Helsinki Travel Guide

Finland's capital city, founded on June 12, 1550, is a multi-faceted town that is unique in many ways and has much to offer any visitor.

Helsinki is set apart from other big historical cities by two factors: the great physical presence of nature and the very clear grid pattern used to design the city's streets. Most big cities have a limited number of parks. In Helsinki, parks can be found behind almost every corner. Even in the most densely-built districts of the city center, dense parks have been introduced to liven up the landscape. Both the overwhelming presence of nature and the clear street pattern - the network of straight, symmetrical wide streets, which make finding any address a simple task - are the creation of the city's two main designers, Johan Albrecht Ehrenström and Carl Ludvig Engel.

Ehrenström's symmetrical street pattern with its wide streets and multitude of parks was ahead of its time; cities built in the early 1800s haven't usually been built for the comfort of the citizens so clearly in mind. Engel, on the other hand, has had a profound influence on the Helsinki cityscape with his elegant, tall and symmetrical buildings. Engel designed over 30 public buildings in Helsinki as well as a great number of private houses. All these buildings, especially the fabulous historical centre, have had a huge impact on all later developments in the city.

As a part of the original plans by Ehrenström and Engel, Helsinki opens up to the sea and most of the shore has no major buildings on it. The shoreline itself was constructed in several places to make it ampler and more open, making the sea a palpable presence throughout the city.

Helsinki is first and foremost a city of great architecture and stunning nature. Fabulous buildings are everywhere, from the historical buildings around the Senate Square to the mighty Eduskuntatalo the Functionalist silhouette of the Olympiastadion, to the lustre of the Kämp Gallery and Stockmann department store, as well as the several modern buildings designed by the renowned architect Alvar Aalto.

After you have admired some of the city's stunning architecture, give your feet a break at one of the city's innumerable parks. There is sure to be a verdant retreat in any part of the city you wind up in, such as the famous Kaivopuisto whose cliffs offer a wonderful view of the city, or Kaisaniemen Puisto, where Helsinki's students come to play. The Vanhan Kirkon Puisto is said to be one of the city's most beautiful, with its shady elms and the oldest remaining church in Helsinki, made in Neoclassical design in 1826. Adjoining the Finnish National Opera (Suomen Kansallisooppera) is another lovely park, Hesperian puisto, home to artificial stream, beach and a little pool.

Helsinki is also a cultural city, with a plethora of events taking place. In June a number of cultural events follow one another: Helsinki-päivä Helsingin Juhlaviikot Helsinki International Film Festival, Taiteiden Yö (Night of the Arts) Kaivopuiston Kansanjuhla all provide great entertainment for one and all. In addition to festivals, there is also the regular cultural output of countless theater and dance troupes, some of the world's finest orchestras and choirs, rock concerts, and films. The Finnish National Opera is excellent and the Suomen Kansallisbaletti is often considered to be among the seven greatest of the world.

Helsinki is piled high with other events, such as the October Silakkamarkkinat the Naisten kymppi outing, and provincial fairs that take place on the Senate Square,, to name but a few.

Helsinki is formally divided into a total of 54 districts, but more commonly the city is merely divided into the centre and the suburbs. The southern districts are older (some would say more revered), and they contain most of the city's main tourist attractions.

Eira, Ullanlinna, and Kaivopuisto These three respected districts are full of parks, historical buildings and statues. Eira is known for its Jugend-style (ie Art Nouveau) houses, parks and beautiful boulevards. Eira centres around Engel Square, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Chinese Embassy. Ullanlinna, with its marine panorama and densely-built historical buildings is popular among stylish young adults, interior designers and architects. Kaivopuisto's lovely park features large, elegant houses and embassies and is popular among bankers and diplomats.

Punavuori and Kallio Punavuori and the slightly more northern district of Kallio were traditionally working men's districts, though Punavuori has tried to improve its image in recent years. Punavuori is full of old buildings and popular among young graduates and a large international populace. Kallio is known for its waterways, Hakaniemi Square and the fabulous Kallion Kirkko The district is mostly populated by young, highly educated adults and low-income families.

Töölö and Meilahti The respectable district of Töölö is full of old apartment buildings which, though densely packed, are beautiful. Apartments in these buildings are highly sought-after. Töölö also has many spectacular sights, including the Hietaniemen Hautausmaa, Sibelius Monument, Eduskuntatalo Olympiastadion and the gorgeous parklands around Töölönlahti Behind Töölö lies Meilahti, known for its old villas. Meilahti is a roomy district populated by the middle-classes.

Katajanokka and Kruununhaka Slightly cut off from the rest of the city, Katajanokka was known in the past for its ports and prison. Nowadays this architecturally significant, Jugend-style district is part of many sightseeing tours, and is populated by artists and journalists. It is also a political centre. North of Katajanokka lies the peaceful and highly respected district of Kruununhaka, the neighbour of the historical centre designed by Engel.

Kamppi and Kluuvi A densely-populated district that stretches from the Rautatieasema to the Kaapelitehdas, Kamppi features the city's most important services and excellent transport connections, but also a number of sights. For example, Kiasma and the Ruoholahti villas, historically significant wooden buildings that are some of the oldest in the city. Right between Kamppi and Kaartinkaupunki lies Kluuvi, the busiest district in Helsinki. Kluuvi is a great place to shop or eat out.

In Helsinki, history and modern life, man and nature come together in harmony to create a city like no other.

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