There are heaps of parks in the central where people like to hang around with their friends. In the mid 00's there was a strong wave of different style of people specialized to hang out in certain parks: hippies would hang out in Alppipuisto, goths had taken over Ruttopuisto, Espa was more or less for tourists from different parts of Finland as well as foreigners, Koffari was the hipster paradise with all those Ray Ban's shining where ever you looked at. Now it has all balanced. Except for Dallapé park which is filled with punks.

 

Espan puisto (Esplanadin puisto) is located in as central Helsinki as a park can. It's not actually that special and interesting but it's central location sucks people in it. There are cars driving by from it's both sides so traffic doesn't give you that relaxing moments. As well there are always people walking by. Good thing about this park is that there are lot’s of places where you can use the toilet (e.g. Kämp shopping mall)

 

Ruttis (Ruttopuisto) is very close to Espa, but a million times nicer. There are huge trees that make also shadow if the sun is too strong (yes, sometimes sun gets burning hot in Finland too). There are old graves around the park. This is maybe the reason it’s called “Plague park”. When we had stronger gothic scenery going on in Finland, there were lot’s of gothic people spending time in this park. Grab some huge maki roll from SOMA and land in Ruttis.

 

not many “public” toilets near. Collect all your garbage!

 

Address

Bulevardi 10

 

Koffari (Koffin puisto, Sinerbychoffin puisto) used to be the main hipster park. But then Kallio became trendy and Koffari just died. This definitely was a reason for a celebration for people who lived near by, because sometimes Koffari was just so packed up with people that you'd think whole Helsinki is there. It’s a nice park, because it’s hilly and has a pond (which is not that clean, but it’s nice that there’s water)! There's also supermarket and even Alko (alcohol shop) near by where you can easy refill your booze bags. Yes, alcohol is part of our park culture and you are going to notice this.

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Few public toilets available.  Also lot’s of people living around, so don’t get so noisy. Collect all your garbage!

 

Address

Bulevardi 40

 

Kaivari (Kaivopuisto) is pretty calm park. There's enough space to throw some frezbee. Also riviera of Helsinki is just infront, so fresh air from the sea breezes. Kaivari offers you also a very nice view to the sea! And this is absolutely worth of visiting for this. 

 

No toilets around, avoid Kaivari 1st of May because it’s full of drunk mid-aged people who sing songs and technology student’s who think they are “very” funny with their coveralls. Or maybe you should see this. It might shock you, but also it's just something you'll see only in Finland. Also you will see lot’s of people peeing outside… Just warning! What feels normal to us Finns, is not normal world wide...

 

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Karhupuisto is a nice park behind Kallio library. Here lot’s of students and locals spend time. Lot’s of places to get food and booze near, and when it get’s cold you can go and continue in cheap bar. Also many restaurants where you can grab some food with you and enjoy at the park. One of the best things to do during the summer - eat outside! Little by little this park has become gay symbol park - Karhupuisto means bear park. 

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How to get?

Tram 3B, 9 and 1A. Hop off at Karhupuisto.

 

Alppari (Alppipuisto) is mostly for hippies. It’s hidden and secret – and this is the reason it smells like week all the time. And I don't mean those roses that bloom there. Sometimes these hippies are playing some psy-trance there and dancing, so if you are into psychedelic experience – this is your place! Also end of the summer lots of concerts held in the park for free and the park gets packed!

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Speciality

During end of spring cherry blossoms bloom

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How to get?

Tram 3B and 3T. Hop off at Linnanmäki stop. Continue straight towards the woods. You can also ask someone, People in Kallio and Alppila hoods are helpful.

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Toilets found rarely. If a concert held, then there will be.

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Leninin puisto (Lenin's park) is pretty hidden but amazing paradise in the middle of rocky Alppila. Including beautiful man made ponds and trees as well as flowers this makes a nice small getaway to anyone. The best part is that there's hardly ever anyone! 

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Address

Vesilinnankatu