Vanha kauppahalli, Market hall in Kaartinkaupunki, Finland.
Vanha kauppahalli is a market hall on Helsinki's waterfront that houses two rows of merchant stalls beneath one roof. Local foods and craft products are sold here by numerous vendors throughout the space.
An architect named Gustaf Nyström designed this brick building in 1888, and it opened a year later as a permanent home for Helsinki's food merchants. The structure reflects how the city modernized its markets during that period.
Vendors here follow a craft tradition where personal service at the counter is central to the experience. Visitors find Finnish specialties like smoked fish and local cheeses displayed throughout the market.
The building opens from Monday through Saturday, with opening times that can vary seasonally. Visitors should allow time to browse slowly since there are many small shops and stalls to explore.
Inside is Finland's smallest Alko store, a specialized wine retailer that offers a carefully chosen selection of beverages. This tiny shop is a surprisingly important stop for many looking to complement their meals.
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