Top tips for enjoying spring in Helsinki

A new pavilion-like venue, Little Finlandia. Offers a unique, matchless venue for meetings, congresses and other events.

Located at the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park, the Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous market. The booths here sell traditional market foods and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. There are also heated café tents where you can comfortably have a steaming hot coffee even on the coldest days in winter. The Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, one of the oldest ongoing event traditions in Finland, is arranged here every October. It has been held since 1743. There's a ferry connection to Suomenlinna Fortress island from the Market Square year round, and in summer it is possible to catch eg. a ferry to Korkeasaari Zoo, hop on one of the archipelago sightseeing cruises or take a boat trip to Porvoo. The Stone of the Empress', in the middle of the Market Square, is the oldest public memorial in Helsinki. It was erected to commemorate the Empress Alexandra's (the German-born wife of Nicholas I), first visit to Helsinki. On the west side of the Market Square, close to the Esplanade park, stands the Havis Amanda fountain, by Ville Vallgren (1908), one of the best known statues in Helsinki.

Pihlajasaari is a former villa island that is now a versatile outdoor recreation area. It still has a few old villas set amongst rocks, wooded areas, groves and beaches. Varying terrain, good location and services have made Pihlajasaari the most popular summer island in Helsinki. Sun worshipers are attracted by Pihlajasaari's sandy beaches, there is also a naturist beach. Also a nature path, cooking shelters, a boat harbour for day guests, two meeting villas, two saunas to rent, kiosk, café, restaurant Pihlajasaari and the possibility to camp with a tent. The JT Line ferrys run in summertime to the island from both Merisatamanranta and from Ruoholahti.

Traditional market treats and atmosphere. Next to the market square is also the Hakaniemi Market Hall. Sunday market usually on the first Sunday of each month.

Helsinki Zoo is home to more than 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species that show the diversity of nature. Helsinki Zoo is one of the few zoos located on an island. The zoo was established in 1889 which makes it one of the oldest zoos in the world. Helsinki Zoo also participates in the work to protect the habitats in the original homes of the various species. The rhino sign will take you to the animals that belong to the zoos' shared protection programme. On the island you'll also find a souvenir shop and cafés & restaurants.

Mustikkamaa is located south of Kulosaari, about 5 km from city centre. Mustikkamaa is a popular outdoor recreation area with eg. a beach, kiosk, café and restaurants and tennis courts as well as a summer theatre. Since 1964 a bridge has connected Mustikkamaa to Kulosaari. In 2016 a pedestrians bridge, Isoisänsilta, was opened from the new Kalasatama residential area to Mustikkamaa. The way to Helsinki zoo, Korkeasaari, is also through Mustikkamaa.

Hietaranta (also called Hietsu) offers a shallow and safe swimming area and is very popular on hot summer days. You can also enjoy beach volleyball and basketball. Children have their own play area. Café bar GT1929 in the pavillion serves eg. coffee, ice cream, burgers etc. Nearby you will also find a miniature golf course and the Taivallahti Tennis Centre. The City of Helsinki supervises the beach during the swimming season.

At Hietalahti market square at the far end of Bulevardi you'll find an, especially in summertime popular outdoor flea market. The market is open all year though with weather permition. The Hietalahti Market Hall is situated next to the square.