Neighborhood Story – Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard
Bulevardi: where contrasting worlds of design come together
We’re locals around the world. Just as no two neighborhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigos are alike. But they’re all close to shopping, local restaurants, museums, art galleries and great music that makes each neighborhood distinct. Bulevardi, our neighborhood, acts as a thoroughfare between two different worlds of design: to the east, the upscale Esplanadi; and to the west, industrial design excellence in the form of Helsinki shipyard, galleries and music that make each neighborhood distinct. Learn more about our Neighborhood – Bulevardi.
Bulevardi: where contrasting worlds of design come together
The city of Helsinki is well-renowned as a mecca of design excellence; acknowledged the world over for its striking architecture, intuitive urban planning and title as World Design Capital for 2012. Nowhere can Helsinki’s multifaceted design excellence be felt more than in the elegant Bulevardi, where Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard is located. The road itself is replete with charming architecture, elegant housing and boutique shops. However, it is perhaps best known as the place for art lovers and antique hunters in search of something special, with myriad art galleries, antique shops, museums and a theatre lining the street. The story of design excellence stretches from east to west, with each end of the boulevard telling a different story.
A Boulevard steeped in culture
Bulevardi is one of the most elegant, historically rich and well-located streets in Helsinki. With over 200 years of history, the picturesque boulevard is replete with elegant housing, art galleries, antique stores and museums. Furthermore, its position at the centre of the city’s Design District makes the street a true art and design-lover’s paradise. This charming boulevard also acts as a thoroughfare between two different worlds of design: to the east, upscale shopping and Finnish interior design heritage; and to the west, industrial design excellence at Helsinki shipyard.
High end design on the east side
The east side of the elegant Bulevardi connects to the upscale Esplanadi area; a major upscale shopping destination. Redolent of Parisian boulevards, the boulevard is a microcosm of domestic and international design, culture and cuisine. Planned in the early 19th century, many of the shops, restaurants, architecture and parks date from that period. The area combines old-world grandeur with touches of the classic Finnish minimalist aesthetic. Indeed, here you’ll find the stores of renowned Finnish designers here: Marimekko, Vuokko, Arabia and Iitala.
Industrial design on the west side
To the west of Bulevardi the Hietalahti Shipyard showcases industrial design at its best. The harsh climate and environment of Helsinki has long yoked Finnish design to the creation of tools for everyday necessity and trade. For 150 years, ships have been built at Hietalahti Shipyard and the it continues to innovate in the design of icebreaker ships. Another example of industrial design excellence passes in front of our hotel every day – tram number 6. Tram 6 runs the length of Bulevardi and connects Helsinki’s chic, upscale fashion stores with the industrial design work of the city’s shipyards. These tram lines date back to 1900, making Helsinki’s electrified tram networks one of the oldest in the world.
