Overview

Regardless of whether you have specific interest or just a general sense of curiosity about the city you are visiting, Helsinki is more than capable of catering to your needs. The city's selection of sightseeing attractions is exceptionally broad, encompassing old churches, maritime monuments, museums and World Heritage sites. Grab a camera and be prepared to encounter plenty of worthy photo material.

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress

Hailed as one of the world's largest sea fortresses, Suomenlinna dates back to the latter half of the 18th century, when it was built to serve as a military shipyard. The fortress and the island it sits on have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and are home to a visitor centre, museums, galleries, parks and other attractions.

Church in the Rock (Temppeliaukion Kirkko)

Carved out of solid rock, Temppeliaukion Kirkko is the collaborative work of architect brothers Tuomo and Timo Suomalainen and was completed in 1969. From the outside, only the roof of the church is visible, but for those entering it, the spectacular interior is simply awe-inspiring. The church's excellent acoustics inspire the staging of many concerts and musical performances.

Senate Square

The city's number one sightseeing location in terms of structural treasures is hailed as housing Europe's best examples of neoclassical architecture. A wander around the magnificent square yields sights of the university buildings, the Lutheran Cathedral, the Palace of the Council of State and the National Library of Finland, among other visual gems.

Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko or Suurkirkko)

Also referred to as St Nicholas Church and providing the city with its most notable landmark, the Lutheran Cathedral has been a feature of Helsinki since its completion in the mid-19th century. Russian influences are evident in the architecture, since building on it took place during the era of Russian occupation. The massive green dome is unquestionably the structure's most prominent feature.

Sibelius Park and Monument

The locals refer to this tribute to their country's finest composer as Sibeliuksen Puisto, but ask anyone where Sibelius Park is and they'll know what you mean. The park, with its eye-catching natural beauty, was around during the composer's life but the monument was added 10 years after his death in 1967. Eila Hiltunen was the sculptor responsible for capturing the composer's likeness.

Vesikko Submarine

Designed and built in Turku in 1933, this 250-ton ocean-going behemoth was originally the product of a German naval commission but three years after its creation, it became the property of the Finnish Navy. The ship's official duty concluded the end of WWII and since then it has been one of the country's most popular naval showpieces.

National Museum of Finland

The chief centre for the study of natural and social history in Finland, the National Museum is an impressive facility featuring a collection of permanent exhibits that are spread across six themed sections and include the Prehistory of Finland, the Realm and the Treasure Troves. A visit to the museum offers an insight into the city from the prehistoric era through to modern times.

Overview

The locals in Helsinki are active types and like to take advantage of the city's dedication to preserving its extensive greenbelt areas. There are, consequently, a huge variety of outdoor sports and activities that can be pursued by anyone with the time and inclination. The winter season brings weather-influenced pursuits such as skating, skiing and snowboarding, while summertime sees water sports at the beaches become a favourite option with many individuals.

Winter sports

Helsinki sees sub-zero temperatures in the wintertime and in the mountainous areas in its surrounds. This means good conditions for winter sport. Slopes and tracks covering a hefty 180kms are available to skiers and snowboarders of various abilities, with some of the best to be found right in the heart of the city at Central Park. Elsewhere, destinations such as Talma, Alhovuori and Serena are also popular.

Skating

The winter season also sees opportunities open up for fans of ice-skating, with literally dozens of rinks to be found in and around the city. Among the best is the Kallion Tekojäärata at Brahen Kenttä; it's popular with locals and visitors alike and offers skate hire, refreshments and musical accompaniment. Indoor rinks are also available for anyone wanting to skate at times of the year other than winter.

Fishing

Angling enthusiasts will find a variety of excellent locations in and around the city that are suitable for fishing at, with a total of 18,000 hectares of waters at their disposal. After obtaining a fishing license from a fishing shop or from the Stockmann Department Store, visitors can try their hand at catching salmon, whitefish, pike-perch and sea trout, among other species.

Beach activities

Though the weather may not ever be blazingly hot and the ocean waters are quite chilly, even in the summer season, heading for the beach is a popular leisure pastime for the locals when the sun decides to show it face. Mustikkamaa, Pihlajasaari, Uunisaari and Sevrasaari are among the best beaches within easy reach of the city and aside from the appeal of the sand for sunbathers and little ones, there are a variety of water sports on offer including sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing.

Park activities

With around 25 per cent of the city's total landmass dedicated to public spaces, locals and visitors have ample opportunity to escape the concrete jungle and enjoy a spot of relaxation or pursue sports, games or outdoor activities. The 10-square kilometre large Central Park is among the best and most popular options available, while the Pihlajasaari Recreational Park, Viikinlahti Park and Kaisaniemi Park are also good choices.

Saunas

Taking a sauna is one of the most traditional and authentic Finnish activities you can experience during your stay in Helsinki. Though in days gone by, wood-heated public saunas were very common across the country, there is but one left in Helsinki now, that being the Kotiharjun Sauna in the Kallio district. If, however, you check into a reputable hotel, chances are that there will be a sauna onsite for use by guests.

Dining and shopping

Finnish cuisine is hearty fare and the dishes considered local specialities in Helsinki are no exception to this rule. International cuisine has also become a significant part of dining in Helsinki, both through the influences it has exerted on traditional eateries and through the large selection of foreign restaurants available.

To enjoy a meal that's got genuine Finnish tradition behind it, visitors should try a smorgasbord, a culinary ensemble that's somewhat similar to an English ploughman's lunch and comprised of cold meat, egg, cheese, salad and potatoes, among other things. Alternatively, be a bit more adventurous and order a dish featuring reindeer meat.

As it's close to the sea, Helsinki and its restaurants enjoy plenty of fish dishes. Salmon is a common feature on many menus and can come poached, smoked or cured. Equally popular is Baltic herring.

The city has over 800 restaurants across its length, so visitors are genuinely spoilt for choice. Besides a wealth of Finnish establishments, there are a large number of Russian restaurants present, reflecting the locals' enthusiasm for Russian cuisine, some of the best of which can be found in the Old Market Hall. Italian, French, Mexican, Chinese and Indian restaurants can also be found. For upmarket dining, the Punavuori district is undoubtedly the best place to head.

Working up a good appetite for a large dinner or walking off an already consumed lunch can be done strolling around the city's shopping areas. Since Helsinki is so compact, the majority of the best malls, strips, arcades and shopping streets are located within easy walking distance of one another.

The Esplanadi is a good place to start, especially if you are fond of department stores, as it's here that you'll find branches of both Sokos and Stockmann, two of the country's most popular names in large scale retail outlets. On the same boulevard, you'll also find a variety of other stores including those selling clothing, jewellery, toys and items for the home.

For a similarly varied selection of outlets, try Aleksanterinkatu, the street that connects Mannerheimintie with Senate Square, while for more unique or unusual goods, Fredrikinkatu Street is the place to head to for. Market Square at the South Harbour and the nearby Old Market Hall are some of the best places to find fresh produce and locally made goods. In the eastern sector of the city, meanwhile, the giant Itäkeskus mall is home to well-known retailers plus a variety of dining establishments.

Helsinki's restaurants provide for all tastes and diners could in theory eat a different style of cuisine every lunchtime or night of the week. Sampling the local fare is an essential part of any visit, however, so be sure to devote a reasonable number of your meals to enjoying the tasty Scandinavian fare that's widely available.

Overview

The vast majority of visitors coming from Europe or international destinations arrive at Helsinki via Vantaa International Airport. The airport is the city's chief international gateway and by far the most convenient means of reaching it. Buses and trains provide cheaper alternatives but are slower and less convenient travel options.

Airports

Helsinki Vantaa International Airport is located 18kms north of the city centre and is the country's busiest airport, serving over 15 million passengers per year. Finnair, the country's national carrier, operates a large number of the flights coming into and out of the airport, while airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways and SAS also operate a significant amount of services. Connections are maintained with the majority of major EU cities and important international destinations also.

The airport operates separate domestic and international terminals, both of which provide passengers with a good selection of services and facilities. Aside from essentials such as ATMs and bureaux de change, travellers will find a good selection of cafés, restaurants and shopping outlets, plus a baby care room, a children's play room, a lost and found desk and a business centre.

To get to the city centre from the airport, visitors can take the public bus from outside of the terminal building. The journey takes just 30 minutes. Alternatively, there are buses operated by Finnair that run on a similar route. Taxis are available from a stand located outside the International Arrivals area and though expensive, they are the most convenient means of reaching the city. Car hire companies can be found inside the terminal for anyone preferring the flexibility offered by a rental vehicle.

Public transportation

Helsinki can be reached by train from Russia and from Sweden as well as from major destinations in Finland. Journeys are long, however, due to Helsinki's location in the southernmost corner of the country. Helsinki's main train station is situated in the centre of the city. By bus, visitors can reach the city from Sweden, Norway and Russia, but journeys are long. The main bus station is situated beneath the Kamppi shopping centre.

Getting around the city is easy on account of a modern public transportation system comprised of buses, trams and metro services. All of the services are provided by a single operator so it's possible to buy tickets that are transferable from one mode of transport to the next, making for convenience when travelling significant distances.

The metro network covers mainly the city centre and connects with the city's regular rail system via the Central Railway Station. The tram network also operates to destinations largely within the limits of the main urban area and serves many of the popular visitor attractions. The bus network is the most extensive and allows travel to the city's suburban areas as well as across the central districts.

Taxis are also available and can be hailed in the street or hired from stands located outside of bus and train stations and major hotels. Fares are metered and most drivers speak a little English.