Established by Swedish King Gustav at 1550, Helsinki has become the largest the city and the capital of Finland. The city is also economical cultural, entertainment and media center. Finnish and Swedish is official language of the city of 600.000 population and hosts 140 different nationalities.
Helsinki City Guide
Helsinki hosted 2007 Eurovision Song Contest and it played a big role on promotion of city and tourism sector. State Square is the heart of the city. Festivals, gigs, art shows and similar events take place on this square. The statue in the middle of square is devoted to Alexander II. the tsar of Russia. Most important spots are University of Helsinki, Helsinki Cathedral, National Library of Finland and Government Palace.
Where to visit in Helsinki
One of the important symbols of Helsinki, the Parliament House is located on the top of Arcadia Hill and was designed by J. S. Siren. It was one of the classical structures of the era and officially become Parliament of Finland at 7th March 1931.
There are 3 important sanctuaries in Helsinki. Lutheran Cathedral’s instruction- which resembles a white swan- was started with the design of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and after his death, another architect continued his work. On the ceiling you can see the figures of 12 apostles. Its garden hosts state ceremonies and exhibitions and concerts take place on the ground floor.
Uspenski orthodox cathedral: The cathedral with golden dome was a design of Aleksei Gornostayev and completed around 1860s after his death and was one of the magnificent structures of Russian Architecture. It is believed that prays said here, is accepted and let the miracle happen.
Temppeliaukio Church: It wouldn’t be wrong to declare this church as the most interesting one. It is known as a rock sanctuary and it was built in a rock indeed. Once upon a time, a competition was held to construct this church. The winners, Timo and Tuomo brothers completed the church at 1969.
The touristic spot of the Capital Suomenlinna Island and Suomenlinna Castle. This castle is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage list. It was built to defend the east borders by Swedish King at 1748. The Island also contains bridges, underwater ruins and mass graves. You can find restaurants, cafes and picnic areas too. You can reach the island using the boat from the market place in 15 minutes.
Shopping and Eating in Helsinki
The largest shopping mall in Helsinki is Itäkeskus. You can find whatever you wish for. Market lovers may prefer the market place at the east side of Esplandi Boulevard. You can find local clothes, jewelry made of spectrolit and ametist and fruit liquors.
The most interesting thing was, drinking milk with meals. It was the first time I’ve tried milk with meat. My favorite dish was the finnish meatball called Lihapullat. You can also try Cabbage rolls (kaalikääryleet), a mixture of lamb and herring (vorschmack), mashed potatoes (perunamuusi), Finnish yougurt ( Viili), sweet muffin (Pulla), Runeberg Pie ( only baked during February in the memory of Finnish Poet J.L Runeberg) and fruit soup. Sima ( mead), Sathi ( Finnish beer) and Kilju ( sugar wine) are the special beverages of the city.
Best bar of Helsinki is A21 Cocktail Lounge. It has the award of the best bar of the world. You MUST book a table before. You can also try Tavastia Klubi, The Tiger, Virgin Oil Co. Rock music fans can head to On the Rocks. Ateljee Bar has the most amazing view of Helsinki.
BONUS
Where is the best spa hotel Helsinki?
Accounrding to reviews and votes, the best spa hotel in Helsinki is Hotel Kämp.
Where to stay in Helsinki?
We highly recommend you to stay in Hotel F6, Hotel St George, Hotel Kämp or Lapland Hotels Bulevardi.
Is Helsinki expensive?
According to recently report; Helsinki is the one of the most expensive cities in the world. The average cost of living in Helsinki is approximately $1750
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