French
Deutsch
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 | edit source]
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 in 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.
Local information
[edit | edit source]- City of Vantaa website
Get in
[edit | edit source]By plane
[edit | edit source]The city is indeed accessible by air, as Finland's main airport is in Vantaa:
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 | edit source]
The main railway 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 | edit source]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 | edit source]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 | edit source]
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[dead link] for routes, schedules and updated official information.
By train
[edit | edit source]Kehärata (Ring Line) connects the main rail line with western Vantaa via the airport. Combined with bus transfers, this is the fastest way to get around for many.
By bus
[edit | edit source]There is a maze of bus lines in the area.
By car
[edit | edit source]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 | edit source]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 | edit source]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 tram Scheduled to open in 2029, the Vantaa light rail will connect Mellunmäki metro station in northeastern Helsinki almost to the airport, going through much of southeastern Vantaa. Originally the western terminus was planned to be at the airport terminal but due to a lack of space, it will be at the Aviapolis office district about 1.5 km away from the airport. From there passengers would connect to the airport by one stop on the Ring Rail listed above or on foot, and the latter has given the rail link the nickname patikkaratikka, roughly translating to "walkers' tram" |
By taxi
[edit | edit source]- Helsinki Limo, ☏ +358 20-787-0360, info@helsinkilimo.com. 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, info@itaksi.fi. €4.00/6.00+€0.90/km+€0.85/min.
- Fixutaxi, ☏ +358 100-6060, info@fixutaxi.fi. 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 | edit source]Museums
[edit | edit source]
- 1 Heureka, Kuninkaalantie 7 (Near Tikkurila railway station). Mon–Wed Thu 10:00–20:00, Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat Sun 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 Vantaa Agricultural Museum (Vantaan maatalousmuseo), Nybackankuja 2 (in Vantaanlaakso), ☏ +358 500-315-744, info@vantaanmaatalousmuseo.fi. Agricultural machinery, tools and local history on display.
- 3 Suomen Ilmailumuseo (Finnish Aviation museum), Tietotie 3 (near Helsinki-Vantaa airport), ☏ +358 9 870-0870, info@suomenilmailumuseo.fi. 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.
- 4 Vantaa City museum (Vantaan kaupunginmuseo), Hertaksentie 1. Tue–Fri 11:00–18:00, Sat Sun 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.
- 5 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.
- 6 Fazer Experience Visitor Centre, Fazerintie 6. Finland's largest candy manufacturer and bakery has a visitor centre, which can be visited on a guided tour. You don't need a ticket to visit the shop and café in the building. adults €16, children (3–17 years) €11, pensioners and students €14, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) €47.
Nature
[edit | edit source]
- 7 Vantaankoski Dam (Vantaankosken pato), Kuninkaantie 33 (along the Ring III). A popular vantage point for the roaring rapids of the Vantaa River.
- 8 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.
- 9 Katrineberg Pks4H Petting Zoo, Katriinankuja 5 (Buses 576, 444, 445 and 446), ☏ +358 45-783-17764, elainvastaava@4h.fi. In Katrineberg you will find several different domestic animals such as sheep. Children can hug animals.
- 10 Ankkapuisto Park, Korsontie 11 (in the Korso district). A city park with a long narrow pond and walking trails.
Churches
[edit | edit source]
Churches of the congregations of Vantaa.
- 11 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, quite probably the city's oldest standing building. It is the centerpiece of the district Helsingin pitäjän kirkonkylä (Helsinge church village) composed of wooden houses some of which date back to the 18th century, and as such this can be considered the old town of Vantaa.
- 12 Chapel of St. Lawrence (adjacent to the church). A modern chapel; funerals and concerts
- 13 Tikkurila church (Tikkurilan kirkko), Asematie 12 (in Tikkurila). This modern church was completed in 2021 and replaced an older demolished church church from 1956.
- 14 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.
- 15 Kivistö church (Kivistön kirkko), Laavatie 2 (in Kivistö, north-western Vantaa.).
- 16 Korso church (Korson kirkko), Merikotkantie 4 (In Korso, Northeastern Vantaa.).
Other
[edit | edit source]- 17 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.
- 18 Hakkila Stone Bridge (Hakkilan kivisilta), Tikkurilantie 19 (between the Hakkila ja Jokiniemi districts). A stone arch bridge from 1898 crossing Keravanjoki.
Do
[edit | edit source]
- 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 and a large hotel.
- 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.
- 3 David Fitness Club, Puutarhatie 26 A (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 500-605-822, tikkurila@davidfitnessclub.fi. 24/7.
- 4 ELIXIA Tikkurila, Kielotie 1–3. Mon–Thu 06:00–22:00, Fri 06:00–21:00, Sat 08:00–19:00, Sun 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 (in Kuusijärvi Outdoor Centre). This traditional smoke sauna is located in Vantaa but very easy to reach from Helsinki Railway Station. Situated 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; bus stop Pavi), ☏ +358 400-703-141, pavi@pavi.fi. Mid-Apr to mid-Oct: Wed Fri 20:00–24:00 and Sat 17:00–21:30. Social dancing with live music. Also dance courses, often one-hour courses before the dances (included in the price; rotating system, own partner not needed). 60-years anniversary 2025. Café (no alcohol), grill, free water. €20 + cloakroom €2, students and youth < 30 years €15 (+€2).
- 8 Hiekkaharju Golf, Tennistie 9 (in the Hiekkaharju district), ☏ +358 29-170-2080, caddiemaster@hieg.fi.
- 9 Keimola Golf, Kirkantie 32 (in the Keimola district), ☏ +358 9 276-6650, keimolagolf@keimolagolf.com. 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, range@gogolf.fi.
- 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.
- 12 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.
- 13 Tikkurila Arena (Tikkurilan areena), Läntinen Valkoisenlähteentie 52-54 (in Tikkurila; near the Hotel Tikkurila), ☏ +358 50-575-7132. Ice rink.
Events and festivals
[edit | edit source]
- 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
- 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!
- 14 BRQ festival, Kirkkotie 45 (Church of St. Lawrence). A music festival of classic baroque music.
Work
[edit | edit source]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 | edit source]
- 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. Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00, Sun 10:00–19:00. Oriental grocery store.
Shopping centres
[edit | edit source]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), info@kauppakeskuskivis.fi. 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 | edit source]
Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Antell Väritupa, Heidehofintie 6 (in Kuninkaala), ☏ +358 20-770-2211, antell.varitupa@antell.fi. A lunch restaurant.
- 2 Balkan Grilli, Kannistontie 2 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 9 896-161. A grill kiosk.
- 3 IKEA furniture mall's cafe and restaurant, Porttisuontie 18 (at the intersection of freeway 4 and the third ring road). Mon–Sat. 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.
- 4 Katamaran Grilli, Niittytie 27 (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 41-315-1566. A grill kiosk.
- 5 King's Corner, Kuninkaantie 39 (in the Vantaankoski district near the Vantaa River), ☏ +358 9 893-024. Mon–Fri 09:00–21:30, Sat Sun 10:00–21:30. A pizzeria kebab restaurant.
- 6 Kuninkaan Ravintola, Malmarintie 39 (in Hakkila; near the Honkanummi Cemetery), ☏ +358 9 4289-2490, +358 9 4289-2491, info@kuninkaanravintola.fi. Pizzeria.
- 7 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. A café all day, but also serves you a good all-you-can-eat buffet lunch at lunchtime. Popular among blue-collar workers. lunch buffet €9.
- 8 Lounasravintola Saarikoski, Niittytie 12 (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 45-171-9111, lounassaarikoski@gmail.com. A lunch restaurant.
- 9 Pizzeria Xona, Talkootie 17 (in Hiekkaharju), ☏ +358 9 873-2200.
- 10 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 dessert. buffet €9.95.
- 11 Ravintola Flyygeli, Sairaalakatu 7 (Near Peijas hospital), ☏ +358 50-513-8072, ravintola@foibekartano.fi. Daily 11:30–12:30. The Manor Restaurant Flyygeli prepares traditional tasty home-cooked food and pastries. Pensioners €8.50, others €9.70.
- 12 Ravintola Silmu, Juurakkokuja 4 (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 50-410-9118. A lunch restaurant.
- 13 Sapusca, Jönsaksentie 4, ☏ +358 451411045. Weekdays 10:15 - 14:00, Sat 11:00 - 13:30, Sun closed. A lunch restaurant in Myyrmäki. Serves a lunch buffet based on a mixture of Finnish home cooking and Mediterranean cuisine. Open for lunch only, no à la carte menu. Located right next to a health care station whose employees often come here to eat. 13.70 €.
- 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, info@vintero.fi.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 17 Askiston Taverna, Askistontie 1 (in Askisto; along the Vihti Road), ☏ +358 40-322-6089, info@askistontaverna.fi. Mon–Thu 10:00–22:00, Fri 10:00–02:00, Sat 11:00–02:00, Sun 11:00–22:00. A kebab pizzeria.
- 18 Basilios, Ruukkutori 1, ☏ +358 46-521-5971, info@basilios.fi. Mostly 10:30–21:00. A rather small Italian restaurant in Myyrmäki. Serves pizza and pasta with full alcohol licences. Main courses around €18.
- 19 Burgeriville, Tammistontie 2D. Mon–Thu 10:00–21:00, Fri 10:00–21:30, Sat 11:00–21:30, Sun 11:30–21:30. A small hamburger place among the big-box stores in the Tammisto district. Delicious burgers to eat in or take out.
- 20 El Paso, Simonkalliontie 9 (in Simonkylä), ☏ +358 9 2731-318. A pizzeria.
- 21 Gete Deli, Kivivuorentie 2 (right next to Martinlaakso shopping centre), ☏ +358 40-851-1083, info@getedeli.fi. Mostly 10:00–20:00, Mon closed. Gete Deli doubles as an Italian-style restaurant and a cafeteria. Dishes include pizza, pasta and kebab. At lunch time, all restaurant dishes are cheaper. €13–15, cheaper at lunch.
- 22 Hua Thai, Kielotie 7, ☏ +358 44-972-9168. Chinese restaurant in Tikkurila.
- 23 Koseli, Unikkotie 2, ☏ +358 50-513-4925, +358 44-975-1570, ravintola.koseli@gmail.com. Nepalese restaurant in Tikkurila.
- 24 Limos, Kauppalaivurintie 12, ☏ +358 40 480 5092, info@limos.fi. 11:00 to 20:00 mostly. A pizzeria serving authentic Italian-style artesan pizza. Pizzas around 19 €.
- 25 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.
- 26 Mama Mozza, Kielotie 6, ☏ +358 440-408-888. Italian restaurant in Tikkurila.
The Costa del Muerte Wall of Fame at Mike's Diner. - 27 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.
- 28 Osaka Teppanyaki, Iskoskuja 3 A (in the Myyrmanni shopping centre), ☏ +358408266495, osakateppanyaki.myyrmanni@gmail.com. A Japanese-style buffet restaurant serving all kinds of Asian food. The restaurant's speciality is teppanyaki where you select your meats and vegetables while they're still raw and the restaurant cooks them for you. Teppanyaki and alcoholic drinks are available at an extra cost. Buffet €14-23.
- 29 Ravintola Kaari, Heidehofintie 2 (in Kuninkaala), ☏ +358 10-321-0520, info@ravintolakaari.fi. A lunch restaurant.
- 30 Ravintola Mamma Mia, Tähkäkuja 3 (in Jokiniemi), ☏ +358 40-811-8536, pubdaire@gmail.com.
- 31 Ravintola Taimi, Puutarhatie 18 A (in Koivuhaka), ☏ +358 45-186-8228, myynti@ravintolataimi.fi. A lunch restaurant.
- 32 Ristorante il Classico, Keimolantie 11–13 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 9 4289-0299, info@ilclassico.fi. An Italian restaurant.
- 33 Shamrock, Peltolantie 2, ☏ +358 40-508-2568, ravintola@shamrock.fi. A restaurant with a bar, karaoke and billiard.
- 34 Souvlaki, Peltolantie 4 (in Tikkurila), ☏ +358 44-975-4252, souvlaki@hotmail.fi. Greek restaurant.
- 35 Thai Palace, Unikkotie 5A. Mon-Fri 11:00-22:00, Sat Sun 12:00-22:00. Thai food, as the name reveals.
- 36 Tsuki, Kivivuorentie 4 (in the Martinlaakso shopping centre), ☏ +358 44-988-8768, ravintolatsuki@gmail.com. 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.
- 37 Wanda's, Liesikuja 5 (North of Myyrmanni shopping centre), ☏ +358 45-664-5064, wandas@wandas.fi. Mon Tue 10:30–14:00, Wed Thu 10:30–21:00, Fri 10:30–23:00, Sat 12:00–13:00, Sun 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 three consecutive years. Lunch €13.50, à la carte €25–35.
- 38 West Side Story, Kivivuorentie 4 (In the Martinlaakso shopping centre), ☏ +358 44 7467232, info@westsidestory.fi. Mon-Thu 10:00 - 00:00, Fri Sat 10:00 - 02:00, Sun 12:00 - 22:00. An American-style sports bar and diner in Martinlaakso. Serves American-style food such as hamburgers and hot wings. Live coverage of Finnish sports events every day. Various Finnish and foreign beers available. Main courses €20-30, lunch €13.70.
- 39 Zilla, Kielotie 14, ☏ +358 10-205-1620, info@zilla.fi. A cocktail restaurant.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]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.
- 40 Oklahoma, Tikkuraitti 15 (in Tikkurila). Mon-Thu 10:30-23:00, Fri 10:00-24:00, Sat 12:00-24:00, Sun 13:00-24:00. American restaurant.
Drink
[edit | edit source]
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 | edit source]- 1 Baston, Unikkotie 11 (in Tikkurila), ☏ +358 400-720-321, myynti@baston.fi. A cocktail bar.
- 2 Pub Hertas, Hertaksentie 2. Sun–Fri 16:00–04:00, Sat 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. Sun–Thu 10:00–12:00, Fri Sat 10:00–02:00.
- 5 Lazigana Pub, Marmoritie 11 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 9 879-2927.
- 6 Beer and Café Solmu, Jaspiskuja 5 (in Kivistö), ☏ +358 44-747-9020. Sun–Thu 11:00–01:00, Fri Sat 11:00–02:00. A bar and coffeehouse.
Nightclubs
[edit | edit source]- 7 Pingviini Night and Street Bar (Ravintola Pingviini), Kielotie 20.
- 8 Shamrock, Peltolantie 2. Mon Tue 16:00–24:00, Wed Thu 16:00–02:00, Fri 15:00–04:00, Sat 12:00–04:00, Sun 14:00–02:00. Night club in Tikkurila.
- 9 Tulisuudelma, Hertaksentie 2, ☏ +358 20-123-4618. Tue-Thu 20:00 to 00:00, Fri-Sun 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 | edit source]
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 | edit source]- 1 20Rooms, Kyläkaivontie 6 D (Hiekkaharju), ☏ +358 40-658-2939, info@20rooms.fi. A budget hotel with comfortable rooms.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 2 Clarion Hotel Aviapolis, Karhumäentie 5 (in Aviapolis; 2 km south of the airport terminals), ☏ +358 9 3417-4652, reservations.cl.aviapolis@choice.fi. 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, hotelvantaa.vantaa@sokoshotels.fi. Hotel of the national chain Sokos Hotels.
- 4 Hotel Tikkurila (Hotelli Tikkurila), Läntinen Valkoisenlähteentie 52 (Tikkurila), ☏ +358 43-825-2928, hotelli@hotellitikkurila.fi. 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 practise 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, hotel@bonusinn.fi. 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 Comfort Hotel Xpress Helsinki Airport Terminal (Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, immediately outside baggage claim), ☏ +358 9 5619 2709, xpress.helsinkiairport@strawberry.fi. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Also day rooms available, depending on the booking situation.
Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 8 Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Lentäjänkuja 1 (next to the airport), ☏ +358 300-308-489, helai.airport@hilton.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Full-service hotel. Soundproof windows, bar, restaurant, sauna. €150.
- 9 Sokos Hotel Flamingo, Tasetie 8, ☏ +358 20-123-4605, fax: +358 20 1234 606, flamingo.vantaa@sokoshotels.fi.
Stay safe
[edit | edit source]There may be unrest in the suburbs along the railways and on the trains in the evenings.
Stay healthy
[edit | edit source]- 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 | edit source]Internet
[edit | edit source]For free Wi-Fi and internet terminals, check the five libraries of the city:
- 3 Tikkurila Library (Vantaa City Library).
- 4 Koivukylä Library
- 5 Myyrmäki Library
- 6 Lumo Library
- 7 Hakunila Library
Cope
[edit | edit source]Go next
[edit | edit source]- 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 |