Neighbourhood bucket list: your 7 must-dos in Pasila
Pasila is not only a transportation hub but also a centre for business, urban culture, good food, and shopping. New and old architecture come together in harmony, creating a pleasantly contrasting atmosphere in the area. Here are seven tips to make the most of your time in Pasila.
1. Helsinki Central Park
Helsinki Central Park is more like a central forest in the middle of the city. If you want to have a break from concrete jungle and hear birds singing while jogging, it’s the palace to be. You can enter the park from any direction and experience of getting lost safely. On the way north you can find loads of mountain bikers, farms with domestic animals and a popular golf range. But if you arrive at the airport, you have gone a bit too far.
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2. Tripla
Full of must-dos on your Pasila must-dos is the Tripla! A fresh shopping centre filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment one stop away from the central railway station. Tripla’s surroundings are under heavy development and several new skyscrapers are in the planning to create a new central hub in Helsinki. If you want to surf while in Helsinki, try the indoor surfing at Tripla.
3. Wood Käpylä
This unique neighbourhood is filled with wooden houses built in the 1920s. “Puukäpylä” almost got demolished back in the 60s, and today it’s a popular neighbourhood where time has stopped. Tram number 1 is the most convenient way to get there. After the promenade you can chill out at “Käpylän Lippakiska” which is run by a group of young local entrepreneurs. A true Pasila must-do!
4. Pasila street art district
Pasila is known for its 70s brutalist architecture. Today, local street artists are given walls to paint to give colour to the gray concrete. Public street art tours are held the last Saturday of each month from March to October and can be booked from www.helsinkiurbanart.com.
5. Corona Bar
Iconic Helsinki institutions were forced to move from the city centre to Pasila a few years ago. Owned by reclaimed Finnish films directors Aki and Mika Kaurismäki, Corona Bar attracts a bohemian crowd of all ages. If you haven’t played pool lately, this is the place. The sandwiches have been the same since the bar opened in 1992.
6. Mäkelänrinne swimming pool
Open from 6.15 to 21.30 Mäkelänrinne is a great place to sweat the jet lag away or jump from 10 meters. The complex includes three saunas, spa area and cold baths. They also have a gym upstairs and own tracks for water walking, which is a popular pastime for people who want to combine sports and chit-chat.
7. Architecture beyond concrete
Last but not a last Pasila must-do! (there is more to discover) Pasila is known for its concrete residential arcitechture from the 70’s but is a hohe for several interesting contemporary architecture as well. Tripla represents a new wave of hybrid building where residential, offices and shoppin are located side by side. Pasila Library and the Helsinki Cycling velodrome are both with checking out.
