Top Things To Do And See In Helsinki's Kauppatori

Front view of Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral
Front view of Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral | © Mstyslav Chernov/WikiCommons
Rich Francis

Complete with the amazing architecture of the Senate Square, delicious coffee in cute cafeterias, and, as always in Finland’s capital, real Nordic edginess, Helsinki’s Kauppatori is one of the town’s buzzing hearts. Here, we take a look at some of the must do and must see things close by and within its borders.

Front view of Helsinki Lutheran Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral

Cathedral, University

Helsinki Cathedral

Visited yearly by more than 500,000 people, Helsinki Cathedral is a historically significant landmark of the Finnish capital. Located on the Senate Square and designed in the early 19th century by a German representative of Neoclassicism, Carl Ludwig Engel, who was also the designer of other buildings on the square, the Cathedral is a symbol of Helsinki itself and a highlight of the Empire Era Center of Helsinki. The great architecture impresses from the inside and outside, with one of the largest collections of zinc sculptures in the world placed on the roof and oodles of fascinating extras between its arches and alcoves. Many important events take place here too, such as the opening and closing services of the Parliament or the degree ceremonies of the University of Helsinki.

Helsinki Cathedral, Unionsgatan 29, Helsinki, Finland, +358 0 9 2340 6111

Esplanade Park

The Esplanade Park is a popular place to relax for locals and travelers, and also serves as a host of many popular events, like city jazz concerts, fashion shows, raising of the midsummer pole accompanied by folk dancing and more. Day-to-day, the park is full of street artists and people chilling in the cafes or restaurants, in the summer enjoying a picnic on the green areas surrounded by flowers, statues, and fountains; during the winter taking a stroll in a Christmas wonderland atmosphere with beautiful light decorations to boot.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Esplanade Park, Pohjoisesplanadi, Helsinki, Finland

Esplanade, Helsinki

Kappeli

Kappeli

In the Esplanade Park, there is a great restaurant that offers a wide choice of Finnish meals as well as other European cuisines. The name of the restaurant, Kappeli, is the Finnish word for Chapel, which perfectly describes the style of the building and its sublime atmosphere. Kappeli’s history reaches back to the mid-19th century, when it used to be a meeting place of the best Finnish artists. During the summer festivals and parties it is a perfect spot to observe the Espa Stage, directly in front of which the restaurant is located.

Kappeli, Eteläesplanadi 1, Helsinki, Finland, +358 10 322 9383

Old Market Hall

The recently renovated Old Market Hall was first opened in 1889 and is today a protected cultural heritage site of Helsinki. Visitors can find local and exported products like cheese, bread, fish, vegetables, spices and sweets on sale here, and also enjoy delicious cakes and strong Finnish coffee in one of the lovely cafes that pepper the area. On warm days, locals and tourists like to sit outside, in front of the Old Market Hall, and observe the cruise ships arriving into the shore.

Old Market Hall, Eteläranta, Helsinki, Finland

Get the view from SkyWheel

Take a look at the most famous landmarks of Helsinki and the beautiful open sea with its peppering of islands more than 40 meters above the city’s buildings. One of the newest attractions of Helsinki, the SkyWheel gives visitors an opportunity to get a panoramic view over the Finnish capital in modern, comfortable and air-conditioned cabins. For approximately 15 minutes sightseers can gaze at the sights from one of 30 blue-and-white gondolas, enjoying, relaxing and surveying the Nordic scene.

Finnair Skywheel, Skatuddskajen 2, Helsinki, Finland, +358 40 4804604

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