More than simply a historical centre, Tori Quarters, or Torikorttelit as it is locally known, is the cultural nucleus of Helsinki, where the old town meets the hustle and bustle of the contemporary city. Take a gentle stroll around the quarters’ beautiful amalgamation of winding streets, bespoke, quirky boutiques, and the friendly atmosphere typical of a maritime hub.
Tori Quarters has an eventful and intriguing history, used as Helsinki’s centre during the Russian occupation in the 19th century. To mark this status, the quarters were designed in a Neoclassical style that is kept alive to this day. The region’s oldest building is the effortlessly grand Sederholm House, which was built in 1757 and now exists as the Helsinki City Museum.
As such, the quarters offer both historical architecture and modern liveliness, as its vast buildings are often used for pop-up events that usher in the city’s urban culture.
Tori Quarters is also great for travellers to gain a true essence of Helsinki’s sustainable way of living. Delve into shops containing eclectic artisan items and unique, hand-made products that last a lifetime and are made with sustainably sourced resources.
Visitors can also relax and indulge in the quarters’ abundance of coffee houses, sophisticated bars, and restaurants, where tantalising flavours, experimental culinary art, and traditional Finnish cuisines permeate.
Perfect for those who want a short glimpse of the city or to immerse in Helsinki’s nuanced nature where old and new converge, Tori Quarters is certainly worth a visit.
