Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Previous issues for Helsinki

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Finland : Helsinki - March 2008

Country Code: Dial 8 for Finland

Getting around

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is 15km from the city centre.

Bus: Buses 415, 451 and 615 run to the city centre from the airport. The journey takes around 35-45 minutes (the 615 is the quickest route). A one-day tourist ticket costs €11 and is valid on all public transport.
Taxi: The journey from the airport to the centre of Helsinki takes approximately 30 minutes and costs about €30.
Tourist information: The main office is at 19 Pohjoisesplanadi, (tel. , hel2.fi).

OLD HELSINKI

Not to be confused with Vanhakaupunki (the old town), this area is a sleek base from which to explore the city, and a shopaholic’s heaven.

Sleep soundly – Check into Hotel Kämp for an indulgent experience. It’s hugely atmospheric and convenient for Helsinki’s coolest shops. If you’re on a tight budget, try Hotel Finn. Its convenient location and reasonable tariffs make it a hit with backpackers.

Culture vultures – The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art (2 Mannerheiminaukio, www.kiasma.fi) exhibits quirky installations and other unusual collections by both Finnish and international artists.

Must eat – Feel steeped in history at Kappeli (1 Eteläesplanadi, tel. ) – Sibelius and his friends used to drink here. Otherwise, meet the locals at Café Engel (26 Aleksanterinkatu, tel.5 2776).

Must drink – Don’t miss Molly Malone’s (1 Kaisaniemenkatu) if you want a lively evening. Lusty singing, international anthems and dancing on the tables are part of the programme every night. The place is supremely popular with Finns and tourists alike.

Dance the night away – Strike a pose at Teatteri (2 Pohjoisespa), one the capital’s most fashionable nightspots. Come here to see beautiful people sip sophisticated cocktails. Alternatively, head to more laid-back Kaarle XII (40 Kasarmikatu) – a vast, hugely popular nightclub playing Finnish and European pop music. But bear in mind that you won’t get past the bouncers if you’re younger than 24.

Shop til you drop – Stroll to Kämp Galleria (4 Kluuvikatu), an upscale shopping centre with a large Marimekko design store. There’s also Moomin Shop, the place to stock up on memorabilia emblazoned with Finland’s best-loved character, the Moomintroll.

TÖÖLÖ

Green and peaceful, Töölö is a district filled with parks and expensive houses.

Sleep soundly – The Scandic Simonkenttä Hotel is a good choice if you’re looking for polished Scandinavian design in a central location.

Culture vultures – One of the two must-see attractions here, and arguably the weirdest church ever, is Temppeliaukion kirkko (3 Lutherinkatu), which was built into solid rock in the late 60s. The other is the Sibelius monument (38 Mechelininkatu, Sibelius Park), a tribute to the great Finnish composer.

EIRA

Situated in southern Helsinki, Eira must be the most elegant area in town.

Culture vultures – Relax in Kaivopuisto (south of Puistokatu), one of the oldest and most picturesque of Helsinki’s parks.

Must drink – Admire the fantastic sea view from Café Carusel (10 Merisatamanranta).

Dance the night away – Sit back and be entertained at the fashionable Wave Bar (6 Hietalahdenranta).

KALLIO

Kallio is rarely seen in guidebooks – a pity, since it’s a pleasingly rough-and-ready contrast to an otherwise glossy city, and has earned a reputation as one of Helsinki’s most liberal areas.

Culture vultures – Kallion kirkko (2 Itäinen Papinkatu), designed in the early 1900s by celebrated Finnish architect Lars Sonck, is a church that stands on top of one of Helsinki’s highest hills, affording superb views.

Must eat – Enjoy jazz and generous helpings of American food at the friendly Soul Kitchen (26-28 Fleminginkatu, tel. 33).

Must drink – Whereas Cella (15 Fleminginkatu) is one of the oldest bars around, Luft (30 Aleksiskivenkatu) is the newest addition to Kallio’s increasingly cool nightlife.

Compiled by Evgenia Ivanova