An honest review from my solo trip to Finland, exclusively hunting for vintage Iittala, Arabia, Nuutajärvi, Marimekko, and more. ◎ Uutta ja vanhaa The very last stop on my final day was... 【Uutta ja vanhaa】, located just one street behind Hakaniemi Market Square. Moved, thrilled, and absolutely mind-blown 🥹 It’s filled with nothing but things I want. There isn't a single thing I don't need. I want it all. Hands down, the best place I visited on this entire trip! Nothing but truly amazing pieces. An absolute treasure trove ✨ Prices start at €10. The good stuff comes with a matching price tag, but it's totally justified. Mugs and plates are stacked several layers deep, so you have to carefully deconstruct the towers and dig things out without breaking the ones at the bottom. I stayed until the absolute last minute before I had to head to the airport, carefully making my selections, and ended up buying a few items, including some Spaljé plates. There's an owner (?) of indiscernible gender—could be an older guy or an older lady—who seems to step out occasionally. There's a sign on the door that says "Call or email" when they're out. It was closed when I arrived, too, but they came back and opened up just as I was about to call. They have a completely hands-off approach with customers, just eating or talking on the phone in the back... which I actually loved because it let me browse in peace. The shelves are jam-packed, so I was literally on my hands and knees crouching down to check the bottom shelves repeatedly to make sure I didn't miss anything 😂 The inventory moves fast since some people buy a ton at once, but that just means there's always a chance to stumble upon something incredible no matter when you go. If you love vintage, this is a must-visit!

🗓️ Sept 27, 2025 (Sat) 🇫🇮 Helsinki ↔︎ Tallinn 🇪🇪 🎫 Round-trip: ¥6,423 (€35.6) Outbound 🛳️ MEGASTAR 07:30 Depart Helsinki (West Terminal 2) 09:30 Arrive Tallinn (Tallinn D-Terminal) 🍕☕️ Pizza & coffee: ¥2,965 (€16.3) Return 🛳️ MYSTAR 19:30 Depart Tallinn (Tallinn D-Terminal) 21:30 Arrive Helsinki (West Terminal 2) 🛍️ 3x Daim, Marimekko hand towel: ¥4,324 (€15.90 for 3 Daims, €7.90 for Marimekko) I took a ferry from Helsinki, Finland, to Tallinn, Estonia. There are several ferry operators, but I chose TALLINK for my round-trip this time. I bought my tickets online in advance through their official website. On the day of the trip, boarding was a breeze—just scanning a QR code on my phone! The trip between Helsinki and Tallinn takes about 2 hours each way, and round-trip tickets cost just over ¥6,000, making it a perfect, hassle-free day trip. When I got to the ferry terminal, I rushed to grab breakfast at a cafe, but it turns out there are plenty of dining options on board, including cafes, fast food, and buffets. The interior of the ship was super clean and comfortable✨ There's open seating with various options to choose from. I found bullet-train-style seats with power outlets, which was great for charging my devices. There’s also a duty-free shop and an arcade area. Just wandering around was fun, and before I knew it, we had arrived! On the way back, I picked up some Daim chocolates and a Marimekko handkerchief as souvenirs at the duty-free shop🍫 Tallinn’s Old Town is absolutely adorable—it feels like stepping into a fairy tale! If you're visiting Helsinki, I highly recommend taking a trip to Tallinn, too☺️!! *Prices reflect the rates at the time of my visit. (Yen amounts are based on my credit card charges.)

📍 Place: Helsinki, Finland ✨ What it felt like: The atmosphere felt clean, quiet, and easy to navigate. Around the harbor and Senate Square, everything looked simple but beautifully designed. Even public transport felt smooth and relaxing, especially the green trams passing through the city center. 👀 What stood out: Budget travel here worked surprisingly well because many of the best moments were free — walking by the sea, exploring parks, visiting public libraries, or taking the ferry views around Suomenlinna. Mid-range Helsinki seemed perfect for cozy cafés, sauna evenings, and design hotels without feeling too expensive compared to other Nordic capitals. Luxury travel here focused more on comfort and calm than flashy experiences, with waterfront hotels, private sauna sessions, Nordic tasting menus, and harbor cruises. The Design District especially stood out for small local shops and beautiful Scandinavian details everywhere. 💡 Exclusive tip: Buying an HSL day ticket made the city incredibly easy to explore by tram, metro, ferry, and bus. I also noticed lunch menus were much cheaper than dinner at many restaurants while still feeling high quality. ❤️ Personal feeling: Helsinki felt like the kind of city that quietly grows on you. My favorite moments were simple ones — warm coffee near the harbor, sunset reflections on the water, and slowing down enough to enjoy the calm Nordic atmosphere. #Helsinki #Finland #NordicTravel #HelsinkiFinland #Scandinavia #LuxuryTravel #BudgetTravel #EuropeTravel #TripMoments #TravelGuide #travel2026#travel#thingstodo

One of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks in the city has got to be the Helsinki Central Railway Station 🥹🇫🇮 It’s the main railway station in Helsinki, serving not just as a major transportation hub, but also as one of the most stunning buildings in all of Finland ✨ Constructed from pink granite in the Art Nouveau style, the building was designed by Eliel Saarinen and opened its doors in 1919 🏛️🤍 The absolute highlight that makes everyone stop for a photo is the four giant statues holding spherical lamps at the main entrance 💡✨ These figures have become the ultimate symbol of the station and one of the most recognizable images of Helsinki. Inside, the station features a seamless blend of historic architecture and modern touches 🚆🤍 It’s packed with cafes, restaurants, and various shops, keeping the place lively and bustling all day long. We stopped by both to catch a train and to admire the incredible architecture 📸✨ Even though it’s technically just a railway station, the intricate details of the building are so gorgeous that it feels like you're walking through a museum. The area around the station is also a fantastic starting point for exploring the city 🚶🏻‍♀️🌿 From here, you can easily walk to the Ateneum Art Museum, Senate Square, and the downtown shopping district. In the evening, when the building's lights turn on 🌆✨ The atmosphere becomes incredibly beautiful and classic. It’s definitely a side of Helsinki you don't want to miss. To us, the Helsinki Central Railway Station is way more than just a transit stop—it’s a landmark that perfectly captures the charm of Finland 🥹🤍 If you're visiting Helsinki, make sure to take a moment to snap a few photos of this gorgeous building, because it truly is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Europe! 🇫🇮✨ 🚉🤍✨🇫🇮📸🏛️💡🌆☕

✨ Step into Helsinki, the "White Pearl" ✨ This Nordic city, embraced by 315 islands, is like a string of pearls scattered by God across the Baltic Sea 💫 Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it enjoys a gentle summer with an average annual temperature of 15°C and a "gentle" winter with an average annual temperature of -10°C. 2012 World Design Capital | 2024 Top Global Sustainable City. With a local population of 660,000 and a total population of 1.2 million in the capital region, this small and beautiful city is perfect for a city walk~🚶 📸 Must-Visit Landmarks 🏆 【Helsinki Cathedral】 📍Address: Unioninkatu 29 🕰️Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 💡Tips: The white neoclassical church with its emerald green dome is absolutely dreamy for taking photos in the square on a sunny day! Solid-colored clothing is recommended for better photos! 👗 【Suomenlinna】 📍Address: Suomenlinna C74 ⏰Opening Hours: June-August 10:00-18:00 Other months 10:30-17:00 🎫Free admission, ferry round trip €5.50 This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!!! An 18th-century maritime fortress, perfect for strolling and taking stunning photos. Definitely bring your camera! 📸 【Highly Recommended Spots】 Rock Church: Awe-inspiring sight carved into natural rock 🎵 Uspenski Church: The largest Orthodox church in Northern Europe, with stunning red walls and golden domes Sibelius Park: A super cool "pipe organ" made of 600 steel pipes Oodi Central Library: A minimalist Nordic aesthetic ceiling ✨ 🔥 Super Local Experience 🔥 【Sauna Culture】 Experience an authentic Finnish sauna at Löyly. For the brave, try jumping into the Baltic Sea after your sauna 🌊 An absolutely unforgettable experience! (Remember to bring your swimsuit) [Design District] A hub for 200+ designer shops. Marimekko prints, Iittala glassware... A Nordic-style shopping paradise 🛍️ 【Food Recommendations】 Reindeer meat: A Finnish specialty 🦌 Baltic herring: A unique and traditional way to eat it Lonkero cocktail: A must-try national drink 🍹 🚎 Transportation Tips Helsinki Card is amazing!! 24/48/72-hour options available 30+ attractions + public transportation included Savings you money and hassle~ In conclusion: Remember to soak up the Nordic sun at Cathedral Square on a sunny day ☀️ Take the most beautiful beach photos at Suomenlinna Fortress. Wishing everyone the most beautiful Helsinki 💙

I spent a couple days in Helsinki and decided to hit up the Didrichsen Art Museum and Villa Gyllenberg—seriously, they're right near each other, so it's a win-win if you've trekked out of the city center! The Didrichsen Art Museum (Kuusilahdenkuja 1, 00340 Helsinki) is a snowy oasis of vibes, with jaw-dropping outdoor cultural landscapes and close-up architectural shots that are sooo Insta-worthy. ⛄ Inside, you'll find a permanent collection of fascinating South American artifacts plus cool rotating exhibits. When I visited, I caught Viktor Vasarely’s mind-blowing visuals and some epic sculptures by Arvo Siikamäki. If you’re into art that’s both classic and modern, this spot hits all the right notes. And don’t sleep on the museum shop! They sell the most delicious handmade fudge—major treat, trust me. 🤗 Since the area is kinda remote, plan to visit both museums in one trip for maximum chill and culture. Didrichsen is open Tuesday–Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00 (closed on Mondays)