Kallio is a former working-class suburb, separated from the CBD to the south by the Siltasaarensalmi strait. The city center is easily accessible by bicycle, tram or on foot. In recent years, it has become popular with young people, students and couples, as an entry point into city life in Helsinki. The apartments are smaller than elsewhere in the city and consequently, cheaper. The area has become known as bohemian and trendy, even liberal. There are interesting markets with street food for sale, several cafes, bars and restaurants, and communal facilities. Weekends are especially lively in Kallio, Finland.
Hakaniemi Market Hall
One of three remaining town markets in Helsinki, the Hakaniemen kauppahalli is renowned for its seafood. The brick structure was built in 1914 and is under renovation until late 2020. It houses 70 shops over two floors. On the ground floor, all the fresh produce can be found, as well as bread and pastries. Specialty shops, on the floor above, sell handcrafts, books and other memorabilia. Services include shoe repairs and cafetarias, selling traditional Finnish food. The Market Hall is centrally situated and good for all weather shopping. It is easily accessible by bike and is popular with locals.
Hämeentie 1A, 00530 Helsinki
Linnanmaki Amusement Park
Linnanmäki has a full day's entertainment for all ages. There are over 40 rides, including bumper car, 'helicopter' and 'horse' rides, and a 75 feet free fall. Eligibility for all rides is measured by height. The Cinema 4D ride, where you can dive with sharks in virtual reality, is free. In addition, there are 15 games to be played, like shooting and 'wheel of fortune', plus an arcade of electronic games and two supervised playgrounds. At Cotton Candy School, which operates hourly, you can learn to make your own candy floss. For extra energy, there are two more sweet shops to purchase from. The park is open 7 days a week, from May to October.
Tivolikuja 1, 00510 Helsinki, Phone: +35-81-05-72-22-00
Sandro Restaurants
There are three Sandro restaurants in Helsinki, serving colorful and flavorful North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, made from the freshest ingredients. A fourth Sandro restaurant is 2 hours north of the city. The restaurants serve a la carte and set menus, with daily specials. They are open for brunches, lunches and dinners. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan diets are catered for. The restaurants are between 10 and 20 minutes apart and each offers a superb view of the city. They are closed on Mondays.
Sandro Kallio - Kolmas Linja 17, 00530 Helsinki, Phone: +35-89-61-28-51-51
Sandro Kortteli - Kamppi shopping center, 5th floor, Urho Kekkosen katu1, Phone: +35-89-61-28-51-71
Sandro Tapiola - Tuulikinsilta 5, Kauppakeskus Ainoa, 02100 Espoo, Phone: +35-89-61-28-51-81
Good Life Coffee
Good Life Coffee opened in 2012 with a no-nonsense approach to their business of serving coffee. Each coffee bean is uniquely roasted to bring out its particular flavor. Coffee is sourced from countries in Africa and South America and producers are visited by the head roaster who inspects the production. To go with the coffee, there is a breakfast menu and baked goods provided by collaborating bakeries. Various branded items as well as boxes of coffee can be purchased online or at the coffee house. There are two dogs in residence and their welcome is very warm, especially when there is snow on the ground outside.
Kolmas Linja 17, 00530 Helsinki, Phone: +35-85-03-80-89-61
Kallio Library
In line with the laws governing libraries in Finland, Kallio library has embraced the tenets of the sharing economy. Besides the information-based products on loan, members can borrow electric tools, and musical and sports equipment. In the Maker spaces, 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines and other equipment can be used on site. Aspirant musicians can record their own music in a studio and make it available for loan through the library system. Creative writing courses are offered in the Whodunnit library, which houses a collection of over 3000 books in the genre. At lunchtime on Fridays, people who are learning to speak Finnish can meet with fluent speakers to improve their skills. Reading, music and games challenges are held regularly.
Viides linja 11, 00530 Helsinki, Phone: 09-31-08-59-53
Ravinto Cella
Ravinto Cella has been in operation since 1969. It has a vast menu of pasta, meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. If there is still room for more, there is a range of desserts to choose from. The restaurant offers a choice of 9 domestic and foreign beers on tap and more than 70 bottled or in cans. The wine list is equally impressive. Sport fans are invited to watch the large HD TV screens, especially during the football season.
Fleminginkatu 15, 00500 Helsinki, Phone: 09-76-84-30
Fafa's
Fafa's claims to have the best street food in Helsinki. There are 14 outlets in the city and several more throughout Finland. They serve Mediterranean / Middle Eastern fare, like falafels and pita breads, filled with a range of mouth watering ingredients. Tzatziki, hummus, calamata olives and other deli items can also be purchased at the stores. As far as possible, the ingredients are organic and gluten-free pita breads are available. A choice of meze platters can be ordered through their catering service which operates at several stores. They open 7 days a week, and all through the night at most outlets.
Asema-aukio 2,00100 Helsinki
Kuja Bar and Bistro
Kuja is a bistro-style restaurant, situated next to the Hakaniemi Market Square. They serve salads, burgers, pizzas and dessert. They are open 7 days a week for brunches, lunches and dinners. Patrons with a time limit are advised to avoid the period between 11:00 and 12:30 as this is when they are at their busiest. The lunch menu changes daily with four vegetarian and non-vegetarian alternatives to choose from. Friday lunch specials and Sunday brunches are highlights. Dogs are welcome but if you're under 21, dinner is not an option.
Hakaniemenkatu 7, 00530 Helsinki, Phone: 04-00-46-10-08
Ravintola Savel
Brunch, lunch and dinner are served at Ravintola Sävel, which is open 7 days a week and stays open till 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight on any other night. Please note that the kitchen closes two hours earlier. There is a vast array of options for brunch, a lunch buffet and an a la carte menu available all day. Tapas, burgers and smoked reindeer are some of the items on offer. There is a large selection of draft, bottled and canned beers, ciders, and wines from around the world. Private events are catered for.
Hämeentie 2, 00530 Helsinki, Phone: +35-84-00-26-56-92
Silvoplee
Silvoplee is a vegetarian restaurant with a choice of 30 dishes in the buffet, all sold by weight. Most of the food is organic and raw, and purchased according to fair trade practices. The best of the season's produce is available in the form of salads, soup, smoothies or fresh juices. A variety of teas and coffees as well as sweet and savory pastries are served at the coffee shop. Whole cakes, that are a feast for the eyes, are also for sale. The 'Cabinet' is a private function room where groups can pre-book meals. Downstairs, the 'Cellar' can be hired for yoga, massages and other activities.
Linja 7, 00530 Helsinki, Phone: 09-72-60-90
Alfons Helsinki Studio
Jani Tolin is a self-taught Helsinki based visual artist and designer.
Neljäs linja 24 B, 00530 Helsinki, Finland, Phone: +35-85-05-41-66-76
Restaurant Toveri
Toveri means comrade. This pub / restaurant is a friendly place to have a drink and a tapa or a sandwich, before or after going to the theater. The establishment has been a restaurant in one form or other since the 1930s. The décor is an eclectic mix of 1950s and 1970s style and this cozy pub has starred in a number of local films. There are table games available and on Wednesdays there are quiz evenings. Or you could just be on you own, reading the free newspaper or your book, or using the WiFi.
Castréninkatu 3, 00530 HELSINKI, Phone:0-97-53-38-62
Waiski Restaurant
The Waiski is a 650-seat floating bar / restaurant which is housed on a ship. The ship was built in Germany in 1911 as a passenger steamer and came to Finland in 1999, via a stay in Sweden. Besides the lunch menu, there are burgers, steak, soup and desserts available on an a la carte menu. Meals can be eaten indoors or outside on the deck. Dinner is served in the evenings. At night, part of the restaurant is used as a club and private functions can also be accommodated.
11 Hagnäskajen, Helsinki
Kotuharjun Sauna
Saunas, showers, massages and scrubbing can be enjoyed at Kotuharjun. Other services such as pedicures, manicures and cupping are offered by their associates on site. There are communal saunas as well as separate facilities set aside exclusively for men and women. Families and groups enjoy a discount. There is no need to book for saunas and there is no limit on the time one can spend there. Some saunas have a view of the street below. Towels can be hired and for those who have a sauna at home, there is wood for sale, delivered to your door.
Harjutorinkatu 1, 00500, Helsinki, Phone: +358-97-53-15-35
- Please support our journalism through the following affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure.
Plan Your Trip
Get Ready to Go!
- Search flights and stays nearby.
- Book your car rental.
Need some more help?
Go to travel reservations.