HELSINKI - A CITY FULL OF Surprises

Helsinki, the capital of Finland is geographically situated on the southern peninsula by the Gulf of Finland.

Facing Tallinn (Estonia) across the bay, a number of islands such as Suomenlinna, Korkeasaari and Seurasaari, which are part of Helsinki, can be reached via boats and ferries.

Things you must see!

Helsinki has so much to offer, you may find it hard to do everything!

While most of Helsinki’s tourist attractions are situated within easy walking distance of the compact city centre, you can also discover the city by hopping aboard the tram or making the most the city’s walking, cycling and nature paths.

For lovers of architecture, Helsinki is a treasure trove that is easy to discover in its entirety. A half-hour walk from the district of Katajanokka to Töölönlahti Bay will take you from bold Jugend-Art Nouveau designs through Neoclassical monuments to modernist masterpieces designed by Alvar Aalto. Along the way you will also get a taste of Helsinki’s Byzantine-Russian heritage, Neo-Renaissance buildings and contemporary glass and steel superstructures!

It is also easy for fans of Nordic design to tour Helsinki’s boutiques, workshops and galleries. The Design District combines the top names in design within a stone’s throw of each other.

The official Helsinki web site has much more information on things to see and do.

Eating out

Finnish cuisine is based on fresh and natural ingredients that vary according to the season. In addition to vegetables, mushrooms, berries and fish, Finnish food is typified by simplicity and purity of taste. Helsinki’s own cuisine also features influences from both the East and the West.

Of course, the choice is not limited to Finnish food; Helsinki has over a thousand restaurants serving foods for all tastes. Cultural influences from both the East and the West add their own flavours to the mix. Whether you are looking for Finnish cuisine, seafood, cross kitchen or just a burger, Helsinki has it. Choose from gourmet delights to bistro treats and ethnic specialities.

For more information, please visit: Helsinki - The Finest in Food

Shopping

Helsinki offers the best and widest range of shopping opportunities in Finland, including top fashion, large department stores, small boutiques, inexpensive flea markets, and everything in between. The shops in the city centre are all located within easy walking distance of each other. The Design District in Punavuori is a must for visitors interested in fashion, design and decorating.

For more information on where to shop, please visit the Helsinki Shopping Guide.

Getting around

Helsinki has an excellent and efficient mix of public transport to help you explore the city to its fullest, including trams, busses, a metro system and ferries. A variety of ticket options are available, from individual journeys to unlimited 7 day passes. For more information and a map of the city, please visit here.

Tours

One of the best ways to explore the vast cultural and social history of Helsinki is by a guided tour. There are several options available - including bus tours and guided city tours that combine bus and walking. For more about the tours available, please click here.

Further afield...

Helsinki is just a short hop from several fascinating cities that are well worth making the effort to visit. These include Stockholm, Tallinn and St Petersburg - all reachable via the many excursion tours available. Please click here for more information.