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On a crystal clear, almost endless summer day in Helsinki, there is a feeling of absolute joy in the air as you stroll down the Esplanade. “A Living Work of Art” is the city’s slogan, and with just a short walk down the Esplanade, you’ll see why. Anyone interested in architecture, art, or culture will be intrigued by the ancient buildings, the museums, the live musical performances and festivals. Helsinki is a great town to wander about, lingering at an outdoor café for a coffee, or at a trendy shop on a cute side street.

Almost equidistant from Stockholm, Sweden, and St. Petersburg, Helsinki has a fascinating blend of influences. You’ll taste it in the food and you’ll hear it in the languages spoken all around you as you take in a traditional Finnish sauna or shop at the Kuappatori Market Square.

Whatever time of year you visit Finland, there’s something happening. Most museums and galleries are open year-round, and there is as much to do in the winter as there is in the summer. The year-round climate is comparable to (though a bit cooler than) that of New England or the Canadian coast. Many people go in July and August because that’s when most festivals occur. In addition to the other advantages of warm weather, summer is the time to experience the midnight sun. The winters are long and cold. Snow normally falls from October to April (and sometimes year round in Lapland).

Helsinki Pictures

Things to do in Helsinki

Learn about Finnish culture at Seurasaari, an open-air history museum located just outside of the city. Helsinki’s Mannerheim Museum is the former home of one of Finland’s greatest leaders. The National Museum, located in the city center, has extensive collections of Sami and Finno-Ugric ethnological artifacts.

Helsinki contains some of the most notable art museums in Finland. The national art foundation’s Ateneum covers Finnish and international art from the 19th century. The Raitioliikennemuseo, is a funky tram museum. Located in an old depot, it depicts Finnish street life in decades past. On Suomenlinna Island, you can ramble around the ruins of the mighty fortress or look around its several museums. Other museums include the City Museum, the Art Collections of the City, and the Amos Anderson Museum of Art, and the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, which displays the country’s homes and farmhouses.

Watch out for reindeer and moose when you’re driving. There are road signs marking areas where you’re likely to encounter them. If you are with your sweetie at a sauna, keep amorous activities to a minimum – saunas are for socializing, not smooching. The Finnish are known for being quite reserved in social settings – so don’t worry if there is no small talk at the beginning of a gathering. “Skol” is a typical toast at a bar.

Nightlife in Helsinki

During the precious long days of summer, outdoor concerts are quite popular, and jazz, pop, or folk entertainment can always be found. And then there’s Finlandia Hall and the new Opera House, which offer top performances in opera, ballet, and classical music. If you prefer jazz, stop by Storyville for live performances that last until morning.

Most nightclubs are found in Helsinki. There is also a pool hall, Corona, which draws a hip crowd. Discos usually offer international music and dance, and some late-night restaurants also offer dancing.

Dining in Helsinki

Finnish food is a fusion of Swedish and Russian cuisines, but with a lot of variations and local specialties. Potato is the staple food, served with various fish or meat sauces. Meat dishes include snow grouse, reindeer stew, glow-fried salmon or raw pickled salmon. Look for dishes like karelian (rice pastry and stew), karjalan piirakka (potato and rice pastry) and pork-and-fish dishes such as kalakukko to get a sense of Finnish cuisine. There are more than 40 kinds of delicious mushrooms grown and eaten in Finland. Casseroles are popular, and the seafood is excellent, with the fish usually served grilled, smoked or fried. Baaris, kellaris, grillis and kievaris are the way to go for inexpensive meals. Ravintolas (restaurants) are generally more expensive. Locally made liquors include cranberry, brambleberry and cloudberry; imported liquors are expensive.

Shopping in Helsinki

Helsinki is home to the largest variety of shops and boutiques in the country, including Stockmann’s, Finland’s most famous department store. The city has a wide range of shopping opportunities, from major chain stores, unique boutiques, and mom-and pop shops to flea markets and outdoor markets. The Kauppatori (Market Square), Hakaniemi Market Place and Hietalahti Flea Market, have bargains on wild berries, rye bread, reindeer skins, handicrafts, and all sorts of different things.

Finnish ceramics, Finnish glass, Finnish-designed jewelry are all good souvenirs for diehard shoppers. Fashionable folks might like Marimekko fabrics and clothes, Annikki Karvinen coats, Saga minks and Nakara sheared-wool coats. Other Finnish exports include Tunturi exercise bikes, Nokia mobile phones, Fiskars scissors (with the orange handles) and Saab convertibles.

Helsinki Travel Tips

• If possible, try to make your visit coincide with the Midsummer Festival Juhannus (in June)–it’s an experience you’re sure never to forget.
• While you’re in Finland, take advantage of the great transportation system, and travel the country!
• Search the sky for the Northern Lights!