Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Welcome to the Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Destination Guides

bthere! Destination guides

Previous issues for Helsinki

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy,
please confirm event/venue details in advance.

Finland : Helsinki - June 2008

Country Code: Dial 8 for Finland

Helsinki is a city of contrasts – home to cutting-edge technology at one end of the spectrum and the painstakingly careful husbandry of nature at the other. The long, light-filled days and the warmth of the welcoming locals make June the very best time to visit. Evgenia Ivanova goes exploring

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).

KESKUSTA

Predictably, the city’s diminutive downtown district is the busiest part of town. It’s also home to many of Helsinki’s best department stores, restaurants and cafés.

Sleep soundly – The historic Hotel Seurahuone (rooms from €99) does a nice line in period detail – think chandeliers and antique furniture. Hotel Torni (26 Yrjönkatu, tel. , sokoshotels.fi, rooms from €105) is another living classic in the heart of Helsinki. The terrace at Ateljee Bar, situated on the 14th floor of the hotel, offers the best view of the city – especially at sunset.

Must eat – Head straight for the Fazer Café, which does excellent pastries, ice-cream and coffee. Their seasonal a la carte menu is also well worth trying. Omenapuu (6 Keskuskatu, ) is an elegant brassiere with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s good value for money, and, with its children’s play area, is perfect if you’ve got the kids in tow

Must drink – Splash out on champagne at Café Strindberg.

Shop til you drop – Stockmann (52B Aleksanterinkatu) is the capital’s most prestigious department store. The Herkku supermarket, located in the store’s basement, is especially good for gourmet food.

KRUUNUNHAKA

The area north of Senaatintori (Senate Square) is the oldest part of modern Helsinki. Full of picturesque winding streets, it’s the ideal spot for long summer walks.

Sleep soundly – Hotel Arthur (rooms from €98) is a good choice if you’re looking for moderately priced and cosy rooms.

Culture vultures – A walk down Kristianinkatu will take you past the city’s oldest wooden houses.

Must eat – Set in a turn-of-the-century-style building, GW Sundmans is a good one to go for if it’s a special occasion. Stop by the terrace at Espresso Edge (29 Liisankatu, tel. ) for lunch. The smoothies here come highly recommended.

Must drink – Have a herb-infused cocktail at barcum-record store Vinyl.

KAIVOPUISTO

Laid out in the 1830s, Kaivopuisto is Helsinki’s most famous park. It’s a great place to picnic, sunbathe or even watch a concert.

Must drink – The ever-popular Café Ursula has a beautiful seaside view and a large outdoor terrace.

Dance the night away – Kaivohuone (1 Iso Puistotie) is famous for throwing huge parties that pull in their fair share of Finnish celebrities and bohemian locals. The club is particularly good in summer, thanks to its pool parties.

Culture vultures – Climb up Observatory Hill and drink in some of the city’s best views. The cliffs in Kaivopuisto park also offer a fairly fantastic panorama.

Dance the night away – Kaivohuone is famous for throwing huge parties that pull in their fair share of Finnish celebrities and bohemian locals. The club is particularly good in summer, thanks to its pool parties.

PUNAVUORI

Once a slightly seedy area, Punavuori has blossomed into a fashionable quarter full of design shops, boutiques and nightclubs. The largest part of the Design District Helsinki is also here.

Must eat – Grab a sandwich in Café Bar No. 9. Or try Kynsilaukka Restaurant Garlic (22 Fredrikinkatu, 1939) for innovative takes on classic dishes.

Dance the night away – DTM is the most popular gay club in the country. If you fancy a slightly quieter night, check out Erottaja bar (15-17 Erottajankatu).

Shop til you drop – For Finnish design at its best, make a beeline for the Design Forum Finland, which sells locally made jewellery, glass and interior fabrics. If independent fashion is your thing, don’t miss Lux (26 Uudenmaankatu), which stocks quirky accessories and one-off pieces.

Compiled by Evgenia Ivanova