Vantaa (Swedish: Vanda) is in the Uusimaa region in southern Finland, right north of Helsinki. Part of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, it is the fourth most populous city in Finland with about 240,000 inhabitants as of 2021.
Understand
[edit]
Like Espoo, Vantaa is basically an extension of Helsinki, despite having a huge population by Finnish measures. It does not have a proper city centre: Vantaa's administrative centre is in the district of Tikkurila (Swedish: Dickursby), and other districts that can be considered local "centres" are Myyrmäki (Swedish: Myrbacka) in the west, Kivistö in the north-west and Korso in the north-east.
Quite few of the inhabitants have any connections to the rural landscapes and villages left from the old Helsinge (renamed Vantaa 1972). Best known as the city where Helsinki's airport is located, you will also find various parks and farms you can visit there, as well as the beautiful medieval Church of St. Lawrence and a couple of interesting museums, notably the science centre Heureka. Depending on your interests, also the complex of the Jumbo mall and Flamingo hotel and entertainment centre can keep you busy for a couple of hours at least.
Helsinki Airport, located in the middle of northern Vantaa, takes up a large part of the city's area and effectively splits the rest of Vantaa in two parts, the Myyrmäki-Martinlaakso area in the west and the Tikkurila area in the east. The Ring Rail (Finnish: Kehärata) railway line connects all three areas together with the neighbouring city of Helsinki.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]The city is indeed accessible by air, as Finland's main airport is in Vantaa:
- 1 Helsinki Airport (HEL IATA).
There are buses from the airport to different parts of Vantaa, or you can take the commuter train to the public transport traffic hubs Tikkurila (for eastern Vantaa) or Myyrmäki (for western Vantaa).
By train
[edit]The main railroad north from Helsinki goes through eastern Vantaa. In addition to several local train stations, all long distance trains to the north and east, including the ones to Russia, stop at 2 Tikkurila Railway Station. 
. If you are heading for the western parts of Vantaa, you can take the local train line "I", which stops at 3 Myyrmäki Railway Station. and also continues to Helsinki–Vantaa Airport via 4 Kivistö Railway Station. .
By car
[edit]Highways 3, 4 (E75), 45 and 7 out of Helsinki go through Vantaa and the main east-western road is the third Helsinki ring road (Kehä III), which is mostly part of the E18 route. In the morning and afternoon rush hours traffic on it can get quite busy and in the winter a heavy snowfall or a larger accident due to the often over-frozen road surface can block the traffic completely.
By bus
[edit]From Helsinki several local buses go to Vantaa, and there are some lines directly from Espoo too. The Journey Planner[dead link] of the Helsinki region public transport authority (HSL) is an excellent tool to find out which bus you should take from one address to another. Some larger cities in southern Finland also have a direct connection to Helsinki airport.
Get around
[edit]
The public transport of Vantaa is operated by the Helsinki region public transport authority (HSL), see Helsinki#Get around for information about fares and tickets and HSL's website for routes, schedules and updated official information.
By train
[edit]Kehärata (Ring Line) connecting the main rail line with western Vantaa via the airport opened in July 2015. Combined with bus transfers, this is the fastest way to get around for many.
By bus
[edit]There is a maze of bus lines in the area.
By car
[edit]As distances are longer than in the more central parts of Helsinki, driving is sometimes an option. As above, the traffic can get quite congested in the rush hours, especially on the ring roads.
By bike or foot
[edit]On a sunny summer's day you can make use of the cycleways and footpaths criss-crossing Vantaa and suburban Helsinki. Get a good map.
Electric kick scooters
[edit]- See also: Finland#By motorised scooter
German Tier and American Bird rent electric kick scooters for use in Tikkurila, Martinlaakso, Myyrmäki, Vapaala and Varisto. The companies aim to keep the scooters available also in winter, conditions permitting, but the vehicles are not ideal in snowy or slippery conditions. Tier has also electric bicycles.
By taxi
[edit]- Helsinki Limo, ☏ +358 20-787-0360, [email protected]. Their vehicles are always new and black with leather interior. Drivers speak English and can even, by order, give short sightseeings.
- Lähitaksi, ☏ +358 100 7300 (extra charge: €1.92+€2.5/min+pvm). Traditionally the main taxi dispatch service in Vantaa (and all the capital region outside of Helsinki). Smartphone app: Taksini Daytime M–Sa €3.90+€1/1.45/km+0.90/min, nights and holidays €7.90+1.05/1.55/km+0.99/min; prebooking €7/14; the lower km and prebooking fees for 1–4 persons.
- Uber. Uber now uses licensed vehicles and drivers like everybody else, although the vehicle standard may differ more than what is otherwise common.
- Yango. Yango is a Russian company which offers cheap fares. M–F €3.00+1.10/km+0.25/min, Sa Su 05:00-21:59 €3.00+1.10/km+0.25/min, F-Su 22:00-04:59 €6.00+1.10/km+0.25/min (Starting fare includes 4 min and 1.5 km).
- Menevä Vantaa, ☏ +358 50-471-0470 (head of office), toll-free: 0800-02120 (booking). Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. Flag fall M–Sa 06:00–18:00: €4, other times and holidays: €7; 1–4 persons €0.90/km + €0.90/km, 5–8 persons minimum €20, €1.60/km + €0.90/min (July 2020).
- iTaksi, ☏ +358 10-212-0000, [email protected]. €4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min.
- Fixutaxi, ☏ +358 100-6060, [email protected]. Also bookable by app. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app. Daily, minimum fare €10; prebooking €10.
- Valopilkku. Taxis ordered by smart phone app. Pricing not told on the web.
- 02 Taksi. Smart phone app offers address based routing and gives price offers from different taxi companies. Pricing not told on the web.
See
[edit]
- 1 Heureka, Kuninkaalantie 7 (Near Tikkurila railway station). M–W Th 10:00–20:00, F 10:00–17:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00. Heureka is an interactive science museum, with different kinds of exhibitions about technology, physics, chemistry, medicine, astronomy and so on. Really exciting for children interested in science. Adult: €19; Children (6–15): €12.50.
- 2 Crime Museum of the Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (Keskusrikospoliisin Rikosmuseo), Jokiniemenkuja 4.
- 3 Vantaa Agricultural Museum (Vantaan maatalousmuseo), Nybackankuja 2 (in Vantaanlaakso), ☏ +358 500-315-744, [email protected].
- 4 Vantaankoski Dam (Vantaankosken pato), Kuninkaantie 33 (along the Ring III). A popular vantage point for the roaring rapids of the Vantaa River.
- 5 Hakkila Stone Bridge (Hakkilan kivisilta), Tikkurilantie 19 (between the Hakkila ja Jokiniemi districts). A stone arch bridge from 1898 crossing Keravanjoki.
- 6 Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation museum), Tietotie 3 (near Helsinki-Vantaa airport), ☏ +358 9 870-0870, [email protected]. 10:00–17:00. A museum with over 70 planes (both civilian and military) as well as plane parts, equipment and photos. adults €9, children €6.
- 7 Vantaa City museum (Vantaan kaupunginmuseo), Hertaksentie 1. Tu–F 11:00–18:00, Sa Su 11:00–16:00. Learn more about how Vantaa grew from a countryside parish to the city of 200,000 inhabitants it is today. €2.
- 8 Collection and Conservation Center (Kokoelma- ja konservointikeskus), Kanervantie 6 (in the Hakkila district). A museum centre owned by the Finnish Heritage Agency (Museovirasto), offering storage and conservation services for museum collections.
- 9 Viherpaja (Puutarhakeskus Viherpaja), Meiramintie 1 (in Koivuhaka district, just east of the airport, buses 574 and 623). Not just a plant and gardening store, but actually a 3500 m² garden with an indoor desert where cacti grow and a Japanese garden mimicking the climate of Tokyo round the year.
- 10 Katrineberg Pks4H Petting Zoo, Katriinankuja 5 (Buses 576, 444, 445 and 446), ☏ +358 45-783-17764, [email protected]. In Katrineberg you will find several different domestic animals such as sheep. Children can hug animals.
- 11 Ankkapuisto Park, Korsontie 11 (in the Korso district). A city park with a long narrow pond and walking trails.
- 12 Honkanummi Cemetery (Honkanummen hautausmaa), Vanha Porvoontie 225 (in the Hakkila district). One of the largest cemeteries in Finland; the area covers approximately 76 hectares. There are two chapels in the cemetery area, along with a crematorium, office, flower shop and lunch restaurant.
Churches
[edit]Churches of the congregations of Vantaa.
- 13 Church of St.Lawrence (Pyhän Laurin kirkko, Helsingin pitäjän kirkko / Helsinge kyrka S:t Lars), Kirkkotie 45. A medieval stone church from the 15th century in the southern part of Vantaa.
- Chapel of St. Lawrence (adjacent to the church). A modern chapel; funerals and concerts
- 14 Tikkurila church (Tikkurilan kirkko), Asematie 12 (in Tikkurila). This modern church was completed in 2021 and replaced an older demolished church church from 1956.
- 15 Myyrmäki church (Myyrmäen kirkko), Uomatie 1 (In Myyrmäki, Western Vantaa.). Closed for repairs 2019–. Completed in 1984, this church is pretty cubist on both the inside an outside.
- 16 Kivistö church (Kivistön kirkko), Laavatie 2 (in Kivistö, north-western Vantaa.).
- 17 Korso church (Korson kirkko), Merikotkantie 4 (In Korso, Northeastern Vantaa.).
Do
[edit]
- 1 Flamingo Entertainment Center, Tasetie 8 (buses 650 and 615T from Helsinki Railway Station or bus 61 from Tikkurila Station). A big entertainment complex located near the airport in Vantaa, next to a large shopping mall Jumbo, just north of Helsinki. Biggest attractions are Flamingo Spa & Wellness with pretty cool and fast slides in the waterpark section and a large selection of relaxation pools, jacuzzis and different saunas in the other section, and Hohtogolf West Coast which is a glow in the dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Cheesy but fun, especially after a few drinks from the bar. Other attractions in Flamingo include a small casino, a 3D movie theatre, many pubs and restaurants, a variety of specialist shops, a large hotel and one of the biggest nightclubs in Finland called Onnela.
- 2 Bio Grand, Kielotie 7 (in Tikkurila). Smaller independent cinema, showing mostly the bigger blockbusters. May have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board.
- Bio Jaseka (Myyrmäki). Smaller independent cinema, showing mostly the bigger blockbusters. May have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board.
- 3 David Fitness Club, Puutarhatie 26 A (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 500-605-822, [email protected]. 24/7.
- 4 ELIXIA Tikkurila, Kielotie 1–3. M–Th 06:00–22:00, F 06:00–21:00, Sa 08:00–19:00, Su 10:00–20:00. A gym.
- 5 Kuusijärvi recreation ground (Kuusijärven ulkoilualue), Kuusijärventie (Buses 738, 739 and 731N). Vantaa's most popular outdoor area. Smoke saunas, open-air swimming, ice swimming, skiing, beach, nature trails.
- 6 Kuusijärvi Smoke Sauna, Kuusijärventie 3. This traditional smoke sauna is located in Vantaa but very easy to reach from Helsinki Railway Station. Situated in Kuusijärvi Outdoor Centre and besides a beautiful lake, it's widely regarded as one of the best traditional saunas in the capital region. Rebuilt in 2011. Take your swim gear with you, as the smoke sauna is mixed-sex. €10 for adults, students/children €6.
- 7 Pavi, Honkanummentie 6 (Itä-Hakkila, eastern Vantaa). W F and Sa nights in the summer. Dance tango and other similar dances. Also arranges dance courses.
- 8 Hiekkaharju Golf, Tennistie 9 (in the Hiekkaharju district), ☏ +358 29-170-2080, [email protected].
- 9 Keimola Golf, Kirkantie 32 (in the Keimola district), ☏ +358 9 276-6650, [email protected]. Keimola has two full-scale 18-hole golf courses, Kirkka and Saras.
- 10 GoGolf Megarange Airport, Turvalaaksonkuja 3 (in Tuupakka, near the Ring III road), ☏ +358 50-552-5561, [email protected].
- 11 Sipoonkorpi National Park (Sibbo storskogs nationalpark). In addition to Nuuksio in Espoo, the other national park quickly reachable from Helsinki. As its name suggests, it also extends to Sipoo.
- 18 Sotunki (Sottungsby). It's hard to call this farmland dominated area at the eastern edge of Vantaa a "city district". In the summer it's a pleasant area for biking along the unpaved roads between the fields where sheep and cows graze. It also has multiple access points to the national park. Paths allow access to a lake, a small camping place and scenic cliff walks in the national park.
- 12 Tikkurila Arena (Tikkurilan areena), Läntinen Valkoisenlähteentie 52-54 (in Tikkurila; near the Hotel Tikkurila), ☏ +358 50-575-7132. Ice rink.
Events and festivals
[edit]
- Winter Carnival, Hertaksentie 2. Dance class 15:00–18:00, show 22:00–02:00. A samba show held on a Saturday in late January at the nightclub Tulisuudelma (see section Nightclubs below). Features performances by the samba schools Império do Papagaio from Helsinki and Sambic from Tuusula. Consists of both an instructed samba dance class and an evening samba show. €16.
- Tikkurila festivaali. In the Tikkurila festival there is a good serving of domestic music in the Hiekkaharju Sports Park in Vantaa
- [dead link] Beer Floating (Kaljakellunta), on Vantaa river. An unofficial event usually held the last weekend of July or the first weekend of August since 1997. The participants (yup, mostly males in their 20s) gather in Vantaa with rubber boats, rafts or whatever they can find that floats and travel downstream towards Vanhankaupunginkoski while indulging beer – of course without life vests. The event has no official arrangers that could be held responsible if something happens, and the date of the event just spreads in social media. If you think watching the spectacle isn't enough, remember that you're doing it on your own risk!
- 13 BRQ festival, Kirkkotie 45. A music festival of classic baroque music held in St. Lawrence church in Helsingin pitäjän kirkkokylä.
Work
[edit]More so than Helsinki or Espoo, Vantaa has large industrial areas and a lot of services, so there are a lot of jobs at various levels, including for immigrants. Common jobs are for instance cleaning, cargo handling, warehouse work and waiter and other restaurant jobs. The government employment office (TE-toimisto) is located in Tikkurila, Vernissakatu 8 C.
Buy
[edit]
- 1 Halva factory shop, Tammiston kauppatie 27. The factory shop of a candy manufacturer. Yes, they do make the Middle Eastern confectionary too (as their name suggests) but they're best known for their liquorice candies.
- 2 Zagros Food, Liesikuja 7 (in Myyrmäki), ☏ +358 40 036 2727. M–Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 10:00–19:00. Oriental grocery store.
Shopping centres
[edit]In Vantaa and the northern suburbs there is no shortage of large shopping malls with even larger parking areas where you can buy everything from strawberries to washing machines. They also have other services like banks and restaurants and are all accessible by bus. The major ones are:
- 3 Jumbo, Vantaanportinkatu 3 (Near the airport). Finland's second largest mall when it opened in 1999, Jumbo does live up to its name. Jumbo features Prisma and Citymarket superstores, a Stockmann department store and practically all major Finnish shop chains and a range of cafés and restaurants.
- 4 Myyrmanni, Iskoskuja 3 (In Myyrmäki, western Vantaa). Citymarket superstore and several smaller shops, and near it a couple of older malls including Isomyyri and Myyrinpuhos.
- 5 Dixi, Ratatie 11 (In Tikkurila, near the railway station).
- 6 Tikkuri, Asematie 4–10 (In Tikkurila).
- 7 Kivis, Vantaankoskentie 69 (in Kivistö, near the railway station), [email protected]. Vantaa's newest shopping centre with more than 20 shops.
There's also a cluster of shopping malls in 8 Tammisto, along freeway 45 south of Ring road III, as well as in 9 Porttipuisto, though this one only comprises furniture and bargain stores. There are also smaller shopping centers in the central locations of some neighborhoods, such as in 10 Hakunila, 11 Kaivoksela, 12 Louhela and 13 Vantaanpuisto.
Eat
[edit]
Budget
[edit]- 1 Antell Väritupa, Heidehofintie 6 (in Kuninkaala), ☏ +358 20-770-2211, [email protected]. A lunch restaurant.
- 2 Balkan Grilli, Kannistontie 2 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 9 896-161. A grill kiosk.
- 3 Grilli La Perla, Hakunilantie 65 (in Hakunila), ☏ +358 50-557-9910. A grill restaurant.
- 4 IKEA furniture mall's cafe and restaurant, Porttisuontie 18 (at the intersection of freeway 4 and the third ring road). M–Sa. The furniture store IKEA has a restaurant on the 3rd floor and a café on the second where you can have a decent meal for well under €10 or a coffee or a hotdog for around €1. Also serves €2 breakfast in the morning.
- 5 Katamaran Grilli, Niittytie 27 (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 41-315-1566. A grill kiosk.
- 6 King's Corner, Kuninkaantie 39 (in the Vantaankoski district near the Vantaa River), ☏ +358 9 893-024. M–F 09:00–21:30, Sa–Su 10:00–21:30. A pizzeria kebab restaurant.
- 7 Kuninkaan Ravintola, Malmarintie 39 (in Hakkila; near the Honkanummi Cemetery), ☏ +358 9 4289-2490, +358 9 4289-2491, [email protected]. Pizzeria.
- 8 Lounasravintola Kehä III, Virkatie 7 (a little over a kilometre west from the Jumbo shopping centre, best accessed by car). Daily 08:45–17:00. The "Lunch restaurant Ring Road Three" is a café all the day and serves you good all-you-can-eat buffet lunch at lunchtime. Popular among blue-collar workers. lunch buffet €9.
- 9 Lounasravintola Saarikoski, Niittytie 12 (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 45-171-9111, [email protected]. A lunch restaurant.
- 10 Pizzeria Xona, Talkootie 17 (in Hiekkaharju), ☏ +358 9 873-2200.
- 11 RAX pizza buffet, Asematie 4 (Tikkurila), Iskoskuja 3 (Myyrmäki), Tasetie 8 (Flamingo). The pizza buffet chain RAX has three restaurants in Vantaa. All you can eat buffet serving (some say "unhealthy") food such as pizza, chicken wings, lasagne, meat balls, fried onions, nachos, salads, soft drinks and ice for desert. buffet €9.95.
- 12 Ravintola Flyygeli, Sairaalakatu 7 (Near Peijas hospital), ☏ +358 50-513-8072, [email protected]. Daily 11:30–12:30. The Manor Restaurant Flyygeli prepares traditional tasty home-cooked food and pastries. Pensioners €8.50, others €9.70.
- 13 Ravintola Silmu, Juurakkokuja 4 (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 50-410-9118. A lunch restaurant.
- 14 Super Burger, Kannistontie 2 (in Tikkurila), ☏ +358 46-540-0885. A grill kiosk.
- 15 Trattoria Limone (Limone Kivistö), Jaspiskuja 2 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 50-439-5140. An Italian restaurant.
- 16 Vintero (Kortteliravintola Vintero), Kielotie 15 E, ☏ +358 50-501-0215, [email protected].
Mid-range
[edit]- 17 Askiston Taverna, Askistontie 1 (in Askisto; along the Vihti Road), ☏ +358 40-322-6089, [email protected]. M–Th 10:00–22:00, F 10:00–02:00, Sa 11:00–02:00, Su 11:00–22:00. A kebab pizzeria.
- 18 El Paso, Simonkalliontie 9 (in Simonkylä), ☏ +358 9 2731-318. A pizzeria.
- 19 Gete Deli, Laajaniityntie 2 (a short walk away from the Martinlaakso railway station), ☏ +358 40-851-1083, [email protected]. Mostly 10:00–20:00, M closed. Gete Deli doubles as an Italian-style restaurant and a cafeteria. Dishes include pizza, pasta and kebab. Stylish decor themed after 1980s video games. At lunch time, all restaurant dishes are cheaper. €13–15, cheaper at lunch.
- 20 Hua Thai, Kielotie 7, ☏ +358 44-972-9168. Chinese restaurant in Tikkurila.
- 21 Koseli, Unikkotie 2, ☏ +358 50-513-4925, +358 44-975-1570, [email protected]. Nepalese restaurant in Tikkurila.
- 22 La Locanda, Maitikkakuja 1 (in Simonkylä), ☏ +358 50-549-5607. The restaurant offers Mediterranean delicacies from different cuisines with a new modern twist while respecting traditions.
- 23 Mama Mozza, Kielotie 6, ☏ +358 440-408-888. Italian restaurant in Tikkurila.
The Costa del Muerte Wall of Fame at Mike's Diner. - 24 Mike's Diner, Unikkotie 11 (Pedestrian street behind the Prisma hypermarket), ☏ +358 50-551-8995. 10:00–22:00. An American-style hamburger diner. Various tasty hamburgers available, also including vegan options. For a dare, try the "Costa del Muerte" extremely spicy hamburger. If you manage to finish it off you get to write your name on the wall. Hamburgers around €16, cheaper at lunchtime.
- [dead link] Oriental House, Unikkotie 5A. M–F 11:00–22:00, Sa Su 12:00–22:00. Next to the former, the oldest Chinese restaurant in Vantaa.
- 25 Parilla Steak House, Tasetie 8. A restaurant in the Flamingo entertainment centre. The menu is along the line of steaks, chicken wings and large hamburgers, best enjoyed with a glass of wine from their surprisingly large wine list.
- 26 Ravintola Kaari, Heidehofintie 2 (in Kuninkaala), ☏ +358 10-321-0520, [email protected]. A lunch restaurant.
- 27 Ravintola Mamma Mia, Tähkäkuja 3 (in Jokiniemi), ☏ +358 40-811-8536, [email protected].
- 28 [dead link] Ravintola Mummola, Kielotie 8. M Tu 10:30-14:00, W Th 10:30-22:00, F 10:30-22:00, Sa 12:00-22:00, Su 12:00-18:00. Traditional Finnish food, the name translates to "at grandma's".
- 29 Ravintola Taimi, Puutarhatie 18 A (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 45-186-8228, [email protected]. A lunch restaurant.
- 30 Ristorante il Classico, Keimolantie 11–13 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 9 4289-0299, [email protected]. An Italian restaurant.
- 31 Shamrock, Peltolantie 2, ☏ +358 40-508-2568, [email protected]. A restaurant with a bar, karaoke and billiard.
- 32 Shoku Burger, Venuksentie 4 LH 4 (a bit hidden away at the rear side of the mall), ☏ +358 50-551-1316, [email protected]. M-Tu closed, W-Th 12:00-19:00, F 12:00-20:00, Sa 14:00-20:00, Su 14:00-18:00. A tiny burger place with just two tables in the small "shopping mall" of the Mikkola district (in the summer there may be tables outside too). They make delicious burgers with East Asian flavour. burgers €8.90-9.90.
- 33 Souvlaki, Peltolantie 4 (in Tikkurila), ☏ +358 44-975-4252, [email protected]. Greek restaurant.
- 34 Thai Palace, Unikkotie 5A. M-F 11:00-22:00, Sa Su 12:00-22:00. Thai food, as the name reveals.
- 35 Tsuki, Kivivuorentie 4 (in the Martinlaakso shopping centre), ☏ +358 44-988-8768, [email protected]. 10:30–21:00. An Asian buffet restaurant. Serves a buffet of warm Asian food, sushi and desserts. Water is included, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks cost extra. "Tsuki" means "moon" in Japanese. Lunch buffet 13.30 €.
- 36 Wanda's, Liesikuja 5 (North of Myyrmanni shopping centre), ☏ +358 45-664-5064, [email protected]. M–Tu 10:30–14:00, W–Th 10:30–21:00 F 10:30–23:00, Sa 12:00–13:00, Su closed. A stylish and spacious restaurant in Myyrmäki. Serves an affordable lunch buffet on weekdays, but also functions as an à la carte restaurant with full alcohol licences from Wednesday to Saturday. Voted as the best lunch restaurant in Vantaa for two consecutive years. Lunch €13.50, à la carte €25–35.
- 37 Zilla, Kielotie 14, ☏ +358 10-205-1620, [email protected]. A cocktail restaurant.
Splurge
[edit]If you want fine dining, you'd better travel to central Helsinki. The hotels near the airport have their own restaurants, but the food at them doesn't necessary live up to the prices.
- 38 Oklahoma, Tikkuraitti 15 (in Tikkurila). M-Th 10:30-23:00, F 10:00-24:00, Sa 12:00-24:00, Su 13:00-24:00. American restaurant.
- 39 [dead link] Katering Ammattilaiset, Talkootie 4. Daily 08:00-14:00. At your request.
Drink
[edit]
Most suburbs have a pub or two. If you want something fancier, head to central Helsinki, that's what the locals do.
Pubs and bars
[edit]- 1 Baston, Unikkotie 11 (in Tikkurila), ☏ +358 400-720-321, [email protected]. A cocktail bar.
- 2 Pub Hertas, Hertaksentie 2. Su–F 16:00–04:00, Sa 11:00–04:00.
- 3 Old Story, Tikkuraitti 17. Daily 09:00–02:00.
- 4 Hakunilan Cowboy, Hiirakkokuja 6 (in Hakunila), ☏ +358 45-236-3939. Su–Th 10:00–12:00, F–Sa 10:00–02:00.
- 5 Lazigana Pub, Marmoritie 11 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 9 879-2927.
- 6 Beer&Café Solmu, Jaspiskuja 5 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 44-747-9020. Su–Th 11:00–01:00, F–Sa 11:00–02:00. A bar and coffeehouse.
Nightclubs
[edit]- 7 [dead link] Klubi 5, Kilterinraitti 6.
- 8 Pingviini Night & Street Bar (Ravintola Pingviini), Kielotie 20.
- 9 Shamrock, Peltolantie 2. M Tu 16:00–24:00, W Th 16:00–02:00, F 15:00–04:00, Sa 12:00–04:00, Su 14:00–02:00. Night club in Tikkurila.
- 10 Torello Rock Bar, Lehdokkitie 6. M–Th 10:00–01:00, F Sa 10:00–03:00, Su 11:00–01:00.
- 11 Tulisuudelma, Hertaksentie 2, ☏ +358 20 1234 618. Tu-Th 20:00 to 00:00, F-Su 22 to 04. The most famous nightclub in Vantaa. Easily accessible as it's actually located inside the hotel Sokos Hotel Vantaa, right next to the Tikkurila railway station. As such, after partying you can either go sleep in the hotel or travel by train to neighbouring Helsinki. The nightclub regularly holds live performances by various Finnish musicians and bands. The nightclub is so popular among partygoers in the capital region that people tend to include it in a list of Helsinki's popular nightclubs even though it's not actually in Helsinki. Free to €16, depending on event.
Sleep
[edit]
The major hotel concentration in this part of the capital region is near the airport. No wonder, as most people coming to or leaving from Finland by air pass through Helsinki-Vantaa.
Budget
[edit]- 1 20Rooms, Kyläkaivontie 6 D (Hiekkaharju), ☏ +358 40-658-2939, [email protected]. A budget hotel with comfortable rooms.
Mid-range
[edit]- 2 Clarion Hotel Aviapolis, Karhumäentie 5 (in Aviapolis; 2 km south of the airport terminals), ☏ +358 9 3417-4652, [email protected]. The hotel features 258 rooms, 12 conference rooms, a restaurant, and a relaxation area with a gym and saunas. €120.
- 3 Sokos Hotel Vantaa, Hertaksentie 2 (Tikkurila), ☏ +358 20-1234-618, fax: +358 10-785-0150, [email protected]. Hotel of the national chain Sokos Hotels.
- 4 Hotel Tikkurila (Hotelli Tikkurila), Läntinen Valkoisenlähteentie 52 (Tikkurila), ☏ +358 43-825-2928, [email protected]. Comfortable accommodation in rooms for 1–8 people; 32 of the hotel's rooms are non-smoking and the bed capacity is 127. The hotel includes a café-restaurant. In connection with the hotel, there are excellent opportunities to practice various sports. It is about 1,3 km to Tikkurila railway station from the hotel.
- 5 Airport Hotel Bonus Inn, Elannontie 9 (Pakkala exit from Ring III Highway), ☏ +358 9 825-511, fax: +358 9 8255-1818, [email protected]. Friendly family-owned hotel with basic but very clean and comfortable rooms. Restaurant, sauna (evening only), free shuttle service to the airport (5–7 min). €120.
- 6 Cumulus Airport Hotel, Robert Huberin tie 6, ☏ +358 9 4157-7100. Mid-range Finnish chain hotel, 10 min from the airport by free shuttle bus. €120.
- 7 Hotel GLO Helsinki Airport (Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, immediately outside baggage claim), ☏ +358 10-344-4600, fax: +358 103 444 601, [email protected]. Also day rooms available (09:00–19:00), depending on the booking situation.
- 8 [dead link] Best Western Airport Hotel Pilotti, Veromäentie 1, ☏ +358 9 329-4800, fax: +358 9 329 481 00, [email protected]. Within 5-minute drive from Helsinki-Vantaa airport and within walking distance to Jumbo shopping centre and new Flamingo Spa. There is a regular bus service between Helsinki-Vantaa airport and the hotel.
Splurge
[edit]- 9 Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Lentäjänkuja 1 (next to the airport), ☏ +358 9 732-20. Full-service hotel. Soundproof windows, bar, restaurant, sauna. €150.
- 10 Sokos Hotel Flamingo, Tasetie 8, ☏ +358 20-123-4605, fax: +358 20 1234 606, [email protected].
- 11 Rantasipi Hotel Airport, Robert Huberin tie 4, ☏ +358 9 4157-7100, fax: +358 9 4157 7101, [email protected].
Stay safe
[edit]There may be unrest in the suburbs along the railways and on the trains in the evenings.
Stay healthy
[edit]- 1 Peijas hospital (Peijaksen sairaala), Sairaalakatu 1 (in Asola). One of the main hospitals of the capital region.
- 2 Katriina hospital (Katriinan sairaala), Katriinankuja 4 (in Seutula). One of the main hospitals of the capital region.
In addition, there are health centers (terveyskeskus) in pretty much all major suburbs.
Connect
[edit]Internet
[edit]For free Wi-Fi and internet terminals, check the four libraries of the city:
- 3 Tikkurila Library (Vantaa City Library).
- 4 Koivukylä Library
- 5 Myyrmäki Library
- 6 Lumo Library
- 7 Hakunila Library
Cope
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Espoo
- Helsinki
- Järvenpää — 25 km further north, where you can visit Ainola, the home of the famous composer Jean Sibelius.
- Kerava
- Sipoo
- Klaukkala
| Routes through Vantaa |
| Turku ← Espoo ← | W  E
|
→ Sipoo → Vyborg |
| Turku ← Espoo ← | W  E
|
→ Porvoo → Saint Petersburg |
| Hämeenlinna ← Nurmijärvi ← | NW  SE
|
→ Helsinki → END |
| END ← Helsinki ← | SW  NE
|
→ Kerava → Lahti |
| Hyvinkää ← Tuusula ← | N  S
|
→ Helsinki → END |