Kallio, Helsinki, Finland

1. 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.

Hakaniemi Market Hall, Hämeentie 1A, 00530 Helsinki

2. Linnanmaki Amusement Park

Linnanmaki Amusement Park 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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