The construction of the first indoor hall in Helsinki, the Old Market Hall, was started at Eteläranta near the Market Square in 1888. At the central square you’ll find charming market stands that sell a wide variety of items, including fish freshly caught from the harbour, fruits and vegetables, coffee, and local arts and crafts. Helsinki marketplace in 1948 From spring to autumn, the Market Square is active with vendors selling fresh Finnish food and souvenirs. This is the year written above the southern entrance of the building, but because of problems with cement delivery, the hall was not opened to the public until 1889. The Market Square is located on the eastern side of central Helsinki, between the south harbour and Esplanade Park. Finnish design and visual arts have been moulded into their culture since the 19th century. So if this isn’t on your things to do in Helsinki in winter list, you must have missed the memo. Cafe Regatta – Our favourite of the things to do in Helsinki in winter. Warm up in the cabins at the Christmas markets. Click HERE for our full Cafe Regatta Helsinki – The Worlds Cosiest Cafe blog. Helsinki Christmas Market. If there aren’t any events on during your visit, you can shop at the nearby market hall, Kauppahalli, which is open year-round. Founded in 1891, the Fazer Cafe located on Kluuvikatu 3 is the flagship for Fazer’s chocolate empire. Visit our Helsinki Destination Guide for more things to do in Helsinki. Surrounding the square are the harbour itself, the Presidential Palace, the Uspenski Cathedral, the old market hall and ferry ports connecting the mainland to the Unesco World Heritage site Suomenlinna. The market’s location on the south harbour is only a ten minute walk from the central train station, meaning it’s easy to reach from anywhere in Helsinki. The Market Square is a central square in Helsinki, Finland. Here you can find locals selling traditional Finnish foods, handicrafts and plenty of souvenirs. The fresh berries and vegetables were beautifully displayed. If you don’t fancy walking, the closest tram stop is Kauppatori. It can be incredibly busy during the summer holidays – even on weekdays – so it’s best to visit first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and pick up the highest quality food. One thing we always try to do when we visit a new place is eat locally. This guide selectively curates the best recommendations for Market Square from 104 blog posts. The difference with this Christmas Market is that rather than the usual stools and stands laid out, there are actual cabins! From Senate Square, why not take a walk around the beautifully lit streets of Helsinki in winter. Surrounded by older buildings and with the cobblestone paths that take you back in time, this place is certainly a must visit in Helsinki. At this point, you reach the port of Helsinki. Easily our most memorable experience was jumping into the 24 degree outdoor pool with temperatures around reaching the minuses. The Market Square is located on the eastern side of central Helsinki, between the south harbour and Esplanade Park. In fact, the square has been the center of trade in Finland for centuries. Helsinki’s Market Square (Kauppatori) has served as the center of city trading for more than 200 years. Today it still hosts some of Finland’s most well-known events and is a major shopping location for both locals and visitors. Book your Helsinki Tours: Helsinki: Top Tours & Activities, Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle, Rain Jacket: Columbia Lightweight Rain Jacket, Beanie Hat: Carhartt Rib Knit Acrylic Hat, Gloves: Pure Wool Knit Gloves with Thinsulate Lining. Opened in 1889, it has always been a place for local vendors to sell there produce to the masses. Walking the magical streets is one of the top things to do in Helsinki in winter. So if you’re getting a little cold from the weather, it’s the perfect place to warm up. The Helsinki Card also gives free entry to the main sights and museums, a free sightseeing tour and discounts on dining, shopping, and tours, so it’s certainly worth the investment. It offers guest kitchens, free WiFi and a free morning sauna. Standard buses are available around Helsinki with the Helsinki Card. The market is full of Finnish handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, desserts and drinks typical of Finland. This is the most important Christmas market in Helsinki, made up of nearly 120 stalls, it takes place in the historical Senate Square (Senaatintori) in the heart of Helsinki. The event is free of charge to people of all ages and a diverse light festival that presents both new and old Helsinki. The market Square in Helsinki is a must if your a foodie! The market is open all year when the weather permits. Helsinki Christmas Market is called Tuomaan Markkinat in Finnish (St. Thomas Market), and it’s held in Senate Square, in the center and historic area of Helsinki. Sauna’s are a huge part of Finnish culture. In winter, it only runs 1-2 times an hour, so make sure to check the schedule beforehand. The market is busiest during the summer tourist season, when there are even more stalls selling food and souvenirs. You can buy a Helsinki City Card, which allows unlimited use of Helsinki public transport for 24, 48 or 72 hours. We will start by taking in the city center sights with an enjoyable sightseeing drive past lush Esplanade Park, Market Square and admire the perfectly cohesive historic ensemble on Senate Square & the Lutheran Cathedral. At the central square you’ll find charming market stands that sell a wide variety of items, including fish freshly caug… Photograph: Janus_Orlov/Getty Images An island refuge. 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