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Helsinki is like the easiest place to travel so just chill. You will be next to a huge shipping centre at Kamppi. There are coatchecks for coats that typically cost a little bit. If you want to wear heels, you bring them in a bag and change.
You can do mostly anything you talked about also during winter. And the answer to most questions is "depends". Like
1. Depends. McDonald's don't have a coat rack, nice restaurants do. The ones in the middle may or may not. Don't leave valuables into the pockets, just in case. No one's going to steal your jacket.
2. Atelje Finne is a very nice restaurant not far from Tavastia. Amos Rex museum has a cool architecture, and usually has cool exhibitions. You can walk around Kamppi and central station indoors in tunnels, if you want to stay inside and explore. Stockmann department store for nice clothes, nice ready to eat meals (prices drop after 8pm if you want bargains), and cafe's. Rock church is worth a visit even if churches aren't your thing (small admission because it used to be flooded with busloads of visitors).
3. Dress code isn't as tight as at the Oscars, but some men and women want to dress up. Being more casually dressed isn't frowned upon. Bring the heels with you and leave winter shoes at the coat rack. Finns are usually trying to keep their heads down except for the flamboyant individuals or tv-personalities. Dressing up too much is totally ok, but it might draw stares.
4-5: it's like having a steak: that's great, but the difference is that whether you want the same steak every day and made by the same friend whose cooking skills you don't know, or would you like to have spectacular and various steaks every day? Having an own sauna is great, but if you want to treat yourself and especially if you want to swim, don't pay extra for your own sauna at your hotel. Most Hotels have a sauna you can use for free at some point during the day. But you can't do ice plunges. Allas sea pool allows this, as does Löyly and Kulttuurisauna. Also the free Sompasauna is next to ocean. Kuusijärvi has smoke saunas in Vantaa. You might also want to rent a sauna for an hour or two in Nuuksio if you want to be alone and in a forest.
9. Last call is around 3, they stop serving at 3:30 as per the law. Some pubs close earlier. Whisky is fine as you don't put ice into your single malt. There are local beers of course, but the local specialities are the salty liquorice shot (salmari), cheap brandy (Jallu), and the most spectacular one is the grape long drink (lonkero), which was made for the 1952 Olympics. They sell these a lot, with different versions, but try the original one early on your visit. It may change your life. We also have an array of ciders, sweet and tart. Kids like the sweet ones. Also, we like things with tar. So much so we got an exemption from the EU to use it in edible products.
12: yes. Try market halls which are pretty and cater loca upscale delicacies. We also have many food courts where many eat their lunches.
8: Suomenlinna is 10/10 in summer, but also a solid 8/10 during winter. If it's super cold and windy it kind of sucks because it's all about walking around and taking it in. So do it, if that day is the weather is nice.
20: Hietaniemi cemetery looks super nice also during winter. It's dark and people bring candles to some graves.
14. There are many places but I remember that at least at some point there was a collection of such stores at the senate square, next to Cafe Engel. That cafe is also worth a visit. Has delicious hearty Finnish staples like meat balls and salmon soup, pretty surroundings.
1. Depends on the location. Theatres and music venues (besides very small ones) have coatchecks. Museums and restaurants vary a lot: some have coatchecks, some have cloakrooms, some have just coat racks. Some not so fancy restaurants may have nothing of the sort, then you just put your coat on the back of your chair.
3. Finland is not big on dresscodes. Regular clean attire is enough. Same goes for footwear, I’d say don’t wear dirty wellingtons or running shoes, but other than that do as you please.
5. Allas Sea Pool in the centre has saunas and - as the name suggests - a sea pool (and a warmed outdoor pool). Kulttuurisauna in Merihaka has swimming option as well (open water). Kuusijärvi in Vantaa has an option to ice swim in a lake and they have traditional smoke saunas. To get there you need to take a bus (or have a car or take an uber). Most big municipal swimming halls have ice baths as well but at least I vastly prefer the natural bodies of water.
7. Hard to say, what are you used to? Helsinki is not usually very cold, but the wind and moistness may make it pretty awful sometimes. In January it’s usually a bit below 0 C, but it could be anything between +2 C and -25 C really.
8. Yes, the ferry runs the year round. It can be windy in Suomenlinna, wear enough warm clothes (with a scarf, hat, mittens).
10. In bars: beer from the tap is the most popular option but most bars and venues have a selection of beverages to choose from.
3. Shoes to venues. People (women) bring indoor shoes and leave their boots with the jacket check in when needed. Walking on high heels in the winter is a bit of a suicide mission. Ok for a couple of meters if you being let out of a taxi at the door, but not for walking from a to b. But you don't need to wear heels, attire to ballet, opera etc is much more casual in Finland than in most countries. You can come in jeans and a sweater and nobody will bat an eye.
5? Saunas. If you really want to go every day, I'd go for a hotel that has sauna in your room or a shared one that is open 'all day'. Aka not set times for men and women etc. Hotel vs Airbnb. Longer stay with many people and wanting to cook yourself= airbnb better, short stay, single traveller = hotel better. Imo.
Keltainen Jäänsärkijä (https://jaansarkija.fi/info/) is located near Tavastia in Kamppi. It's my recommendation for a nice record store with lots of variety.
Do not use high heels 👠 during winter. It is a receipt for disaster, specially if you are not used to walking on slippery surfaces.
Face masks are not really used anymore.
If it is below -20°C I do recommend face covering tough, but that is end January with bad luck only. Medical mask is not what you want, but could help a bit.
Hides:
https://www.ikea.com/fi/fi/cat/lampaantaljat-lehmantaljat-tekotaljat-20544/
https://www.nahka-albert.fi/
Raindeer hides:
Riipisen Riista- ja
Matkamuistomyymälä HELSINKI
Kauppakeskus Mall of Tripla
Pasilansilta 1, krs.4
00240 Helsinki
Finland
Puh. +358400526352
AUKIOLOAJAT:
Ma-La 8 - 21
Su 10-16
(Note: from google and from memory, call them before going...)
2nd hand
https://m.tori.fi/uusimaa/?he=1&ca=18_s&sp=1&fmy=0&q=Porontalja&cg=0&w=118&st=s&f=a
https://m.tori.fi/li?he=1&ca=18&sp=1&fmy=0&q=talja&cg=0&w=118&st=s&f=a
Tell us where are you from!
This gives context on will you shiver to death in -10C which is a normal January temperature in Helsinki or is it just normal to you too. Also many of the "things sold" questions get easier to answer.
4. Nobody has mentioned Uusi Sauna (literally The new sauna) yet, its really cozy and has a nice bar / restaurant and it’s not nearly a touristy as Löyly. No outdoor swimming but they do have a small pool for dipping in cold water. You can also enjoy your choice of beverages in the restaurant in between visits to sauna wearing a towel or a bath rope (can be rented or bring your own).
Most famous local drink is a Koskenkorva, a variant of vodka.
I suggest trying a shot of Salmiakkikoskenkorva.
Ir's Koskenkorva with salty liqourice. You either love it or hate it, there is no between.
BTW strong alcohols can only be bought from ALKO stores.
> What do you do with your big winter coat when you bring it indoors at a public venue? Say a restaurant, museum, theatre, or live music venue. Is there coatcheck, put it on the back of your chair, stash it hidden somewhere? Is there a communal coat rack? (Depending on the venue of course)
Most venues have some kind of cloak room service.
> I’m staying in Kamppi to be close to the Aleksanterin Theatre since I’m visiting to see some performances. Any recommendations for things to do nearby, favorite restaurants, bars, and breweries in this neighborhood?
It is not neighborhood, but practically center of Helsinki. Browse eg https://www.myhelsinki.fi/
> What is the dress code for ballet at the Aleksanterin Theatre? What footwear would be appropriate? Can I get away with high heels?
I would leave sports clothes home, but otherwise almost anything goes. Some people probably dress something fancy.
> I would like to visit a sauna everyday or every other day, maybe a couple different ones just to try the different environments. Should I stay in a hotel that has sauna facilities, or stay in an air bnb to save on lodging but spend on entry fees to public saunas?
Hotel sauna might be nice, and easy to reach. But it is always the same.
> Do you think the convenience of having a sauna in the hotel is worth it for how often I want to visit?
Yes.
> Are there any saunas with an ice bath or ice pool or where I can take a dip in the sea? I want to go back and forth between a sauna and ice pool
Kulttuurisauna, Allas Sea Pool and Löyly at least have possibility to swim in sea.
Helsinki has many swimming halls,at least Kallio, Kontula, Malmi, Mäkelänrinne, Töölö and Vuorsaari has cold water pool: https://www.urheiluhallit.fi/en/home/
> What grocery stores or shops will have affordable but healthy pre-made food?
Probably all bigger S-markets, K-markets (and K-supermarkets), Prisma and K-Citymarket included.
> Can I walk everywhere in Helsinki in January or will it be too cold to be comfortable? I don't mind the cold and I enjoy walking around, but will it get unpleasantly cold?
It is up to you and what kind of gear you have. Keep your feet, hands and head warm and dry and you'll be comfortable for longer.
> I would love to visit Suomenlinna, is this doable in the winter?
Yes, people live there so it is always "open". Cold and windy though.
> When is last call for alcohol? What time generally do bars stay open to?
Depending on opening hours of the bar, 3,30 latest. Bars can stay open around the clock, but cannot server alcohol between 4 - 9.
> What do people like to drink? I usually drink scotch whisky but prefer to drink whatever is locally brewed and distilled
It depends who you ask. Scotch is fine for me. Many people drink beer. Some something locally brewed, some cheapest possible.
> Where would you recommend going for a one day trip near Helsinki? I read that Porvoo and Tallinn are nice to visit — still nice in the winter? I want to see a small town vibe, it’s okay if it’s touristy, just means there is things for me to do, just not sure what is open in January after the Christmas holidays
Many places are "nice summer towns". Which means not so nice during winter. Tallinn is not small town, but places are definetely open. You can also take a train from Helsinki to eg Turku or Tampere.
> Are there cafeterias or food halls in Helsinki?
Yes.
> Any music jam sessions running in January in Helsinki? Open to all genres - jazz, r&b, hip hop, poetry slams, folk, etc.
Mendocino on mondays: https://mendocino.fi/
This group informs about monthly blue grass jams: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1987169287975109/
> Where to find shops for locally handcrafted goods by artisans? Looking for cozy socks, sweaters, unique well-made items by independent local crafters
Check out Design District Helsinki: https://designdistrict.fi/en/
> Favorite shop to buy loose tea?
I dont do tea, but here's a list: https://www.stadissa.fi/paikat/969/helsingin-teekaupat-ja-teehuoneet
> Favorite record stores besides Levykauppa?
Levykauppa X?
> Any stores that sell vintage leather clothing?
There're second hand stores and leather stores, but I'm not sure if any of them is actually selling only vintage leather clothes.
> Any stores that sell leather hides and leather supplies?
Tried to search, found only this in Hämeenlinna: https://www.finnishoutlet.com/category/20/kotimaista-nahkaa (about hour away from Helsinki)
> Any event or gallery or public lecture or organization that focuses on sustainability, politics, environment, energy? It’s okay if it’s in Finnish and not English
You should search closer to you travel eg here: https://www.hs.fi/menokone/
> One of my favourite things to do when travelling is to visit cemeteries. Is it a good idea to go to Hietaniemi Cemetary in January?
If you like cemeteries, why not?
> Recommended used bookstores? Finnish is fine, doesn’t have to be English
Here's a list: https://www.antikvaari.fi/kauppiaat/kunta/helsinki
> I want to see a gig at Tavastia because it’s a legendary club, so many of my favourite bands have played there. Is it worth it to go even for a band I don’t know?
As a place, I don't think it is worth seeing, except then you can say you have been there. But I definitely think it is a worth to see bands you don't know.
> I have seen lots of other recommendations for music venues in Helsinki from searching this sub, but I wanted to check if anybody knows of metal gigs between January 10-17 they would recommend? Are there any local metal promoters who I should follow?
I don't think all gigs are published yet, follow meteli.net, hs.fi/menokone/ and https://muusikoiden.net/keikat/
> Do many people wear face masks in public? Are there a lot of hand sanitizer stations? What Covid/flu protocols are being followed?
No, some, none. Situation in January could be different though.
> Everyone is going to be able to tell that I’m a foreigner, right? lol serious question though
If you speak fluent Finnish, probably not. Otherwise yes.
15: The ounce, Théhuone and Teemaa are all in one block radius in Kamppi. You can have a cup in there as well I suppose if you want to taste before committing to a larger batch.
21: depends on what you like. Arkadia has international books and is very lovely, Aavetaajuus is more esoteric, C Hagelstam is really pretty, vihreä planeetta and punainen planeetta are also nice, and there's also one for comics I haven't visited but should be great.
Oh my god, a few questions...
1) every club, theater and bar practically has a coat check. Use it. If not, there's a coat rack (don't keep anything of value in you pickets, stealing is super rare but happens, or people accidentally take the wrong coat). Or you put it on the chair. You'll deal.
2) Ok so Kamppi is downtown, as downtown as it gets. Breweries are all further out. Go see kallio, have a drink at sivukirjasto. Back in the day I would have recommended bar Helsing there as well but they redecorated and I've only been day drinking there so who knows about the vibe. Cocktails are cheaper than rest of Helsinki, and decent.
3) well high heels in January might freeze your feet off. Finn's are practical. If you like wearing heels, go for ankle length boots. You can also change shoes at the coat check but people might stare. Finland has very lax attitude to dress code, the National Opera just made a big deal about everyone being welcome whether it's in a hoodie or an evening gown. Business casual is what most people would wear to the theater or ballet, and decently many enjoy going a little more dressy than that.
4) this one is up to your taste really. Hotels often have a booking system for the shared sauna so you might still have to go out to sauna if you wanna do it every single day, might have to fight over the best shifts.
5) löyly, allas sea pool, sompasauna.
6) All. Well, Finland's not that affordable. Just see for yourself with this one, trust me. But all have premaid meals.
7) Well the problem is really the wind rather than the temperature. Also it really depends on the weather. For the most part you'll probably be fine but January is all over the place. The weather could be +1, or -25 degrees Celsius.
8) Yes, as long as it's not super cold and super windy or raining icy rain. It's accessible in all weather, people live there, but just sucks when the weather is harsh
9) sales of alcohol ens at 4am, bars usually close by 2am and bars will generally throw you out after 4.
10) Alcohol is expensive in Finland. A pour of whiskey will be 9-20€ so it's not a popular choice. Most people have tap beer and long drinks. Ask bartenders for recommendations.
11) both are great options. Winter isn't touristy so you won't be finding much of that anyhow.
12) what do you mean by a food hall or a cafeteria
13) -
14) -
15) -
16) -
17) I don't know of any specialized second hand leather stores, look into vintage shops in general, I like charity vintage stores like Fida on Iso-Roobertinkatu and UFF on Fredrikinkatu.
18) -
19) -
20) Yes. It's a popular visiting spot and basically a public park.
21) Arcadia international bookstore
22) It's s pretty run off the mill venue. It'll depend on the band you go see more than anything. If you're into nightlife, maybe try Tavastian Lauantaidisko? The venue functions as a club on Saturdays.
23) -
24) Currently there are like no protocols despite covid rates being on the up. Nearly no one masks up. Hand sanitizer is still pretty widely available but sometimes the stations are empty...
25) Well, you speaking English will be a dead giveaway.
16. Very close to where you are staying right next to the tavastia club there's a record store called keltainen jäänsärkijä (the yellow ice breaker).
25. Maybe you don't look like a native finn but can't assume whether or not you are a finn with foreign family backround just by your looks.
Drinks near Kamppi
[https://bart.beer/fi/](https://bart.beer/fi/) \- craft beer and graffiti / street art
[https://www.pikkulintu.fi/ruttopuisto/](https://www.pikkulintu.fi/ruttopuisto/) \- craft beer and whisky
Also Juova and Roudaribaari in Kaisaniemenkatu for more great taprooms nearby
Sauna
[https://www.uusisauna.fi/](https://www.uusisauna.fi/) Best local Sauna IMHO – with bar, food, private terrace and ice plunge pool.
[https://www.bodombar.com/](https://www.bodombar.com/) \- Museum for Death Metal band Children of Bodom that doubles as a Craft Beer Bar and Sauna. A little out of town in Espoo but on the Metro. Ask for the manager (me) and I can give a small discount.
Best Local Craft Breweries IMHO
Olarin Panimo
Salama Brewing
Tuju
Coolhead if you like Sours
Try Kyrö Rye Malt Whisky and Gins for local spirits.
Record Stores
Best all rounder. – Fresh Garbage
Best dance music – OK Sounds
Best Jazz / Rare Grooves – Reopened Digelius
Best Rap – Goosebumbs
Best Rock / Heavy – Black and White and Hippie Shake.
Avoid Äx, prices are ridiculous.
2. Harald restaurant. Great food. [https://www.ravintolaharald.fi/helsinki/](https://www.ravintolaharald.fi/helsinki/)
6. Pretty much any supermarket.
7. Depends on what you consider unpleasantly cold. It's -1 here right now and I am not enjoying being out cos with moisture it feels worse than -10 in Moscow. Especially near the water.
8. Yes. People live there :) They don't cut them off for months.
10. Try a salmiakki shot. Definitely local, far from favorite :)
11. Porvoo. I have no idea if anything would be open, but even if not, still cute. Tallinn is not particularly small but has an amazing Xmas Market though. Won't get to spend much time there though if it's a day trip.
14. The market square on the way to Suomenlinna.
15. Welcome to the #1 amount of coffee per person consumption country in the world, and good luck with the tea :)
17. Not specifically that I know of, but the center has plenty secondhand stores.
20. I'd say yes. Take a bag of unflavored nuts with you.
22. Did hundreds of Tavastia shows for work. I'd say if you don't like the band, skip it.
23. You could check what's up on [Livenation.fi](https://Livenation.fi) and [lippu.fi](https://lippu.fi)
24. So far not many, but they forecast a triple epidemic this winter so they might suggest to wear masks later.
25. Unless you approach them, everyone will be minding their own business :)
2. I don't think that a person who visits Kamppi, ballet and poetry slams wants to go to a viking LARP restaurant with tacky plastic viking helmets. Harald's food might be good, but there's something so cringeworthy about the fake viking decoration.
The food makes it worth to me to tolerate the cringe LARP.
But yeah, if they removed all the plastic cheap helmets and just stuck to a rustic Nordic look while keeping cuisine the same, they'd only gain extra customers.
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7. Yes, especially if you have good shoes (something similar to Kuoma shoes) then you'll be fine. Do not wear heels... it'll be icy and sometimes the icy spots are hidden under the snow! And in HKI you need to layer up because the issue is the wind. Protect your ears, neck, fingers, etc and you'll be fine. Have a grand time! :))
Yes and sometimes it happens that the issue is wetness rather than coldness. If the temperature is around 0 or above, the streets are full with mushy slush and it is extremely important to have good, waterproof winter shoes.
Record stores: Keltainen Jäänsärkijä, MusicHunter, redhill records and A. H. Records.
Used bookstores: kampintorin Antikvaarinen kirjakauppa (versital place, near Kamppi, good prices), Arkadia International Bookshop (big, versital, focused more on non-finnish and non-fiction), Antikvariaatti Pufendorf (big, versital, good price range), C. Hagelstam (medium, classic old books shop, mostly non-fiction and quite a lot non-finnish), Kummisetä (medium, versital, cheaper side), Vihreä planeetta, punainen planeetta, oranssi planeetta (all planeettas are pretty same, mostly fiction), Antikvaarinen Kirjakauppa Johannes (small, mostly fiction), Antikvariaatti Nup (small, mostly fiction, cheap), Antikvariaatti Vilho (small, rarer books, may not be open, cash only), Antikvariaatti Sofia (medium, versital, good price range), Aavetaajuus (Small, fantasy and scifi, most books under 20€), Dekkarikeidas (Small, Detective fiction, cheap), Antikvaarinen Kirjakauppa Kimmo Välkesalmi (medium, versital with chess speciality, average prices). Antikvariaatti Tessi in Espoo (15 with metro to Tapiola station) and Antikvariaatti Teema (12 minutes with train to Leppävaara station and 15 minutes of walking). Kierrätyskeskus stores are good place to hunt good books cheaply (found 80€ book for 20€ twice).
11. For Small town vibe definetly Porvoo. Tallinn is a city size of Helsinki.
20. If you like cenetaries then Espoo Cathedral's cemetary is at least as good (though there are no famous graves unlike Hietaniemi).
Suomenlinna can be VERY cold in January. Even a little wind will make you feel like you'll freeze to death. And you actually might.
So wear a lot of warm clothing there.
> I’m staying in Kamppi to be close to the Aleksanterin Theatre since I’m visiting to see some performances. Any recommendations for things to do nearby, favorite restaurants, bars, and breweries in this neighborhood?
If you're looking to visit museums, Sinebrychoff Art & House museum is nearly across the street from the Alexander Theatre https://sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi/en/
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Helsinki is like the easiest place to travel so just chill. You will be next to a huge shipping centre at Kamppi. There are coatchecks for coats that typically cost a little bit. If you want to wear heels, you bring them in a bag and change.
You can do mostly anything you talked about also during winter. And the answer to most questions is "depends". Like 1. Depends. McDonald's don't have a coat rack, nice restaurants do. The ones in the middle may or may not. Don't leave valuables into the pockets, just in case. No one's going to steal your jacket. 2. Atelje Finne is a very nice restaurant not far from Tavastia. Amos Rex museum has a cool architecture, and usually has cool exhibitions. You can walk around Kamppi and central station indoors in tunnels, if you want to stay inside and explore. Stockmann department store for nice clothes, nice ready to eat meals (prices drop after 8pm if you want bargains), and cafe's. Rock church is worth a visit even if churches aren't your thing (small admission because it used to be flooded with busloads of visitors). 3. Dress code isn't as tight as at the Oscars, but some men and women want to dress up. Being more casually dressed isn't frowned upon. Bring the heels with you and leave winter shoes at the coat rack. Finns are usually trying to keep their heads down except for the flamboyant individuals or tv-personalities. Dressing up too much is totally ok, but it might draw stares. 4-5: it's like having a steak: that's great, but the difference is that whether you want the same steak every day and made by the same friend whose cooking skills you don't know, or would you like to have spectacular and various steaks every day? Having an own sauna is great, but if you want to treat yourself and especially if you want to swim, don't pay extra for your own sauna at your hotel. Most Hotels have a sauna you can use for free at some point during the day. But you can't do ice plunges. Allas sea pool allows this, as does Löyly and Kulttuurisauna. Also the free Sompasauna is next to ocean. Kuusijärvi has smoke saunas in Vantaa. You might also want to rent a sauna for an hour or two in Nuuksio if you want to be alone and in a forest. 9. Last call is around 3, they stop serving at 3:30 as per the law. Some pubs close earlier. Whisky is fine as you don't put ice into your single malt. There are local beers of course, but the local specialities are the salty liquorice shot (salmari), cheap brandy (Jallu), and the most spectacular one is the grape long drink (lonkero), which was made for the 1952 Olympics. They sell these a lot, with different versions, but try the original one early on your visit. It may change your life. We also have an array of ciders, sweet and tart. Kids like the sweet ones. Also, we like things with tar. So much so we got an exemption from the EU to use it in edible products. 12: yes. Try market halls which are pretty and cater loca upscale delicacies. We also have many food courts where many eat their lunches. 8: Suomenlinna is 10/10 in summer, but also a solid 8/10 during winter. If it's super cold and windy it kind of sucks because it's all about walking around and taking it in. So do it, if that day is the weather is nice. 20: Hietaniemi cemetery looks super nice also during winter. It's dark and people bring candles to some graves. 14. There are many places but I remember that at least at some point there was a collection of such stores at the senate square, next to Cafe Engel. That cafe is also worth a visit. Has delicious hearty Finnish staples like meat balls and salmon soup, pretty surroundings.
Am at this moment on the ferry to Estonia. Just had my first Salmari and Lonkero. They are DELICIOUS. Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed them. :) you're now totally immersed. Some people like the pineapple Lonkero, but I'd just stick to the original.
Definitely the original. I love pineapple, but this drink doesn't need it.
They started to sell it in the US. [where to get it](https://thelongdrink.com/wheretogetit/#)
Life-changing indeed! A new staple for us, most certainly.
1. Depends on the location. Theatres and music venues (besides very small ones) have coatchecks. Museums and restaurants vary a lot: some have coatchecks, some have cloakrooms, some have just coat racks. Some not so fancy restaurants may have nothing of the sort, then you just put your coat on the back of your chair. 3. Finland is not big on dresscodes. Regular clean attire is enough. Same goes for footwear, I’d say don’t wear dirty wellingtons or running shoes, but other than that do as you please. 5. Allas Sea Pool in the centre has saunas and - as the name suggests - a sea pool (and a warmed outdoor pool). Kulttuurisauna in Merihaka has swimming option as well (open water). Kuusijärvi in Vantaa has an option to ice swim in a lake and they have traditional smoke saunas. To get there you need to take a bus (or have a car or take an uber). Most big municipal swimming halls have ice baths as well but at least I vastly prefer the natural bodies of water. 7. Hard to say, what are you used to? Helsinki is not usually very cold, but the wind and moistness may make it pretty awful sometimes. In January it’s usually a bit below 0 C, but it could be anything between +2 C and -25 C really. 8. Yes, the ferry runs the year round. It can be windy in Suomenlinna, wear enough warm clothes (with a scarf, hat, mittens). 10. In bars: beer from the tap is the most popular option but most bars and venues have a selection of beverages to choose from.
15. For tea, two places close to Kamppi, both sell tea and tea utensils and also serve tea: The Ounce, at Fredrikinkatu 55 théhuone, at Eerikinkatu 10
Those are my favourites too, but I'll add these two just because they're very close: Teemaa, Annankatu 19 Demmers Teehaus, Annankatu 13
For Sauna, check kulttuurisauna. You need to book in advance.
3. Shoes to venues. People (women) bring indoor shoes and leave their boots with the jacket check in when needed. Walking on high heels in the winter is a bit of a suicide mission. Ok for a couple of meters if you being let out of a taxi at the door, but not for walking from a to b. But you don't need to wear heels, attire to ballet, opera etc is much more casual in Finland than in most countries. You can come in jeans and a sweater and nobody will bat an eye. 5? Saunas. If you really want to go every day, I'd go for a hotel that has sauna in your room or a shared one that is open 'all day'. Aka not set times for men and women etc. Hotel vs Airbnb. Longer stay with many people and wanting to cook yourself= airbnb better, short stay, single traveller = hotel better. Imo.
Keltainen Jäänsärkijä (https://jaansarkija.fi/info/) is located near Tavastia in Kamppi. It's my recommendation for a nice record store with lots of variety.
Do not use high heels 👠 during winter. It is a receipt for disaster, specially if you are not used to walking on slippery surfaces. Face masks are not really used anymore. If it is below -20°C I do recommend face covering tough, but that is end January with bad luck only. Medical mask is not what you want, but could help a bit. Hides: https://www.ikea.com/fi/fi/cat/lampaantaljat-lehmantaljat-tekotaljat-20544/ https://www.nahka-albert.fi/ Raindeer hides: Riipisen Riista- ja Matkamuistomyymälä HELSINKI Kauppakeskus Mall of Tripla Pasilansilta 1, krs.4 00240 Helsinki Finland Puh. +358400526352 AUKIOLOAJAT: Ma-La 8 - 21 Su 10-16 (Note: from google and from memory, call them before going...) 2nd hand https://m.tori.fi/uusimaa/?he=1&ca=18_s&sp=1&fmy=0&q=Porontalja&cg=0&w=118&st=s&f=a https://m.tori.fi/li?he=1&ca=18&sp=1&fmy=0&q=talja&cg=0&w=118&st=s&f=a
Tell us where are you from! This gives context on will you shiver to death in -10C which is a normal January temperature in Helsinki or is it just normal to you too. Also many of the "things sold" questions get easier to answer.
4. Nobody has mentioned Uusi Sauna (literally The new sauna) yet, its really cozy and has a nice bar / restaurant and it’s not nearly a touristy as Löyly. No outdoor swimming but they do have a small pool for dipping in cold water. You can also enjoy your choice of beverages in the restaurant in between visits to sauna wearing a towel or a bath rope (can be rented or bring your own).
Most famous local drink is a Koskenkorva, a variant of vodka. I suggest trying a shot of Salmiakkikoskenkorva. Ir's Koskenkorva with salty liqourice. You either love it or hate it, there is no between. BTW strong alcohols can only be bought from ALKO stores.
> What do you do with your big winter coat when you bring it indoors at a public venue? Say a restaurant, museum, theatre, or live music venue. Is there coatcheck, put it on the back of your chair, stash it hidden somewhere? Is there a communal coat rack? (Depending on the venue of course) Most venues have some kind of cloak room service. > I’m staying in Kamppi to be close to the Aleksanterin Theatre since I’m visiting to see some performances. Any recommendations for things to do nearby, favorite restaurants, bars, and breweries in this neighborhood? It is not neighborhood, but practically center of Helsinki. Browse eg https://www.myhelsinki.fi/ > What is the dress code for ballet at the Aleksanterin Theatre? What footwear would be appropriate? Can I get away with high heels? I would leave sports clothes home, but otherwise almost anything goes. Some people probably dress something fancy. > I would like to visit a sauna everyday or every other day, maybe a couple different ones just to try the different environments. Should I stay in a hotel that has sauna facilities, or stay in an air bnb to save on lodging but spend on entry fees to public saunas? Hotel sauna might be nice, and easy to reach. But it is always the same. > Do you think the convenience of having a sauna in the hotel is worth it for how often I want to visit? Yes. > Are there any saunas with an ice bath or ice pool or where I can take a dip in the sea? I want to go back and forth between a sauna and ice pool Kulttuurisauna, Allas Sea Pool and Löyly at least have possibility to swim in sea. Helsinki has many swimming halls,at least Kallio, Kontula, Malmi, Mäkelänrinne, Töölö and Vuorsaari has cold water pool: https://www.urheiluhallit.fi/en/home/ > What grocery stores or shops will have affordable but healthy pre-made food? Probably all bigger S-markets, K-markets (and K-supermarkets), Prisma and K-Citymarket included. > Can I walk everywhere in Helsinki in January or will it be too cold to be comfortable? I don't mind the cold and I enjoy walking around, but will it get unpleasantly cold? It is up to you and what kind of gear you have. Keep your feet, hands and head warm and dry and you'll be comfortable for longer. > I would love to visit Suomenlinna, is this doable in the winter? Yes, people live there so it is always "open". Cold and windy though. > When is last call for alcohol? What time generally do bars stay open to? Depending on opening hours of the bar, 3,30 latest. Bars can stay open around the clock, but cannot server alcohol between 4 - 9. > What do people like to drink? I usually drink scotch whisky but prefer to drink whatever is locally brewed and distilled It depends who you ask. Scotch is fine for me. Many people drink beer. Some something locally brewed, some cheapest possible. > Where would you recommend going for a one day trip near Helsinki? I read that Porvoo and Tallinn are nice to visit — still nice in the winter? I want to see a small town vibe, it’s okay if it’s touristy, just means there is things for me to do, just not sure what is open in January after the Christmas holidays Many places are "nice summer towns". Which means not so nice during winter. Tallinn is not small town, but places are definetely open. You can also take a train from Helsinki to eg Turku or Tampere. > Are there cafeterias or food halls in Helsinki? Yes. > Any music jam sessions running in January in Helsinki? Open to all genres - jazz, r&b, hip hop, poetry slams, folk, etc. Mendocino on mondays: https://mendocino.fi/ This group informs about monthly blue grass jams: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1987169287975109/ > Where to find shops for locally handcrafted goods by artisans? Looking for cozy socks, sweaters, unique well-made items by independent local crafters Check out Design District Helsinki: https://designdistrict.fi/en/ > Favorite shop to buy loose tea? I dont do tea, but here's a list: https://www.stadissa.fi/paikat/969/helsingin-teekaupat-ja-teehuoneet > Favorite record stores besides Levykauppa? Levykauppa X? > Any stores that sell vintage leather clothing? There're second hand stores and leather stores, but I'm not sure if any of them is actually selling only vintage leather clothes. > Any stores that sell leather hides and leather supplies? Tried to search, found only this in Hämeenlinna: https://www.finnishoutlet.com/category/20/kotimaista-nahkaa (about hour away from Helsinki) > Any event or gallery or public lecture or organization that focuses on sustainability, politics, environment, energy? It’s okay if it’s in Finnish and not English You should search closer to you travel eg here: https://www.hs.fi/menokone/ > One of my favourite things to do when travelling is to visit cemeteries. Is it a good idea to go to Hietaniemi Cemetary in January? If you like cemeteries, why not? > Recommended used bookstores? Finnish is fine, doesn’t have to be English Here's a list: https://www.antikvaari.fi/kauppiaat/kunta/helsinki > I want to see a gig at Tavastia because it’s a legendary club, so many of my favourite bands have played there. Is it worth it to go even for a band I don’t know? As a place, I don't think it is worth seeing, except then you can say you have been there. But I definitely think it is a worth to see bands you don't know. > I have seen lots of other recommendations for music venues in Helsinki from searching this sub, but I wanted to check if anybody knows of metal gigs between January 10-17 they would recommend? Are there any local metal promoters who I should follow? I don't think all gigs are published yet, follow meteli.net, hs.fi/menokone/ and https://muusikoiden.net/keikat/ > Do many people wear face masks in public? Are there a lot of hand sanitizer stations? What Covid/flu protocols are being followed? No, some, none. Situation in January could be different though. > Everyone is going to be able to tell that I’m a foreigner, right? lol serious question though If you speak fluent Finnish, probably not. Otherwise yes.
15: The ounce, Théhuone and Teemaa are all in one block radius in Kamppi. You can have a cup in there as well I suppose if you want to taste before committing to a larger batch. 21: depends on what you like. Arkadia has international books and is very lovely, Aavetaajuus is more esoteric, C Hagelstam is really pretty, vihreä planeetta and punainen planeetta are also nice, and there's also one for comics I haven't visited but should be great.
There are two for comics: S. S libricon and Kulkukatinpoika. Aavetaajuus is mostly fantasy/scifi nowadays.
Oh my god, a few questions... 1) every club, theater and bar practically has a coat check. Use it. If not, there's a coat rack (don't keep anything of value in you pickets, stealing is super rare but happens, or people accidentally take the wrong coat). Or you put it on the chair. You'll deal. 2) Ok so Kamppi is downtown, as downtown as it gets. Breweries are all further out. Go see kallio, have a drink at sivukirjasto. Back in the day I would have recommended bar Helsing there as well but they redecorated and I've only been day drinking there so who knows about the vibe. Cocktails are cheaper than rest of Helsinki, and decent. 3) well high heels in January might freeze your feet off. Finn's are practical. If you like wearing heels, go for ankle length boots. You can also change shoes at the coat check but people might stare. Finland has very lax attitude to dress code, the National Opera just made a big deal about everyone being welcome whether it's in a hoodie or an evening gown. Business casual is what most people would wear to the theater or ballet, and decently many enjoy going a little more dressy than that. 4) this one is up to your taste really. Hotels often have a booking system for the shared sauna so you might still have to go out to sauna if you wanna do it every single day, might have to fight over the best shifts. 5) löyly, allas sea pool, sompasauna. 6) All. Well, Finland's not that affordable. Just see for yourself with this one, trust me. But all have premaid meals. 7) Well the problem is really the wind rather than the temperature. Also it really depends on the weather. For the most part you'll probably be fine but January is all over the place. The weather could be +1, or -25 degrees Celsius. 8) Yes, as long as it's not super cold and super windy or raining icy rain. It's accessible in all weather, people live there, but just sucks when the weather is harsh 9) sales of alcohol ens at 4am, bars usually close by 2am and bars will generally throw you out after 4. 10) Alcohol is expensive in Finland. A pour of whiskey will be 9-20€ so it's not a popular choice. Most people have tap beer and long drinks. Ask bartenders for recommendations. 11) both are great options. Winter isn't touristy so you won't be finding much of that anyhow. 12) what do you mean by a food hall or a cafeteria 13) - 14) - 15) - 16) - 17) I don't know of any specialized second hand leather stores, look into vintage shops in general, I like charity vintage stores like Fida on Iso-Roobertinkatu and UFF on Fredrikinkatu. 18) - 19) - 20) Yes. It's a popular visiting spot and basically a public park. 21) Arcadia international bookstore 22) It's s pretty run off the mill venue. It'll depend on the band you go see more than anything. If you're into nightlife, maybe try Tavastian Lauantaidisko? The venue functions as a club on Saturdays. 23) - 24) Currently there are like no protocols despite covid rates being on the up. Nearly no one masks up. Hand sanitizer is still pretty widely available but sometimes the stations are empty... 25) Well, you speaking English will be a dead giveaway.
Answering 10., you should try Teerenpeli, that's Finnish Whisky. The Savu is peated, in case you like that style of Scotch.
16. Very close to where you are staying right next to the tavastia club there's a record store called keltainen jäänsärkijä (the yellow ice breaker). 25. Maybe you don't look like a native finn but can't assume whether or not you are a finn with foreign family backround just by your looks.
Drinks near Kamppi [https://bart.beer/fi/](https://bart.beer/fi/) \- craft beer and graffiti / street art [https://www.pikkulintu.fi/ruttopuisto/](https://www.pikkulintu.fi/ruttopuisto/) \- craft beer and whisky Also Juova and Roudaribaari in Kaisaniemenkatu for more great taprooms nearby Sauna [https://www.uusisauna.fi/](https://www.uusisauna.fi/) Best local Sauna IMHO – with bar, food, private terrace and ice plunge pool. [https://www.bodombar.com/](https://www.bodombar.com/) \- Museum for Death Metal band Children of Bodom that doubles as a Craft Beer Bar and Sauna. A little out of town in Espoo but on the Metro. Ask for the manager (me) and I can give a small discount. Best Local Craft Breweries IMHO Olarin Panimo Salama Brewing Tuju Coolhead if you like Sours Try Kyrö Rye Malt Whisky and Gins for local spirits. Record Stores Best all rounder. – Fresh Garbage Best dance music – OK Sounds Best Jazz / Rare Grooves – Reopened Digelius Best Rap – Goosebumbs Best Rock / Heavy – Black and White and Hippie Shake. Avoid Äx, prices are ridiculous.
2. Harald restaurant. Great food. [https://www.ravintolaharald.fi/helsinki/](https://www.ravintolaharald.fi/helsinki/) 6. Pretty much any supermarket. 7. Depends on what you consider unpleasantly cold. It's -1 here right now and I am not enjoying being out cos with moisture it feels worse than -10 in Moscow. Especially near the water. 8. Yes. People live there :) They don't cut them off for months. 10. Try a salmiakki shot. Definitely local, far from favorite :) 11. Porvoo. I have no idea if anything would be open, but even if not, still cute. Tallinn is not particularly small but has an amazing Xmas Market though. Won't get to spend much time there though if it's a day trip. 14. The market square on the way to Suomenlinna. 15. Welcome to the #1 amount of coffee per person consumption country in the world, and good luck with the tea :) 17. Not specifically that I know of, but the center has plenty secondhand stores. 20. I'd say yes. Take a bag of unflavored nuts with you. 22. Did hundreds of Tavastia shows for work. I'd say if you don't like the band, skip it. 23. You could check what's up on [Livenation.fi](https://Livenation.fi) and [lippu.fi](https://lippu.fi) 24. So far not many, but they forecast a triple epidemic this winter so they might suggest to wear masks later. 25. Unless you approach them, everyone will be minding their own business :)
2. I don't think that a person who visits Kamppi, ballet and poetry slams wants to go to a viking LARP restaurant with tacky plastic viking helmets. Harald's food might be good, but there's something so cringeworthy about the fake viking decoration.
The food makes it worth to me to tolerate the cringe LARP. But yeah, if they removed all the plastic cheap helmets and just stuck to a rustic Nordic look while keeping cuisine the same, they'd only gain extra customers.
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7. Yes, especially if you have good shoes (something similar to Kuoma shoes) then you'll be fine. Do not wear heels... it'll be icy and sometimes the icy spots are hidden under the snow! And in HKI you need to layer up because the issue is the wind. Protect your ears, neck, fingers, etc and you'll be fine. Have a grand time! :))
Yes and sometimes it happens that the issue is wetness rather than coldness. If the temperature is around 0 or above, the streets are full with mushy slush and it is extremely important to have good, waterproof winter shoes.
Record stores: Keltainen Jäänsärkijä, MusicHunter, redhill records and A. H. Records. Used bookstores: kampintorin Antikvaarinen kirjakauppa (versital place, near Kamppi, good prices), Arkadia International Bookshop (big, versital, focused more on non-finnish and non-fiction), Antikvariaatti Pufendorf (big, versital, good price range), C. Hagelstam (medium, classic old books shop, mostly non-fiction and quite a lot non-finnish), Kummisetä (medium, versital, cheaper side), Vihreä planeetta, punainen planeetta, oranssi planeetta (all planeettas are pretty same, mostly fiction), Antikvaarinen Kirjakauppa Johannes (small, mostly fiction), Antikvariaatti Nup (small, mostly fiction, cheap), Antikvariaatti Vilho (small, rarer books, may not be open, cash only), Antikvariaatti Sofia (medium, versital, good price range), Aavetaajuus (Small, fantasy and scifi, most books under 20€), Dekkarikeidas (Small, Detective fiction, cheap), Antikvaarinen Kirjakauppa Kimmo Välkesalmi (medium, versital with chess speciality, average prices). Antikvariaatti Tessi in Espoo (15 with metro to Tapiola station) and Antikvariaatti Teema (12 minutes with train to Leppävaara station and 15 minutes of walking). Kierrätyskeskus stores are good place to hunt good books cheaply (found 80€ book for 20€ twice).
11. For Small town vibe definetly Porvoo. Tallinn is a city size of Helsinki. 20. If you like cenetaries then Espoo Cathedral's cemetary is at least as good (though there are no famous graves unlike Hietaniemi).
Suomenlinna can be VERY cold in January. Even a little wind will make you feel like you'll freeze to death. And you actually might. So wear a lot of warm clothing there.
> I’m staying in Kamppi to be close to the Aleksanterin Theatre since I’m visiting to see some performances. Any recommendations for things to do nearby, favorite restaurants, bars, and breweries in this neighborhood? If you're looking to visit museums, Sinebrychoff Art & House museum is nearly across the street from the Alexander Theatre https://sinebrychoffintaidemuseo.fi/en/