Imperfect itinerary: 72hrs in Eastern Helsinki
Sun rises from the East: your flavour-full Helsinki neighborhood
Looking to visit Helsinki for 3 days? Discover your own favorite spots with this East Helsinki itinerary. Exploring a new place is an art, and we know there’s research to do not to miss the hotspots! But when the schedule’s too tight, there’s no space for curiosity. Getting lost is a cliché for a reason: it matters. Our perfectly imperfect itinerary series for Helsinki neighborhoods has you covered. Start with local knowledge on where to start and what not to miss, while leaving you space to play it by ear.
Day 1: arrive and explore
Welcome to your East Helsinki itinerary! Eastern Helsinki has plenty of distinctive and attractive neighbourhoods with their fanatic fans. The East has been booming for the past years, especially among young Helsinkians. You can catch the Metro line that goes all the way to the edge of the Helsinki borders.
Taste the multicultural Helsinki
Itäkeskus is located 20 minutes from the railway station by metro and a good place to start your expedition. It has 3 very different shopping malls next to each other and plenty to see, eat and experience. Itis is a freshly renovated more traditional mall that has all you need plus entertainment like C-Max cinemas. If you feel like going for a swim or trying the water slide, the swimming pool is worth a visit.
Next to Itäkeskus you find Puhos, which is a multicultural hub of Helsinki. The vibrant ethnic food scene attracts foodies and adventurers from all around the city. Choose the restaurant that attracts the most people and you can’t go wrong. Easton represents a new type of shopping centre that has integrated communal services for locals into its offering.
Day 2: I want to ride my bicycle
East Helsinki has a long coastline and many well-kept secrets for outdoor enthusiasts. A bike is always a good way to take yourself around. You can rent bikes from https://bicycleanhelsinki.com/en/ or use the city bikes provided by local communal traffic HSL.
Boat sightseeing for spotting the ice breakers
You can catch a ferry with your bike from Katajanokka and land at Kruunuvuorenranta. The route has been opened to serve people in eastern Helsinki before the bridge opens in 2026. Remember to spot the icebreakers on your right side. If you listen carefully, you might hear the sounds from the Korkeasaari Zoo as well.
Close to Kruunuvuorenranta you can find Stansvik where you can enjoy the ocean and have lunch at the Stansvik Manor. You continue your journey east towards Laajasalo or start riding back to the city through Mustikkamaa and Kulosaari where you find many embassies and private villas. You will eventually arrive at Kalasatama, which is already close to the city centre.
Day 3: outdoor extravaganza
Even though the city has grown, Helsinki still offers several quiet places to enjoy nature in the middle of the city. Eastern Helsinki has many natural reserves to choose from, and they are easy to access by communal traffic. You should buy something to grill from the shops close to the metro station
Hiking in the archipelago 30 minutes from the city
Uutela is located at Vuosaari and has routes for every taste. You can have an easy-going walk with a family and stop by public barbecue areas or go for trail running. Uutela has it all. Routes at Uutela are clearly marked and easy to walk along. On the weekends, you will find a lot of locals to ask directions if you get lost. If you step outside the official routes, you can find several unofficial ones in the forest.
After the promenade, you can enjoy Finnish pancakes at Cafe Kampela or have a nap on the beach if the weather allows you to.
