Kauppatori (Market Square & Market Hall), Helsinki

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Located at the eastern end of Esplanadi, this spacious square was named Market Square (Kauppator) because of the market it has hosted since its creation. When I visited on a Tuesday in September 2011, there was a small farmers' market which sold interesting seasonal produce and some home cooked dishes. The square itself is bordered by the harbour to the south and the City Hall to the north. The red Orthodox church dominates the view to the east.

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After walking around the city and taking in the architectural sights of churches and train station, it was a pleasure to enter the commercial world of the open air market. Vendors offered produce, furs, eats and kitch-like souvenirs for purchase. Some of the items like furs are unique to Helsinki, so it pays to do some homework before visiting the market. We bought a few wooden trinkets and took a lot of pictures. Be sure to include the market on your walking tour of Helsinki.

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One of my favorite places, even as a born Finn. I love to go there for a cup of hot coffee, and I always buy a hot delicious and a bit greasy thin meat pie which is the best ever made anywhere in the world. This time I forget my healthy eating...it is just heavenly. There are several booths/cafés, but go to the "Toripojat" (free translation "market square boys") place. They even advertise their meat pies as the best in Helsinki, Finland, and the world :) You'll be sure to get a smile and good and fast service. You can also get an extra (the second) cup of coffee at a cheaper price than the first one.

When zipping the coffee and sitting out in the sun, it is nice either to watch happy people passing buy, follow the sales of the people in the booths, or just enjoy the harbour views with the huge cruise ships (Finland-Sweden). It always makes me on a good mood. I don't even buy any vegetables or anything every time, I enjoy walking around and feeling the sea and the athmosphere of the place.

You can pamper yourself with Belgian wraps and wafels, either salty or sweet, or just by buying fresh Finnish berries like sweet strawberries. Try fresh peas - open them and pour the round green balls to your mouth - they are really sweet in the summer. All domestic fresh vegetable take my tongue.

If you are more hungry, why not to have your lunch here? You can have Finnish traditional food, fish - there are many outdoor/tent restaurants to choose from. Not too expensive either.

When walking more towards the east end of the market square when the food stuff end, you find the booths selling postcards, T-shirts, fur, handicraft and other souvenir. Many of them hand made in Finland. In most places you can buy with credit card too (the souvenir places; not in the usual vegetable booths).

If you have time, don't forget the Market Hall (Kauppahalli in Finnish) nearby; next to the parking area. It is seen to the market place. It is a very unique place with small wooden booths inside; selling practically everything from reindeer, bear, salmon and chocolate to snacks and more usual food. It also has a café and a popular small Japanese restaurant inside. The prices are a little higher than in shops and supermarkets, but the quality is good and the majority of the people are entrepreneurs selling their own stuff. And - it is a good sight to see an no obligations to buy!

This market is closed to where the boats to Helsinki Zoo depart. It's full of stands where they sell local craft, fruit, fish, etc. It's an excellent place to buy some souvenirs, imo. Here I got a t-shirt saying "Finland" and the word "moose" in Swedish, Finnish and English and a cute stuffed animal in the shape of a moose with a hoodie. If you buy here, pay in cash.

On a bright sunny day it's a good idea to head down to the market on Helsinki's harbour. There you can find many kinds of food; different kinds of fish and other meats, fresh fruit and vegetables (get yourself some strawberries, raspberries or blueberries!). There are also quite a few souvenir stalls and arts and crafts stalls.

Plus if you're hungry then and there, there are plenty of stalls selling drinks and food and tables to sit at and eat.

A good place to wander around.

Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 6.30am-6pm
Sat: 6.30am-4pm;
(From May-September it also runs on Sundays)

Sightseeing and cruises by boat:

Helsinki by sea: Royal Line, Sun Lines, Astrid Charter Oy, Random Lines Oy.

Also archipelago cruises: Iha-Lines.

Helsinki by sea and archipelago cruises 1-2 hours, commentary in many languages, departure from the harbour the Market Square.

Cruises to Porvoo (old wooden town): m/s J.L. Runeberg.

One-day or longer journeys to Tallinn in Estonia Eckerö Line, Linda Line, Nordic Jetline, Silja Line, Tallink, Viking Line.

Market Square just maybe a good place to begin or end your stroll on the Esplanade. Look for the brightly colored tent tops and you can't miss the market. This charming outdoor market just near the harbor is an excellent place to find fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and baked goods offered for sale by the friendly Finns. Smoked herring is one of the many favorites. At the market you'll also find crafts and souvenirs from the far north of Finland, known as Lappland. (Lappland was an optional but expensive excursion that would have been great to take!!)

If the weather isn't cooperating, have a look in the Market Hall where you will also find an excellent collection of produce and other goods as well as crafts/souvenirs and a nice atmosphere. Quite a nice place to experience and reminds me somewhat of Pike Place in Seattle, Washington, or the French Market in New Orleans.

At the edge of the market at the harbor you will find the ferries (Nordic Jet Line) which will sail you to the Estonian capital of Tallinn. (Thanks to JohntheFinn for the correct info here.)

Just at the harbor there is the big market square in Helsinki, the Kauppatori. Here you can buy a lot of things, most of it is food and souvenirs though. Nothing special, a bit too touristic for me, but still a nice place to stroll around for half an hour or so.
Just make sure you keep you wallet close to you. Lots of people means high risk to lose it…