The market square around 1900The Market Square and the South HarbourHelsinki marketplace in 1948
From spring to autumn, the Market Square is active with vendors selling fresh Finnish food and souvenirs. There are also many outdoor cafés at the square. Some cafés also provide meat pastries (Finnish: lihapiirakka).
The height of the square's popularity[citation needed] is in early October, when the annual Helsinki herring market (silakkamarkkinat) begins.
Old American cars at the Market Square on the first Friday of May.
A long tradition at the Market Square is a display of old American cars on the first Friday of every month. Any motorist with an interest in old American cars may participate in the display.[citation needed]
Seagulls have become an increasing menace in the Market Square[citation needed], swooping down to snatch snacks and ice cream from the hands of unsuspecting tourists.