Neighborhood of Eira, Photo Credit: Aku Pöllänen
The best neighborhoods in Helsinki are Eira, Ullanlinna, Kaivopuisto, Punavuori and Töölö in the southern parts of the city. Kulosaari, Munkkiniemi, Lehtisaari and Kuusisaari are a bit farther away, but still worth visiting.
Eira, Ullanlinna, Kaivopuisto and Punavuori
Enjoying the most beautiful coastline of Helsinki, these area is a must-see. It is very posh, in a down-to-earth, Finnish way, though. You can find small boutiques, cute cafés and old restaurants there.
Most of the embassies are in Kaivopuisto. But Punavuori is a little bit different — it is hip and trendy, especially among young people. Fashion designers and copywriters have taken over the small business premises in the narrow streets.
Töölö
Behind the Parliament house starts Töölö. The streets are wider than in Eira. Most of the buildings have been built between the 1920s and 1940s. The neighborhood is full of good restaurants, but because it is quite a big region, you should scout out where to go for dinner beforehand.
Kulosaari
Kulosaari is the best place in Eastern Helsinki. It is easy to travel there by metro. Only a few stops away from the central station, you will step into a greener, village-like neighborhood. There are lots of small and usually old mansions by the sea. Have a dinner at the 100-year-old restaurant Kulosaaren Casino.
Munkkivuori, Lehtisaari and Kuusisaari
To reach these places, you have to head west. The interesting houses and numerous parks and walking routes make this a worthy district to visit. Rent a car or a bicycle, drive all day and stop for a picnic or a lunch. Some of the embassies are in Lehtisaari and Kuusisaari.
