Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Previous issues for Helsinki

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Finland : Helsinki - March 2009

Country Code: Dial 8 for Finland

May sees the tranquil Finnish capital wake up and take things outside. Even if you miss Vappu (Labour Day) on 1 May, you can catch the World Village Festival at Kaisaniemi Park and Railway Square from 23 to 24 May, which includes performances from artists such as Ghorwane and Novalima. Evgenia Ivanova heads out there

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

Despite its compact size, the centre of Helsinki has lots to offer, from beautiful parks to first-class shopping and excellent restaurants.

Sleep soundly – Appended to the main railway station, Holiday Inn Helsinki City Centre (5 Elielinaukio, tel. , ichotelsgroup.com, rooms from €77) is situated right in the thick of things. Cheap and conveniently located, Hotelli Finn (3B Kalevankatu, tel. , hotellifinn.fi, rooms from €55) is a hit with backpackers.

Culture vultures – One of the most popular museums in Finland, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art (2 Mannerheiminaukio), is staging (Un)Naturally from 15 May, an exhibition exploring what it means to be a man at the end of this decade.

Must eat – Juuri (27 Korkeavuorenkatu, 5732) is the place to try sapas (Finnish tapas), while Olo (44 Kasarmikatu, 5565) offers modern Nordic cuisine. Try the pigeon breast served with barley and blackcurrant or the Finnish lamb with beetroot and lemon.

Must drink – Belge (5 Kluuvikatu) has comfy sofas and a great selection of Belgian beers.

Shop til you drop – The gigantic Forum shopping centre (between Simonkatu, Yrjönkatu, Kalevankatu and Mannerheimintie) is a favourite with younger Finns. Kiseleff House (28 Aleksanterinkatu) is stocked with handicrafts, design objects, clothes and jewellery, and is also worth a visit. Stand out from the crowd with a piece from Marimekko (31 Pohjoisesplanadi), Finland’s top textile producer.

PUNAVUORI

Upscale Punavuori is home to many of Helsinki’s design stores, fashionable bars and restaurant.

Must drink – Great cocktails and a muted soundtrack make Shaker (65 Fredrikinkatu) a good pre-party destination. Café Bar No 9 (9 Uudenmaakatu) pulls in a crowd of artists and media types.

Shop til you drop – Myymälä2 (23 Uudenmaankatu) was set up to support the Myymälä2 art gallery. It sells clothing, comics, books and jewellery by young and yet-to-be established local talent. Galateia (35-37 Iso Roobertinkatu) proves that tanned fish leather can be used the same way as any other leather, with bags, belts, wallets and notebooks on display.

KAMPPI

North-west of the centre lies the recently regenerated Kamppi.

Culture vultures – The Lasipalatsi Film & Media Centre (22-24 Mannerheimintie), situated in one of Helsinki’s most famous functionalist buildings, has a programme of cultural events and cinema screenings.

Must drink – Teerenpeli (2 Olavinkatu, tel ) has a good selection of beers and ciders.

Dance the night away – On the top floor of Kamppi shopping complex, Lux (1 Urho Kekkosen Katu) is packed with a suitably sybaritic crowd.

KALLIO

Liberal Kallio attracts visitors with its rough-around-the-edges charm and the cheapest prices in Helsinki.

Culture vultures – Climb up one of the highest hills in Helsinki for marvellous views and a tour of Kallio church (2 Itäinen Papinkatu), designed by the famous Finnish architect Lars Sonck.

Must eat – Soul Kitchen (26-28 Fleminginkatu, tel. ) does big portions of simple stuff such as ribs and burgers. Otherwise, Cafe Luft (30 Aleksis Kiven Katu, tel. ) serves a wide range of salads and well-made croissants. Silvoplee (3 Toinen Linja, tel. ) is well known throughout the city for its broad, creative vegetarian menu.

Must drink – Cella (15 Fleminingkatu) is a cosy bar with plenty of history and low prices. Kuudes Linja (13 Hämeentie) is an alternative bar/live music venue hidden away in an old industrial building.

Compiled by Evgenia Ivanova