Helsinki, Finland

As the 21st Century is already well under way, Helsinki has gotten off to an excellent start in renovating and renewing itself as a cultural center. Museums, galleries, cafes, and restaurants have multiplied and sprung up throughout the center of the capital like a garden. What many foreigners don't automatically understand is the size of Helsinki. The truth is that there are only five million Finns, with only about 500,000 in the Helsinki area. Therefore, when you compare Helsinki to Europe's other capital cities, it might seem very small and dull. This might have been the general opinion a decade ago, but the effort and work done in the past few years have left their mark. Today Helsinki's wining and dining scene is remarkably diverse, with enough bars and restaurants within about a three kilometer (1.8 mile) radius of the Central Railway Station to satisfy anyone from anywhere. A major advantage of Helsinki is that you can walk almost anywhere!

Hakaniemi-Kallio

Near the Botanical Gardens , is the historic and much-loved Restaurant Kaisaniemi a good place for a light lunch or just a drink to kill your thirst. This area is marked by cheap pubs and bars on every other street corner. Ethnic restaurants are also popular, but are not always of the best quality. In Kallio, try some Thai at Lemon Grass , or for vegetarian cuisine, Silvoplee . Coming back towards town from Hakaniemi over Hakaniemi Bridge we get to Kruununhaka.

Kruununhaka

This area is popular for that peaceful lunch or dinner, and quite a few restaurants have opened around these few blocks. Stroll to Meritullinkatu to find Zinnkeller , a western European kitchen serving original German Bratwurst and beer. Two or three blocks south you will find many more restaurants, including the Russian Kasakka . Also in this area you can find a Wild West saloon at Colorado Mountains , or Caribbean cuisine at Copacabana . Other restaurants in the area are Kuurna and Hamlet .

Katajanokka

Continuing this circle around the center of Helsinki we stroll the Pohjoisranta to get to the beautiful part of town that is Katajanokka. If you are looking for ethnic food in the area, the Nepalese restaurant Everest on Luotsinkatu is the place to go. In Esplanadi Park, you'll find numerous cafes as well as Samrat , the best Indian in town. Also located in the area are Makasiini (in the Hotel Grand Marina), Piccolo Piazza and Sipuli . Go south from there, staying by the sea. When you pass the Silja Line boat terminals and you will soon reach the more expensive area of Kaivopuisto.

Kaivopuisto

Kaivopuisto Park is a lovely place to spend some time, after which you can stop for a cappuccino at the peaceful Cafe Ursula . Stroll to the opening at the corner of Neitsytpolku and Merisatamanranta, take a ferry to the nearby Uunisaari island and enjoy a modern lunch here. Another cafe down by the shore is Cafe Carusel , where the interior decor and style are as post-modern as they come. Other options in the area include La Petite Maison and Kaivohuone .

Eira

Come back toward town through the Eira neighborhood and take pleasure in the beautiful houses all around you. Have the best steak or pizza of your life at Nerone , located on Perämiehenkatu. Sepänkatu, Merimiehenkatu and Punavuorenkatu all have pubs and small restaurants scattered here and there. By now your journey has brought you back towards the center. A famous street for drinking and dining has always been Iso Roobertinkatu. Practically the whole street is covered with pubs and restaurants. Nearby Kynsilaukka Garlic is for garlic lovers.

Kamppi

Still staying away from the immediate surroundings of the Central Railway Station, we continue on Fredrikinkatu towards the metro station of Kamppi. This is the main area for drinkers and diners between the ages of 18 and 20. Eerikinkatu is also packed with all sorts of places. In this area a short strip of Annankatu is full of small pubs and ethnic food spots, including the promising Maithai , hailed as the best Japanese restaurant in Helsinki. Kabuki is also close by, on Lapinlahdenkatu. The Kamppi area also features such eateries as Rivoli Cheri , Helmi , and Toula .

City Center

We finally arrive the real center of the city. The number of places to eat and drink just a few steps away from the Central Railway Station is incredible. The building in front of the station includes some of the best places in town. Omenapuu is a great place for Sunday brunch. This same building includes many dance and drinking spots like Aladdin , but all places require you to be at least 22. Papa Giovanni , in the World Trade Centre, is one of the most formal Italian restaurants you will find. You definitely get your money's worth at the American-style Restaurant Amarillo on Mikonkatu. Party your night away next door at the Helsinki Club (24 and above). The exploding popularity of Mexican/American food has brought dozens of competitors into this central area, one of the best being Santa Fe , in the aforementioned World Trade Centre.

Before leaving the city, enjoy the renowned Finnish pastries served all around the cafes in town. These are available almost anywhere, but it is an accepted fact by most that the famous Fazer Cafe makes the best treats anywhere (in the world!). Be sure to visit, but go before it gets dark because it's not the easiest place to find a seat once people leave work.