Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, located by the Baltic sea in southern
Finland. Helsinki along with Vantaa, Espoo, and Kauniainen is often referred to
as the capital region with a combined population of over 1 million residents. A
beautiful archipelago surrounds the Helsinki city center.
BEST TIME TO GO:
The best time to visit Helsinki is in the Summers when the days are long (up to
18 hours of day time) and warm (18-25 °C), in winters it's the opposite as the
day time is hardly about 6 hours and it is very cold. June through August is
usually considered the best time to visit Helsinki.
AIRPORT:
The Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (IATA: HEL), located 15 kilometers
north of the city.
LANGUAGE:
Although Helsinki's population comprises of mostly Finnish speakers but almost everyone can speak English.
PLACES TO SEE / POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF HELSINKI:
1. Ateneum Art Museum:
It has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures in Finland including the famous Kalevala. It is closed on Monday's and there is no admission fee for visitors under 18.
2. Lutheran Cathedral:
With it's huge green dome it is one of the best landmarks of Helsinki. Built in 1852 it is a great architectural masterpiece.
3. Seurasaari Open Air Museum:
Founded in 1909, it contains Finland's many folk and farm buildings. It is located on a small island connected by a bridge to the mainland.
4. The National Museum of Finland (Suomen Kansallismuseo):
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Helsinki. This eye-catching building was opened in 1919 and recently renovated. This museum includes displays of artifacts and items relating to Finland's history. You will also see some rare archaeological finds from the Finnish Stone Age, medieval and Lutheran periods.
5. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art.
6. Senate Square:
A popular meeting point and houses the Senate building, the University building and the Lutheran Cathedral. This place is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. There are several museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.
Other tourist attractions include: Botanical Gardens, Coastal Artillery Museum, Temppeliaukio Church, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Finlandia Hall, Eduskuntatalo, Helsinki Zoo, Linnanmaki Amusement Park, Olympic Stadium, The Design Museum and Urho Kekkonen Museum (Tamminiemi).
Following places are also popular places among the tourists:
* Lakes and Forests Attractions Tour with breathtaking scenery.
* Temppeliaukion Kirkko is a beautiful temple.
* Vesipuisto Serena is the largest heated water park in all of Europe and a popular place for tourists.
* Suomen Kansallisooppera is a popular opera house.
* Iso Vasikkasaari is a small island and a great place for relaxing and do picnics. It also has two beautiful beaches.
* Suomenlinna.
* Pihlajasaari Recreational Park.
1. Vappu: A great time for youngsters and enthusiasts to enjoy on streets, enjoy bars and clubs. This function happens around Kaivopuisto park and Havis Amanda at the Market Square on April 30-May 1.
2. Helsinki Day: There are a variety of concerts, performances and exhibitions on June 12.
3. Juhannus: Held in late June, a large bonfire is lit in Seurasaari.
4. Christmas (Joulu).
Helsinki has a lot of great tourist places to see and enjoy. There are scheduled services (mostly in summers) to many smaller islands and you could take a sightseeing cruise to tour and appreciate their beauty.
