Best Art Galleries in Helsinki to Explore & Discover

Grab a cup of coffee and join us in Helsinki for an afternoon of blissful strolling and browsing at the best art galleries Helsinki has to offer.

 

“The best way to check out the contemporary art scene in Helsinki is simply to visit all its lovely galleries. Admission is always free of charge, and everyone is more than welcome to view their current exhibitions. The galleries also present the latest creations by a fantastic range of artists, so no two are alike!”

Anna Tuori
Artist, Helsinki
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Taidesalonki

The city’s oldest active art gallery, Taidesalonki, is worth a visit even just for its interior. The space resembles a secret garden trapped in a time bubble located in the beginning of the leafy Bulevardi street. The gallery shows works from beloved Finnish artists as well as new makers. The focus is on painting.
Bulevardi 3 B, 4th floor

Helsinki Contemporary 

Helsinki Contemporary is a trendy gallery that focuses on young artists that you will find across the street from the Old Church Park. With its fresh exhibitions, the gallery has secured a spot on the city’s art scene – its vernissages attract hipsters both young and old.
Bulevardi 10

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Galerie Anhava

Galerie Anhava showcases both conceptual and visual forms of expression, in one or two storeys depending on the exhibition. The gallery roots for modernism and minimalism, but also for new attitudes and fresh breezes in the arts world. There is a often a focus on Nordic artists. Painting, photography, sculpture, video, and installations from both well-known artists and newcomers.
Fredrikinkatu 43

Project room (FaFa) and Exhibition Laboratory (ExLab) 

The best way to acquainted with new talents is to visit the gallery spaces of the Academy of Fine Arts. Students towards the end of their studies often hold their first solo exhibition at the Project Room. ExLab often shows curated exhibitions featuring works by students as well as by established artists. Kuvan Kevät is the annual MFA degree show, offering a whole array of works by graduate students every spring. ExLab also hosts open lectures and other events.
Merimiehenkatu 36

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ArTag

Situated alongside Hietalahti Market Square, this tiny gallery also focuses on young artists, while also hosting exhibitions by established stars from time to time. If you are looking to purchase some fresh art for yourself or as a gift, ArTag offers plenty of affordable options too.
Hietalahdenkatu 10

Huuto and Rankka

Huuto is run by an independent artist collective and presents professional and highly skillful exhibitions by both new and established artists. The handsome gallery is situated in the former laboratory rooms of the Helsinki University of Technology on Eerikinkatu. At the same address you will find another gallery, Rankka, which presents exhibitions by creative fringe artists.
Eerikinkatu 36

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Oksasenkatu 11

The gallery on Oksasenkatu focuses on carefully planned site-specific exhibitions: more often installations taking over the whole space rather than based on individual objects and works. The style of the gallery is subtle and quiet. This year’s theme is light. The artist-run gallery is situated beside the legendary artist restaurant Elite. A good tip is to combine taking in the Functionalist interior of the restaurant (and maybe even a meal) with a visit to the gallery. Oksasenkatu 11 also organises events.
Oksasenkatu 11

Galerie Forsblom

While the Oksasenkatu art space is focused on small scale and light exhibitions, Forsblom offers a large scale and heavier feeling. The gallery’s selection includes both internationally acclaimed and Finnish artists, including early career talent. Most exhibitions are centred around painting and sculpture. The grandiose space at the corner of the Old Church Park is often divided into two distinct main exhibitions. In addition, there are sometimes minor exhibitions hosted in the smaller studio space.
Lönnrotinkatu 5 / Yrjönkatu 22

Heino

Heino presents often intriguing exhibitions, such as stunning paper art and compelling video installations. It’s also very quiet in the gallery, and you might find that you’re the only one there. Of course, there is video surveillance, so hands off the art!
Uudenmaankatu 16-20

Ama

Ama has flexible exhibition spaces that present a wide array of styles by both well-known and more marginal artists. You will find the gallery next door to the legendary Rikhardinkatu Library.
Richardinkatu 1

A local tip! The Helsinki Design Museum is also always a good idea to spark your imagination and make artsy memories while in Helsinki.

Design Museum

Korkeavuorenkatu 23, 00130 Helsinki
The Design Museum is an internationally recognized national specialist museum of Finnish design. In honor of the centenary of Finnish independence in 2017, the Design Museum opened its completely renewed collections exhibition which will be displayed until the end of 2020. The museum organizes also workshops and guided tours. Taito Cafe and museum shop. Free entrance to the Design evenings on every months last Tuesday at 17-20 (not during summer months).
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Contact us for more local tips or to book a private tour in Helsinki.

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Best Bakeries & Candy Stores in Helsinki for the True Foodies

Helsinki has some truly irresistible candy stores and bakeries, which are a must-visit for any True Foodies in town for a day or two.

 

“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.” – Anthony Bourdain

Here are a few of our favorites! Come on, lent is over, give a new taste, texture and experience ago, life is too short not to. If in doubt, give us a call or send us an e-mail for a local guide to show the way or book your Helsinki tour here: Helsinki Tours

Sweetheart

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Sweetheart is a candy store in the Punavuori district that is full of stylishly made and specially selected sweets. In addition to all the lollies, chocolates and seasonal candies, two treats really stand out: the mouthwatering handmade toffees and the huge pastel-coloured marshmallows. We recommend you try the sea salt toffee in particular.
Uudenmaankatu 32

Roobertin Herkku – “Robert’s Treats”

This candy store is a dream come true if you love the visual appeal of candies as much as their taste. The large jars and boxes are full of colorful fruit pastels, salty licorice, traditional licorice and chocolates that you can scoop into bags. The salespeople are real candy experts and are happy to recommend some of their specialties, including ‘90s-style retro caramels and raw chocolate. Roobertin Herkku itself dates back all the way to 1963.
Fredrikinkatu 19

Annan Suklaatehdas – “Anna’s Chocolate Factory”

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Anna’s Chocolate Factory makes exquisite works of art that you can eat. Her chocolate story began in New York in 2002, and she returned to Helsinki almost a decade later. For five years she ran her own chocolate company in the Big Apple having learnt the secrets of chocolate from a Belgian master and French school. Her chocolate factory in Helsinki is the culmination of her passion and expertise.
Merimiehenkatu 23

Kakkugalleria – “The Cake Gallery”

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The cake buffet at the Cake Gallery will test how much you really love your cakes! In addition to selling individual cake slices and whole cakes, two of the Cake Gallery outlets also let you eat as much as you possibly can for a little over ten euros. Simply point to the cakes that catch your fancy and you will be served small samples that you can enjoy with tea or coffee. For a couple euros extra you can select cocoa, a special coffee or a soft drink instead. Be sure to try the marble cake!
Several outlets, including Fredrikinkatu 41 and Itis

Kaakaopuu – “Cocoa Tree”

“Cocoa Tree” is a genuine Belgian chocolate store and café in the heart of Helsinki. It mainly sells chocolates by Belgian chocolatiers Leonidas, but its cocoas definitely deserve special mention. They are made from premium Callebaut chocolate and milk, and you even order yours with chilli or honey.
Kamppi Shopping Centre, Urho Kekkosen katu 1A

Brooklyn Cafe & Bakery 

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The Brooklyn Cafe & Bakery offers a genuine New York atmosphere on Fredrikinkatu in the Punavuori district. The Brooklyn Cafe opened almost a decade ago and expanded a year later by opening a bakery, as its cupcakes in particular rapidly became a big hit among locals. You can enjoy their treats in the cosy café or place an order from the bakery to bring home with you – perfect for parties.
Brooklyn Cafe, Fredrikinkatu 19
Brooklyn Baking CO., Fredrikinkatu 25

 

Bakeries

TRAVEL.EAT.REPEAT.

Way Bakery & Wine Bar

Situated next to the Karhupuisto “Bear Park” in Kallio, Way became the most talked-about and highly regarded bakery in town soon after opening. You should definitely try Way’s own sourdough breads and fermented potato breads with churned butter, not to mention the seasonal crack buns with hazelnut cream or the blueberry pies! Way’s honey caramel glazed cinnamon buns have already achieved iconic status. Breakfast plates are served in the morning, there’s a daily lunch menu, and in the evening Way is transformed into a Wine Bar serving natural wines and delicious snacks, including not only fresh breads but also such delights as creamy chicken liver with sea buckthorn and “burnt honey”.
Agricolankatu 9

Levain

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Originally established in Punavuori but now also in Töölö, Levain was a pioneer in the modern bakery boom and is still ahead of the game. Breakfast is served throughout the day, the grilled sandwiches are perfect for takeaway snacks, and in the evening you can relax at one of the tables with a cocktail or glass of wine. Levain boasts five unique sourdough cultures, from a rye bread recipe inherited from Grandma to the modern classic “Levain” sourdough bread, and the stone sole oven is kept hot all day long, so you can get freshly baked bread even in the evening. There is also a wide range of sweet pastries to choose from, and you simply have got to try the pastel de nata Portuguese custard tart – Levain’s most talked about product.
Kankurinkatu 6
Runeberginkatu 29

Helsinki Homemade Bakery

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Helsinki Homemade Bakery is a small artisan bakery in the Etu-Töölö district whose lovingly baked bread has already established a steady fan base. They also bake fresh baguettes, cinnamon buns and Karelian pasties with a crispy crust that have already achieved cult status. Each day has a special theme: traditional rye on Thursdays, sweet-sour on Fridays, multigrain on Saturdays and archipelago bread on Sundays. On weekends, its fresh handmade croissants sell like hot cakes.
Cygnaeuksenkatu 6

St. George Bakery

The five-star Hotel St. George has a street-front bakery that caters both to hotel guests at breakfast time and anyone else looking for an enjoyable café with freshly baked goods. The bakery’s own sourdough bread is baked fresh every day, also on Sundays. To enjoy on the spot, recommended fare includes sandwiches, green smoothies, a variety of coffees, or for instance a matcha latte or glass of wine. In summer months, the parklet terrace offers a view to the Old Church Park and basks in the afternoon sun. You can even pick up a picnic bag to take to the park.
Yrjönkatu 13

Patisserie Teemu & Markus

Patisserie Teemu & Markus – the names refer to Teemu Aura and Markus Hurskainen from the Michelin-starred restaurant Demo – has a café and bakery shop on Yrjönkatu in the city centre, as well as at the new REDI shopping centre. The bread list boasts Emmer sourdough and foccaccia with roasted garlic and herbs, the macarons include Teemu’s and Markus’s crazy flavours (for example, liquorice and salted caramel; raspberry, tonic water and white chocolate; and oven-baked apple and white chocolate), and they also sell the best Runeberg cakes outside of Porvoo. Try also the cardamom buns with quark and, of course, the stunningly artistic pastries that started it all.
Yrjönkatu 25
REDI, Hermannin rantatie 5

Levain

Brooklyn Baking Co.

Founded by two American sisters in the Punavuori district, the Brooklyn Café has expanded into a bakery on Fredrikinkatu. They are especially known for their decorative and rich cupcakes – Red Velvet is an acknowledged classic, but if you really want to go crazy, try the Rocky Road or Salted Toffee Pretzel versions. Their fresh bagels also have a staunch fan base, and you can have them with a wide range of fillings: a poppy seed bagel with tuna and cheese is seriously heavy duty.
Fredrikinkatu 25

Rönttösrouva

This bakery sells Finnish delicacies from Kainuu, including hand-baked, berry-filled lingonberry “Rönttönen” pies and savoury pies with smoked salmon and reindeer, for example. Other traditional treats include “tar bread” and sourdough bread flavoured with berries – not to forget the classic vendace loafs and sandwich cakes. Also worth trying is the “Stadin kokko” loaf – a soft rye and potato pie filled with smoked vendace, vegetables and bacon.
Päivöläntie 24

Konditoria Hopia

Konditoria Hopia is a cosy café that has operated out of the same premises on Hesperiankatu in the Töölö district since 1949, and its Karelian pies have almost iconic status in Helsinki. Hopia bakes fresh Karelian pies daily using the same original recipe that Emma Hopia brought with her from Karelia to Helsinki almost 70 years ago. The log walls, wooden tables and Kalevala-inspired frescos create an authentic atmosphere, or you can visit its newer outlet in the Kumpula district.
Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 9
Intiankatu 25

Gateaun myymälän tiski

And don’t forget these:

Väyrysen leipomo
– The Väyrynen bakery at Teurastamo has roots that stretch back all the way to 1908. Its mini donuts are legendary.

Kanniston leipomo
– The Kannisto bakery on Kankurinkatu in Punavuori was founded in 1914 and has since expanded throughout the city.

Gateau
– Fazer’s bakery chain offers a wide selection and has lots of café shops around town. In addition to all its classics, try also the apricot-nut bread and pistachio twists.

Kakkugalleria
– The Cake Gallery is famous for its cakes and its untouchable cake buffet.

Kahvila Päijänne
– Café Päijänne sells home-baked fresh cardamom buns, cheesecakes, stuffed focaccia and savoury pies in the Puu-Vallila district.

Tuffen herkku
– Tuffe’s Bedouin bread is worth buying from the Hakaniemi Market Hall before the master baker retires.

Green Bake
– The croissants baked by this bakery in Pitäjänmäki deserve special mention.

Contact us for more local tips or to book a private tour in Helsinki.

Nordic Experience
sales@nordicexperience.com
www.nordicexperience.com

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