Helsinki's eastern suburbs

Helsinki's Eastern Suburbs are the easternmost part of Helsinki.

Get in

The most convenient mode of public transportation from the city center is the metro – actually most of Helsinki's metro stations are located here. Alternatively you can take the bus. From the airport, bus 561 brings you to Itäkeskus, the main public transportation hub of Eastern Helsinki. If you are driving, highway 170 from Porvoo via Sipoo goes right through the area, and the eastern ends of the ring roads are located here. The ferries from Germany nowadays dock at Vuosaari harbor, which is located in eastern Helsinki.

See

• 1 Korkeasaari (on an eponymous large island northeast of the city center). Every day except Christmas Eve: 10:00-20:00, may operate shorter hours on holidays. Helsinki's zoo, with approximately 150 different animal species. The zoos signature animals are the bears, the free-roaming peafowls and the cats (from tigers and lions to European wildcats). Another highlight is Amazonia, a partly underground house featuring tropical plants and smaller animals such as fish and frogs. Opened in 1889, Korkeasaari is reportedly one of the world's oldest operating zoos. Korkeasaari is connected to the mainland by bridges via Kulosaari and Mustikkamaa islands, and since spring 2016 pedestrians and bikers can take a shortcut from Kalasatama; the Isoisänsilta (lit. Grandfather bridge). From downtown, bus 16 takes you to the gates of the zoo, and if you're driving, you can park for free on Mustikkamaa. During summer you can also opt for a 15-min ferry ride (ferry ticket: €6.95 return, under 18 yr old travel for free) from Hakaniemi and Market Square. €14 adults, €10 children and students. 
• 2 Kultturikeskus STOA, Turunlinnantie 1 (behind Itis shopping mall). One of Helsinki's modern cultural centers hosting various galleries. 
• 3 Roihuvuori Cherry Park and Japanese garden (Kirsikkapuisto, Roihuvuoren japanilaistyylinen puutarha), Sahaajankatu. Two adjacent Japanese-style parks in Roihuvuori. The best time to visit is in the spring during the cherry blossom when a traditional Japanese hanami is celebrated. 
• 4 Vartiokylä fortress hill (Vartiokylän linnavuori), Linnavuorentie (in Vartiokylä district). Ruins of a medieval fortification. 
• 5 Tammisalo Canal (Tammisalon kanava). The canal was dug in 1762 by the owner of the Herttoniemi manor to provide a shortcut for fishermen from Porvoo to the Helsinki Market Square. Before that it was a natural strait, through which Russian warships attacked Helsinki during the Greater Wrath. It was filled in 1794, but was re-opened as a local sight in 2001. 
• 6 Cirrus (next to the Columbus shopping center in the Vuosaari district). At 86 m, Cirrus was the tallest building in Finland when opened; with Majakka finished, it's not even the tallest in Helsinki, but still a notable landmark in Vuosaari. There were plans to make the an observation platform of the highest floor, which weren't realized. 
• 7 Östersundom Church (Östersundom kirkko), Kappelintie 65. A wooden church from 1754. 

Do

A Metro train

• 1 Aurinkolahti Beach (Aurinkolahden uimaranta), Solvikinkatu, Vuosaari (700 m walk or bus 90 (Aurinkolahti) from the Metro station Vuosaari, in the neighbourhood of Vuosaari). Spacier and calmer than Hietsu in Western Helsinki, the Aurinkolahti Beach is frequented by everyone from youth to families. 
• 2 Porvariskuningas Beach (Porvariskuninkaan uimaranta), Kuninkaansormuksen polku (in Jollas; near the Hotel Jollas89). 
• 3 Hoplop activity hall for kids, Savikiekontie 4. 8-meter-tall adventure maze, slides, cafe. 
• 4 Natura Viva - Vuosaari Paddling Center, Ramsinniementie 14, ☏ +358 503768585. Kayak rental open from the beginning of June until the end of August every day. In May and September on demand. Guided tours, trips and courses are also possible. Rentals start at €14 per 2 hours. 
• 5 Uutela Nature Trail (Uutelan luontopolku), Uutelantie 30 (M:Vuosaari). A nature trail, about 4 km long in eastern Helsinki. 
• 6 Vuosaarenhuippu Hill Hiking Trails (Vuosaarenhuippu), Niinisaarentie (Vuosaarenhuippu). 24/7. Plenty of routes for hikers of all levels, from easy-to-walk service roads to rocky little paths. free. 
• 7 Kontufestari, Kelkkapuisto (Kontula district). Yearly music festival in Kontula with performances by Finnish 1980s rock artists and hip hop crews from Eastern Helsinki among others. free. 
• 8 Metro (M:Mellunmäki). A little known fact is that Helsinki Metro is the world's northernmost metro system. Why not ride all the way to Mellunmäki, which is the world's northernmost metro station? 
• 9 Mustavuori forest and Östersundom bird waters (Mustavuoren lehto ja Östersundomin lintuvedet). The area is protected under the European Union's Natura 2000 ecological network program. There are many different forest types and bird species here. 
• 10 Ramsinniemi protected area (Ramsinniemen luonnonsuojelualue) (about halfway between Itäkeskus and Vuosaari). A small nature reserve. 
• 11 Sipoonkorpi National Park (subway to Itäkeskus and then bus 831 to Landbo). (updated Nov 2022)
• 12 Skata Pks4H Petting Zoo, Uutelantie 30 (Buses 819 and 90), ☏ +358 45 783 17764, elainvastaava@4h.fi. In Skata you will find several different domestic animals such as sheep. Children can hug animals. (updated Apr 2021)

Buy

Part of Itis shopping mall

Shopping centre in Kontula

• 1 Itis (formerly Itäkeskus (Eastern Center)) (Metro: Itäkeskus, about 16 minutes from the center.). The largest shopping mall in the Nordic countries with some 240 shops. If that's not enough, there is a separate Prisma hypermarket right across Kehä I, a Citymarket across Itäväylä and the "grandfather" Puhos (opened in 1965) behind Itis itself, all with small stores. Comes with an unexpected African and Middle Eastern vibe due to the high number of immigrants residing in the nearby neighbourhoods, who spend free time there with friends and family. 
• 2 Hertsi (formerly Megahertsi), Linnanrakentajantie 2 (Metro: Herttoniemi.), ☏ +358 40 6313071. Herttoniemi district's shopping centre. 
• 3 Saari (Kauppakeskus Saari), Yliskylän puistokatu 4 (in Laajasalo). A shopping centre including about 20 stores. 
• 4 Columbus, Vuotie 45 (M:Vuosaari). If you're in the easternmost part and need to buy something, check out Vuosaari's Columbus, with some 50 stores. 
• 5 Marimekko Factory Outlet, Kirvesmiehenkatu 7. Fans of likely the best known Finnish fashion and interior design brand will find this a reason to venture out into the East of Helsinki. 
• 6 Karhusaaren kauppa Winberg & Winberg (Kauppalaiva Christina Butiksbåten), Karhusaarentie 34 (in Karhusaari), ☏ +358 9 877 1095 (Karhusaaren kauppa), +358 50 552 7250 (Kauppalaiva Christina), siw.ahonen@gumbostrand.fi. A shop offering daily goods, with a cafe in connection with it, which welcomes islanders and vacationers arriving by land and by boat. In the summer, the merchant ship Christina offers all groceries, food, drinks, gases, soils and, if necessary, also custom products, such as small quantities of building materials. 
• 7 Kontula shopping centre (Kontulan ostoskeskus), Ostostie 4 (in Kontula). A local shopping center with stores and restaurants near the metro station. 

Bakeries

• 8 Eho Perheleipurit factory store, Lämmittäjänkuja 2 (northeastern part of Herttoniemi). M-Fr 09:30-17:00, Sa 09:00-14:00. A major bakery selling bread, buns and cakes fresh from the oven at discount prices. The store is however a bit hidden between the industrial buildings and car dealerships. 

Grocery stores

• 9 Alanya Market, Kastelholmantie 2 (in Itäkeskus; near the Itis shopping centre), ☏ +358 9 753 1022, helsinki@alanyamarket.fi. M–Sa 9:00–21:00, Su 11:00–21:00. A grocery store specializing in Middle Eastern products. 
• 10 Alepa Jollas, Jollaksentie 33 (in Jollas). 24/7. 
• 11 Eestin Herkut, Leikosaarentie 26, ☏ +358 50 5681514, info@eestinherkut.eu. M-F 11:00-20:00, Sa 11:00-19:00, Su 12:00-18:00. A little bit of Estonia in Helsinki. A rather small grocery store selling Estonian food and drink products not available at Finnish supermarkets, as well as Estonian-language magazines. There is even Estonian music playing in the background. Note that the store does not sell any alcohol. (updated Feb 2024)

Record stores

• 12 Streetbeat, Kirvesmiehenkatu 4 (Metro: Herttoniemi). One of Finland's dance/electronic music pioneers, but they've closed their city center store and moved into the suburbs. 

Eat

Herttoniemi Manor, nowadays both a sight and perhaps the suburbs' finest restaurant

Budget

There are plenty of fast food joints in the area, both McDonald's and its Finnish competitor have a few places here. You usually don't have to travel far to find some place making pizza or kebabs which can be enjoyed with a soft drink or a beer for under €10.

• 1 Ravintola New Light, Kaivonkatsojantie 1. Daily 10:00-22:00. 
• 2 Itis Kebab, Turunlinnantie 12. 
• 3 King Kebab Herttoniemi, Sahaajankatu 43, Herttoniemi, ☏ +358 44 984 4073. A fast food restaurant. 
• 4 Kontulan Pizza & Kebab, Kontula mall. 
• 5 Myllyn murkina, Jauhokuja 1-3 (at Liikuntamylly Myllypuro), ☏ +358 44 986 2969. M-F 11:00-15:00. Lunch €5. (updated Jan 2023)
• 6 Pit Stop Pizzeria, Rödje-Fantsin tie 2 (in Östersundom), ☏ +358 9 790009. M–Th 10:00–21:00, F 10:00–22:00, Weekend 11:00–22:00. 
• 7 Royal Namaskaar, Sahaajankatu 31, ☏ +358 50 522 5800. An Indian restaurant. 
• 8 Southland, Meri-Rastilantie 3 C (M Rastila). Quite standard Westernized Chinese fare, but unbeatable value for money in Helsinki, as most dishes only set you back €7-8, even during dinner time. (updated Jun 2018)
• 9 Waste&Feast Snellu Cafe, Turunlinnantie 3 (Matteuksenkirkko). 11:00-13:00. Prepares meals from store surplus dishes. Main €2, dessert €1. (updated Jun 2021)

Mid-range

Like most cities, suburbs aren't the place to find an abundance of restaurants. Your choice in the mid-range section are pretty much the restaurants of the shopping malls, some pubs that happen to serve food plus the ordinary Chinese, Thai and Middle Eastern restaurants which might be very good value for your money.

Ravintola Fregatti serves buffet lunch on weekdays and Saturdays.

• 10 Bar Taikurin Hattu, Tanhuantie 3 (in Kontula), ☏ +358 40 195 6686. M-Th 13:00-00:00, F 13:00-02:00, Sa 11:00-02:00, Su 11:00-00:00. 
• 11 Fornitaly, Jollaksentie 54 B (in Jollas), ☏ +358 40 469 2258. F 16:00–20:00, Weekend 13:00–19:00. A pizzeria. 
• 12 The Bro's Burger, Kirvesmiehenkatu 2 (in Herttoniemi), ☏ +358 50 552 5887, liem.nguyen@thebrosburger.fi. M–Th 10:00–22:00, F–Sa 10:00–23:00, Su 11:00–20:00. 
• 13 Ravintola Fregatti, Valkopaadentie 1. M-Th 10:00-23:00, F Sa 10:00-00:00, Su 11:00-22:00. 
• 14 Rastilan Kartano, Karavaanikatu 4. 
• 15 Ravintola Gurkha, Hiihtäjäntie 7. Nepalese restaurant. 
• 16 Il Treno, Pallaksentie 4. 
• 17 Martisor Ravintola, Retkeilijänkatu 11 (in Rastila; near the camping area), ravintola.martisor@gmail.com. A Somalian restaurant. 
• 18 Ristorante Momento, Itäkatu 1. 
• 19 Suola & Pippuri, Itäkatu 1-7 (M Itäkeskus). Offering unpretentious Finnish fare, probably one of the best options inside shopping centre Itis if you're hungry. (updated Jun 2018)
• 20 Thai Orchid Itis, Itäkatu 1-7 (M Itäkeskus). Offers an excellent and authentic Thai buffet (including decent sushi) during lunchtime inside shopping centre Itis. (updated Jun 2018)

Splurge

• 21 Wanha Mylly, Linnanrakentajantie 12 but Johan Sederholmintie 8 (behind the building) if you need to park your car (in Herttoniemi district). M 11:00-21:00, Tu-F 11:00-22:00, Sa 12:00-22:00, Su 12:00-21:00. Casual fine dining in the former Herttoniemi manor. Specializes in steaks, with the large Lankkupihvi steak served on a wooden platter as the house special. Extensive wine list which you wouldn't expect to find in this part of Helsinki. In the summer you can enjoy your meal in the outdoor garden if you like. mains €20-40, 3-course menu €50-70. 
• 22 Kulosaaren Casino, Hopeasalmenpolku 1. M-F 17:00-00:00. Hosted in the old casino on Kulosaari, this restaurant is your second alternative if you want to have a finer meal. Popular among diplomats, as many embassies are located on Kulosaari island. 

Drink

Most suburbs have a shady local pub or two where you can get a cheap pint and some drinks. If you want something more hip, head west.

Northern lights over Vuosaari

Bars and pubs

• 1 Black Bird, Turunlinnantie 8. 
• 2 Blue Corner, Svinhufvudintie 1. 
• 3 Hertta 5, Laivalahdenportti 2. 
• 4 Pikkulintu, Klaavuntie 11 (M Puotila). An unassuming pub in an assuming location, but offers an excellent selection of beer and whiskey (to see what's on tap, check the website). Offers occasionally beer and whiskey tastings as well. (updated Jun 2018)
• 5 Päättäri Pub, Kontulankaari 24, ☏ +358 50 357 7734, buri.kucu.fi@hotmail.com. Su–Th 10:00–23:00, F–Sa 10:00–02:00. 
• 6 Revontuli, Kajaaninlinnantie 4. 
• 7 Solmu, Aurinkoranta 8, ☏ +358 44 7669669. Spacious and stylish pub with a good selection of beers and ciders. Often hosts entertainment nights with pub quizzes, live music or stand-up comedy. (updated Dec 2015)
• 8 Wanha Rouva, Ostostie 4. 
• 9 Svenkka, Puotilantie 7 (M Puotila). Located on the grounds of Puotila Manor, has a nice terrace to enjoy a pint on a warm summer's day. (updated Jun 2018)

Nightclubs

• 10 E93, Visbynkuja 2. (updated Jun 2018)

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Rastila Camping, Vuosaari (M Rastila). The only camping site inside Helsinki borders. Seventeen minute metro ride from the Central Railway Station. 

Mid-range

• 2 Conference Hotel Sofia (Kokoushotelli Sofia), Kallvikintie 28 (on Kallvik peninsula, south of Vuosaari), ☏ +358 10 277 900, reception@kulttuurikeskussofia.fi. A conference hotel in Vuosaari. It also hosts a gallery of Orthodox Christian art and offers yoga lessons. rates from €64. 
• 3 Hostel Iiris (Kokoushotelli Sofia), Marjaniementie 74 (at Iiris Centre in Itäkeskus), ☏ +358 9 3960 4431, ris.hostel@nkl.fi. 
• 4 Hotel Jollas89, Jollaksentie 89 (on Laajasalo island, south of Herttoniemi), ☏ +358 449 864 121, reception@jollas89.fi. Hotel which is located on green and calm surroundings with easy public transport access to city centre. rates from €69. 

Splurge

• 5 Conference Hotel Rantapuisto (Kokoushotelli Rantapuisto), Ramsinniementie 14 (M Rastila), ☏ +358 9 31911, fax: +358 9 319 1400, rantapuisto@rantapuisto.fi. Conference hotel not far from Rastila Camping of the chain Finlandia Hotels. weekday rates from €119, weekend rates from €73. 

Connect

Free Wi-Fi is available in the Itis shopping center, some fast food joints, public libraries and the metro.

Go next

• Helsinki's inner east
• Helsinki's northern suburbs
• Sipoo

Routes through Eastern suburbs

END ← Helsinki's Inner East ←

W  E

→ Sipoo → Porvoo