Action packed, tasty dishes, and quirky souvenirs.

Markets in Helsinki are embedded within the city’s rich history. Over the decades, they have morphed into the everyday lives of the Finns. Most have been transformed into cultural hubs and given a second life that is more modern, paying homage to agriculture and regional resources while celebrating worldly cuisines.

Here are some of the markets in Helsinki that you must visit, for a peek inside its daily routines while tasting true Finnish flavors.

 

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Old Market Hall is one of Helsinki’s oldest market halls, with roots dating back to 1889. Its design derives from an architectural shift at the time, altering from open-air markets to indoor due to hygiene issues and to better structure for trade purposes.

For foodies, this is a true haven with lines of stalls displaying vegetables, meats, spices, fruits, cheese, fish, tea and coffee, even tableware. Certainly, this also makes a perfect place for souvenir shopping.

Kauppatori is Helsinki Market Square, another fantastic choice for sampling local flavors without breaking the bank. Smoked fish, pastries, pies, sandwiches, grilled meats…just to name a few. Situated at the end of Esplanade Park, this market square also hosts the city’s oldest event: Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, every October since 1743.

In the middle of the square, there’s Stone of the Empress which is Helsinki’s oldest public memorial.

Hietalahden kauppahalli has been around for more than a century, and highlights flavors from around the world. Hence, it’s often considered a local’s favorite food paradise. Vietnamese pho, Japanese sushi, Mexican tacos, Italian pasta…and much more. Part of the hall is also a flea market, ideal for thrift lovers on the look out for vintage finds. The building was designed in 1903 by architect Selim A. Lindqvist, it was originally meant to be a Russian cavalry barracks but always served as a market hall from the start.

Teurastamon Portti Roslund is situated in Sörnäinen district, in a former slaughterhouse repurposed into a busy food hall, highlighting Finnish and global culture. There’s “Street Food Thursday” which draws massive crowds with vivacious street food vendors selling dishes known around the world.

Teurastamo, meaning “abattoir,” was originally opened in 1933, designed by architect Bertel Liljequist. Now, there are even distilleries and coffee roasters for aficinados. The entire area is a cool place to hang out with a bike repair shop, a yard perfect for barbecues, sauna rental and flea markets.

Hakaniemi Market Hall originally opened in 1897, acting as a place for a traditional market as well as the site for various demonstrations. Clothing, antique stores, food stands can all be explored right here. Hence, the building has become synonymous with Finnish labor movements and trade unions.

This market in Helsinki features a Sunday market that comes to life on every month’s first Sunday.