Snacks

Image by Lilu Nissinen-Turja

The normal procedure in Finland after a night out is to find the closest ‘snägäri’ (hot dog kiosk) and buy something really greasy to crown your inebriation. I used to do that. A lot. But with time that has somehow lost its attraction and waiting in line with other drunk people doesn’t really appeal to me anymore.

And then Delish came to my rescue! Delish is a deli and convenience store in Iso Roba in the Punavuori district and it’s open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The shop is nice and airy and clean, the service is young and very friendly, and you don’t have to stand in a line outside in the cold or rain. Even if it’s a small shop they have certainly most of the food stuff I could imagine myself needing in the middle of the night.

But what’s best about Delish is that they have real food, ready made to take away. Focaccias, great pastas, and their meat balls are absolutely delicious, maybe best in the city, served with a creamy sauce and mashed potatoes. Eat it on the spot, standing up, no chairs here, or take it with you!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Delish | Snacks | 8 meatballs & potatoes € 5.90
Iso Roobertinkatu 2 | South | +358503212779
24 hours daily

Image by Nea Barman

If you are looking for the essence of Helsinki nightlife or restaurant scene Juttutupa is the place to go! if you are looking for trend bar this is not the place. Then you try clubs like Circus Nightclub.

When going to Juttutupa it’s more like going back to the roots of Helsinki´s nightlife as well the history. Juttutupa opened originally in 1908 and it’s one of the oldest restaurants in Helsinki.

Juttutupa has many faces and the atmosphere depends on the time and day of the week you go there.

You may go there to have good dinner with your friends or family. The restaurant is popular at dinner time so I recommend making a table reservation. They serve lunch but I don’t have any experience with that. I have had dinner there several times and it has been good value for money! You can come for a beer or two after work.

But the choice I prefer: you come on specific evenings or Saturdays to listen to Finnish live music for free! Good music, original mellow atmosphere. Some people might be quite drunk but they are harmless so don’t be afraid!

Saturday´s the crowd is mixed, with the majority over 35 years. Best thing about this place is that last time I was there I had my jeans, snow boots and hoodie and I could sit there relaxed and enjoy the evening as the older women where dancing with their suits! So no dress code, come as you are! 

Band starts to play at 21:00.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Juttutupa | Bars, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern./Finnish) | Finnish Salomon soup € 7.80
Säästöpankinranta 6 | Central
Mon 10:00 – 00:00, Tue – Thu 10:00 – 01:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 03:00, Sun 12:00 – 23:00

Image by Nea Barman

Thinking what to do in Helsinki? Well.. There is nothing special about skating, but skating in the very heart of Helsinki is true winter fun for me and for many Helsinkiar! It’s so romantic, it’s so so much fun and silly. Even though I don’t skate very well it’s still fun!

To skate in the ring, to see that everyone is smiling, laughing and enjoying the fun and the great company! It really puts you in a good mood! Skating is something that you can do when you go out on a date. Or if you are traveling to Helsinki with kids – this is must-visit spot for you. Or if you are traveling together with friends – I still recommend to go!

The skating ring is just in the middle of the most beautiful buildings in Helsinki. I would recommend to go skating when it gets dark. Then you can see the beautiful lights of the old buildings surrounding the square.

They rent skates and they are very modern and comfy skates various sizes. Also after the skating comes the best part! Drinking hot chocolate or coffee in the skating ring cafeteria and warm your palms!

If you really don’t feel like skating you can just sit in the cafeteria and drink hot chocolate. Alcoholic beverages are served in the evenings, from 16:00 onwards.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Icepark Helsinki | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Snacks | Ticket + Skate rental € 10
Railwaystation Square | South
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 21:00, Sat 10:00 – 21:00, Sun 10:00 – 21:00

Image by Nea Barman

Rice Garden is my latest finding of Helsinki sushi places. We recently moved, so Day and Nite (check my Day and Nite sushi article) is not close to our house any more – but it is still great sushi place!

Rice Garden is now the sushi place nearest to my home – and I am happy for that. I Love the true modest Japanese ambiance inside of this restaurant and the most friendly service. Rice Garden offers best value for your sushi money – like Day and Nite sushi does.

Rice Garden is not really a fancy sushi restaurant – but it is quite romantic and peaceful (except during lunch!) in its own way. So if you want great sushi restaurant that is not too expensive – this might be a restaurant for you!

They serve lunch 11:00-15:00 on weekdays. I actually visited here the first time at lunch time and the place was not full and peaceful. The 10 pieces (smallest) lunch set costs 8.90 euros and this is a bargain price for Helsinki, for a sushi set and for lunch in general.

The opening times are great! Rice Garden gives you a good reason to experience the Hakaniemi area and the place is close to the romantic spot that I also love – Botanic Garden (check the Botanic Garden article)

I have now visited several times at Rice Garden and must say – best value for your sushi money at Helsinki!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Rice Garden | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Sushi) | Lunch from € 8.90
Siltasaarenkatu 12 | Central | +358401376364
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 22:00, Sat 11:00 – 22:00, Sun 12:00 – 21:00

Image by Nea Barman

Every city has a starting point. When you come to Helsinki and you want to follow the steps of history – then this spot is a perfect place to start to explore Helsinki.

Take your Helsinki city guide with you or just get our Helsinki city guide application on your phone. Go to Old student house have and a cup of coffee or beer. The café-Bar itself is modest, but you go there because of the history and the location – it is in the middle of everything and it´s never too crowded in this place.

I bet you did not know that The Student Union of the University of Helsinki was founded in 1868. It currently has 32,000 members and is one of the world’s richest student organizations, with assets of several hundred million euros. And the Union owns several (half of the city we say) remarkable buildings in the city.

Old student house is one of the buildings and it inside they have modest Cafe Bar called Vanhan Kuppila, but since it is a festive house they also held several events, concerts, clubs, seasonal markets and many more.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Old student house | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks | Wine tasting € 10
Mannerheimintie 3 | South | +358913114368
Mon – Thu 14:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 14:00 – 02:00