Discover our locals' 65 hidden gems in Helsinki
Mennään! Experience Helsinki’s hidden charm with Spotted by Locals! From saunas overlooking the sea to unique design shops tucked away in the side streets of the Kallio area, our Spotters reveal Helsinki’s best-kept secrets.
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Things to do in Helsinki
Oljenkorsi
Cozy craft beer fountain
"Oljenkorsi" in Helsinki is a craft beer heaven. Even after moving away from the neighborhood, I keep returning for the authentic local Toukola spirit...
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Vanha Kauppahalli
The old market hall
"Vanha Kauppahalli" Helsinki is definitely one of my favorite market halls! My favorite spot inside is Restaurant Story as it is like the heart of Vanha...
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Satkar
In the vanguard of Nepalese cuisine
"Satkar" is one of the most conveniently, centrally located Nepalese restaurants in Helsinki. They're a phenomenon you just have to try for yourself!
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Andante
Flowers, coffee and raw treats
"Andante" combines two trends in Helsinki: raw cakes and a cafe-shop mix. It's also a cool flower shop with more than 20 years of history. Quality coffee too
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Cafe Papu
Neighborhood cafe with Vietnamese touch
"Cafe Papu" is one of my favorite places in Helsinki. The reason? It's one of the few places that serve Vietnamese Bánh mì sandwiches.
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Pompier Albertinkatu
Flash from the past
"Pompier Albertinkatu" is a very popular Helsinki lunch spot and one of my favorites. It's located in a volunteer fire deparment, which goes way back...
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Stockmann Herkku
The go-to grocery store
"Stockmann Herkku" in the Helsinki centre is my go-to grocery store to find a great selection of fresh, quality and local products and amazing service!
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Löyly
World's coolest sauna
"Löyly" in Helsinki has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon. It's a very Finnish spot, but at the same time, not! Sauna accompanied by sunshine!? But...!
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Pub Sirdie
The old school Kallio classic
"Pub Sirdie" in Helsinki is the only place for me to feel the Kallio spirit in its original form! This pub has a true cult following, and for good reason!
by
Joonas
Kervinen
Hietalahti Market Hall
Eating and shopping
"Hietalahti Market Hall" Helsinki has been coming back to life! Nowadays I go there for grocery shopping and for one of the best places for lunch in town.
by
Markus
Veikkolainen
Leipomo K. E. Avikainen
Traditional bakery
"Leipomo K. E. Avikainen" (est. 1950) is one of the few remaining traditional Helsinki bakeries. They also sell Karelian pies, which makes me happy!
by
Janiina
Knuutinen
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Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!
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We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.
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Hi! Nice to meet you.
We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.
Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.
With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.
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