Helsinki, Finland is a relaxing Scandinavian destination to visit: it is a relatively compact city that can be explored by foot, by bicycle or by public transportation, like trams. Local people think there are traffic jams in the city, but visitors from one of the metropolis of the world may have another view. The best time to visit Helsinki is May-September when there is plenty of light and everyone enjoys the warm season.
More tips for travelers heading to Finland in Russell Snyder’s book I, Helsinki – A Finland Visitor’s Guide. Here are some highlights:
| Sight: | Suomenlinna fortress island |
| City view: | Ateljee Bar in Hotel Torni. |
| Sea view: | Sightseeing cruise from the Market Square. |
| Piece of history: | Senate Square. |
| Architecture: | Tour around Töölönlahti for monuments and variety. | Food: | Restaurant Lappi for traditional dishes of Lapland, restaurant Bellevue for Russian delicacies. |
| Park: | Esplanadi in the city center and Kaivopuisto by the sea. |
| Art: | Ateneum and Kiasma museums, galleries in Design District. |
| Shopping: | Esplanadi for branded goods and Hietalahti flea market for fun. |
| People watching: | Cafés at Esplanadi. |
| Drive: | From Lauttasaari to Kulosaari via the coastal road. |
| Cycling: | Any cycling path that follows the coastline, for instance a route via Töölö, Meilahti, Munkkiniemi. Kuusisaari and Lauttasaari. |
| Beach: | Hietaranta in the city. |
| Hike: | Nuuksio national park outside Helsinki, hike around Töölönlahti in the city. |
| Winter fun: | Walking on ice, sledding in Kaivopuisto or cross-country skiing in Paloheinä. |
Here is a video that shows a few highlights of Helsinki:
