Helsinki – the Former Hometown of Tom of Finland - Is Mostly Famous for Its Design, Architecture and High Technology

Helsinki – the former hometown of Tom of Finland - is mostly famous for its design, architecture and high technology. But what makes the city really special is its friendly and easily approachable local residents. We want all visitors to enjoy the slow rhythm of the urban Helsinki. As well as the other Nordic Capitals, Helsinki is LGBT well known of its open and welcoming atmosphere. There is no need for gay village, as gay restaurants can be found all the way from the city center to the Helsinki – trendy districts like Kallio. Helsinki is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA). Since 2009 the HEL YEAH! Visit Helsinki has brought together local companies that are dedicated to providing high quality services #visithelsinki for LGBT visitors.

visithelsinki.fi EAT & EXPLORE ENJOY THE TOP5 tips for enjoying Helsinki’s Food Culture by Timo Santala Co-founder of Restaurant Day WHAT TO EXPERIENCE food carnival, travel, food & wine journalist and URBAN photographer

IN HELSINKI IN 2016 1. NATURAL FLAVOURS The best flavours can be found in the forests of Finland. Finnish sauna experience in New recreational island of Swim in the sea at the new New and improved museums Berries, mushrooms and wild herbs are best when picked the heart of the city Vallisaari Helsinki Pool Helsinki is a treasure trove for yourself, and a walk in the woods is both soothing and NATURE Finland’s sauna culture is enjoying A new island destination is waiting The new Helsinki Pool spa complex museum-goers. Must-see museums exhilarating at the same time. In wintertime, walking a renaissance in Helsinki, and in to be explored! The island of Val- will open in spring 2016 right next to in the city centre include the Helsinki across the frozen sea and ice fishing are unforgettable Helsinki is one of the PARK LIFE! summer 2016 there will be lots lisaari will be opened to the public the Market Square, allowing visitors Art Museum HAM, which opened in experiences. greenest metropolises Central Park (Keskuspuisto) – of new ways to enjoy the Finnish in the beginning of summer 2016. to enjoy swimming, saunas and a autumn 2015, and the Helsinki City 2. FINNISH CUISINE in the world: over one A favourite among outdoor enthu- sauna experience in the heart of The island is situated next to the great seaside atmosphere all year Museum, which reopens in spring The Michelin-awarded Chef & Sommelier, Ask and Olo are siasts, this park stretches far to the the city. For example, check out the Suomenlinna sea fortress. Formerly round. Take a dip in the sea pool and 2016. Ateneum and Kiasma also offer great places to discover Finnish cuisine. Less formal es- third of the city consists north from the city centre and is stunning new Löyly sauna complex, used by the Finnish Defence Forces, relax at the café while enjoying the world-class art experiences. Why not tablishments include Juuri where you can enjoy exquisite of parks and other green the nearest place to experience the which will open in time for the sum- the island is known for its beautiful city centre atmosphere! reserve a day just for the museums! Finnish tapas (“sapas”), Kolmon3n and Loung3 are great areas. There are also 42 authentic Finnish forest in Helsinki. mer by the sea in Hernesaari, or try nature with diverse flora. A ferry casual eats and for a great Kaurismäki atmosphere, try Sea nature reserves in the city. Töölönlahti – Take a walk instead one of the more traditional connection from the Market Square Cycle around Helsinki with Horse or Cella. through the park around the bay public saunas in town. will begin operating in May 2016. new city bikes 3. MARKET HALLS The city’s many parks are and past the Helsinki Music Centre, Helsinki will get new city bikes for The indoor market halls are great for enjoying the hustle enjoyed by visitors and Finlandia Hall and the Finnish summer 2016, allowing visitors to ex- and bustle and meeting the locals. I get my fish, meat locals alike. In wintertime National Opera. plore the urban nature and maritime and cheese from Hakaniemi Market Hall – Lentävä Lehmä they are used for skiing and Kaivopuisto – Enjoy the fine scenery on two wheels. (“Flying Cow”) is the best cheese shop in town. views to the sea from atop the hill 4. STREET FOOD in summertime for jogging in Helsinki’s most popular park. Helsinki is experiencing a real boom in street food. The and picnics. most interesting event is Restaurant Day, when locals set up their own pop-up restaurants throughout the city. Check out also the food bicycles rolling around the city in the summertime. EXPERIENCE SAUNA 5. LET’S EAT TOGETHER! Food always tastes best when enjoyed with friends. Eating WE IN HELSINKI! out is also a great way to meet the locals. In summertime NEW LÖYLY DESIGN SAUNA attraction as an example of con- you can get together at a picnic in the park, beside the SAUNA! The Löyly design sauna will open temporary wooden architecture. sea or on an island. Helsinki also has many public grilling in spring 2016 in Hernesaari, just a The Löyly sauna complex consists places – my favourites are at Pikku Leikosaari, the Abattoir A sauna by the sea or lake is a short distance from the city centre of three saunas: one smoke sauna and Sompasauna. not only a Finnish dream but also on the southern tip of the Helsinki and two wood-heated saunas for an essential part of the way of peninsula. The modern complex will 600 people. There will be also ter- life here. For centuries the sauna also house a restaurant serving the race area including a café and a events ALL YEAR AROUND has been a place for physical and finest Finnish cuisine, which visitors restaurant open all year round. spiritual cleansing, for getting ...and a bit can enjoy while admiring the stun- bare in all senses of the word, LUX Helsinki Light Festival Cleaning Day Helsinki Pride Helsinki Festival more food? ning views from the large terrace KOTIHARJU SAUNA 6–10 January 2016 two times a year 27 June – 3 July 19 August – 4 September FOOD and for entering the core of hu- manity. If you want to understand that stretches out over the sea. This traditional wood-heated The brilliant light installations during Following on from the concept of A theme week of sexual and gender The largest arts festival in Finland Covering over 1800 square metres neighbourhood sauna in Helsinki Lux Helsinki create a sense of magic Restaurant Day, on Cleaning Day any- minorities welcoming everyone aims to make art accessible for all Finland and its people, getting familiar with the sauna is a good including terraces and with a profile has welcomed sauna lovers since amidst the winter darkness, creating an one can sell their own stuff anywhere interested. Join the parade on 2 July! with special events throughout the HELSINKI? place to start. height of 9 metres, the impressive 1928. Massages and other treat- experience that engages all five senses. they like, such as on the street and helsinkipride.fi city. helsinginjuhlaviikot.fi building will also be a real design ments are available. luxhelsinki.fi inside courtyards. siivouspaiva.com Eurogames 2016 29 June – 2 July Helsinki Design Week Tom of Finland Exhibition, Vallisaari Island Europe’s biggest LGBTIQ sporting 1– 11 September HEL YEAH! Kunsthalle 7th May – 7th August summer 2016 event, open for everyone, is proudly Be inspired by the latest design, MARITIME DREAMS Over 100 kilometres of shoreline VISIT A Largest collection of Touko Laaksonen’s A new island destination is being hosted by Helsinki, Finland. fashion and architecture! Enjoy the city and its food delights with the help of and around 300 islands – the NEIGHBOURING art ever presented with archive material opened to the public! Situated next eurogameshelsinki.org helsinkidesignweek.com the brochure entitled “Food Helsinki? HEL YEAH!” This proximity of the sea can be sensed shedding light on the artist’s personal to the Suomenlinna sea fortress, 2016.eurogames.info pocket-sized brochure is packed with interesting infor- everywhere in Helsinki. Take a day COUNTRY! Herring Market, 2 – 9 October Helsinki is a hub when it comes life. the island is known for its beautiful mation about Helsinki’s food culture, making it easy cruise in the archipelago or visit one Tuska Open Air Helsinki’s oldest traditional event to international ferry, train and nature with diverse flora. packs the Market Square with fisher- for visitors to discover the capital’s culinary secrets. Get of the many islands open to the Restaurant Day Metal Festival, 1– 3 July flight connections. There are a lot men and locals. Enjoy the delicacies, your free copy from Tourist Information or download it public. One of the “must-sees” just four times a year Taste of Helsinki, 16 –19 June Join in with all the metal heads! of choices for taking a ferry to the Check out the local flavours at this tuska-festival.fi music and events! at visithelsinki.fi. off the coast of Helsinki is Suomen- Check out how and what the locals linna, one of the biggest sea for- Estonian capital Tallinn and the are cooking! Restaurant Day is a food food festival in Kansalaistori Park. Flow Festival, 12 – 14 August Slush, 28 November – 2 December THE ABATTOIR tresses in the world and a UNESCO Swedish capital Stockholm. carnival when anyone can open a res- tasteofhelsinki.fi This globally recognised music and One of the most exciting events for Welcome to the old city abattoir, constructed in 1933. world heritage site. Suomenlinna is St. Petersburg in Russia is within taurant for a day. restaurantday.org urban culture event attracts thou- startups and tech talent to meet The Culinary and Urban Culture Centre Teurastamo easy reach by train or ferry. Helsinki Day, 12 June not only an important part of the sands each year to Suvilahti to listen Helsinki celebrates its birthday with with top-tier international investors, (“Abattoir”) is now a vibrant new home for restaurants, history of Finland but also a lively More information: to the most interesting performers events throughout the city. executives and media. new creative businesses and urban culture events. district of Helsinki that offers some- helsinkiexpert.com from Finland and abroad. helsinkipaiva.fi slush.org teurastamo.com thing for everyone: nature, culture stpeterline.ru/en flowfestival.com New Year Eve Celebration and history. at Senate Square, 31 December 2 DESIGN DISTRICT HELSINKI The Design District Helsinki is a cluster of creative businesses that is full of fas- cinating design attractions and a Mecca for fans of Finnish Design. It comprises 25 streets and 200 spots on the map, including design and antique shops, art galleries and museums, restaurants, hotels, design studios and more.. designdistrict.fi

DESIGN WALK Discover the Design District on foot! The Helsinki Design Walk is a two-hour guided tour in English of the top design sights. Tours are organised on Fridays at 3pm throughout the year and last approximately 2.5 hours. visithelsinki.fi

TORI QUARTER The “new old town” in the historical centre of Helsinki is being rejuvenated. Old offices are being converted into spaces for new design and fashion busi- nesses. torikorttelit.fi DESIGN Minimalistic, functional and clean Finnish design has enjoyed an enviable international reputation FOR for decades. Helsinki has always been the hot spot when it comes to Finnish design. Get inspired by LIFE the tips offered by Finnish design experts!

design: Fashion: Artek Helsinki and Samuji Espa Artek 2nd Cycle www.samuji.com www.artek.fi Marimekko Flagship Shop- Iittala Store Esplanadi Store and Marimekko and Iittala Outlet Outlet ping www.iittala.fi www.marimekko.fi Tom of Finland Home Products: Finlayson Esplanadi www.finlayson.fi

Tour Operators Hotels Bars and Cafés Twist Travel Klaus K Café Cavalier www.twisttravel.fi www.klauskhotel.com www.cafecavalier.com Kontiki Finland Hotel Haven dtm www.kontikifinland.com www.hotelhaven.fi www.dtm.fi LSS – Long Shore Services Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Fairytale www.lss.fi Boulevard www.fairytale.fi TTE- The Travel Experience www.helsinki-boulevard. Hercules Gay Night Club www.travel-experience.fi hotelindigo.com www.herculesgayclub.com BW Premier Hotel Hugo’s Room Katajanokka www.hugosroom.fi www.bwkatajanokka.fi Kallio Bear Park Cafe Scandic Paasi www.bearparkcafe.net www.scandichotels.fi Mann’s Street Sokos Hotel Albert www.mannsstreet.com www.sokoshotels.fi TerassiBAR Hotel Finn www.terassibar.com www.hotellifinn.fi Helsinki - Hel Yeah! brochure is published and produced by Visit Helsinki / Helsinki Marketing Ltd. • Printed in Finland • The publisher is not responsible or possible changes. • www.visithelsinki.fi