Central market square
Market Square (Kauppatori)
Why locals love it
Helsinki’s famous Havis Amanda fountain, or “Manta”, stands here. Sculpted in Paris in 1906 by famous Finnish artist Ville Vallgren, she was moved to her present location two years later. Every year on May Day students from local universities give her a student hat, amidst great pomp and ceremony and a crowd of thousands.
View Gallery
View Gallery
View Gallery
View Gallery
Why you should visit it
A must for visitors to the city, come and watch the boats and the seagulls, and chat to the (mostly) cheerful stall-holders. If you’re after some quaint Finnish souvenirs you might as well get them here, as well as some great salmon soup or other traditional fish dishes.
Special tip
The ferry to Suomenlinna also leaves from here. Make sure you catch the public ferry - it’s cheaper than the private tour boats.