OLD MARKET HALL

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.

It is a perfect place to get an insight into Finnish flavours and Helsinki’s food culture, with offerings ranging from fresh produce to pastries and baked items. Visiting this market is a real experience for the senses with spices, coffee, cakes, jams, buns, delicately prepared fish, salmon rolls and many more items on offer. You can also stock up on wine, cheese, and chocolates, as well as fresh fruits and root vegetables. Take a leisurely stroll in the hall and explore the different stalls. You will also be delighted to find some stalls selling international delicacies from the Orient, Spain and America.

Highlights

• Visit Vanha Kauppahalli, known to be the oldest market hall of Finland, offering an insight into Finnish flavours and Helsinki’s food culture.
• Take a walk into the hall and indulge in exploration of the various stalls selling raw ingredients, spices, fresh fruits, vegetables and more.
• Opt to have a cup of coffee at Robert’s Coffee or Scandinavia cafe or indulge in having a delicious meal at one of the eatery’s of the hall.
• Shop for fresh produce, local ingredients, wine, cheese, chocolates at popular shops like Annan Villiliha, E. Eriksson, and Kalakauppa.
• Learn the interesting history of the hall and enjoy the spectacular view of the Martkhalle on the South Harbour and the sea from the market.

How To Reach

1. By Car: Old Market Hall is 1.5 km from the city centre, it will take 8 min via the Norra Esplanaden/Pohjoisesplanadi route.
2. By Foot: If you travel by foot to reach the market from the city centre, you will need to walk for 1.2 km via Eteläesplanadi/Södra Esplanaden and Mannerheimintie/Mannerheimvägen/E12 to reach the market in 18 minutes.
3. By Train: Take a train to Helsinki Central Station which is 1.9 km away from the market. You can reach the location from the train station with a 12-minute drive via the Norra Esplanaden/Pohjoisesplanadi and Brunnsgatan/Kaivokatu routes.
4. By Tram: Take a tram to Kauppatori which is 140 m away from the market. You can reach the market from the tram station with a 2-minute walk
5. By Boat: If you're arriving by boat, the nearest port is Allas Sea Pool. From there, it's about a 9-minute walk via the Eteläesplanadi/Södra Esplanaden route to Old Market Hall.

Best Time To Visit

Old Market Hall is open year-round and can be visited from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. The best seasons to visit are summer from June to August. when the weather is pleasant and many local products are available. Fridays are the best day of the week to visit the market as many vendors are fully stocked on this day. VIsit during the morning as it is the best time of the day to visit the market as you will be able to beat the crowd and also get the first pick of the fresh products.

Other Essential Information

• If you wish to avoid crowds, do not visit on Saturdays which is the busiest day for the market.
• The Old Market has excellent eating places where you can have a cup of coffee or have a meal.
• If you wish to enjoy having steaming soups, especially the speciality, Salmon Soup, head towards the soup stall early as they close as soon as they are sold out.
• If you are planning to visit a particular stall, check its opening hours as all shops are not open the whole day.
• While visiting the market, do not miss on catching the breathtaking view from the Martkhalle on the South Harbour and the sea.