Reading online, people say that tourists could get bored within two days in Helsinki. I beg to differ. When we started to plan this trip last year we did so with in the intent to live like locals and just get immersed in the city and explore every little street that we could.
Our legs and feet were our vehicle of choice. Why? Because there was just so much to take in, every building had an element of character. Be it the colour, or how the shadows fall and tell a story.
The experience was enhanced when we visited the Architecture museum, where we learnt a little bit more of the history of the city and how it’s shaped Helsinki and what we see.
We walked through a few districts. From Kamppi, Punavori and to the very posh looking streets of Eira. All areas distinctly different, but very Finnish to the core.
*click the thumbnails below to enlarge (better in portrait and landscape)
A week in Helsinki was done intentionally to live like locals. And also this week reminded me of the Melbourne weather: Rain, sun and wind all in the one day.
We set up shop in an AirBnB flat; this was done to complete the “local” experience. We walked almost everywhere and we foraged at the local market halls for some food. The food that we bought was plentiful and tasty; fresh salmon to the more obscure meats in bear and reindeer (tried some cold smoked reindeer, and it was tasty – think of it as a more meatier prosciutto).
We partook in a local flea market where we scored some antique buys. Oh… I need to add – the Finn’s know coffee, usually when I’m away from Melbourne, I yearn for the sweet taste of Melbourne coffee. It wasn’t the case with Helsinki – they know coffee!
As we walked deeper into the more “residential parts” and away from the main touristy areas and found some brilliant spots over the weekend where it seemed like the international tourists didn’t get to. The buildings themselves were stunning. This week, we lived like locals, and we meet some friendly Finns who were up for a chat – the kindness of the people we met along the way was fantastic!
A quick note: as we sampled a bit of food and drink in this city here are a few quick food/café/coffee highlights:
- SPIS (this deserves it’s own blog post later)
- Sis Deli + Café
- Caffi
- Kaffa Roastery
- Mattolaituri
- Food from the market halls and market squares.
*click the thumbnails below to enlarge (better in portrait and landscape)
An honourable mention would have to go to the Brewdog pub. Although not exactly Finnish – this Scottish brewer was the last thing that I was expecting in Finland.
More to come from this trip.
– CTP