Wednesday, October 26, 2016

What's New in Helsinki: Hotels, Bars, Restaurants, more

#VisitHelsinki #MyHelsinki



The new breed of food actors really deserves a round of applause. Helsinki has several Michelin starred restaurants and many local chefs, baristas, food producers and café owners have become recognized celebrities. Check out our food brochure Food Helsinki? HEL YEAH! and the newest top restaurants in town listed below.

. Baskeri & Basso’s ingredient driven cuisine is daring in its outrageous simplicity.
. Bystro’s hot blini pans have steamed the windows, and the incredible tastes of Slavic kitchen to-
gether with an edgy vodka bar welcome you to Russia in the middle of Helsinki city centre.
. Finnjävel uses Finnish cooking methods from the years gone by and freshest ingredients. They have
delved into the past in order to create the future of Finnish cuisine.
. Grön is a new restaurant that wants to show respect to creativity, nature and to all of us by offering excellent food made of locally produced ingredients.
. Holiday Bar, kitchen & terrace by your holiday guides Richard McCormick & Ville Relander.
. KOM, a renewed theatre restaurant opened in September by Antto Melasniemi and Heikki Purho-
nen. Antto is also making a gin with Klaus Haapaniemi, the designer, called Tenu.
. Roster is the latest restaurant of Kari Aihinen specielicied in roasting.
. Shelter located in an old warehouse at Katajanokka harbor gives shelter to friends of good food and
drink. The owners believe in crafting, genuine customer service and working together.
. Vinkkeli is founded by three passionate experts, sharing more than ten years’ history at Helsinki’s
legendary restaurants.




A cup of good coffee

Did you know that Finns are the ones who consume most coffee per person in the whole world? Helsinki has a vivid café scene and new high quality cafés pop up all the time. Top coffee baristas guarantee that every cup tastes delicious. Treat your taste buds with a cup of good coffee!

Check out also Top cafes in Helsinki -article at Myhelsinki.fi site.

. The Andante flower shop is a neighbourhood legend since 20 years. A few years ago they also start-
ed doubling as a cafe. Coffee, tea, raw cakes, vegan treats - and flowers, of course!
. El Fant believes in the power of small roasters and high quality wines. The best barista team in the
country is led by Sanni Sointula and Aleksi Kuusijärvi (also of Kahvila Sävy fame – see below!)
. Kahvila Sävy is a bohemian café in Kallio with excellent coffee.
. Kuuma This hot (in Finnish “kuuma”) café offers tasty raw food in new bigger location at Albertinka-
tu 6.
. Mood Coffee At the last stop of the tramline 10 in Ullanlinna, this fresh cafe spot serves coffee
roasted on location.
. Torrefazione and Fratello are barista driven cafés where the coffee tastes soooo good.
. Teemu & Markus is a tiny patisserie offering delicious cakes, macarons and coffee.
. Ipi Kulmakuppila is a new café at Kallio with modern interiors and personal service.
. Good Life Coffee a tiny café that many of the regulars use as their living room. Avoid bad life, and
have some good coffee!

Great classics

. Café Regatta is a piece of countryside in the heart of the Helsinki: traditional wooden building,
sweetest cinnamon buns and splendid views to the sea.
. Café Engel is a traditional café with a view to the Lutheran Cathedral. During the summer, when the sun has set, the inner yard turns into a cinema.
. Café Aalto is a hidden architectural gem, located inside the Academic bookstore designed by Alvar
Aalto with interiors designed by the same man.

Helsinki nightlife

Enjoy a drink or two and party all night! Helsinki’s bars and clubs are lively places, offering something for everyone from the trendiest hangouts to real bohemian atmosphere of the local bars. Helsinki’s dark nights create a cosy atmosphere for long talks with friends with a glass of wine or for wild parties

Bars

. Ateljee Bar located in the rooftop of hotel Torni, offers the best view in town
. American Bar is a bold combination of the spirit of our times and the traditions of the 1930's.
. Vin Vin is the place to be for friends of quality wines and romantic interiors.
. Son of a Punch is a creative bartending agency with several unique bars from speakeasys to fancy
cocktail bars.
. A21 Decades is awarded as the world’s best bar. A21 Decades is a must place for anyone interested
in Finnish cocktails and drinking culture.
. Bier Bier brand new beer bar, opened in Spring 2015, with beautiful, protected interiors.
. Tres Bones is a combination of restaurant, bar and club. Eat, drink and dance!
. Bar 9 has been the living room of Punavuori since 1996.
. B-Side Bar is a newcomer offering American drinks, music and service of two bartenders at the Abattoir.
. Steam Hellsinki is a new bar specialized in steam punk and gin!
. The Old Skiffer is a nautical inspired bar & restaurant! The Old Skiffer offers a variety of delicious drinks and of course the famous Skiffer Liuska flatbreads (kind of like Pizza, but better).

Clubs

. Kaiku Club is one of the 25 best clubs in Europe chosen by experts according to The Guardian. Good music, great sound system and open-minded crowd.
. Kuudes Linja located in the heart of Kallio, is a place to party. Music from rap to techno by local and international DJs and bands.
. We Love Helsinki and we love to dance! We love Helsinki organizes urban dances and events such
as water gun fights.

Design Scene

Design is a factor deep-rooted in the urban lifestyle of Helsinki. Design is manifest in the everyday lives of Helsinki citizens in many ways, ranging from home furniture and items that represent old Finnish design traditions to modern urban solutions in the city and contemporary interior design.
In 2012 Helsinki wore the title World Design Capital, and since 2014 a Unesco City of Design. Come and explore the local design scene!

Design Stories From Helsinki

In Finland, design has always belonged to everyone. We have plenty of gorgeous objects and buildings, but design runs much deeper in Finnish society, too. In this corner of the world, designers have always worked towards meeting the everyday needs of ordinary citizens. Right now those needs call for better solutions, not just beautiful and functional things. Design Stories from Helsinki are about how design can be a key method in building a better city.

Design District

You can easily spend hours strolling around Helsinki’s Design District. The streets are lined with intriguing boutiques, each offering something different to impress you: antiques and art, interiors and design, clothing and jewellery, and so much more.

TRE

TRE is a new flagship store for Finnish design in downtown Helsinki. They have a wide range of design, furniture, lifestyle products, organic cosmetics and fashion. 90% Finnish design, 100% good stuff.

Tori Quarter

Imaginative souvenirs, delightful handicrafts, mouthwatering treats, quirky designer clothes and traditional design. In the heart of the historic centre of Helsinki lies the Tori Quarter, where many artisans and design brands run their own boutiques. The Tori Quarter also hosts a wide variety of events, so keep your eyes and ears open when you go shopping!

Creative Arabia District and new Design Centre

Today the ”Old Town” (Vanhakaupunki) area is a modern centre for sciences and the arts, as well as a waterfront residential district. The area is home to the 130-year-old Arabia porcelain factory, where will open a new Iittala & Arabia design centre. The grand opening will be the 16th of November and the first exhibition is made by Harri Koskinen and Ville Anderson.

Architecture

Modernism, functionalism and the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe make Helsinki a major city of architecture.

. The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture.
. Helsinki is one of the finest Art Nouveau cities in the world! It is easy to pick out tasty treats, from
among Helsinki’s Art Nouveau tresures with the help of our guide.
. There are several buildings designed by the mastermind of functionalism Alvar Aalto. Some examples include the Finlandia Hall and the Academic Book Store.
. Quarried out of the natural bedrock, Temppeliaukio Church is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist
attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock.
. Kaisa House,The Helsinki University Main Library represents state-of-the-art library architecture. As the biggest university library in Finland, the Helsinki University Library serves the academic community as a modern learning and research centre and offers a meeting place for all citizens.
. Kamppi Chapel of Silence is a fine example of Finnish wooden architecture. This futuristic chapel is a place for quiet meditation amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
. The Helsinki Music Centre walls speak in an undertone, leaving space for music. Openness, encounters and interaction are the key concepts in the architecture.
. Löyly is a new design sauna by the waterfront designed by Avanto Architects. It represents modern
wooden architecture with edge.

Finnish Sauna

Fill your heart with the steam of Saunas in Helsinki! You will find out that sauna is the heart of Finland. It’s pumping in our blood, it’s written into the Finnish DNA.

. Löyly is a new design sauna opened in spring 2016 at Hernesaari. Löyly consists of three saunas, one smoke sauna and two wooden heated saunas for 50 people. There is also a café and a restaurant
with a big terrace area open all year round.
. Allas Sea Pool is a new floating sea spa and wellness hub with outdoor swimming pools, sauna and
restaurant located right in the heart of the city. It will be open all year round!
. Kulttuurisauna is architect Tuomas Toivonen´s ecological design -sauna in the shadow of sculptural
Merihaka district. Wood pellet heated saunas for men and women. Open all year round, ice swimming possibility in winter time.
. Helsinki Sauna Day is an event that opens the doors to the city’s saunas for everyone to enjoy. In
fact Helsinki is full of saunas that are often empty and seldom seen by most. Organised for the next
time 29 October 2016.
. In Kallio there are located three traditional block saunas: Kotiharjun Sauna where you can find
washing ladies to scrub the living daylights out of you, Sauna Arla founded in 1929 and Sauna Hermanni from 1950’s.
. Lapinlahden Lähde, is a collective that has brought life into the old mental hospital. The sauna of
the hospital, built in 1880’s for the use of the patients, is now open to everyone with separate
hours for men and women.

Christmas in Helsinki

The Christmas season starts in Helsinki on Sunday 22th of November when the Christmas Street opens, Santa Claus comes to greet the kids and the Christmas lights are turned on. Come and enjoy the Christmas spirit!

Christmas Markets

. Ornamo Design Christmas Market 2.-4.12.2016 is the Christmas Market where Finnish designer sell their products and where you can enjoy the Christmas spirit organized at Cable Factory.
. Women’s Christmas Fair is organized again in December 2.-6. for the 85th time. Over 370 Finnish
female exhibitors from all corners of Finland come together at this fair in Wanha Satama Conference Center to sell their high quality products.
. Kaapelin joulu, The spirit of Christmas takes over Cable Factory in Helsinki for two weekends 9.-
11.12. and 16.-18.12., when over 150 Finnish craftsmen arrive to Kaapelin joulu event. The event is
known for its warm atmosphere as well as its wide programme and activities for the whole family.
. Helsinki Christmas Market is the oldest and largest event of its kind in Helsinki. The market is held in December and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In 2015, the Huffington Post
ranked Helsinki Christmas Market among the 15 European Christmas markets we love to love.

Skating in Helsinki

. Helsinki Icepark is the most central place for skating located right next to the central railway station. Come as you are – with or without the kids, straight from work, with your special someone
under your arm, or on your way to a night out with friends.
. Long distance skating tracks are done on the frozen see as soon as the ice is thick enough. What a
wonderful way to enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of the urban nature!

Eventful Helsinki

Helsinki is a city that has always something to offer – from great classical music concerts to food events and light festivals. Check out our list of seasonal events during autumn and winter 2016!

. 2.-8.10.2016, The traditional Herring Market is the oldest traditional event in Helsinki has been held since 1743. The fishermen working on the Baltic Sea will once again bring their salted herring to
market, as well as a delicious selection of herring marinades from rowan berries to red pepper.
. 8.-22.10.2016, The Carnival of Light, at Linnanmäki illuminates Helsinki’s legendary amusement
park on the closing week of the summer-long season.
. 29.10.2016, Helsinki Sauna Day will open the doors to the private saunas of local residents and
companies to all who are interested – friends and strangers alike.
. 3.11.2016-8.1.2017, Winter Circus Memory by Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth is a warm-hearted, eventful show and it keeps people of all ages amused and excited. There are no language barriers, either.
. 15.-20.11.2016, The international theatre festival Baltic Circle spreads across the city as well as to
virtual spaces.
. 20.11.2016, The Christmas season traditionally begins in Helsinki with the opening of the Christmas Street, which takes place this year on Sunday 20 November.
. 13.12.2016, Lucia Parade, Each year a young maiden is chosen to represent St. Lucia on Lucia Day
13 December. The Lucia parade starts from the Senate Square at 6 pm and goes to Finlandia Hall.
. 31.12. New Year’s Eve celebrations are bigger and brighter than ever taking place in Kansalaistori as in 2017 we celebrate 100 year of independence in Finland!
. 5.-9.1.2017, The Light Festival Lux Helsinki will offer inspiring light artworks and a festival atmosphere at the darkest time of the year. Next time Lux Helsinki will be organised from Thursday 5 January to Monday 9 January 2017

New hotels in Helsinki

Helsinki offers a wide range of accommodation, from inexpensive hostels to luxury establishments. In year 2015 two new design hotels opened its doors and in 2016 we are waiting for several new openings.

. Cumulus Meilahti, The newest flagship of the Cumulus chain offers cosy accommodation with good transport links in Meilahti, near the Helsinki city centre. The hotel has 11 floors, 188 rooms, two
laid-back and modern restaurants, a sauna for guests, a gym and a private parking area. Opened in
May 2016.
. Hotel F6, This unique boutique hotel is all about service. Hotel F6 is a family owned hotel and their
staff is like a big family. Hotel F6 opened in June 2016.
. Located in the heart of Helsinki’s design quarter Bulevardi, the environmentally friendly Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard opened its doors in early March 2015. It is the first Hotel Indigo branded hotel in the Nordic countries.
. Hotel Lilla Roberts (lobby in the picture) offers an elegant environment - a simultaneous dichotomy
of the modern, and rich with history. In the hotel's stylish lobby you can sense the times gone by, and be charmed by the wonderful history of the building.

Future openings

. Clarion Hotel, opening 16 October 2016, number of rooms 427
. St. George, opening in summer 2017
. Art Hotel Helsinki, opening in 2018, number of rooms 80

www.visithelsinki.fi http://myhelsinki.fi/ #VisitHelsinki @visithelsinki





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