The garden city neighbourhood of Käpylä is located slightly north from the central areas of Helsinki. Home to around 8000 inhabitants, it’s mostly known for its charming, beautiful wooden buildings from the 1920s, but also the unique bohemian and liberal atmosphere created by the residents, many of them artists. However, do not expect to find a hip and busy nightlife area full of bars and trendy street food like in Kallio. Käpylä is much more quiet, timeless and most of all a residential area.

The way I personally enjoy Käpylä is arriving by bike, bus, tram or train and going for a nice walk in the idyllic area located east of Hämeentie all the way to Kullervonkatu and to the north from Koskelantie to Pohjolankatu. From spring till autumn, I will never skip Käpylän Lippakioski (closed during the pandemic), the kiosk café on Kullervonkatu in front of Meurman’s park. During daytime, it’s the hippest meet-up spot and serves lovely products from organic latte to artisan ice creams. Occasionally, I have also run into small concerts, other performances, deejaying, a flea market or a workshop here!

When the evening falls, I love getting into the authentic Käpylä mood by visiting one of the cozy bars, such as Käpygrilli. Live bands play every Friday, and during the week local musicians might be just grooving together for hours, as Käpylä has a long tradition of great live jams. Nice spot for the atmosphere and occasionally live music is also the theater restaurant Nyyrikki with its downstairs club.