Kruununhaka & Katajanokka
Kruununhaka and Katajanokka: the back story
Neighbourhood guide
About Kruununhaka and Katajanokka: the back story
Kruununhaka, behind Senate Square, is the city’s oldest quarter, now home to the Waldorf Astoria and neighbourhood restaurants such as Bona Fide and Kuurna. Across the canal, Katajanokka has Uspenski Cathedral, the converted warehouses of Nokka and Shelter, Allas Sea Pool and the ferry terminals.
Senate Square
Helsinki Cathedral looks down over the square, which fills with the Christmas market from 27 November to 22 December 2026.
Katajanokka
Cross the bridge to Uspenski, then walk the canal past the warehouse restaurants to Allas and the SkyWheel.
Come to Uspenski in the late afternoon light.
Our advice: dinner at Nokka or Shelter after a sauna at Allas.
Why it's on our list
- Senate Square
- Uspenski and the harbour
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Kruununhaka and Katajanokka: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Kruununhaka and Katajanokka: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest metro and tram stops
- KansallisarkistoTram 7200 m2 min walk
- HallituskatuTram 7250 m3 min walk
- RitarihuoneTram 4Tram 5300 m4 min walk
Nearest taxi ranks
- Taxi rank, Snellmaninkatu150 m2 min walk
- Taxi rank, Aleksanterinkatu350 m5 min walk
Taxis can also be booked by app or phone.
Key sights
- Helsinki Cathedral300 mWalk 3 minCycle 1 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Uspenski Cathedral400 mWalk 5 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Market Square450 mWalk 6 minCycle 2 minCar or taxi 5 min
- Esplanadi Park700 mWalk 9 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Ateneum700 mWalk 9 minCycle 3 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Oodi1.0 kmWalk 13 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Amos Rex1.1 kmWalk 14 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 7 min
- Temppeliaukio Church1.7 kmWalk 21 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 9 min
- Löyly2.6 kmWalk 33 minCycle 11 minCar or taxi 11 min
- Helsinki Airport17 kmCar or taxi 50 min
Main railway stations
- Helsinki Central900 mWalk 11 minCycle 4 minCar or taxi 6 min
- Pasila3.3 kmWalk 41 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min