Feeling Hipster in Helsinki
Officially day three of my Finland trip, Helsinki has already surpassed my expectations. Currently the Design Capital of the World, the city is brimming with global art and culture, all seen in every aspect of local life. From fashionista bikers and bohemian flea markets to impressive street art, here’s to me feeling hipster in Helsinki.
Bike Culture
Cities like Helsinki, Copenhagen and Amsterdam are almost synonymous with bike culture and I can’t help but want to join in all the hipster fun. Every biker I’ve seen is effortlessly fashionable, which makes biking seem more like an artform than a means of transportation. While Helsinki is not your typical overly crowded city, there are definitely traffic jams avoidable by traveling via bike. It’s also an eco-friendly option, which is enough of a reason to peddle rather than drive. Summer is a perfect time to observe Finnish bikers in their natural habitat so get ready to see these stylish locals in action.
Flea Markets
Since Finland is generally cold for a large portion of the year, when the sun comes out to play, the locals stay. Taking advantage of these long days of sunlight and warmer weather, our group stopped by a popular flea market in the design district. Unlike most of the fleas I’m used to browsing through, this one was very laid-back and sparse due to it being a Tuesday morning. Also fully noted was the high quality of the fashionable second-hand clothes and vintage items being sold, a solid indication that Helsinki is truly a city of art, fashion and design excellence.
Urban Gardening
This “turn-table” is an innovative and eco-friendly way of preparing food in which herbs are planted in a greenhouse adjacent to the outdoor restaurant-style cafe. All food and beverages are organic and this particular joint is just one of many found throughout Helsinki and other parts of Finland. The green initiative is run by DODO, a environmental organization representing the local area and encouraging the development of sustainable food throughout Helsinki. Their goal is to show that growing clean food in urban areas is entirely possible.
Graffiti Art
Based on my recent articles about street art, it’s safe to say that I’m relatively obsessed with graffiti, especially while traveling. Unlike many other cities like New York, London and Berlin, graffiti artists in Helsinki stick to the rules and only spray where they are allowed, which is this case is a single wall in the Suvilahti area. While this may lesson street credibility to some, I think it’s a positive reflection on their personal characters that they respect their neighbors enough to follow the law. I was especially excited to observe a few artists hard at work.
Bohemian Flair
I may be biased, but I definitely appreciate the subtle examples of bohemian flair exhibited in many of Helsinki’s design elements. Having just experienced Helsinki Day (the city’s June 12th birthday) myself, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by the creative culture surrounding me at every corner. Simply passing through a nearby park is an opportunity to become inspired and an excuse to showcase avant-garde flair. I found a series of trees and bikes uniquely decorated in honor of the annual event and I certainly hope these vibrant colors stay for a little while longer.
Like us on Facebook and Tweet us: @BohemianTrails
Sign up for our free monthly BOHO BLAST!
22 Comments
Wow! What a vibrant place!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Exploring Franconia Notch State Park – New Hampshire, USA
I know! I want to live here haha
Megan recently posted..Feeling Hipster in Helsinki
I don’t think that staying inside the so called box makes it any less authentic. Maybe if it were subversive graffiti. I feel that this would lesson the problem that we have in the US – if there were more free zones of expression.
Kurt recently posted..Tornadoes, Hitchhikers and Tents in Kansas – Part 1
You make a great point Kurt and I have to say I agree with you. These guys were pretty talented, no matter where they are painting.
Megan recently posted..Feeling Hipster in Helsinki
We are also so obsessed with street art, and even more while we travel. So far for us, Valencia was the best. I respect that they follow the rules, it doesn’t lessen the artistic elements of it…
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls recently posted..Bargaining for a tour of murder in Cambodia
I am too! Good to know about Valencia. I will have to visit there sometime!
Megan recently posted..The Best Street Art in Helsinki
I hate how cycling in other countries, like in the UK, is so difficult and stressful. Proper safe cycle lanes everywhere in Finland make it such an easy way of getting around. Loved zooming around on my good old purple 3-gear bicycle when I was at home in Finland two weeks ago <3
Anni recently posted..anni_pauliina: @BohemianTrails check out http://t.co/tjCsqXuP if you’re still around! so pleased you like my city
So true Anni! The bikes lanes in Helsinki are very well designed, which makes it a really great way to explore the city.
Megan recently posted..The Best Street Art in Helsinki
Helsinki is quite a nice place in the summer, but it’s just a pain in the winter
which is the reason I decided to move on after two years there 
Jarmo recently posted..The “No Meat, No Liquor” Restaurant
That’s so cool that you lived there! I would love to spend my summers in Helsinki…not sure I could survive the harsh winters
Megan recently posted..The Best Street Art in Helsinki
Very cool. I’ve never been to Helsinki. Looks… hip, like you said!
Abby recently posted..Hitting the red carpet with Kelly Rowland
It is! I hope you make it there one day Abby!
Megan recently posted..The Best Street Art in Helsinki
Nice post, really….just looks like unique one and keep it up. Keep posting blog post like this. Thanks
Thanks Harvinaa! I’m a true fan of Helsinki.
Megan recently posted..Day Dreaming in Dresden
Hey,
Barring urban gardening, i saw most of the other cultures quite active when i visited Vienna this summer. The Wien City Bike, was like a blessing as it allowed me to explore the city at a time when the whole city was sleeping. lovely experience.
I had recently read an article which stated that Grafitti can be called so only when it’s being done without the authorities knowing about it, else its just street art. I dont get the whole demarcation as art in any form is art, at the end of the day.
Bookmarking the site:)
take care
happy travelling:)
Thanks for your feedback Nimish! Great to know about Vienna – I’m going there this September.
Megan recently posted..Day Dreaming in Dresden
Helsinki has everything I love! And it wasn’t even on my radar until now.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..My New Addiction in Bolivia… and My Favorite Dealer
You would love it here! I was pleasantly surprised
I’ve always wanted to visit Finland… it’s the only Scandinavian country that I havn’t been to
Jade Johnston – OurOyster.com recently posted..Australia – Overland Perth To Adelaide With @GreatSthnRail
Oh lucky you! I’m already eager to get back there. I fell in love with Finland!
Megan recently posted..Berlin Bike Personalities
awesome to hear! this bohemian is headed to Helsinki in two weeks.
Stephen recently posted..Photos from the Road: Petroglyphs in New Mexico
You will love it there Stephen! Easily became one of my favorite cities.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Feeling Fabulous in Berlin