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Monday, September 24, 2018

The Daughter of the Baltic: Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and its largest city .Helsinki is one of the cultural hot spots of Northern Europe. It is an ideal holiday destination for both for lovers of the arts and those who relish its exciting and vibrant nightlife. Helsinki is also a child friendly city perfect for family vacations and being surrounded by forest lakes and the sea. It is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This beautiful city ranks on the top of the world’s most favourable place to stay due to its almost zero crime rates, peaceful surroundings, equality amongst men and women, great educational system and world renowned healthcare system.

Here are some of the top activities, events and places to visit in Helsinki.

Atelijee rooftop bar is frequently regarded as one of the best views in all of Helsinki. The Atelijee rooftop bar on top of the Torni Hotel looks out over the busiest part of the city right to the coastline including the cathedral harbour and Finland hall. During the day you come across the hustle and bustle of the city and in the evening it turns into a romantic spot to watch the sunset. On top of this you can also enjoy quality cocktails, a thriving atmosphere and works by Helsinki artist in Atelijee.

Pihlajasaari Island is one of Helsinki’s most charming and peaceful beaches. It lies on Pihlajasaari Island which can also be reached by a short boat trip from the mainland. The island’s recreational park has beautiful ocean views from its sandy beaches with the city in the distance and cruise ships passing close by.

Sibelius Monument and park was designed by Eila Hiltunen the monument to the great Finnish composer was unveiled in 1967 and raised immediate controversy and not a little criticism. This monument was formed by collection of large metal pipes that creates music as the breeze blows through them. The monument is a part of a beautiful park.

The Esplanade: after you finish visiting Soumenlinna, take a walk along Helsinki’s famous Esplanade. The beautiful tree lined street is filled with delicious restaurants and cafes, prestigious hotels and in the summer spacious parkland for picnics. It is a lush oasis in the heart of the city.

Temppeliaukio church is built directly into the solid rock known as rock church. It is built round in shape where the light enters through the dome roof around the copper center. The church is one of the most popular places to visit in Helsinki and there are concerts organised in the venue.

Buy and sell vintage items: There are plenty of thrift stores and flea markets in Helsinki where you can buy and sell old clothing and household items including rare vintage items. The Hakiniemi flea Market is one of the largest and well known. Kallio is also famous for many thrift stores.

Kamppi Chapel is a chapel of silence. It is made from wood and has an unusual shape of a cone with simple interior. It is one of the busiest areas of Finland.

Helsinki is famous for winter ice skating. Artificial rinks are set up during the winter. The most popular is being in the central square next to the train station. You can also visit one of the recreational skating tracks set up in the public parks. If it is cold enough from the sea to freeze over, you can skate on that too.

Christmas is a time for treating you.You can’t do it much better than at one of Helsinki’s luxury spas. Depending on which spa you go to, you can get treatments, massages, facials and of course use the traditional Finnish Sauna. If you are daring you can jump into the freezing Baltic Sea to cool down from the sauna, which is surprisingly good for the skin and circulation.

For dinner try one of the many varieties of blini at Galleria Hariton, Helsinki’s best traditional Russian Restaurant. For something less buttoned up book a table at Tori and sample stick to your ribs meat barks and arctic char in a setting akin to the coolest bistros of Williamsburg.

Helsinki attracts foodies. It is a cheap place for international cuisine. Ravintoal Konnichiwa is the most popular restaurant.

Route to Helsinki: Numerous Airlines fly to Helsinki from main cities in Europe. Its official airline is Finnair.

Do keep this place on your bucket list since Helsinki has many must see sites and highly desired experiences too.

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