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Kauppatori Market Square is Helsinki’s lively waterfront hub. Find tips on visiting, ferries, nearby attractions and local culture.
Kauppatori is Helsinki’s key market square, alive with local flavours. Located by the harbour, it is one of the city’s busiest and most colourful spots. Visitors find a mix of tradition, everyday life and a maritime atmosphere.
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In the morning the square comes alive. Local sellers offer fresh fish, berries and handmade crafts. Souvenir stands display textiles, wooden objects and snacks. The smell of salmon cooking drifts across the stalls and invites you to try Finnish flavours.
Kauppatori Photos
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Image Source: Dan Lundberg / Flickr
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* Note: The photos in this gallery have been cropped and/or resized. The images are used under the Creative Commons licenses specified in the original sources.
Because of its location the square is a perfect place to start exploring the city. Ferries to Suomenlinna leave from here. The Presidential Palace and the Havis Amanda fountain can also be reached in a few minutes on foot.
Right next to the square is the Old Market Hall. This covered food hall offers local delicacies, coffee and warm indoor seating. It is an easy stop to taste Finnish specialities or take a break from the open air.
In winter 2012 part of Kauppatori was flooded by seawater after an unusually strong storm combined with high tide.
Kauppatori: Tastings and Guided Food Tours
Discover the flavours of Finland right at the market square. Guided tours offer a closer look at local specialities and culinary traditions.
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Kauppatori is also famous for its bold seagulls. Some even learn to snatch food straight from tourists’ hands, especially salmon sandwiches.
📅 Visitor Information
Opening Hours: 🕒
- Monday to Friday: 06:30 – 18:00
- Saturday: 06:30 – 16:00
- Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
These times generally apply from May to September. In colder months hours may vary and some stalls may be closed.
Additional Tips: ℹ️
- Best time: Early morning is quieter and produce is freshest.
- Old Market Hall: The historic Vanha Kauppahalli is right next to the square.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes help on the cobblestones.
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During summer the square feels especially charming. People enjoy outdoor cafés, watch the boats at the quay and take in the relaxed waterside atmosphere while seagulls circle above.
Kauppatori is more than a place to shop. It is a social meeting point and a window into Finnish culture. A visit here lets you feel part of the city and its daily rhythm.
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The famous artwork Havis Amanda stands on the edge of Kauppatori. Created in 1908 by sculptor Ville Vallgren, it symbolises Helsinki’s rebirth as a modern city.
Hotels Near Kauppatori
If you plan to explore Kauppatori and stay in the heart of Helsinki, use the form below to find the right hotel options nearby.
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Map & Contact Information
CONTACT
Address:
Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki, Finland
Phone:
+358 40 1359051
Website:
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