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

Stadin Panimo

Passionate craft beer tasting

"Stadin Panimo" in rugged Suvilahti in Helsinki is one of the best places to enjoy good craft beer locally. Their selection is the biggest I've ever seen!

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Bars

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 23, 2025

Bar Molotow

Cozy Kallio living room

"Bar Molotow" in Kallio, Helsinki, is one of my personal favorites. It's cozy as well as social, and I really like their beer choice & retro rock spirit.

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Bars

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 23, 2025

Lentävä Lehmä

All about the cheese!

"Lentävä Lehmä" (or Flying Cow) is my number #1 place in Helsinki for getting amazing cheese. Nothing is overpriced here and everything is organic!

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Shopping

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 23, 2025

Pasila

Conduct your own urban art walk

"Pasila" is going to be one of Helsinki's most alternative districts in the coming years! Home to plenty of street art, it's no just dull grey buildings...

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Art & culture
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Bars

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 18, 2025

Korjaamo

The diverse culture factory in Töölö

"Korjaamo" in Helsinki's Töölö is the area's most important highlight; it offers neraly all kinds of cultural events & I usually go for a live music show.

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Art & culture
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Cinema
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Music
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Theaters

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 17, 2025

Linnanpiha Terrace

Peaceful terrace with an edge

"Linnanpiha Terrace" Helsinki is in the yard of a former Katajanokka prison. Now it's a restaurant where I like to enjoy a burger and play 'mölkky' or...

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Bars
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Music
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Restaurants

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Apr 17, 2025

Käpylä

Laid-back bohemian neighbourhood

"Käpylä" and the kioskk cafe Käpylän Lippakioski in Helsinki make my day! This garden neighborhood is perfect to walk around in and I love the events...

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Music

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 17, 2025

Kotiharjun Sauna

Authentic & social public sauna

"Kotiharjun Sauna" is a legendary yet perfectly ordinary sauna in Helsinki. Bring your beers with you, like a local, and enjoy socializing like a Finn!

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Relaxing

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 16, 2025

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...

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Bars

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 12, 2025

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...

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Restaurants
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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Apr 12, 2025

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!

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Restaurants

by

Joonas

Kervinen

Apr 12, 2025

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

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Markus

Veikkolainen

Apr 12, 2025

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65 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

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Authentic & Unbiased Content

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!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

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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By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

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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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