Herttoniemi City Guide

Herttoniemi is the eastern counterpart to Munkkiniemi. This vibrant and trendy neighborhood, along with its surrounding areas, offers just about everything — from world flavors to peaceful nature.

 

Indulge

 

Koto Bento 

By day, Koto Bento serves delicious Japanese-style lunch boxes with sides, and in the evening the venue transforms into an izakaya — a Japanese pub where you can enjoy small dishes and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. The interior, adorned with paper lanterns, evokes Japan, while the expansive 180-degree sea view is a reminder of the unique beauty of the Finnish archipelago.

 

Mandraki 

Named after the harbor of Rhodes, Mandraki charms with its unpretentious, authentic Greek cuisine. In a setting reminiscent of a traditional taverna, the focus is clearly on the food—without breaking the bank. Alongside familiar classics, it’s worth trying regional specialties from Rhodes, such as octopus braised in red wine.

 

Chengdu 

Often regarded as Helsinki’s best Chinese restaurant, Chengdu is located in Kulosaari, right next to Herttoniemi. Be sure to try the baozi dumplings, where a soft, bun-like dough wraps melt-in-your-mouth fillings such as tender pork and vegetables.

 

Treffi Pub & Bistro 

Treffi Pub & Bistro, which has evolved from a beer bar into a full-service restaurant, is located opposite the Herttoniemi metro station and attracts visitors from all over Helsinki. This warm and welcoming neighborhood restaurant is best known for its juicy cheeseburger. On weekends, the restaurant hosts rotating themed brunches, making it a place you can return to time and again without getting bored.

 

Maritori 

The lunch café located alongside the Marimekko Outlet combines a design-oriented setting with straightforward, good food. It’s a perfect stop in between shopping.

 

 

Way Herttoniemi 

Way, originally known from Karhupuisto in Kallio, opened its second café in Herttoniemi in the summer. The weekly changing lunch menu features delicious pastas and salads, complemented by carefully selected wines. The spacious and inviting restaurant was designed by renowned interior designer Joanna Laajisto.

 

Bolle 

A small Danish-style bakery offering buns and sourdough bread, available to enjoy on-site or take home. A perfect stop for a morning coffee or a weekend breakfast.

 

 

Fornitaly 

A charming pizzeria set in a former barn, about a 20-minute bike ride from Herttoniemi. From spring to autumn, it’s a popular excursion destination and a reliable choice for satisfying a pizza craving.

 

Itis Market Hall

Just a couple of metro stops away, you’ll find Helsinki’s largest market hall, with a selection ranging from Asian delicacies to Middle Eastern flavors. An easy culinary journey around the world under one roof.

 

Roihuvuoren Rio 

Located a short distance from Herttoniemi, in the ground floor of a 1950s building on a lush inner courtyard, Roihuvuori Rio serves as a cultural café and a beloved local living room. In addition to treats, Rio delights visitors with live music and flea markets.

 

Kulttuuri, Shoppailu & Inspiraatio  

 

Marimekko Factory Outlet

Over a million meters of fabric are produced each year at Marimekko’s still-operational textile printing factory. The building, designed by Aarno Ruusuvuori, is already worth seeing in itself, but design enthusiasts should also visit the factory outlet, where unique finds can be discovered.

 

Alanya Market 

A large ethnic market offering spices, ingredients, and products you might not have known were available in Finland. An inspiring destination for home cooks looking to experiment.

 

KinoKivinokka 

Every August, KinoKivinokka brings films to the beach as the sun sets. The idyllic shoreline is a great destination for outings year-round, but the films add a special touch of magic to the moment.

 

 

Escapism & Architecture

 

 

Roihuvuori Japanese-style Garden

This serene park offers a peaceful escape in the middle of everyday life. In spring, during cherry blossom season, the area fills with cheerful picnic gatherings.

 

Roihuvuori Water Tower

Roihuvuori Water Tower, nicknamed “Vesirousku,” rises to a height of 52 meters. Built in the 1970s, this impressive landmark is still in operation and can be seen from far across the surrounding area.

 

 

Herttoniemi Manor Museum

Open during the summer, the manor setting combines history with a garden atmosphere. A visit is best complemented with a stop at the pancake café to enjoy a traditional thin crepe.

 

Herttoniemi Allotment Garden

The allotment garden is an outdoor destination suitable for the whole family and is freely accessible year-round. A cultural history trail tells the story of the area, and during the summer season, events ranging from jazz evenings to yoga are offered.

 

Kulosaari Manor

Kulosaari Manor is a magnificent neo-antique gem completed in the 18th century. Visitors can soak in the atmosphere of the manor grounds at the courtyard sauna, and take a dip in the water year-round. The main building can be explored during events such as fairs, and the spaces can also be rented for private celebrations.

 

Saunalahti Nature Reserve

At the Saunalahti Nature Reserve, you can enjoy coastal nature along an accessible trail. Informational signs introduce the area’s species, and the birdwatching platform offers stunning views of Vanhankaupunginkoski. A covered shelter with benches provides a sheltered spot for a picnic break.

 

Tuorinniemi Dog Beach

Tuorinniemi Dog Beach is a pleasant, fenced area for dogs to swim during the summer. The nearby dog park has separate sections for small and large dogs.

 

 

Coeur Studios

Roihupelto’s Coeur offers machine-based Pilates both with instruction and independently. In the modern studio, you can train using not only Reformers but also Wunda Chair and Tower equipment, which are not commonly found in many other studios.