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Eastern urban area of Helsinki, Finland
Photo: Gregorius, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Helsinki's Eastern Suburbs are the easternmost part of Helsinki.
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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.
One of Helsinki's modern cultural centers hosting various galleries.
Kirsikkapuisto, Roihuvuoren japanilaistyylinen puutarha
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.
Vartiokylän linnavuori
Ruins of a medieval fortification.
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.
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.
Östersundom kirkko
A wooden church from 1754.
Helsingin sydänkivi
This stone lies at the geographical centre of Helsinki. After using public transport, you will have to continue your journey on foot, as it is in the middle of a forest.
Aurinkolahden uimaranta
Spacier and calmer than Hietsu in Western Helsinki, the Aurinkolahti Beach is frequented by everyone from youth to families.
Porvariskuninkaan uimaranta
8-meter-tall adventure maze, slides, cafe.
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.
Uutelan luontopolku
A nature trail, about 4 km long in eastern Helsinki.
Vuosaarenhuippu
Plenty of routes for hikers of all levels, from easy-to-walk service roads to rocky little paths.
Yearly music festival in Kontula with performances by Finnish 1980s rock artists and hip hop crews from Eastern Helsinki among others.
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?
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.
Ramsinniemen luonnonsuojelualue
A small nature reserve.
In Skata you will find several different domestic animals such as sheep. Children can hug animals.
A fast food restaurant.
A fast food restaurant.
An Indian restaurant.
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.
Chosen as one of the best kebab restaurants in Helsinki by many locals. Especially the shish kebab is worth trying.
Prepares meals from store surplus dishes.
A pizzeria.
Nepalese restaurant.
A Somalian restaurant.
A Greek restaurant.
Offering unpretentious Finnish fare, probably one of the best options inside shopping centre Itis if you're hungry.
Offers an excellent and authentic Thai buffet (including decent sushi) during lunchtime inside shopping centre Itis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located on the grounds of Puotila Manor, has a nice terrace to enjoy a pint on a warm summer's day.
The only camping site inside Helsinki borders. Seventeen minute metro ride from the Central Railway Station.
Kokoushotelli Sofia
A conference hotel in Vuosaari. It also hosts a gallery of Orthodox Christian art and offers yoga lessons.
Kokoushotelli Sofia
Hotel which is located on green and calm surroundings with easy public transport access to city centre.
Kokoushotelli Rantapuisto
Conference hotel not far from Rastila Camping of the chain Finlandia Hotels.
formerly Itäkeskus (Eastern Center)
One of the largest shopping malls 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.
formerly Megahertsi
Herttoniemi district's shopping centre.
Kauppakeskus Saari
A shopping centre including about 20 stores.
If you're in the easternmost part and need to buy something, check out Vuosaari's Columbus, with some 50 stores.
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.
Kauppalaiva Christina Butiksbåten
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.
Kontulan ostoskeskus
A local shopping center with stores and restaurants near the metro station.
A grocery store specializing in Middle Eastern products.
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.
One of Finland's dance/electronic music pioneers, but they've closed their city center store and moved into the suburbs.
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