Helsinki Local History

The first settlers arrived in the 1500's from the west. The Swedes ruled for 500 years but were defeated by a Russian Tzar who flattened the city in 1808 and took occupation. In the 1900's an architect by the name of Carl Ludwig Engel was responsible for much of the city centre's appearance today.

Helsinki Attractions

Helsinki Shopping

Kauppatori - the centre market square - consists of stalls selling everything from vegetables, fresh fish and coffee to handicrafts and souveniers.

Helsinki Activities

The Nukke-ja lelemuseo (Museum of Dolls and Toys) - On the island Suomeninna. The cafe in this museum is a good place to stop for a rest. Try their apple pie, you won't be sorry.

Helsinki Zoo & Maritime Museum - situated on the island of Korkeasaari, you need to catch the ferry to get there. This zoo is as far north as zoos go. With it's large natural enclosures, a tropical area, farm yard and a good cafe and terrace, you can expect a good all-round family outing.

Helsinki Parks & Gardens

City Winter Gardens - near the Opera House is a small but perfectly attended garden.

Kaisaniemi Park - close to the train station and fairly central - a good place to re-charge your battery.

Helsinki Restaurants and Bars

Helsinki Restaurants

Cafe Esplanade - Pohjoisesplanadi 37 - serves excellent sandwiches and salads, huge Danish pastries and Finnish pulla (a wheat bun) at very affordable prices.

Cafe Ekberg - Bulevardi 9 - is the oldest cafe in the city. Their breakfasts are not to be missed.

Lappi - Annankatu 22, Tel 645 550 - Serves tasty local dishes such as snowgrouse, elk and reindeer.

Eatz - Mikonkatu 15 - Tel 687 7240 - a good all rounder - serves everything from Thai, Indian and Italian to Sushi. It also has one of the biggest summer beer terraces.

Helsinki Bars & Clubs

Kappeli - Etelaesplanadi 1, Tel 179-242 - cafe/restaurant/pub - has a lovely summer terrace that faces a stage where bands play. The pub is in the cellar.

Ateljee Bar - Yrjonkatu 26 - has a stunning view of the city from the roof of Sokos Hotel Torni, where it is situated.

Mother Bar & Kitchen - Eerikinkatu 2 - Tel 612 3990 - a really good atmosphere with with drums, bass and jazz music most nights.

Helsinki children's activities

The Nukke-ja lelemuseo (Museum of Dolls and Toys) - On the island Suomeninna. The cafe in this museum is a good place to stop for a rest. Try their apple pie, you won't be sorry.

Helsinki Zoo & Maritime Museum - situated on the island of Korkeasaari, you need to catch the ferry to get there. This zoo is as far north as zoos go. With it's large natural enclosures, a tropical area, farm yard and a good cafe and terrace, you can expect a good all-round family outing.

Helsinki Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Helsinki for a weekend.

• Helsinki Festival
• Temppeliaukio Church
• National Museum of Finland
• Kaivopuisto Park
• Senate Square and Market Square

More

Helsinki Tours

Looking for organised tours in Helsinki?

• Face to Face with Finland
• The Czar Route tour
• Jewish Tour Jewish Helsinki