Hotels in Helsinki
What to see by foot: Helsinki
 
The capital of Finland, Helsinki was founded on the country's southern coast in
1550. Fortunately, although it is a capital city, most of its attractions are
clustered in the centre of town and can be easily reached by walking. Apart from
some intriguing architecture, a stroll around the centre reveals some great galleries
and museums, as well as relaxing parks and open-air cafés.
The city's focus is the harbour, known as Etelasatama, next to which is the
market square, often the busiest place in town. The square is surrounded by
stately 19th century buildings, and the stalls sell anything from fish to strawberries,
and even local handicrafts. While here, take a look at the Harbour Museum, which
was designed by three well-known Finnish architects. If you are hungry after
your visit, there is a café in the museum that serves light meals.
Also in the centre of the city is Temppeliaukio Church, known as 'the rock
church', which was carved from a solid outcrop of rock in 1969. As its acoustics
are very sonorous, it is occasionally used as a concert hall. The city's leading
concert venue, however, is Finlandia Hall, which was designed by celebrated
architect Alvar Aalto and receives over 30,000 visitors each year.
If you are interested in contemporary art, don't miss the Kiasma Museum of
Contemporary Art, which displays work by Finnish and international artists from
the 1960s onwards. The museum also functions as a venue for plays, concerts,
performance art and discussions.
Though there are many other interesting buildings to see in town, one of the
most popular activities for people in Helsinki is to take a boat trip to the
18th century fortress of Suomenlinna, declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO
in 1991. The fortress was constructed by the Swedes in 1748 to protect the area
from a Russian attack, and visitors can walk along the old stone ramparts and
past the rusting cannons.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Radisson SAS Seaside Hotel | | Scandic Hotel Continental Helsinki | | Scandic Hotel Grand Marina | | Hotel Helka | | Radisson SAS Hesperia Hotel | | Radisson SAS Royal Hotel Helsinki | | Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel Helsinki | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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