Market Square

The busy Market Square, with its orange stalls, between the sea and the impressive row of historical buildings is the first view to catch the eye of the visitor arriving by sea. On one side of the bay is the South Harbour, on the other the Katajanokka headland. Facing out to sea are Helsinki City Hall, the Swedish Embassy and the Presidential Palace.

One notable feature of the Market is the old Market Hall on the south shore, the first of its kind in Finland and opened in 1889. Rising out of the fountain near the Esplanade Park at the western end of the Market is the statue of Havis Amanda, the mermaid symbol of Helsinki.

The hustle and bustle of the Market and its appetising smells act as a magnet for shoppers and for anyone looking for a snack or a coffee. Food and other wares have been changing hands at the Market Square since the 18th century, which also saw the start of the ever-popular Baltic Herring Market in October. The ferry to the Suomenlinna sea fortress departs from the Market Square, as do many waterbus cruises in summer.