Hi, I'm Matsumura, a traveling writer who loves travel and gourmet food! I went to the capital of the happiest country in the world. Besides saunas, Moomin and Marimekko are also very popular. It's a compact city, so it's easy to enjoy sightseeing even when you're just passing through. #Helsinki #Finland Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a beautiful port city on the Baltic Sea, a charming city where Nordic design and abundant nature harmonize. Historic architecture and modern design coexist in the city, and with parks and the seaside close at hand, it is known as one of the "most livable cities in the world." Its compact size makes it easy to enjoy sightseeing on foot or by tram. The symbol of the city is Helsinki Cathedral, with its beautiful pure white exterior and green dome. Standing overlooking Senate Square, it is a representative Helsinki sight that captivates many travelers. At Market Square facing the harbor, you can enjoy Finnish gourmet food such as fresh salmon dishes, berries, and reindeer meat, and it is also a great place to look for souvenirs. Located about 15 minutes by ferry, Suomenlinna Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 18th century, with the entire island designated as a historical park. A leisurely stroll while enjoying the sea views offers a peaceful Helsinki experience. The Temppeliaukio Church, carved out of rock, is a popular church that blends nature and architecture in a unique way. Helsinki is also famous as a "city of design," with shops and cafes of world-renowned brands such as Marimekko, Iittala, and Arabia scattered throughout the city. Furthermore, there are plenty of facilities where you can experience authentic Finnish saunas, and relaxing while feeling the sea breeze after a sauna is a unique pleasure of this city. With its harmonious blend of nature, design, history, and a rich lifestyle, Helsinki is a special travel destination where you can fully experience the charm of Scandinavia. Helpful! I want to go! If you agree, please give me a "like" 😊............................................…⁡I'm #travelingwriterMatsumura, a certified Eiken Grade 1 and national licensed tour guide who has visited all 47 prefectures of Japan ✈️I also have experience studying in Thailand and working in India 🇹🇭🇮🇳⁡I introduce spots both domestically and internationally, mainly focusing on tourist destinations, hotels, and gourmet food! I also reveal the secrets to traveling on a budget! For more details, please check the link in my profile. If you think it looks fun or useful, please follow me 📣⁡Comments are very welcome, so I look forward to hearing from you 🙆♂️⁡\I hope you find a place you want to visit next 🙏/⁡............................................…

Finland's globally beloved iconic brand, "Marimekko". While there are several stores scattered throughout Helsinki, each boasts its own unique size, product selection, and accessibility. Here’s a roundup of 4 highly recommended downtown locations that are super easy to pop into while sightseeing or exploring the city✨ · -- 🛍️ City Stroll Must-Dos! Top 4 Marimekko Stores 🌟 1. Marimekko Esplanadi 【The Flagship Store with the Complete Collection】 A flagship store located right next to Esplanadi Park in the heart of the city. ・Highlights: This spacious two-story shop offers a breathtaking full lineup, from the latest apparel and bags to the popular Unikko-print tableware and interior fabrics! The stunning displays are another major draw, making it the best place to fully immerse yourself in the world of Marimekko. ・Address: Mikonkatu 1 / Pohjoisesplanadi 33, 00100 Helsinki ・Access: About a 5-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station · -- 📍 2. Marimekko Aleksinkulma 【Right on the Tourist Trail! Ultimate Convenience】 Located along the major shopping street "Aleksanterinkatu". ・Highlights: Though slightly more compact than other locations, its biggest perk is that it sits right on the main street that every tourist walks down at least once! It's perfectly packed with popular apparel and accessories, making it a breeze to drop in while wandering around. ・Address: Aleksanterinkatu 13, 00100 Helsinki ・Access: About a 3-minute walk from Helsinki Cathedral · -- 🛍️ 3. Marimekko Forum 【Easy to Find & Great Selection! A Hidden Gem】 Facing the street (alleyway) of the "Forum" shopping mall. ・Highlights: Since it faces the street, this spot is incredibly easy to spot from the outside! Despite being a mall store, it's surprisingly spacious inside and comes highly recommended for its extensive selection of classic tableware and apparel. ・Address: Mannerheimintie 20, 00100 Helsinki (Inside Forum Shopping Center) ・Access: About a 3-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station · -- 🏙️ 4. Marimekko Kamppi 【Directly Connected to the Station! Open Late】 A highly accessible store located inside the massive "Kamppi" terminal. ・Highlights: Directly connected to the subway and bus terminal, meaning you can shop without getting wet on a rainy day. Since it's open until 8:00 PM on weekdays, it's super convenient for shopping before or after dinner once your day of sightseeing wraps up! ・Address: Urho Kekkosen katu 1, 00100 Helsinki (Inside Kamppi Shopping Center) ・Access: Directly connected to Kamppi Subway Station / About a 5-minute walk from Central Station · -- 💡【Quick Shopping Tips】 ・Tax-Free: If you spend over a certain amount, be sure to say "Tax-Free Please" at the register to get the paperwork and save some money on your purchases! ・Store Inventory: Stock and available items vary slightly from store to store, so if you spot a pattern or size you’ve been hunting for, we recommend grabbing it right then and there ✨

Located just a stone's throw away from Helsinki Central Station is the "Kamppi Shopping Centre". Down on its first basement floor (Level E) lies an absolute must-visit paradise for Nordic gourmet food and souvenirs. Welcome to the massive "K-Supermarket Kamppi"! ❇️ Top Picks ❇️ ♥ Marimekko Paper Napkins: Marimekko is incredibly popular. At the local supermarket, you can find a surprisingly affordable and wide selection. They are not bulky and won't break, making them the perfect little souvenirs to hand out to friends! ♥ There's a special corner featuring freshly baked bread straight from Fazer (Fazer Leipurit / Shop-in-Shop bakery)! Two items are highly recommended. The Nordic classic, "Korvapuusti" (cinnamon rolls). The traditional Finnish national dish: a rye pie filled with rice porridge (creamy milk porridge baked inside a rye crust). ♥ Supermarket-Exclusive Moomin Goods. Shelves lined with Moomin-themed tea and biscuits. You can score these sweets and treats at amazing supermarket prices. Look out for eco-bags, drinks, and other fun merchandise too. ♥ Huge Selection of Fazer Chocolates. Thanks to the use of 100% high-quality Finnish milk, these chocolates are famous for melting incredibly smoothly in your mouth. You'll find a massive variety here, all sold at a slight discount compared to standard shops. ❇️ Access Directly connected to both the subway and long-distance bus terminal, so you can easily reach it without getting wet on rainy or snowy days. The extended hours, from early morning until late at night, are a huge lifesaver for travelers! Store Name: K-Supermarket Kamppi Location: Kamppi Shopping Centre, Basement Floor 1 (Level E) Business Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM [1] Saturday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM It’s truly a supermarket that feels like an amusement park, offering a fantastic glimpse into everyday Finnish life.

The Marimekko Headquarters Outlet in Helsinki is the perfect spot to enjoy both shopping surrounded by adorable textiles and a fantastic lunch, all in one place. Located just a 15-minute train ride from Helsinki Central Station (Herttoniemi Station), the headquarters features a great bargain outlet shop and the employee cafeteria "Maritori," which is also open to the public. ♥ Lunch at "Maritori" MAIN COURSE: 15.70 € A super satisfying full set that includes the daily main dish, soup of the day, salad bar, bread, and coffee or tea after the meal. SOUP LUNCH: 14.00 € An option without the main dish. Enjoy the soup of the day, salad bar, bread, and coffee or tea. Highly recommended if you're looking for something a bit lighter. Choose between these two options and pay at the register first. A staff member will then show you to your seat. You can pay for your lunch at Maritori with either a credit card or cash. All the tableware is Marimekko! From the plates and mugs to the napkins, everything in the cafeteria features iconic Marimekko prints! It's a self-serve system, offering a healthy and delicious buffet-style lunch complete with soup, salad, bread, and drinks. If you order the Main Course, you'll have two options to choose from. Enjoy bottomless coffee and tea served in Marimekko mugs. There's a wide selection of loose-leaf teas to choose from—you simply use a tea infuser instead of standard tea bags. A daily dessert is also included! ♥ Outlet Shop Fabric Cut-offs Corner Marimekko fabrics, which can be quite pricey in Japan, are available here at discounted rates by weight or sold by the meter. This is hands-down the most popular section for crafting enthusiasts looking for DIY materials, curtains, or tapestries. Off-season Apparel Dresses, shirts, and coats from past collections are marked down to almost half price! There was also a huge selection of dishware, bags, and various accessories. I think this spot might have the highest concentration of Japanese tourists in all of Helsinki! For lunch, you'll likely share a table. Service starts at 10:30 AM, and it fills up fast as people keep pouring in! Business Hours Weekdays (Mon - Fri): 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Please note that the on-site cafeteria "Maritori" is only open on weekdays (Mon - Fri) from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Address: Kirvesmiehenkatu 7, 00880 Helsinki, Finland

Located right next to the Port of Helsinki, the historic "Old Market Hall" (Vanha Kauppahalli) has been serving locals and visitors alike since 1889. Inside this warm, retro red-brick building, you'll find an array of fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, traditional pastries, and Nordic deli treats. It’s an absolute treasure trove of culinary delights that will make your mouth water just by strolling through! Today, I'll be sharing my personal experience at "SOUP+MORE," a soup joint that is incredibly popular inside the market hall✨ · -- 🐟 A Must-Try! The Exquisite Salmon Soup at SOUP+MORE When you visit the Old Market Hall, this salmon soup is an absolute must-eat! ・Chunky ingredients & heavenly broth: It's loaded with massive chunks of salmon and potatoes for a truly satisfying portion! Infused with fresh dill, the rich, creamy broth bursts with umami the moment you take a sip—it's mind-blowingly delicious. ・Pro-tip from my visit! A quick heads-up on sharing: Since the portions are incredibly generous, splitting one bowl with a friend is totally an option! However, keep in mind that if you decide to share, there's essentially a small "sharing fee," making it slightly pricier than simply buying a single bowl. It cost about 18€ (approx. 3,085 JPY) for the two of us. I’d recommend choosing based on your appetite: decide whether you want a quick, light bite to share (even with the slight markup) or if you're hungry enough to devour a whole bowl all to yourself!✨ · -- 🏛️ Highlights of the Retro & Charming "Old Market Hall" ・Finnish food culture all under one roof! There’s so much more to drool over besides the soup! From loaded baguettes topped with thick-cut smoked salmon and unique reindeer kebabs (a true Finnish specialty), to gorgeous open-faced sandwiches adorned with fresh berries and chocolate, the sheer variety of eats will leave you spoiled for choice. ・A cozy lunch & cafe break, rain or shine Because it’s an indoor market, it’s super comfortable even on rainy or chilly days. With cozy eat-in spots, adorable cafes, and little shops selling perfect souvenirs, it’s the ultimate spot to grab lunch or take a breather during your sightseeing adventures! · -- 📍 Spot Info: Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli) ・Address: Eteläranta 125, 00130 Helsinki ・Access: About a 12-minute walk from Helsinki Central Station / Right next to the Market Square (Kauppatori) ・Hours: 　· Mon–Sat: 08:00–18:00 　· Sun: 10:00–17:00 (*Hours may vary by shop) · -- 💡【To Sum Up】 The charming, retro vibe of the market combined with a soul-warming, exquisite bowl of salmon soup is guaranteed to be one of the best memories of your Helsinki trip! Be sure to pair your harbor stroll with a tasting tour of all these amazing Nordic delicacies!🇫🇮

🇫🇮 Helsinki, Finland A Vlog of exploring Helsinki, a city where you can encounter sophisticated design and abundant nature 🌿🇫🇮 【Featured Spots】 · Helsinki Cathedral · Helsinki Central Station · Nuuksio National Park · Temppeliaukio Church · Marimekko · Helsinki Central Library Oodi · Suomenlinna Fortress 🩵Details of each spot are introduced in separate posts #Helsinki #Finland #travelvlog #Nordictravel