Your 7 must-dos in Kallio: the vibrant heartbeat of Helsinki
Just a short tram ride away from the city centre, Kallio neighborhood proudly parades its rough edges and gritty charm. This historically working-class residential area has turned into a trendy boho hub of pioneers and trendsetters, living in high gear and with authenticity that is tangible all the way to the street level. If you are looking for groovy things to do in Helsinki, dive into the Kallio chic and get started with our 7 key picks!
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1. The Bear (Park) necessities
Wondering what is the coolest neighborhood in Helsinki? Easily find out by starting your Kallio expedition from it’s lively heart – Karhupuisto. Named ‘the bear park’ after the adorable statue you can spot in the middle of it, it is know to be the locals’ favourite lounging area surrounded by trendy bars, cafés, restaurants, and tiny shops. Here is a great place to soak in the vibe of the neighborhood every day of the year. If you happen to be traveling during summer, you can catch impromptu flea markets and spontaneous picnics all around the park for authentic local experiences in Kallio.
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All around
2. Rustic market frenzy
On the first Sunday of every month, farmers and craftsmen drive their vans to Hakaniemi Market Square to get the busy city bees back in touch with the countryside at Hakaniemi Farmers Market. The market offers all kinds of fresh seasonal veggies and handmade goodies. For your must-dos in Kallio, try the Finnish superfood, bright orange sea buckthorn juice (a.k.a. tyrnimehu). Loaded with fibre, C- and E-vitamins, it makes a great souvenir and a gut booster. Don’t forget to try out the café tents at the square, serving traditional treats like porridge, pancakes, and Finnish meat pies. But heed our warning: despite Kallio being the cool neighborhood of the city, these café tents are a matcha latte -free zone!
3. Suvilahti DIY and Make Your Mark
Ready for your next must-dos in Kallio and around? One of the best examples of the Helsinki DIY movement can be found right at the neighboring Suvilahti area, just beneath Helsinki’s newest skyscrapers in Kalasatama (watch out not to get dizzy). Suvilahti DIY skate park was built by the local community and caters to quite high-skilled skateboarders – just watching their tricks and flights gives you goosebumps! Nearby, you’ll find the local artists’ graffiti wall and the community’s crown jewel, Make Your Mark Garage/Gallery, that holds street art exhibitions and sells high-quality graffiti prints as well as supplies for graffiti and art.
4. Sweat it out
What’s a Helsinki visit without an authentic public sauna experience! Kotiharjun sauna is one of the last remaining wood-fired public saunas and arguably one of the best ones. Grab your towel or rent it at the venue and enjoy the heat in true Finnish style. If you find yourself lost in translation, imitate the fluent sauna enjoyers around you or ask them about the proper sauna etiquette. People are usually more than happy to share their love for ‘löylyt’!
5. Explore the culinary Kallio
This cool neighborhood has a massive number of trendy cafés and restaurants and is highly popular among the Helsinkian foodies for its versatile new wave sit-down places. For the culinary must-dos in Kallio, the list is long. A newly opened Spanish café, Cafelito, serves great breakfast and turns into a lively wine bar in the evenings. Next door, you’ll find Maukku, a trendy restaurant with a great natural wine selection and a high demand on tables (remember to make a reservation). Other great options for simple and simply delicious dishes are places like Peloton Cycling Eatery and Flät no 14. Also try out The Alley by Breaking Bread, a new concept restaurant from one of Kallio’s most popular sandwich bistros.
6. Get your adrenaline flowing at Fööni
Venture further towards Kalasatama for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience at the indoor skydiving tunnel Fööni! Indoors skydiving is suited for practically anyone over the age of 5 and in good health, with just a few exceptions. Even if it’s your first time, fret not: you will be accompanied by a trained instructor who will make sure your first flying experience is just as magical as it sounds.
7. A three-way pub crawl
Kallio’s pub and clubbing scenes are some of the best ones in the city and especially popular among the younger travellers. Start your crawl from Helsinginkatu and Vaasankatu streets that cut through Kallio and are bustling with life every day of the year – they’re lined with more traditional pubs and bars, like Hesari 13 and Solmu pub, with a few trendier options, like Limbo and Gate H11. Continue your crawl to Hämeenkatu and its busiest clubbing complex and unofficial nightlife central. Spend the rest of your night bar-hopping between Siltanen, Kaiku, Kuudes Linja, and Post Bar, enjoy the bands and DJs, and find your favourite fiesta venue.
Your must-dos in Kallio, do them you must
The cool neighborhood of Kallio is one of the Helsinki neighborhoods most loved by the young and the curious. From the famous bear park to flea markets and endless oat milk latte’s, Kallio will blow your mind if you give it a chance. Who knows, after a short stay here, you might even stay for good.
