Eastern suburbs Travel Guide

Explore the culturally important attractions, natural sights, hiking/biking routes, food scene, and local culture of Eastern suburbs with our comprehensive tour guide.


Welcome to the Eastern suburbs of Helsinki - a beautiful region located in Uusimaa, Southern Finland. The region is known for its rich culture, scenic views, and outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive guide, we will show you all the must-see attractions, delicious dishes, unique souvenirs, and much more.

Introduction to Eastern suburbs

The Eastern suburbs of Helsinki are a group of municipalities located to the east of the city center. The region is composed of Espoo, Vantaa, Kerava, Tuusula, Sipoo, and Pornainen. It is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas, each with its own unique charm. The region is accessible by car, bus, and train, making it easy to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern suburbs

Here are some of the top places to visit in Eastern suburbs:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art: This modern art museum displays contemporary art from Finland and around the world.
  • Helsinki University Botanical Garden: An incredible and serene garden containing over 13,000 species of plants.
  • Kerava Art Museum: This museum features exhibitions from the works of nationally recognized artists along with new up and coming talent.

Natural Attractions of Eastern suburbs: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nuuksio National Park: This beautiful nature reserve is the perfect place for hiking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors.
  • Sipoonkorpi National Park: This park contains a diverse range of habitats, including forests, mires, and eskers. Visitors can hike on a trail starting from the Sipoonkorpi Helsinki gate.
  • Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: This open-air museum showcases life in Finland from the 18th to the 20th century through traditional architecture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern suburbs

  • Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Park: This extensive park is perfect for cross-country skiing, cycling, and hiking.
  • Hakunila Recreation Area: This area has 26 kilometers of hiking trails, a bird observation tower, and a bike trail.
  • Vantaanjoki River: Follow this beautiful river on its banks by bike or hike

Best Things to Do in Eastern suburbs: Activities and Tours

  • Linnanmaki: An amusement park with thrill rides, arcade games, and some of the best funnel cakes imaginable.
  • Finnish Aviation Museum: A museum dedicated to Finnish aviation history including a variety of aircraft such as the Gypsy Moth and the Bristol Freighter amongst others.
  • Heureka Science Center: A science center with over 200 interactive exhibits, including an outdoor planet exhibition.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern suburbs

For a week-long stay in Eastern suburbs, we recommend the following itinerary.

Days 1-2: Explore the culture and history of Helsinki and Espoo. Days 3-4: Enjoy nature and outdoor activities in Nuuksio National Park. Days 5-6: Visit the Sipoonkorpi National Park and the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Day 7: Indulge in the region’s culinary delights and take rest.

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern suburbs

The Eastern suburbs of Helsinki offer a variety of local cuisine that combines traditional Finnish flavors and new culinary trends. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grilled Salmon: the fish is usually served grilled or smoked and a must-have on any trip to Finland.
  • Karjalanpiirakka: These are traditional pies filled with rice or potatoes and vegetables and are made with rye dough.
  • Karelian Stew: A stew with beef, pork, and vegetables, this dish is a staple of Finnish cuisine.

Local Beverages

  • Sahti: This beer is brewed using malted barley and rye and flavored with juniper berries and yeasts that grow wild in the forest.
  • Glögi: A traditional Finnish drink originating back to the Middle Ages. The beverage is made of red wine, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It is often offered as a Christmas drink, but in Eastern suburbs, it’s usually consumed throughout colder months.

Where to Stay in Eastern suburbs: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Eastern suburbs of Helsinki offer a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets. Some of the options are:

  • Hotel GLO Espoo Sello: A luxurious hotel, located in Tapiola, another area in Espoo. The hotel has a spacious gym and a unique restaurant.
  • Forenom Hostel Vantaa Airport: A budget-friendly option for travelers looking to stay near to the airport.
  • Lomamokkila Cottages: Located near to the lake, the cottages provide a peaceful and relaxing stay for families and friends.

What to Buy in Eastern suburbs: Souvenirs and Local Products

If you are a shopaholic, check out these local products and souvenirs to take home!

  • Iittala Glassware: Made in Finland, these glasses and dinnerware are exquisite pieces of art.
  • Marimekko: A Finnish design house famous worldwide for its colorful fashion and home décor items.
  • Lakka Liqueur: Made from Arctic cloudberries, the distinct and delicious flavor of this Finnish liqueur is a must-try.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern suburbs

Finland is a relatively reserved culture with humility and politeness being the norm. While punctuality is highly valued. While visiting Eastern suburbs, it is important to respect the Finns’ personal space and privacy. It is also customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or when visiting any public space.

Best Time to Visit Eastern suburbs

The best time to visit Eastern suburbs is during summers. The weather is warm, and the days are longer. The landscape is lush and green, making the region’s natural wonders a sight to behold. The winter season is quite beautiful as well due to the snowfall, but It can be quite cold.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern suburbs

Do:

  • Respect Finnish culture and customs.
  • Use public transport in the region to reduce the environmental impact.
  • Keep your surroundings clean and tidy.

Don’t:

  • Interrupt others while they speak.
  • Litter or be loud in public areas.
  • Try to over tip in a restaurant.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern suburbs:

The Eastern suburbs of Helsinki are extremely safe, with low crime rates compared to other major European cities. Even though enjoy night life and city sightseeing, travelers are encouraged to take precautions and remain aware of their surroundings.

Health in Eastern suburbs:

The healthcare system in Finland is world-famous. The Eastern suburbs have several well-equipped hospitals and trained medical professionals to help in case of a medical emergency.

Getting to Eastern suburbs: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eastern suburbs

  • Helsinki Airport: One of the largest airports in Europe is located at Vantaa, near the Eastern suburbs. It is well connected to numerous cities all over the world.

Bus Stations Near Eastern suburbs

  • Matkahuolto Bus Station: this the central bus station of the city and is well connected to several other areas in Helsinki.

Other Options:

  • Car rental options are obtainable readily.
  • Train: The regional train route runs regularly to different regions of Helsinki and the suburbs.

How to Get Around in Eastern suburbs

The best way to get around Eastern suburbs is by public transportation. The region has well-connected buses and trains that provide easy access to all areas. Better yet, electric bicycles and scooters are an eco-friendly way to explore Helsinki and the suburbs.

Where to Go Next from Eastern suburbs: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Porvoo: A charming town with a well-preserved Old Town area, along with the narrow streets, beautiful rooftops, and impressive Gothic cathedral.
  • Helsinki City Center: The heart of Helsinki, which includes major attractions like the Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square, the Esplanade Park, and Market Square along with some significant museums.
  • Hanko: This beautiful coastal town is a perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best sandy beaches.

Conclusion

The Eastern suburbs of Helsinki are a must-visit for anyone looking for a perfect blend of nature and culture. With its stunning natural attractions, outdoor adventures, local souvenirs, and delicious culinary delights, the region has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning to travel solo, with family or friends, the Eastern suburbs is a great destination to explore. Start planning your trip now and experience the best of Finland!

A Metro train A Metro train Part of Itis shopping mall Part of Itis shopping mall Herttoniemi Manor, nowadays both a sight and perhaps the suburbs' finest restaurant Herttoniemi Manor, nowadays both a sight and perhaps the suburbs' finest restaurant Ravintola Fregatti serves buffet lunch on weekdays and Saturdays. Ravintola Fregatti serves buffet lunch on weekdays and Saturdays. Northern lights over Vuosaari Northern lights over Vuosaari