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The city center, characterized by its large multistory malls, is densely packed and easily explored on foot, the main tourist sites grouped in several clusters; nearby islands are easily accessible by ferry. Just west of Katajanokka, Senaatintori and its Tuomiokirkko (Luthern Cathedral) mark the beginning of the city center, which extends westward along Aleksanterinkatu. The wide street Mannerheimintie is comparable to New York's Broadway, moving diagonally past the major attractions of the city center before terminating beside the Esplanade. Southern Helsinki is a tangle of smaller streets, some of them curving and some of which run for just a few blocks before changing their names; carry a good map while exploring this area.
Fish, meat, fruit, berries, fresh vegetables, bread and pastries, local cheeses, spices, coffee, and tea—the brick Old Market Hall on the waterfront, close to the outdoor Market Square, is a treasury of delicacies. A soup station, café, and seafood bar make it ideal for a quick lunch, and there is even a small branch of the Alko wine and liquor outlet. Permanent stalls are adorned with decorative carved woodwork, giving the hall a historic feel.
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