Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Previous issues for Helsinki

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Finland : Helsinki - October 2008

Country Code: Dial 8 for Finland

Summer may be over, but life in the Finnish capital doesn’t ebb away – it merely shifts indoors. Locals cosy up in bars and restaurants, or take advantage of the city’s excellent shopping. There’s also the International Horse Show held in the Hartwell Areena from 16-19 October. Evgenia Ivanova saddles up

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).

CITY CENTRE

Helsinki’s city centre is compact and quiet. Nevertheless, you’ll find many of the city’s biggest attractions here.

Sleep soundly – The newly opened Hotel GLO might have your credit card quaking, but its spacious, modern rooms are worth it. The best thing about the Hotel Finn (3B Kalevankatu, tel. , hotellifinn.fi, rooms from €65) is its central location and moderate prices.

Culture vultures – Head to Senate Square to take in the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral, one of the city’s most photographed buildings. Then walk round to the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki main building and National Library of Finland nearby.

Dance the night away – Den Kungliga Klubben (6 Mannerheimintie) is all about glitter, glamour and extremely good-looking customers. Otherwise, check out Tavastia Club (4-6 Urho Kekkosen katu), the main rock venue for international and Finnish bands. Or try tiny Semifinal (6 Urho Kekkosen katu) for up-and-coming local musicians.

KAMPPI

Totally rebuilt a few years ago, this central district is a haven for shopaholics and film lovers. It’s also home to some of Helsinki’s most arty restaurants and nightclubs.

Sleep soundly – Scandic Simonkentta Hotel is a textbook example of modern Scandinavian design. In contrast, Sokos Hotel Torni has unusual art nouveau interiors, and a top-floor bar with great views of the city.

Culture vultures – The Kino movie theatre (11 Eerikinkatu) is the cinema of choice for those who prefer their films a little left of centre.

Must eat – Kosmos (3 Kalevankatu, 7255) serves Finnish food in retro surroundings – the décor here is straight out of the ‘30s.

Must drink – Bohemian Corona bar (11 Eerikinkatu) and Café Mockba next door – known as ‘the Brezhnevian era’s last monument’ – have both become cult places in their own right, with as devoted a following as their owners, film directors Aki and Mika Kaurismäki.

Shop til you drop – Helsinki’s shopping has been bolstered by the super sized Kamppi Center (5 B Urho Kekkosenkatu). Asuna (24 Fredrikinkatu) stocks less mainstream labels like Swedish Annhagen and Steinunn from Iceland.

PUNAVUORI

Punavuori is all about style – it’s packed with fashionable bars and exquisite restaurants.

Must eat – The Michelin-starred Demo (9-11 Uudenmaankatu, tel. ) manages to combine a tranquil atmosphere with attentive service. Their menu is full of innovative dishes like roasted goose breast with kumquat sauce, sautéed halibut with warm octopus vinaigrette and garlic potatoes and braised knuckle of pork with foie gras and jasmine tea reduction. It’s booked up weeks in advance, though, so make sure you reserve. Bali Hai (35 Iso Roobertinkatu, 9904) is a newish, moderately priced restaurant which serves good salads and pastas

Must drink – Ahjo (2-4 Bulevardi) makes a stylish pre-party venue.

KALLIO

Kallio is the most laidback district in the city – great if you’re on a budget.

Culture vultures – The enormous Kotiharju Sauna (1 Harjutorinkatu) has the last remaining public wood-burning sauna in the city. Go there for the authentic Helsinki experience.

Must eat – Soul Kitchen (26-28 Fleminginkatu, 3) does ribs, burgers and milkshakes. Silvoplee (3 Toinen linja, tel. ) serves creative vegetarian cuisine.

Must drink – Cella (15 Flemininkatu) has a long history and low prices.

Compiled by Evgenia Ivanova