Helsinki is a metropolis with 560 000 inhabitants, young, vibrant and cosmopolitan city - and yet manageable, charming and lovable. Helsinki is University and administration city as well as high-tech city. There are many ways to discover Helsinki. The center is manageable within easy walking distance.

Esplanadi The narrow park between the magnificent shopping street Pohjoisesplanadi and her sister Etelaesplanadi is a meeting place, especially for young people. In the surroundings there are lots of pubs and cafes.

Rockchurch (Temppeliaukion kirkko) The church is located a little away from the center in the district of Toolo. In a rocky hill above was blown up and a room with a dome of glass and copper covered. The walls are bare rock. Lutherinkatu 3

Islands Pihlajasaari In the summer runs a boat (15 min) from the pier west of the park to Pihlajasaari, two with eachother connected islands. There are beaches, idyllic forest paths, a cafe and barbecue places.

Kallio-Church (Kallion kirkko) A classic example of Finnish Art Nouveau is the lavishly renovated church with Art Nouveau ornaments. Itainen Papinkatu 2

Marketplace (Kauppatori) The marketplace is located directly on the southport, so the fresh fish is sold directly from boats. Market hours: Mon-Sat: Kauppatori 6.30am-6pm, Sat 6.30am-4pm

Olympiastadium The stadium was for the 1940 Olympic Games built, but because of the war it took place until 1952. From the tower you have (72 m) a good view. Paavo Nurmen Kuja 1

Parliament (Eduskuntatalo) The massive building with granite facade and Corinthian columns by Johan Sigfrid Sirén was built in 1931. The 200 parliamentarians you can listen to on Tue and Fri. Guided Sat 11am/12pm, Sun 12pm/1pm, July/Aug.

Senaatintori with cathedral (Tuomiokirkko) In the north stands the cathedral (Tuomiokirkko). On the step you always meet young people because the university is located on the left side. In the middle of the square looks Czar Alexander II to the port.

Suomenlinna At the same time populated neighborhood, wonderful excursion Islands and Unesco World Heritage Site - Suomenlinna is one of the musts in Helsinki. By ferry you are in 15 minutes over on the old fortifications (1748), where seven museums - including the history of the fortress - and a submarine are waiting to be visited.

Toolo-Bay (Toolonlahti) The bay is quite orbit, an oasis in the middle of the city.

Uspenski-Cathedral (Uspenskin katedraali) East of the market, you can see the gilded domes of the largest Orthodox Church outside Russia (1868). Kanavakatu

shopping

Markets Besides the Kauppatori Helsinki has more markets in which not only food but also flowers and crafts are sold. Hakaniementori is located in the district Hakaniemi. The market there is a treasure trove of souvenirs.

Passages und department stores Stockmann in the Aleksanterinkatu, Scandinavia's largest department store, offers everything from simple everyday to exclusive things. Forum offers in the Mannerheimintie 120 shops and gourmet shops under one roof. Brand new presents itself the Kamppi Center, a travel and shopping center in the heart of the city. Contrast: Take the Metro 15 minutes to the East centre. Itakeskus is its own world of shopping with 240 stores.

Shopping The Esplanade, the parallel street Aleksanterinkatu and its cross are a real shopping paradise. Magnificent outlays, nice small shops, cafes and in bars. Here you will find all the famous fashion and design names: Marimekko, Annikki Karvinen, Aarikka and Arabia. There’s even a Moomin Shop in the Kamp Galleria for fans of Finland’s famous cartoon characters.

food                                                                                                                                                                            Cafe Ekberg An institution in Helsinki, somewhat nostalgic, just so frequented by young and old. Excellent cakes. Bulevardi 9           Cafe Engel Casual bistro atmosphere at the senate square, a popular meeting place for locals and tourists. Aleksanterinkatu 26       Elite For decades gathering place for (living) artists. Etelainen Hesperiankatu 22                                                                       Kappeli Cafe-Brasserie The domed building with large windows, houses a cafe house and an upscale restaurant. Terrace on the Esplanade Park. Etelaesplanadi 1                                                                                                                                       Karelia Finno-Karelian authentic kitchen; outside the city on the road to the airport. Kapylankuja 1                                              Lappi Specialties from Lapland of reindeer to snow chicken. Annankatu 22                                                                               Perho Finnish and international cuisine, cheap, but always good. Mechelininkatu 7                                                                     Saslik Fine address for russian delicacies, russian evening live music. Neitsytpolku 12                                                                 Seahorse Pub restaurant with home cooking in traditional, but relaxed atmosphere. Kapteeninkatu 11                                           G. W. Sundmans Superior, modern finnish kitchen. On the ground floor there is a cheaper offer. Etelaranta 16                               Zetor Finnish kitchen is served in small portions for the great famine. Mannerheimintie 3-5

where to stay                                                                                                                                                              AVA Simple but bright and friendly accommodation. Sauna, quiet location, easy access to the center. 75 rooms. Karstulantie 6         Eurohostel Simple, budget-friendly house, half youth hostel, half hotel. 135 rooms. Linnankatu 9                                                 Kamp Luxury total. Here once composed Jean Sibelius, met the bohemians. 180 rooms. Pohjoisesplanadi 29                                    Martta Friendly, family hotel. In many addresses - pubs and shopping - are nearby. 44 rooms. Uudenmaankatu 24                           Park-Hotel Kapyla Located in the beautiful old wooden quarter Kapyla, restaurant and sauna. 40 rooms. Pohjolankatu 38               Scandic Hotel Grand Marina Luxurious house directly at the port, five restaurants. 479 rooms. Katajanokanlaituri 7                       Hotel Klaus K In the area to the west of Esplanadi, the spectacular new Hotel Klaus K (Bulevardi, €195) is Helsinki’s first design hotel, inspired by the Finnish epic poem, Kalevala.                                                                                                                Hotel Arthur (Vuorikatu 19, €73-€94) is a functional base in the heart of the city.

Plane good connections with Finnair with european cities as well as to destinations like Japan or China.