Hidden Helsinki, beyond the tourist trail
Helsinki may be the capital of Finland, but it still flies under the radar for many travelers, and that’s a good thing. With its walkable streets, fresh sea breeze, and creative culture, Helsinki is an ideal destination for those looking to avoid the crowds and experience something more local.
Helsinki’s Hip Hideaway
Head north from the center and you’ll find Kallio, once a working-class neighborhood now transformed into a bohemian hub filled with quirky second-hand shops, cozy wine bars, and offbeat cafés. Nearby, the red-brick courtyard of Teurastamo (the old abattoir) now houses small distilleries, bakeries, and pop-up restaurants. It’s a favorite spot for locals on sunny weekends.
Nightlife: Helsinki Partners, Aleksi Poutanen.
Art lovers
For art lovers looking to go off the beaten path, EMMA – the Espoo Museum of Modern Art, is well worth the short metro ride west. Set in a striking concrete building in Tapiola, EMMA showcases contemporary Finnish and international art in spacious surroundings, including a permanent exhibition by design icon Tapio Wirkkala.
Eat Like a Local, Wander Like a Finn
When it comes to local food, Helsinki’s market halls offer a taste of the real Finland. Vanha Kauppahalli by the harbor is the oldest and most iconic, but Hakaniemi Market Hall is where many locals go for their everyday favorites. Hietalahti Market Hall, meanwhile, combines traditional stalls with trendy new eateries. Expect everything from creamy salmon soup to vegan innovations, all under one roof.
If you need a moment of calm, Helsinki offers something few capitals can: a vast forest in the middle of the city. Keskuspuisto, the Central Park of Helsinki, stretches from Töölö all the way north, offering peaceful walking and biking trails through forests, meadows, and marshes. And it’s all just minutes from the city’s buzz.
