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Johanna Grönberg, Marketing Manager, Convention Unit of the Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau
My favourite spots: Top three restaurants:
Lasipalatsi - the Glass Palace: The Lasipalatsi kitchen combines the traditional Finnish culinary culture with international influences. Restaurant Lasipalatsi is also well known for its "Theme weeks", when the menu follows the seasons and features hearty, unpretentious dishes made with best possible raw materials from local producers. Lasipalatsi is also known for its Helsinki Menu. When composing a Helsinki Menu locally produced products are always favoured.
Restaurant Savoy has been at the very top of Helsinki's restaurant scene since the 1930's. Field marshal Mannerheim (or "Marski") was among the most well-known regulars, and his favorite dishes can still be found on the menu. The milieu created by world-renowned architect Alvar Aalto sets the scene for an elegantly timeless dining experience.
Juuri is a Finnish restaurant whose roots ("juuri" in Finnish) are in the traditional Finnish food culture, in the innovative thinking and in the handicraft that preparing meals is. The speciality of the restaurant is the "sapas" which are small Finnish appetizers.
Top three bars:
Ateljé Bar at Sokos Hotel Torni is a must for a first-timer in Helsinki! When you reach the bar, you’ll be sitting above the rooftops of the city, enjoying cocktails higher up than anywhere else in Helsinki. A fresh breath of sea air adds its twist to the drinks! The bar also offers enjoyment to the eyes and the soul - changing exhibitions refresh its atmosphere every month.
Corona Bar & Billiards is a combination of a street bar and a billiard hall. In connection there is also the Dubrovnik Lounge & Lobby as well as Kafe Moskova. Dubrovnik is named after a neonlight in Aki Kaurismäkis movie “Drifting Clouds”. Time stand still at Kafe Moskova. Cold beer and "freezing" service.
A21 Cocktail Lounge is a must place for anyone interested in Finnish cocktails and drinking culture. The amazing cocktail list includes a Suomi / Finland section that captures the tastes of Finland in a glass.
Top three hot spots:
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress: Situated on a group of islands off Helsinki, Suomenlinna was built during the Swedish era as a maritime fortress and a base for the Archipelago Fleet. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions. Suomenlinna is also a district of the city of Helsinki, with a permanent population of more than 800. With its museums and events, Suomenlinna offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages, who can also enjoy idyllic cafes and cosy restaurants.
Design District: In 2012 Helsinki is the World Design Capital (title designated by ICSID) therefore a visit to the Helsinki Design District should be part of everyone’s visit to Helsinki. The symbolic centre of the area is Dianapuisto Park. From here the Design District stretches into the districts of Kaartinkaupunki, Kamppi, Punavuori and Ullanlinna. Helsinki’s Design District forms a cluster of designer shops, interior decorating studios, antique dealers, clothing and jewellery boutiques, artists' workshops, galleries, museums and restaurants.
The Old Market Hall alongside the Market Square sells traditional food and treats, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. Helsinki’s open-air markets are fun places to shop in a relaxing atmosphere.
The task of the Convention Unit of the Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau is to create a powerfully positive image of Helsinki as a venue for Finnish meetings, as well as for international congresses and events. The unit’s function is to increase the number of international meetings, congresses and events held in the capital city, to increase the number of participants, and to market and develop Helsinki as a destination for incentive visits. The Convention Unit’s activities are an integral part of Helsinki’s tourism strategy. www.visithelsinki.fi