The Best Markets to Visit in Helsinki

The central Market Square is also known as Kauppatori in Finnish. It is Helsinki’s international, and its most famous market, located near the city centre, a very accessible location for tourists where many cruise ships dock. The shops sell traditional Finnish treats as well as souvenirs, and you can enjoy music talents performing in the Market Square using instruments like the hydrophone and classical guitar. There are a number of cafés offering lihapiirakka, or Finnish meat pastries, as well as regional favourites such as Karelian pastries from Eastern Finland or lingonberry jam from Lapland. The Market Square also has a long tradition which involves displaying old American cars on the first Friday of every month.

Situated in Eteläranta and next to the Market Square, the Old Market Hallhouses a variety of local and international delicacies that will stimulate your taste buds. Established in 1889, Helsinki’s oldest food hall gives a nostalgic vibe with its Scandinavian architectural style. There are 25 merchants in the food hall, with many of them running family businesses, and reflecting modern Finnish society with both Finnish and international merchants. The oldest stall in the hall, the Hongiston leipämyymälä bakery, has been operating there since 1903. Each merchant is dedicated to preparing food for you using top notch local ingredients like cheese, fish, shellfish and reindeer meat prepared using the most traditional Finnish culinary techniques. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am-6pm

If you want to experience the unique feel of Helsinki, visiting Hietalahti Flea Market gives a perfect sense of the area, as it is one of Helsinki’s most popular marketplaces in the summertime. Located near the stylish Design District and the trendy area of Kamppi, you can appreciate local artworks including handicrafts, jewellery, and ceramics. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat & Sun 10am-4pm