Kauppatori

Kauppatori, meaning Market Square in Finnish, is the name of central market squares in several Finnish towns, with Helsinki’s Market Square (Helsingin Kauppatori) being the most well known. It is located on the southern edge of Helsinki’s city centre, along the South Harbour, near the harbour entrance and the Market Hall.

The square has historically served as a public marketplace and meeting place. Today it combines outdoor stalls and waterfront activity with nearby historic and commercial buildings. In the warmer months, vendors sell fresh fish, berries, mushrooms, crafts, and souvenirs, while the adjacent Market Hall provides indoor market stalls and eateries. The quay area around Kauppatori is a hub for ferries, with services to nearby islands such as Suomenlinna and other destinations, making the square a popular starting point for short trips and sightseeing.

A prominent feature of the square is the Havis Amanda statue, a symbol of Helsinki that sits on a fountain at the market edge. The square is a focal point for local life as well as seasonal events, including markets and public celebrations, and it functions as a gateway for visitors exploring Helsinki’s harbourfront and adjacent historic sites.

History and significance: the market area began developing as a trading space in the 18th–19th centuries, with the Market Hall opening in 1889. Over time, Kauppatori has remained a central, symbolic space in Helsinki for commerce, tourism, and community life. The term Kauppatori also denotes market squares in other Finnish towns, reflecting the common naming of public marketplaces.