Your 7 must-dos in Vallila: the ultimate
hit list
Helsinki’s north neighbourhood is popping with renowned Nordic architecture, creative locals and worldly delights. From food and drink to nature and culture, it’s easy to see why everyone’s talking about Vallila. Here are 7 things that should go straight t o the top of your hit list while you’re here.
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| 3 min read
1. New old architecture
Welcome to your list of must-dos in Vallila! You might think you’ve seen it all but we tell you, Vallila has seen it all. Its architecture shows that. Once used for cattle-rearing, a 1930s railway hub, a neighbourhood for the wealthy, to name a few, Vallila is a chocolate box of Finnish architecture. Fine courtyards, allotment gardens, Nordic Classicism, not forgetting Vallila’s unique wooden buildings (Puu-Vallila) and today’s modern visionary additions. Take your pick.
Relaxing
Buzzzing
2. Come hang in the parks
Time to swap the streets for the open air? Just like the neighbourhood, these Vallila must-dos are packed with natural beauty. Get your fill with a stroll through Vallila’s green spaces, like Vallilan laakso. The locals love to sledge here in winter, with a cup of Minttukaakao, or picnic here in the summer. Finnish Strawberries anyone? Kyllä kiitos! (That one will get you far–it means ‘yes please’!)
3. Taste. Taste. Taste.
Whether you’re looking for trad Finnish, or you’re more interested in checking out the newest, trendiest eating spots, there are plenty of really great food and drink options here in Vallila. Restaurants and rooftops and pop-ups and breweries… pull up a seat. And don’t forget to leave a review – 5 stars.
4. Get that body moving!
Yes, we should probs all exercise more . No, we don’t always do that, okay. But keeping fit is at least a little easier here in Vallila, thanks to top-notch sports and wellbeing facilities. Join friendly locals in lively fitness communities. Buzzy gyms, calming yoga studios and scenic parks for runs and outdoor workouts. Mäkelänrinne Swimming Hall is a great place to put in some lengths, or why not kick a ball around at Käpylä’s heated football fields?
5. Go out in (Vallila must-dos) style
Enjoy live music all over Vallila. Venues like Ääniwalli, Kaiku, and Koko Jazz Club , are your best bets, but you can’t go wrong with impromptu performances at loads of bars and restaurants. Alongside live venues, Vallila’s cool bars and cosy pubs make great spots for people-watching and people-meeting, too.
6. Celebrate with locals
Get involved in local life at friendly festivals, markets, and neighbourhood events. Grab these opportunities to get stuck into the area’s lively culture, with local food, drink, crafts and tunes. These events capture the true charm of Vallila and the locals will be happy to see you get stuck in.
7. Hit the summer Sunday’s flea market
The street of Aleksis Kivi and its outdoor market is — you guessed it — a lively street market held by locals on summer Sundays. It’s in Dallapé Park and it usually runs from about 10am to 6pm (weather permitting — pray for sun). It’s a perfect spot to meet friends, browse and find your new favourite… what ever it is you’re looking for. Get manifesting.
Final thoughts: why Vallila?
Just north of central Helsinki — a city known for its design, nature and innovation, Vallila stands out as a neighbourhood bursting with all three. The city’s up and coming creative heart, with plenty of heart of its own. It’s a place where you can live, work, and enjoy life in a setting that feels both fresh and familiar. Brand new, and timeless. So why not check it out? Whether you’re here for a few days or planning to stick around for a while, you might just find that it’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.
