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Travel: Helsinki in a Nutshell
Wednesday 26th June 2013 | Vilma
How about heading to Finland for a summer break? But isn’t it always freezing? What many people don’t realize is how hot Helsinki gets during the summer. The dark months of winter are forgotten and the city is more alive than ever with great temperatures and lots to do while enjoying the stunning midnight sun!
What to do
Esplanade
Located in close proximity to some great sightseeing, the Esplanade in the city centre is alway filled with people. The sides of the street are filled with cafes, bars and shopping opportunities, but most people lounge on the grass with friends enjoying food and drinks throughout the day!
Flow Festival
In order to find the young, hip and stylish, you need to experience Flow Festival that is held in Helsinki in early August! This year the festival hosts some big names such as Disclosure, Grimes and Alicia Keys.
Sauna
A Finnish experience won’t be fulfilled without seeing the beautiful lakes right outside of the city centre, hopefully topped up with a sauna experience. If you’re staying in the city, saunas can be found in most Finnish homes but public ones are also available with stunning views of the seaside!
Where to Eat
Atejljeebar Torni
Torni can pride itself with undeniably the best views of the city. While sitting on top of the roofs of Helsinki and enjoying a delicious drink of your choice, you can’t help but feel like you’re living the high life!
Vegemesta
One of the hot spots for food in Helsinki is, without a doubt, the busy, quirky and fairly cheap Vegemesta. It focuses on vegetarian and vegan burgers and now has two locations, one at the Esplanade and another one in the heart of Kallio, definitely worth a try!
Hietalahti market hall
The Hietalahti market hall (“Kauppahalli” in Finnish) was recently renovated and now boasts some of the best culinary delights in the city. For a taste of fresh Finnish fish, meat and even a cheeky pint, visit the pop up stalls at the market!
Where to Drink
Kallio/ Kuudes Linja
Helsinki has a great selection or bars and clubs, and for a diverse night out head to the artsy neighbourhood of Kallio that hosts some of the cheapest bars, pubs and cafes as well as nightclub Kuudes Linja that is raving during the weekends.
A21
For those who prefer a more luxurious night out, a visit to cocktail bar A21 is a must! The bar hosts regular cocktail events, but the dark lighting and option of booths that can be curtained off suit customers who prefer a more intimate setting.
Spårakoff
Known as “the pub tram”, Spårakoff picks up passengers and travels around Helsinki while travelers enjoy their drinks. Customers can enjoy the best sights of Helsinki on this unique ride for roughly £6!
Where to Sleep
Hostel Stadion
Located right next to the Olympic Stadium, this legendary hostel offers dorms starting from only £17/night. Like most of Helsinki, the hostel has free Wi-fi, but the services don’t stop there. A games room, TV room and even a library are available so it’s definitely a bargain!
Hostel Suomenlinna
During the summer everyone from locals to travelers heads to the fortress island of Suomenlinna for a sunny picnic during the summer holidays! Those who wish can stay at the small-sized youth hostel located on the island for around £20 per night. Whether or not you decide to spend your night at Suomenlinna, this Unesco World Heritage Sight is worth a visit!
Omenahotellit
Those who prefer to stay somewhere more private, several Omena hotels are spread around the heart of the city. Each room has a mini-kitchen, a large flat-screen TV and can accommodate up to four people, so it is no wonder Omena hotels were voted ‘The Travellers’ Choice 2013’!
Vilma Nurmela
