Helsinki city centre offers plenty of ways to fill your time. But one of its hidden gems is actually located some 10 kilometres east. Itä-Helsinki, or Eastern Helsinki, is an area full of colourful culture, cheap eats and fantastic secondhand shops. At Itäkeskus, the main shopping centre, and its neighbour, Puhos, you can buy produce from around the world in Alanya Market, feast on falafel and pita kebabs for less than three euros, and find vintage Finnish design items at Fida secondhand store. In the midst of it all, Cultural Centre Stoa offers peace and quiet and a great selection of local and international newspapers and books. The Helsinki metro runs to Itäkeskus daily and trips take less than 15 minutes. During the warmer months, you can also take a city bike. The ride from the centre to the east is fast, smooth and full of lovely sights!
Visit HSL site to utilize the journey planner.