Part One:
We planned a walk from Hakaniemi to the Helsinki’s Kauppatori (market square). Getting there was easy as we took the metro from Kamppi but you could also hop on one of the trams. Located in the square is the Market Hall (feature photo above) which opened in 1914.
On the ground floor you will find fresh produce – meat, fish, bread, cakes etc whilst upstairs there are stalls selling handicrafts, attractive little cafes slotted into the wooden kiosks and there’s even a branch of the iconic Finnish designer Marimekko
In the square you will find a further collection of market stalls selling fruit, vegetables and flowers and when you have finished buying your groceries you can sit down for a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun at one of the cute little market cafes. We chose the one pictured above as there was a little band playing which we enjoyed listening to for awhile.
The summer flowers looked at their best so I was tempted into buying some flowers to take back to our apartment, it already has window boxes and a hanging basket with bright red geraniums which we water whilst the owner is away.
Leaving the square and crossing over the bridge there is an inviting little cafe on this boat – in Helsinki you are never short of tempting places to stop for a drink. Continuing our walk towards the Kauppatori (Market Square) there is much to see.
We admired the beautiful Art Nouveau / Jugend buildings overlooking the waterfront and the converted old warehouses near the Market Square with the Uspenski Cathedral behind. One year I bought my sons a jigsaw puzzle of the photo below and it always provides us with happy memories when I see it. I’ve divided today’s post into two, so my activities for the remainder of the day will be coming up next.
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also like:
A walk to Tervesaari island, Helsinki
Leave a comment