What is it like to live in Hakaniemi?
Hakaniemi, affectionately known as Hakis, is one of Helsinki’s best-loved meeting places, where people come to enjoy seaside views, the atmosphere of the market square and delicious food at local restaurants. Surrounded by independent shops and specialist retailers, Hakaniemi is a great place to live. Short distances and excellent transport connections make everyday life easy. Could you find a rental apartment here that suits your lifestyle?
The boundaries of Hakaniemi are not entirely clear-cut, as the area has no official district boundaries. It blends naturally into Kallio, Kruununhaka, Merihaka and Sörnäinen. This means that the unique atmosphere of Hakis extends well into the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Excellent transport connections in every direction
Hakaniemi is in an excellent location for rental living, with superb public transport connections. Trams and numerous bus routes run past the legendary Ympyrätalo building. The metro whisks you to Helsinki city centre in just a couple of minutes, with Helsinki Central Railway Station only one stop away. You do not need a car in Hakaniemi, as distances are so short. It is also quick and easy to get from place to place on foot.
For commuters, the location is ideal. Whether your office is in Pasila, Vallila or one of the city centre’s business districts, getting to work is easy by public transport.
Market square atmosphere and everyday services close by
At the heart of the area is Hakaniemi Market Square, where you will find traditional market delicacies, seasonal vegetables and other locally produced goods. The market is a lovely place to sit down for breakfast or lunch and soak up the atmosphere of Helsinki’s inner city in the midst of everyday life. On the edge of the square is Hakaniemi Market Hall, which opened in 1914. Its restaurants, numerous specialist shops and small boutiques attract visitors from Helsinki and beyond.
The distinctive independent shops of Kallio add to the range of local services. Popular flea markets and restaurants are just a few blocks away. Redi Shopping Centre, with its wide range of services, is only a few metro stops away, and Kallio Library is also within easy walking distance.
Hakaniemi is an excellent base for students. The University of Helsinki’s City Centre Campus is nearby.
Seaside outdoor routes in Hakaniemi
Hakaniemi residents can enjoy seaside views and green spaces in the midst of an urban environment. One of the area’s best-loved places for spending time outdoors is Tokoinranta, where lawns and waterfront paths offer a welcome break in the heart of the city. From Tokoinranta, you can continue along the popular walking route around Töölönlahti Bay, while heading in the other direction from the Hakaniemi waterfront opens up seaside views across Siltavuorensalmi.
For an evening of culture, head to Helsinki City Theatre, whose programme offers a varied selection ranging from Finnish drama to spectacular musicals throughout the year.
Urban living with a rugged charm
Hakaniemi’s cityscape is fascinatingly layered: old stone buildings, 20th-century Functionalist architecture and newer developments come together to create an inner-city neighbourhood with just the right amount of rugged character.
Hakaniemi is ideal if you are looking for a lively, community-minded neighbourhood where echoes of history meet contemporary urban life. Hakis’s strong sense of community is particularly evident at the market square, where people gather for the Hakaniemi Farmers’ Market on the first Sunday of every month.
Discover the 1930s Functionalist building at Hakaniemenkatu 9, where the SATOhomes have been renovated from floor to ceiling to meet the needs of modern living while respecting the character of the historic building. Hakaniemi is city living at its best!
Places similar to Hakaniemi
Are you moving to Hakaniemi from abroad? Would it help you to know that Hakaniemi is a bit like Nørrebro in Copenhagen, De Pijp in Amsterdam, the Slussen area in Stockholm, and Kreuzberg in Berlin? They all combine lively local markets and food culture, an urban and diverse atmosphere, cafés and restaurants, excellent public transport, and easy access to the heart of the city. Nice, right? Welcome to Finland!