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.
Like Espoo, Vantaa is basically an extension of Helsinki and does not have one single city center. Vantaa's administrative center is in Tikkurila. 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.
- Heureka, Kuninkaalantie 7 (Near Tikkurila railway station. M-W, Th 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM.. 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.
- St.Lawrence, Kirkkotie 45. A medieval stone church from the 15th century in the southern part of Vantaa.
- Suomen Ilmailumuseo, Tietotie 3, +358 9 8700 870. 10AM-5PM. Near Helsinki-Vantaa airport. A museum with over 70 planes (both civilian and military) as well as plane parts, equipment and photos. adults 9€, kids 6€.
- Myyrmäki church, Uomatie 1 (In Myyrmäki, Western Vantaa.. Completed in 1984, this church is pretty cubist on both the inside an outside.
- Vantaa City museum, Hertaksentie 1. Tue–Fri 11AM–6PM, Sat–Sun 11AM–4PM. Learn more about how Vantaa grew from a couple of farms at the outskirts of Helsinki to the city of 200 000 inhabitants it is today. admission €2.
- Viherpaja, Meiramintie 1 (In Koivuhaka district, just east of the airport. Not just a plant and gardening store, but actually a 3500 sq.m garden with an indoor desert where cacti grow and a Japanese garden mimicking the climate of Tokyo round the year.
- Sotunki. 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's also not far away to Sipoonkorven kansallispuisto (Sipoonkorpi National Park) in the neighboring Sipoo municipality.
Heureka, Kuninkaalantie 7 (Near Tikkurila railway station. M-W, Th 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-6PM.. 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.
St.Lawrence, Kirkkotie 45. A medieval stone church from the 15th century in the southern part of Vantaa.
Suomen Ilmailumuseo, Tietotie 3, +358 9 8700 870. 10AM-5PM. Near Helsinki-Vantaa airport. A museum with over 70 planes (both civilian and military) as well as plane parts, equipment and photos. adults 9€, kids 6€.
Myyrmäki church, Uomatie 1 (In Myyrmäki, Western Vantaa.. Completed in 1984, this church is pretty cubist on both the inside an outside.
Vantaa City museum, Hertaksentie 1. Tue–Fri 11AM–6PM, Sat–Sun 11AM–4PM. Learn more about how Vantaa grew from a couple of farms at the outskirts of Helsinki to the city of 200 000 inhabitants it is today. admission €2.
Viherpaja, Meiramintie 1 (In Koivuhaka district, just east of the airport. Not just a plant and gardening store, but actually a 3500 sq.m garden with an indoor desert where cacti grow and a Japanese garden mimicking the climate of Tokyo round the year.
Sotunki. 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's also not far away to Sipoonkorven kansallispuisto (Sipoonkorpi National Park) in the neighboring Sipoo municipality.
- Winter Carnival, Hertaksentie 2. Dance class 3 PM to 6 PM, show 10 PM to 2 AM. 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 €.
- Beer Floating, 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 downstreams towards Vanhankaupunki rapids while indulging beer - of course without life vests. This 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!
Winter Carnival, Hertaksentie 2. Dance class 3 PM to 6 PM, show 10 PM to 2 AM. 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 €.
Beer Floating, 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 downstreams towards Vanhankaupunki rapids while indulging beer - of course without life vests. This 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!
- 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 theater, many pubs and restaurants, a variety of specialist shops, a large hotel and one of the biggest nightclubs in Finland called Onnela.
- Härmälä Farm, Mäntykummuntie 6 (Bus 742 from Helsinki Railway Station., +358 9 876 7339, +358 400 880 539. Open by arrangement around the year.. A typical Finnish farm located in the village of Sotunki in eastern Vantaa and surrounded by a picturesque landscape. On the farm you can meet animals representing the traditional Finnish stock: cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and more.. Admission €3, families €10.
- 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.
- Pavi, Honkanummentie 6 (Itä-Hakkila, eastern Vantaa. We, Fr and Sa nights in the summer. Dance tango and other similar dances. Also arranges dance courses.
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 theater, many pubs and restaurants, a variety of specialist shops, a large hotel and one of the biggest nightclubs in Finland called Onnela.
Härmälä Farm, Mäntykummuntie 6 (Bus 742 from Helsinki Railway Station., +358 9 876 7339, +358 400 880 539. Open by arrangement around the year.. A typical Finnish farm located in the village of Sotunki in eastern Vantaa and surrounded by a picturesque landscape. On the farm you can meet animals representing the traditional Finnish stock: cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and more.. Admission €3, families €10.
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.
Pavi, Honkanummentie 6 (Itä-Hakkila, eastern Vantaa. We, Fr and Sa nights in the summer. Dance tango and other similar dances. Also arranges dance courses.
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:
- 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 Finnish shop and a range of cafés and restaurants.
- Myyrmanni, Iskoskuja 3 (In Myyrmäki, western Vantaa.
There's also a cluster of shopping malls in Tammisto., along freeway 45 south of Ring road III, as well as in Porttipuisto., though this one only comprises furniture and bargain stores.
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 Finnish shop and a range of cafés and restaurants.
Myyrmanni, Iskoskuja 3 (In Myyrmäki, western Vantaa.
There's also a cluster of shopping malls in Tammisto., along freeway 45 south of Ring road III, as well as in Porttipuisto., though this one only comprises furniture and bargain stores.
There's also a cluster of shopping malls in Tammisto., along freeway 45 south of Ring road III, as well as in Porttipuisto., though this one only comprises furniture and bargain stores.
- IKEA furniture mall's cafe and restaurant, Porttisuontie 18 (at the intersection of freeway 4 and the third ring road. The furniture store IKEA has a restaurant on the 3rd floor and a café on the second where you can have a cheap and decent meal for well under €10 or a coffee or a hotdog for around €1. Also serves €2 breakfast in the morning except Sunday when the store is closed.
- Lounasravintola Kehä III, Virkatie 7 (a little over a kilometer west from Jumbo shopping center, best accessed by car. Open 8:45-17:00. 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.
- 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 delicious (but 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.
IKEA furniture mall's cafe and restaurant, Porttisuontie 18 (at the intersection of freeway 4 and the third ring road. The furniture store IKEA has a restaurant on the 3rd floor and a café on the second where you can have a cheap and decent meal for well under €10 or a coffee or a hotdog for around €1. Also serves €2 breakfast in the morning except Sunday when the store is closed.
Lounasravintola Kehä III, Virkatie 7 (a little over a kilometer west from Jumbo shopping center, best accessed by car. Open 8:45-17:00. 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.
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 delicious (but 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.
- Parilla Steak House, Tasetie 8. A restaurant in the Flamingo entertainment center. The menu is along the line of steaks, chicken wings, large hamburgers etc. best enjoyed with a glass of wine from their surprisingly large wine list.
- Thai Palace, Unikkotie 5A. Mo-Fr 11-22, Sa-Su 12-22. Thai food, as the name reveals.
- Oriental House, Unikkotie 5A. Mo-Fr 11-22, Sa-Su 12-22. Next to the former, the oldest Chinese restaurant in Vantaa.
- Ravintola Mummola, Kielotie 8. Mo,Tu 10:30-14, We,Th 10:30-22, Fr 10:30-22, Sa 12-22, Su 12-18. Traditional Finnish food, the name translates to "at grandma's".
Parilla Steak House, Tasetie 8. A restaurant in the Flamingo entertainment center. The menu is along the line of steaks, chicken wings, large hamburgers etc. best enjoyed with a glass of wine from their surprisingly large wine list.
Thai Palace, Unikkotie 5A. Mo-Fr 11-22, Sa-Su 12-22. Thai food, as the name reveals.
Oriental House, Unikkotie 5A. Mo-Fr 11-22, Sa-Su 12-22. Next to the former, the oldest Chinese restaurant in Vantaa.
Ravintola Mummola, Kielotie 8. Mo,Tu 10:30-14, We,Th 10:30-22, Fr 10:30-22, Sa 12-22, Su 12-18. Traditional Finnish food, the name translates to "at grandma's".
If you want fine dining, you should better travel to central Helsinki. The hotels near the airport also have their own restaurants, however the food at the hotel restaurants doesn't necessary live up to the prices.
- Oklahoma, Tikkuraitti 15. Mo-To 10:30-23, Fr 10-24, Sa 12-24, Su 13-24. American restaurant in Tikkurila.
- Katering Ammattilaiset, Talkootie 4. Mo-Sun 08-14. At your request.
Oklahoma, Tikkuraitti 15. Mo-To 10:30-23, Fr 10-24, Sa 12-24, Su 13-24. American restaurant in Tikkurila.
Katering Ammattilaiset, Talkootie 4. Mo-Sun 08-14. At your request.
Most suburbs have a pub or two. If you want something fancier, head to central Helsinki, that's what the locals do.
- Pub Hertas, Hertaksentie 2. Su–Fr 16–04, Sa 11–04.
- Old Story, Tikkuraitti 17. daily 09–02.
Pub Hertas, Hertaksentie 2. Su–Fr 16–04, Sa 11–04.
Old Story, Tikkuraitti 17. daily 09–02.
- Klubi 5, Kilterinraitti 6.
- Shamrock, Peltolantie 2. Mo–Tu 16–24, We–Th 16–02, Fr 15–04, Sa 12–04, Su 14–02. Night club in Tikkurila.
- Torello Rock Bar, Lehdokkitie 6. Mo–Th 10–01, Fr–Sa 10–03, Su 11–01.
- Tulisuudelma, Hertaksentie 2, +358 20 1234 618. Tue/Thu 8PM to 12AM, Fri/Sun 10PM to 4AM. 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.
Klubi 5, Kilterinraitti 6.
Shamrock, Peltolantie 2. Mo–Tu 16–24, We–Th 16–02, Fr 15–04, Sa 12–04, Su 14–02. Night club in Tikkurila.
Torello Rock Bar, Lehdokkitie 6. Mo–Th 10–01, Fr–Sa 10–03, Su 11–01.
Tulisuudelma, Hertaksentie 2, +358 20 1234 618. Tue/Thu 8PM to 12AM, Fri/Sun 10PM to 4AM. 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.