Raja Filming Locations

Helsinki, Finland’s southern capital, sits on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland. Its central avenue, Mannerheimintie, is flanked by institutions including the National Museum, tracing Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present. Also on Mannerheimintie are the imposing Parliament House and Kiasma, a contemporary art museum. Ornate red-brick Uspenski Cathedral overlooks a harbor.

Arty, trendy Punavuori has a vibrant foodie scene, with busy delis and cafes, plus casual Greek, Thai and taco places. After dark, hip bars draw stylish crowds for craft beers and live music. The area is part of the Design District, with fashion boutiques, contemporary art galleries and showrooms offering Finnish interior design. Sinebrychoff Art Museum exhibits classic European paintings in a 19th-century townhouse.

Leafy, residential Töölö is home to the neoclassical Parliament House and Temppeliaukio Church, carved from solid rock. Along main street Mannerheimintie, the National Museum of Finland has Viking relics, and Finlandia Hall hosts concerts and conferences. Locals head to bakeries around Töölöntori square for breakfast pastries. The Sibelius Monument is in the center of a bayside park, also named after the composer.

Kallio is a laid-back bohemian area known for its many Finnish saunas and the Kallio Church, carved into granite and hosting concerts and organ recitals. Small neighborhood shops sell old maps, records or vintage clothes, while Hakaniemi Market Hall is packed with Finnish delicacies and crafts. A buzzing foodie scene includes popular vegan bistros and craft coffee spots, and the bars have a casual, alternative vibe.

As a northeastern district of Helsinki, Sörnäinen is a busy commercial area with event venues such as the Suvilahti cultural center, located in an industrial-style building, that hosts regular performances. Gardens and leafy walking trails are focal points of Katri Vala Park, and the area is also home to hotels, casual bars, and down-to-earth eateries.