis, and a variety of coffees. The Greek owner is a showman, usually around to amuse customers. Coffees €2-4, salads €7-9, pastas and soups €7-9.
- 7 Momochi, Mannerheimintie 20 (at Forum shopping centre (1st floor; Simonkatu entrance)), ☏ +358 50 554 3300, info@momochi.fi. M–F 11:00–20:00, Sa 11:00–19:00, Su 12:00–18:00. A Japanese café.
- 8 Cafe Mutteri, Lauttasaarentie 2 (Lauttasaari island), ☏ +358 45-6335418. M-F 06:00-19:00, Sa Su 10:00-16:00. Lovely small cafe in an octagonal old wooden building just at the Lauttasaari bridge. Its name translates to café "nut" as something you use with a bolt. Coffee, pies, pastries and ice cream are on offer. You can enjoy a slightly nostalgic atmosphere of the place, or just get pleasantly cozy on a freezing day.
Bars, pubs and clubs
- 9 Angleterre, Fredrikinkatu 47 (at the corner of Kalevankatu and Fredrikinkatu), ☏ +358 10 76 63580. M Tu 15:00-00:00; W Th 15:00-01:00; F Sa 14:00-02:00; Su closed. Oldest British pub in Helsinki since 1976. Only fifth outside the UK to gain the Cask Marque -award for excellence in serving real ale.
- 10 Amsterdam, Itämerenkatu 1C. Dutch beer house in Ruoholahti.
- 11 A21 Cocktail Lounge, Annankatu 21. A high-priced but incredibly high quality cocktail bar situated in the city center, a few hundred meters from Stockmann's. Generally serves classic cocktail drinks with a twist, but also features several cocktails with a distinctly Finnish vibe (featuring garnishes such as birch leaves and fresh cloudberry) and innovative house specialities. According to worldsbestbars.com, this unlikely find is one of the world's best bars , winning the title of the best bar in the world in 2009 and 2010. Drinks €7-25, try the Birch Cooler, Blinker or XXX..
- 12 Ravintola Wanhakettu, Malminkatu 22. A journey into traditional Finnish bar culture, where fireside debates and poetry recitals are a common place occurrence in this historical tavern. Frequented by a more intellectual if not boisterous crowd, the common traveler will find a home away from home at Wanhakettu. A famous haunt for many members of the classical artist communes of Käpyla and Suvela. According to historian Antti Mäjänen of the Ostrobotnious Historical Society, it was in this very spot that the second treaty of Vyborg was signed in the summer of 1902, adding character and flavor to this lovely tavern of old. Drinks €3.50-15, try the Karhu III Pint, Salmari or Kolme Leijonaa Malt Whisky..
- 13 Aussie Bar, Salomonkatu 5 (next to Kamppi shopping mall). M Tu Su 14:00 - 02:00, W-Sa 12:00 - 03:00. The name says it. Place to go get some drinks with some international fun. Live music every Wednesday and the weekends are always crazy in Kangaroo Land.
- 14 Corona Bar & Billiards, Eerikinkatu 11, ☏ +358 9 751 75611. A bar and billiard hall owned by the film director brothers Aki and Mika Kaurismäki, echoing the melancholic mood of their films. Also check out the affiliated Kafe Moskva bar next door for authentic Soviet style experience, complete with Russian music played on dusty vinyls and Russian vodka and champagne. Downstairs is Dubrovnik, a small club-cum-movie theater that can be rented for private events and host occasionally live gigs or clubs.
- 15 Crystal Show Club, Lönnrotinkatu 19 A, ☏ +358 9 753 1731, info@crystalshowclub.com. A strip club.
- 16 Loose, Annankatu 21. A very street-credible rock bar, it is highly popular among Finnish rock musicians.
- 17 Le Bonk, Yrjönkatu 24. W-Sa 21:00-04:00, Sa 16:00-04:00. Design music club with 3 floors. During the summer very nice roof terrace.
- 18 Mann's Street, Mannerheimintie 12 (at Mercantile), ☏ +358 9 612 1103. A gay karaoke bar.
- 19 Old Irish Pub, Mannerheimintie 12, ☏ +358 44 493 6655, 00100@oldirishpub.fi.
- 20 The Circus, Salomonkatu 1-3. Music venue club.
- 21 Saaren Baari, Tyynenmerenkatu 7 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 40 061 7442.
- 22 Street Pride Bar, Malminrinne 1 (in Kamppi district), ☏ +358 41 313 2010, streetpridebar69@gmail.com. A gay bar.
- 23 Tavastia/Semifinal, Urho Kekkosen katu 4-6. One of the most prominent rock clubs in Scandinavia, a must see for fans of live rock of any kind. Semifinal has smaller indie/alternative bands for a young crowd. On special nights the two clubs are joined, but usually they host separate gigs. Tickets for all gigs can be bought in advance from the Tiketti ticket sellers next door. The annual Tavastia new year party is an institution in itself, with fans flying from all over the world for the show.
- 24 The Tiger, Urho Kekkosen katu 1 (Kamppi Center). Open W-Sa 22:00-04:00. Formerly Lux, this is a contestant for the title of Helsinki's classiest mainstream nightclub, with its dress code, stylish decor, relatively high prices and an age limit of 24. Five bars, two spacious terraces, a VIP lounge and six luxurious booths that can be reserved. Live music on Thur. Cover charge €4-8, free entrance before midnight..
- 25 El Patron (former Jenny Woo, Vatican), Simonkatu 6. Tries to profile itself as a nightclub for trendy young adults. You can lie on couches next to the crowded dance floor while sipping some bubbly.
Sleep
Budget
- City Center Seaside Apartment, Azorienkuja 1. Fully furnished apartment with a seaview in a new building next to the sport park and Tallink ferry terminal.
- 1 Omena Hotel Yrjönkatu, Yrjönkatu 30. A self-service budget hotel concept with no front desk in the centre near Kamppi. Book and pay on the Internet and let yourself in with a passcode. Toilet, shower, 26" LCD-television, small fridge, microwave, water kettle + disposable cups, coffee, tea, hair dryer and dining table. Omena-breakfast €5.60/person. Business-package €16/night includes Internet connection, two volitional movie per day and breakfast. Parking €17.50/night. Omena hotellis have been established in most major Finnish cities and are used widely by Finns travelling in their own country. 4-person room from €45/room..
- 2 Omena Hotel Lönnrotinkatu, Lönnrotinkatu 13. The same budget hotel chain has another hotel a couple of blocks south. 4-person room from €45/room..
- 3 Hotel Finn, Kalevankatu 3B, ☏ +358 9 6844360, fax: +358 9 68443610, hotelli.finn@kolumbus.fi. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. A young, regenerating hotel in the city center. Even though the rooms are small and fairly no-frills, the hotel is comfortable and cheap. Under new management, the hotel seems to be getting better (and cheaper) by the day. There are 27 rooms, which can accommodate from one to four people per room. From €55.
Mid-range
- 4 GLO Hotel Art, Lönnrotinkatu 29, ☏ +358 10 3444 100, linna@palacekamp.fi.
- 5 Hiisi Hotel, Länsisatamankatu 16 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 20 7780 777, host@hiisihomes.fi.
- 6 Hotel AX, Välimerenkatu 18 (in Jätkäsaari), ☏ +358 29 3200 480, reception@hotelax.fi. An art hotel.
- 7 [dead link] Travellers Home, Lönnrotinkatu 16 D. Central location, clean, and good amenities. Wi-fi €5/day. Fully-furnished flat from €85/night.
Splurge
- 8 Clarion Hotel Helsinki, Tyynenmerenkatu 2, ☏ +358 10 850 3820, cl.helsinki@choice.fi. At 78 m, this upscale hotel is one of the highest buildings in all of the Capital Region. 425 rooms, rooftop pool. rates from €188.
- 9 Holiday Inn Helsinki West, Sulhasenkuja 3, ☏ +358 9 4152 1000, fax: +358 9 4152 1299, helsinki.hihw@restel.fi.
- 10 Radisson Blu Royal Helsinki, Runeberginkatu 2, ☏ +358 20 1234 701.
- 11 Sokos Hotel Aleksanteri, Albertinkatu 34, ☏ +358 20 1234 643, fax: +358 20 1234 644, aleksanteri.helsinki@sokoshotels.fi. Situated in the heart of the city in the trendy Punavuori neighbourhood, next to the historical Alexander Theatre. From €139.
- 12 St. George, Yrjönkatu 13 (across the Old Church Park), ☏ +358 9 5619 2702, sales@stgeorgehelsinki.com. A 5-star full-service luxury hotel is home to 148 rooms and five suites. The hotel's services also include a spa, gym and relaxing massage treatment. €220–250.
Connect
Wireless internet can be used in some of the branches of city library (for example 1 Lauttasaari Library).