Keeping Warm with Coffee: Where to Sip and Shop in Helsinki
Helsinki is perfect for a winter holiday for those who are not afraid of snow and some nippy weather. Over this week and next, Jaunted’s Vancouver-based, Finland-born contributor Tuija Seipell of The Cool Hunter, will report on some of her recent finds in the cold temps of her homeland.
So far this year, Helsinki has not managed to break its all-time December snow record of 27.5 inches (70 centimeters), from 1915. Yet. There are still quite a few days left in the month! So, while you are shopping in the wintry wonderland of Finland's capital, you will want to stop for a latte or hot chocolate and a light lunch at the very least, in the name of keeping warm. We've got a few favorite cafes of our own, and since we're in the holiday spirit of sharing...
· Café Kakkugalleria: Among the many shops in the Helsinki Design District is the Design Forum Shop at No. 7 Erottaja Street (Erottajankatu) mentioned in our last story on Helsinki shopping. It has the most diverse selection of designer wares and a bonus feature: the in-house Café Kakkugalleria (Finnish for Cake Gallery), maker of arguably the yummiest and prettiest cakes in Helsinki. Tasty quiches and other savory treats abound, too. If you really want to indulge, go to Kakkugalleria’s newest shop nearby, at No. 41 Fredrik’s Street (Fredrikinkatu), for the daily all-you-can-eat cake buffet.
· Wayne's Coffee Shop at the Main Post Office: Another place to combine gift shopping and a coffee break is the recently restored 1938-built Main Post Office at Mannerheim Square (Mannerheiminaukio), where, quite surprisingly, you will find a fabulous, huge Post Office Concept Store. It is stocked with designer goodies from Marimekko, Aarikka and the adorable Moomin characters, too, all geared toward mailing and packing or perfect souvenirs. Inside the same vast hall is Wayne’s Coffee Shop, part of Scandinavia’s largest café chain. A good place for coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats.
· Café Kiasma: Another place that links shopping and sipping coffee is Café Kiasma, right across from the Post Office at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma. The Museum has a super cool gift shop of artsy and designer gifts, and the café serves a daily lunch selection and desserts. Of course, you should visit the cool Museum exhibits as well. Admission to them is free on the first Wednesday of each month from 5-8 pm.
[Photos: The City of Helsinki, Helsinki Tourism]
Related Stories:
· Christmas Markets are a Solid Reason to Brave the Cold in Helsinki [Jaunted]
· Where to Shop in Helsinki for the Best of Finnish Design [Jaunted]
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