Despite their name visiting Stupido Shop is one of the smartest moves any music lover can make in Helsinki. Their record selection includes the hottest new LPs but there’s room for appreciation for the old classics too. These guys know their business.

Tramline 3B will take you almost anywhere in downtown Helsinki. If you want to get an overall picture of the city centre and its surroundings taking a tour on this tramline is a good way to do so. 3B is the only tramline that operates late at night so if you’re visiting Helsinki there’s a great chance that you’ll end up using it.

Orion is one of the nicest cinemas in Helsinki. It is run by National Audiovisual Archive so they are showing a great variety of films from art house to modern classics and everything in between. Last time I went to see Hitchcock’s Vertigo.

Kipsari is a vegetarian restaurant/bar in the premises of Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. I enjoy its cozy atmosphere, the beat-up sofas and dim lights. There’s also a small gallery for the students. Kipsari is run by ARTS student association TOKYO ry.

Another lovely outdoor recreation is Seurasaari Island. I enjoy walking around the island, but The Open-Air Museum of Seurasaari also displays the traditional Finnish way of life. You can't help running into some badass squirrels and mellow swans. The photo is taken in January.