Local guide for Helsinki region
Nature & Exercise
The Malminkartanon huippu -hill, some 3-4 km from the house, is a favourite among locals to go and have some exercise. With 426 steps, it is a steep climb, but once up there, you´ll have a view of the whole city! (There is also a path up if stairs are not your thing.)
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/malminkartanonhuippu
14 locals recommend
Malminkartanonhuippu
NaapuripellontieThe Malminkartanon huippu -hill, some 3-4 km from the house, is a favourite among locals to go and have some exercise. With 426 steps, it is a steep climb, but once up there, you´ll have a view of the whole city! (There is also a path up if stairs are not your thing.)
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/malminkartanonhuippu
A favourite with locals who want to escape the city, in this big national park you´ll feel like you´re truly in the middle of nowhere in a forest.
"Within easy reach of Helsinki, you can escape into wild natural settings and enjoy typically Finnish scenery, with lovely lakes, green forests and rugged crags. Pack your backpack for a memorable family picnic or campout."
https://www.nationalparks.fi/nuuksionp
150 locals recommend
Nuuksio National Park
84 NuuksiontieA favourite with locals who want to escape the city, in this big national park you´ll feel like you´re truly in the middle of nowhere in a forest.
"Within easy reach of Helsinki, you can escape into wild natural settings and enjoy typically Finnish scenery, with lovely lakes, green forests and rugged crags. Pack your backpack for a memorable family picnic or campout."
https://www.nationalparks.fi/nuuksionp
Keskuspuisto, the Helsinki Central park, stretches all the way from the city centre to Northern Helsinki. It is easily accessed from my house and there you can walk, run and bike for hours on end.
https://www.hel.fi/hel2/keskuspuisto/eng/1centralpark/
111 locals recommend
Central Park
Keskuspuisto, the Helsinki Central park, stretches all the way from the city centre to Northern Helsinki. It is easily accessed from my house and there you can walk, run and bike for hours on end.
https://www.hel.fi/hel2/keskuspuisto/eng/1centralpark/
Luukki recreation area is located in Espoo, and popular in summertime amongst locals who want to go take a swim in a lake on a hot summer day.
https://www.hel.fi/helsinki/en/culture/recreation/in-helsinki/luukki
Luukin ulkoilualue
33 LuukintieLuukki recreation area is located in Espoo, and popular in summertime amongst locals who want to go take a swim in a lake on a hot summer day.
https://www.hel.fi/helsinki/en/culture/recreation/in-helsinki/luukki
Hietaranta beach - locally known as Hietsu - is the biggest and most popular beach for Finns. Located very close to city centre, it is a nice way to spend a sunny day.
Another beach, a small quiet gem among locals mostly, is Munkkiniemi beach, where there is a small beach area and less crowds.
https://www.hel.fi/helsinki/en/culture/sports/outdoor/outdoor-swimming/
153 locals recommend
Hietaranta Beach
HiekkarannantieHietaranta beach - locally known as Hietsu - is the biggest and most popular beach for Finns. Located very close to city centre, it is a nice way to spend a sunny day.
Another beach, a small quiet gem among locals mostly, is Munkkiniemi beach, where there is a small beach area and less crowds.
https://www.hel.fi/helsinki/en/culture/sports/outdoor/outdoor-swimming/
Sighseeing
The Suomenlinna fortress is one of the world heritage sites and a popular destination for many visitors in Helsinki, with a fortress and a museum.
https://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/
430 locals recommend
Suomenlinna
The Suomenlinna fortress is one of the world heritage sites and a popular destination for many visitors in Helsinki, with a fortress and a museum.
https://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/
There are hundreds of tiny islands around Helsinki - why not go island hopping to see a few of them? From big destinations like Suomenlinna fortress island, to smaller ones where locals go and spend days in the nature. You can take an arranged tour or buy separate tickets eg. in Kauppatori harbour.
Example of an arranged tour: https://www.jt-line.fi/eng/
75 locals recommend
Kauppatori station
There are hundreds of tiny islands around Helsinki - why not go island hopping to see a few of them? From big destinations like Suomenlinna fortress island, to smaller ones where locals go and spend days in the nature. You can take an arranged tour or buy separate tickets eg. in Kauppatori harbour.
Example of an arranged tour: https://www.jt-line.fi/eng/
Our new big outside sea pool right in the centre of the city - and next to the sea! Here you can swim and go to sauna!
https://www.allasseapool.fi/en/
218 locals recommend
Allas Sea Pool
2a KatajanokanlaituriOur new big outside sea pool right in the centre of the city - and next to the sea! Here you can swim and go to sauna!
https://www.allasseapool.fi/en/
When in Finland, sauna is a must!
Well you´re in luck - there are several options, for example nine public ones in Helsinki.
One favourite with locals is Sompasauna in Sompasaari, it is self service and at one´s own risk. Popular nevertheless!
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/9-public-saunas-in-helsinki
322 locals recommend
Löyly Helsinki
4 HernesaarenrantaWhen in Finland, sauna is a must!
Well you´re in luck - there are several options, for example nine public ones in Helsinki.
One favourite with locals is Sompasauna in Sompasaari, it is self service and at one´s own risk. Popular nevertheless!
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/activities/9-public-saunas-in-helsinki
Helsinki´s proud new addition, our very own central library is a stunning modern building and a place to visit as an attraction even if you don´t plan to go reading!
93 locals recommend
Oodi Central Library
4 TöölönlahdenkatuHelsinki´s proud new addition, our very own central library is a stunning modern building and a place to visit as an attraction even if you don´t plan to go reading!
The Temppeliaukio Rock Church is a Helsinki specialty to experience, built underground and surrounded by stone. Aesthetically pleasing and architectually interesting, it is a favourite for many visitors in Helsinki.
258 locals recommend
Temppeliaukion Church
3 LutherinkatuThe Temppeliaukio Rock Church is a Helsinki specialty to experience, built underground and surrounded by stone. Aesthetically pleasing and architectually interesting, it is a favourite for many visitors in Helsinki.
The Uspenski Cathedral is the biggest orthodox chursh in Wester Europe and definitely a gorgeous place to experience, actively holding masses.
93 locals recommend
Uspenski Cathedral
1 PormestarinrinneThe Uspenski Cathedral is the biggest orthodox chursh in Wester Europe and definitely a gorgeous place to experience, actively holding masses.
Museums
Kiasma, the museum of modern art, is right at the heart of Helsinki city centre.
384 locals recommend
Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
2 MannerheiminaukioKiasma, the museum of modern art, is right at the heart of Helsinki city centre.
The Museum of Natural History, a historic building filled with... well, natural history! It is perfect for adults and children alike.
89 locals recommend
Finnish Museum of Natural History
13 Pohjoinen RautatiekatuThe Museum of Natural History, a historic building filled with... well, natural history! It is perfect for adults and children alike.
Food scene
A little gem of a restaurant to experience Finnish cuisine! Affordable and tasty buffet style restaurant. Konstan Möljä is located in the city centre area. You will also find vegetarian options here. Just be sure to check the opening times beforehand and book a table, it can get busy in the weekends.
52 locals recommend
Konstan Möljä
14 HietalahdenkatuA little gem of a restaurant to experience Finnish cuisine! Affordable and tasty buffet style restaurant. Konstan Möljä is located in the city centre area. You will also find vegetarian options here. Just be sure to check the opening times beforehand and book a table, it can get busy in the weekends.
A popular-with-locals restaurant with a North African-Middle Eastern style kitchen. The portions are generous are the food is tasty. You may want to reserve a table as it is well-known local spot to meet up with friends over tasty food.
165 locals recommend
Sandro Kallio
17 Kolmas linjaA popular-with-locals restaurant with a North African-Middle Eastern style kitchen. The portions are generous are the food is tasty. You may want to reserve a table as it is well-known local spot to meet up with friends over tasty food.
A local restaurant near my place offering tasty fried chicken dishes, burgers and fresh ingredients. They have vegan options too. Their Asian BBQ rice bowl with homemade slaw is my favorite!
Boneless Kannelmäki
A local restaurant near my place offering tasty fried chicken dishes, burgers and fresh ingredients. They have vegan options too. Their Asian BBQ rice bowl with homemade slaw is my favorite!
A Kannelmäki classic near my home, the oldest British gastro pub in Helsinki, est. 1973. It is a local favourite for drinks and pub food. They have salads, lunch menus and desserts as well.
My favourite is their ´1973´ pizza. There´s also reindeer pizza for a special Finnish twist!
Ravintola Britannia
1 VanhaistentieA Kannelmäki classic near my home, the oldest British gastro pub in Helsinki, est. 1973. It is a local favourite for drinks and pub food. They have salads, lunch menus and desserts as well.
My favourite is their ´1973´ pizza. There´s also reindeer pizza for a special Finnish twist!
A Finnbistro near my house in Kaari shopping center. They offer Finnish foods buffet style during lunchtime and an a la carte list with a wider selection.
Kantsun Sävel
A Finnbistro near my house in Kaari shopping center. They offer Finnish foods buffet style during lunchtime and an a la carte list with a wider selection.
My favorite Korean place, also located in the Kaari shopping centre near my house. Their original Bibimbab bowl is yummy! Everything also available as a vegan option.
One Bowl
My favorite Korean place, also located in the Kaari shopping centre near my house. Their original Bibimbab bowl is yummy! Everything also available as a vegan option.
Fancy a quick pizza or kebab? This local neighborhood fast-food place is near my house and you can order delivery straight home from their webpage too!
Golden Pizza Kebab
Fancy a quick pizza or kebab? This local neighborhood fast-food place is near my house and you can order delivery straight home from their webpage too!
Shopping center & hypermarket for groceries
In Kaari shopping centre, near my place, you´ll find several shops, restaurants, a pharmacy, Alko alcohol store, fitness centre and private doctor. Also located in Kaari is the biggest Prisma hypermarket in Finland for groceries and most household supplies you can think of - and the hypermarket is open 24/7!
7 locals recommend
Prisma Kaari Kannelmäki
1 KantelettarentieIn Kaari shopping centre, near my place, you´ll find several shops, restaurants, a pharmacy, Alko alcohol store, fitness centre and private doctor. Also located in Kaari is the biggest Prisma hypermarket in Finland for groceries and most household supplies you can think of - and the hypermarket is open 24/7!
Sightseeing
Kaisaniemi Botanical Garen, established in 1829, is beautiful gardens to experience all year round - Summertime there are popular outdoor gardens to stroll around with ponds and flora, and winter time you get to visit indoor gardens with an exotic twist.
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/sights/kaisaniemi-botanic-garden
39 locals recommend
Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden
2 KaisaniemenrantaKaisaniemi Botanical Garen, established in 1829, is beautiful gardens to experience all year round - Summertime there are popular outdoor gardens to stroll around with ponds and flora, and winter time you get to visit indoor gardens with an exotic twist.
https://www.myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/sights/kaisaniemi-botanic-garden
Shopping, restaurants and entertainment
A new shopping mall and centre for activities in Pasila, not too far from the house. You'll find shops. restaurants, entertainment or even an indoor all-year-round beach in there! Fun!
Easily accessed via I train from Kannelmäki train station in about 10 minutes.
46 locals recommend
Mall of Tripla
1 FredikanterassiA new shopping mall and centre for activities in Pasila, not too far from the house. You'll find shops. restaurants, entertainment or even an indoor all-year-round beach in there! Fun!
Easily accessed via I train from Kannelmäki train station in about 10 minutes.