Old Market Hall
A historic 19th-century market hall in Helsinki, offering a vibrant array of Finnish delicacies, fresh seafood, and a charming, vintage atmosphere.
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Old Market Hall
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 19th-century market hall in Helsinki, offering a vibrant array of Finnish delicacies, fresh seafood, and a charming, vintage atmosphere.
"The Old Market Hall is a gem in Helsinki — full of charm, history, and flavor."
Visit Mid-Morning
Many stalls open around 9 am, so visit after this time for the best selection of open shops and bustling atmosphere.
Explore All Stalls
Be cautious of aggressive vendors and take your time to explore all stalls for the best options and unique finds.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Finnish
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Finnish Delicacies
Explore a historic 19th-century market hall offering a vibrant array of traditional Finnish specialties, from fresh seafood to gourmet cheeses.
Salmon Soup Perfection
Indulge in the rich and flavorful salmon soup, a highly recommended dish that captures the essence of Finnish comfort food.
Historic Charm and Atmosphere
Step back in time in this beautifully preserved wooden market hall, dating back to 1889, offering a cozy and vintage shopping experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Mid-Morning
Many stalls open around 9 am, so visit after this time for the best selection of open shops and bustling atmosphere.
Explore All Stalls
Be cautious of aggressive vendors and take your time to explore all stalls for the best options and unique finds.
Sample Local Delicacies
Interact with vendors to learn about traditional recipes and sample unique items like reindeer specialties and gourmet cheeses.
Don't Miss Salmon Soup
The salmon soup is a must-try, praised for its exquisite flavor and high quality by many visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Mid-Morning
Many stalls open around 9 am, so visit after this time for the best selection of open shops and bustling atmosphere.
Explore All Stalls
Be cautious of aggressive vendors and take your time to explore all stalls for the best options and unique finds.
Sample Local Delicacies
Interact with vendors to learn about traditional recipes and sample unique items like reindeer specialties and gourmet cheeses.
Don't Miss Salmon Soup
The salmon soup is a must-try, praised for its exquisite flavor and high quality by many visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Old Market Hall's charming atmosphere, historic architecture, and the high quality of its diverse offerings, from fresh seafood to unique Finnish delicacies. While prices are in line with Finnish standards, the exquisite food and immersive experience make it a highly recommended destination for a taste of local culture and cuisine.
"There are several vendors in the building. I had some awesome soups. You can get pastries, coffee, souvenirs and lots of other items. You have access to the free public restroom. Well worth a visit when you're in. Helsinki."
Justin Collins
"The old market hall is an awesome experience!! The building itself is beautiful and very well kept: both the exteriors and the interiors are pure history. The shops and cafes are many, different and interesting. Prices are high, but in line with the overall Finnish pricing. Food is exquisite: we tried many vendors, all with high quality products."
Olga Sedioli
"The Old Market Hall in Helsinki, Finland, was one of our first stops right after arriving on the 2-hour ferry from Tallinn, and we truly enjoyed every moment. It’s fascinating to see so many international flavors under one roof, from Vietnamese classics to Turkish coffee, from fresh fish and seafood to unique souvenirs like deer horns and furs. There are dozens of small shops to explore one by one, each with its own charm. Absolutely recommended!!"
Kalyoner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Salmon soup is highly recommended, along with reindeer specialties, gourmet cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many vendors offer samples of their products.
While it can be crowded, visiting mid-morning after 9 am often provides a good balance of open stalls and a lively atmosphere.
Yes, you can find Halal versions of Finnish dishes like salmon soup and reindeer soup at Stadin Nerkut located in the Old Market Hall.
You can find unique souvenirs such as reindeer jerky, caviar, licorice, deer horns, furs, and handmade crafts.
Absolutely, it's a great spot for lunch with many vendors offering delicious dishes, including popular options at Story restaurant.
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My favourite thing to do in Helsinki is get a fish plate from a stall in the authentically Finnish Kauppahalli (Old Market Hall) on the harbour front. I go there after a heated-pool swim and a quick dip in the icy Baltic at the Allas sea pool. For a white-tablecloth, sit-down meal, head to Kolme Kruunua, an old-school neighbourhood restaurant in Kruununhaka that has preserved its 1950s decor and serves Finnish classics like meatballs and reindeer.
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At the central square you’ll find charming market stands that sell a wide variety of items, including fish freshly caught from the harbour, fruits and vegetables, coffee, and local arts and crafts. Salmon soup with rye bread is a must-try when dropping by the market, and it’s a great place to buy Finnish souvenirs and support local merchants and artists.
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At the Old Market Hall, almost adjacent to Kauppatori, you can browse and shop for flowers, vegetables, meat, and fish.
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Old Market Hall (Vanhakauppahalli): This is the oldest food market hall in Helsinki, dating back to 1889. This is near Kallio (specifically in the city center next to the market square) and I LOVED stepping into this place because there were a lot of colorful stalls that provided Finnish delicacies (which you can sample too!) and lunch spots that sell great dishes (such as that of Soppakeittiö or “Soup Kitchen” where you can get a great-tasting bouillabaisse).
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A short walk from the iconic Market Square is the Old Market Hall, a historic market serving unique Finnish specialties and traditional treats. It opened its doors to customers in 1889 with merchants selling fresh produce and food items, including local cheeses, seafood, fruits, vegetables, cakes, spices, teas, coffee, and more. The Old Market Hall is right next to where fishing boats dock, so you can sample the fresh seafood in a historic atmosphere.
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While Market Square and Old Market Hall are iconic destinations in Helsinki, they also offer a mixed shopping experience for visitors. The vibrant Market Square is bustling with activity, featuring stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. On the other hand, the historic Old Market Hall provides a more curated selection of local delicacies and artisanal products for those looking for a taste of traditional Finnish cuisine.
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The Old Market Hall has been housed inside the handsome redbrick building right next to the Market Square since 1889. In the heart of the market hall these days is the Nordic café-restaurant Story, which offers authentic and generous breakfasts and lunches, as well as popular brunches. Story’s delicious buns, pastries and other sweet baked treats are top class, as the kitchen is run by award-winning master confectioner Markus Hurskainen.
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Less than 10 minutes walking from Senate Square is Vanha Kauppahalli, the oldest market in Helsinki, which dates back to 1889. In this covered space (which was once open-air), you’ll encounter cheese mongers, wine sellers, and butchers, along with cafés and restaurants. This traditional (and recently renovated) market has long been a hub for shopping and socializing, and its unique atmosphere alone makes it a must-visit destination.
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The Old Indoor Market in Helsinki is not just a retail outlet, but a real temporary machine that takes you into the atmosphere of the 19th century. Wrapped in 19th-century brick, this unique market on the shores of the South Bay invites true connoisseurs of authentic shopping. Here, under the ancient vaults, colorful stalls with a rich assortment of goods await you - from fresh fish and seafood to aromatic berries and sweet treats.
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If you want to taste a little bit of everything that makes Helsinki’s food scene so amazing(smoked reindeer prosciutto, berry ice creams, wild boar tapas, squeaky cheese) give Kaarna a try. Here you can also try a variation of cocktails, featuring another health-boosting fruit of Finland—lingonberries. These tart little baby berries are reminiscent of cranberries, and add vibrancy to sparkling and overall lighter drinks.
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The Old Market Hall in Helsinki, known locally as Vanha Kauppahalli, has been a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene since its opening in 1889. Housed in a charming, long, red-brick building, the hall exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere with its wooden stalls and vintage decor. It offers a diverse array of Finnish and international delicacies, including gourmet cheeses, artisan breads, and specialty coffees.
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Old Market Hall is one of Helsinki’s oldest market halls, with roots dating back to 1889. Its design derives from an architectural shift at the time, altering from open-air markets to indoor due to hygiene issues and to better structure for trade purposes. For foodies, this is a true haven with lines of stalls displaying vegetables, meats, spices, fruits, cheese, fish, tea and coffee, even tableware.
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Old Market Hall is located close to the popular Old Market Square, just by the waters of Eteläranta, and was open in 1889. I must tell you that before the erection of a permanent building in the Old Market Hall, market activities in Helsinki has always been in open-air and mostly at market squares. It is such a striking building with the history of bringing in modern marketing methods into Helsinki.
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Loads of fun to explore, the Old Market Hall contains countless stalls laden with fresh food products and Finnish specialties. Lying at the eastern end of the Esplanadi along the waterfront, it is the ideal spot to stop for either lunch or a snack and pick up some souvenirs. While fishermen have sold fish here along the wharf for centuries, its Byzantine Revival-style building ‘only’ dates to 1889.
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Gamla Saluhallen” as locals know this by is a in busy marketplace offering traditional Finnish foods, artisanal goods, and local delicacies. Tourists will get the chance to savor authentic Finnish flavors, explore regional crafts, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of this well known market regardless of when in the year you visit. Experience this Helsinki city tour with food tasting
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This historic indoor market is a haven for gourmet enthusiasts. Located near the harbor, it features high-quality Finnish delicacies, including reindeer, wild mushrooms, and fresh seafood. Staying in central Helsinki affords you the luxury of spontaneous visits to this market, sampling seasonal flavors, and discovering gastronomic treasures that reflect the region's rich culinary heritage.
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It has a bunch of food stalls where you can get Finnish delicacies like reindeer meat or salmon. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions as it’s close to the waterfront and it’s a convenient location for people who come to Helsinki on a cruise ship. Even though it caters for tourists, they serve good food and prices are on par with other restaurants in Helsinki.
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In the Old Market Hall alongside the Market Square shoppers can buy fresh bread, meat, fish, vegetables and superb berries. Or, you may just want an inexpensive but tasty lunch of reindeer salami or a little coffee and breakfast munkki, a type of Finnish doughnut. This is a favourite meeting place for Helsinki’s food aficionados and is also a popular tourist attraction.
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Located near the harbor in the city center, the Old Market Hall is a historic market dating back to 1889. It’s a great spot for families to experience local Finnish food and culture and it has a great location as well. The hall offers a variety of fresh foods, traditional Finnish treats, and local delicacies such as fresh fish, Karelian pies and cinnamon buns.
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Next to Market Square, this 19th-century market has been feeding Helsinki since 1889. Inside, you’ll find a mix of classic Finnish produce — cured salmon, rye bread, reindeer — alongside stalls selling cheeses, pastries, coffee, and even sushi. It’s not huge, but it’s cosy, warm in winter, and a good place to grab a quick bite or pick up some edible souvenirs.
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Helsinki is home to three market halls including the oldest indoor market in Finland, the appropriately-named Old Market Hall. Opened in 1889, the market hall sits on the harbour opposite the Allas Sea Pools. It’s one of the most popular Helsinki attractions and not just because of it’s history, this is the place to come to try some local Finnish delicacies.
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The Old Market Hall in Helsinki is the oldest indoor market in all of Finland and has always been a place for local vendors to sell their produce to the masses. At the time of opening, the hall had 120 stalls as well as 6 shops in the central gallery. Regulations stated that vendors were allowed to sell meat products, eggs, butter, cheese and garden produce.
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Open: Monday through SaturdayAddress: Eteläranta, 00130 Helsinki, Finland. Situated in Eteläranta, next to Market Square, Old Market Hall houses a variety of both local and international delicacies. Dating back to 1888, this church-like structure is the oldest market hall in the city and the most revered for its traditional Scandinavian architecture.
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Sitting along the waterfront is an indoor market known as Old Market Hall, which dates back to the 19th century. When we visited it was due to close, but we had enough time to walk around and enjoy some of the food stalls inside. Since it’s a market, it’s obviously going to be on the list of free things to do in Helsinki (unless you buy something).
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Open all day, Monday to Saturday, the Old Market Hall near the water in Eteläranta has been around since 1889. Before then there had never been a permanent building for Helsinki’s markets, which were open-air and held in squares. It’s a striking byzantine revival building, worth checking out even if you don’t need to do any shopping.
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The Old Market Hall offers a plethora of stalls where you can sample Finnish delicacies like reindeer meat, salmon, and Karelian pasties. Whether you're a foodie looking for the next big thing or simply someone who enjoys a good meal in a beautiful setting, Helsinki's trendy restaurants provide an unforgettable culinary adventure.
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Vanha Kauppahalli, which is known locally as the Helsinki Old Market Hall, is known for its traditional ambience and also for being the oldest market hall in Finland. The market is located centrally in the close vicinity of the market square in a beautiful European-inspired building and has been serving its customers since 1889.
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You can also go to the Old Market Hall to get a wide range of things connected to the culture in Finland. The Market is open every day from Monday to Saturday, and it has been near the water in Etelaranta since 1889. It was the first permanent building for Helsinki’s markets as they used to be open-air and held in squares.
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For a more tranquil shopping experience, head over to the Old Market Hall, which is a brief walk from Market Square. As one of Finland's oldest continuously running market halls, the atmosphere here is steeped in history. Vendors offer a variety of Finnish food products, from fresh fish to gourmet cheeses and baked goods.
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An absolute must-see in Helsinki is Vanha Kauppahalli, also known as Helsinki Old Market Hall. The old covered market, housed in a striking European-inspired structure, opened in 1889. Its stalls host tasty Finnish gastronomic delights, from classic smoked fish to curious canned game meats.
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The historic market is also located near the city center and can be reached on foot. Browsing its shops is one of the most interesting free things to do in Helsinki, as you can see all sorts of traditional foods and souvenirs. Just make sure not to be there too late, as it closes at 6 pm.
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For foodies and gourmets, a visit to the Old Market Hall is a must. I’m a big fan of markets (if only just to sample goods and admire the pretty displays) and with dozens of stalls showcasing fresh meats, produce and baked goods, this little indoor market does not disappoint.
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From strolling through the serene Esplanadi Park to exploring the vibrant stalls at the Old Market Hall, you’ll find that Helsinki’s laid-back atmosphere is ideal for casual outings. Get ready to discover the city’s hidden gems that make for unforgettable, low-key dates.
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The Old Market Hall was established near the Market Square in 1888. The building was designed by Gustaf Nyström who had studied how market halls were built in large European cities. At the time of opening the hall had 120 stalls as well as 6 shops in the central gallery.
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The beautiful Old Market Hall in Helsinki has been serving customers since 1889. Merchants sell everything from cheese, fish, shellfish, vegetable, fruit and cakes to spices, coffee and tea, while you can also find sleek Nordic-style cafes for cocktails and bites to eat.
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Old Market Hall — Just behind the Market Square in the heart of the old town is this fantastic food hall serving plenty of options. There are vendors selling seasonal produce and fresh seafood as well cafes and restaurants for those on the go. Eteläranta, 00130 Helsinki
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We first stopped at the Old Market, the old Municipal Market of Helsinki. It has been open since 1889 and has had some refurbishments since then. Also has been converted into a space with several restaurants and cafes, great to enjoy during the city’s severe winter.
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Just a short stroll away from the market square, you’ll find the Old Market Hall, full of local flavors and old-time charm. It’s one of three market halls in Helsinki (yes, I’ll definitely introduce you to all of them in this post). Address: Eteläranta 18, Helsinki
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It’s bustling with vendors selling Finnish delicacies, handicrafts, and fresh produce. I can still taste the juicy cloudberries I tried there. Just a stone’s throw away is the Old Market Hall, where the scent of smoked salmon and freshly baked bread fills the air.
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On Helsinki’s harbour, this late 19 th century market hall retains all its charm and atmosphere. Stalls sell cheese, fish, coffee, cakes, and delicacies like caviar and bear!. A great place to grab a Finnish lunch to eat-in or take out on your boat trip with you.
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The Old Market Hall stands as a testament to Helsinki’s rich culinary heritage. Nestled by the Helsinki Market Square, this iconic market hall has been serving customers since 1889. Here you can delve into the flavors, history, and charm of this beloved landmark.
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Old Market Hall of Helsinki is located at the south side of the Market Square. It is an atmospheric place to visit and enjoy Finnish delicacies, buy some local food souvenirs, or just making photos of appetizing food. Remember this place for a lunch stop.
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The Old Market Hall in Helsinki has been serving its customers since 1889. Here visitors can shop for an array of products like cheese, fish, vegetables, fruit, cakes, spices, coffee, tea and much more. The market is situated near Helsinki Market Square.
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Located right next to the market square is the old market hall, which we much preferred to the Market Square. Partly because it's inside (and warm) and partly because the stuff they were selling was 'cooler' - lots of fish, reindeer, wine and wild boar.
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During the day, the vendors of the Old Market Hall reveal their best products and tips as the chef and food designer Linnea Vihonen interviews the people in the hall. Chef Henri Alén makes inspiring portions of the raw materials sold in the hall.
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The Old Market Hall, a Helsinki landmark since 1889, is a must-visit for fresh fish, seafood, cheese, and baked goods. Friendly merchants assist with special requests, and visitors can enjoy cafés, restaurants, and Helsinki’s smallest Alko shop.
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Market Square and the Old Market:These are open-air and enclosed markets, respectively, that are the best places to pick up traditional souvenirs and gifts. Get smoked reindeer or a bowl of salmon soup, a kuksa cup, or a hand-woven lapp hat.
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This is the oldest Indoor market in Helsinki, we poorly timed visiting after spending a few hours at the Christmas Market. Inside you will find the best local vendors and pop up shops of all sorts. The hall has about 120 stalls, and 6 shops.
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I had tried bear on 10€ slice of bread a couple days earlier in the Vanha Kauppahalli (Old Market Hall), but was not overwhelmed. The very lean meat had the taste of a slightly gamy beef tartar. I did not see the need to bring it back home.
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The Old Market Hall is the oldest market hall in Helsinki, Finland. It is located along the Eteläranta street near the Helsinki Market Square in the Kaartinkaupunki district. By 2013, the hall had also become a popular tourist attraction.
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For lunch, I went to the Old Market Hall to try some crazy fresh salmon. First I tried a few different pieces of raw salmon and to stay warm I decided to eat a salmon soup. The soup was out of control and full of big chunks of salmon!.
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You would want to have a look at the Old Market Hall and the Market Square. Next the long Esplanadi park is the place for people watching. The Cathedral and the other building surrounding the Senate Square is another highlight.
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Vanha Kauppahalli, known in English as the Old Food Hall, is located close to Kauppatori in a pleasant old building. Having been to Tampere, Pori, Vaasa, and many other cities, I think that it’s the best food hall in Finland.
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The Story restaurant inside Vanha Kaupahalli, the Old Market Hall is also a very likable place. It’s a bright & trendy eatery with a wide variety of dishes. Bread, salads, soups, burgers… it seems to have them all.
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Three of the best places to find souvenirs are Hakaniemi Market, Kauppatori Market Square (often just called Market Square), and Old Market Hall. There is a wide variety here, and they offer eating options as well.
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The Old Market Hall is home to many vendors and traditional in food, so what better place to grab a local bite than at restaurant Story inside. Vanha Kauppahalli, Eteläranta, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
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We also spent some time in the Kauppahalli, the market hall housed in a wooden building, also next to the harbour, and marvelled at the range of sandwiches and seafood salads available inside.
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The city’s seafood markets, such as the iconic Old Market Hall, offer a glimpse into the local seafood culture, making Helsinki a true paradise for seafood lovers.
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Discover the Old Market Hall in Helsinki, a vibrant hub of Finnish culinary delights featuring fresh produce, artisanal foods, and a charming market atmosphere.
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Old Market Hall: This historic market hall is located on the waterfront and features a wide range of stalls selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
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Strolling, snacking, strolling and snacking some more on Finnish delicacies at the lovingly renovated Old Market Hall, the city’s oldest food market.
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And if you’re looking for a more casual experience, the Old Market Hall offers a variety of stalls serving fresh seafood straight from the waters.
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