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24/01/2013

Helsinki Sightseeing

What to see in Helsinki?

Helsinki Cathedral

When Helsinki became the capital of Finland in 1812, Helsinki’s centre was established around the Senate Square. Architects C.L. Engel and A. Ehrenström, who adapted the grand Empire style architecture of St. Petersburg, designed all the buildings surrounding the Senate Square including the Helsinki Cathedral.

Architecture in Helsinki

It is possible to order guided tours in Helsinki to get acquainted with Helsinki Architecture, during the tour in Helsinki you will visit The Neo-classical Senate Square in Helsinki, Ruoholahti – one of the best, internationally recognized, examples of the new maritime city on the coastal line; Otaniemi campus (major work by Alvar Aalto) and many more. Read more about Achitectureal Sightseeing in Helsinki.
 

Where to go in Helsinki?

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna maritime fortress is one of the biggest attractions in Helsinki. The historic fortified islands can be reached by ferry from the Market Square in around 15 minutes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is open year round and can be explored on foot free of charge. You only have to pay for the ferry crossing, but public transport tickets are valid for the municipal ferry (2 euros per crossing).

Helsinki ZOO

Helsinki Zoo, known as “Korkeasaari” among finns, is one of the oldest zoos in the world (founded in 1889). In Helsinki Zoo you’ll meet animals from the arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest.

Design District Helsinki

The Design District in Helsinki comprises some 50 home decoration and gift shops, 50 fashion shops and boutiques, jewellery and antique shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes to suit all preferences as well as two leading museums in the field of design, the Design Museum and the Museum of Finnish Architecture.

Museums in Helsinki?

Design Museum

The Design Museum illustrates the development of industrial art, artistic handicraft and industrial design from the second half of the 19th century to the present day. Classics of the Finnish design. Read more about the Exhibitions in Design Museum.

Kiasma

The Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma breaks the boundaries of traditional art museums and follows the latest trends. The collections include Finnish and foreign art, particularly from the Nordic and Baltic countries and Russia from 1960s onwards. Special exhibitions and related happenings. The Kiasma Theatre’s programme includes drama, dance, performance, music, multimedia, film and video art & seminars, lectures and public discussions. Read more about Kiasma.

Ateneum Art Museum, Helsinki

Ateneum Art Museum houses the largest collections of art in Finland with more than 20,000 works of art from the 1750s to the 1950s.

The changing exhibitions are on display on the ground floor and in the exhibition halls on the second floor. Ateneum also organises various workshops, guided tours and other programme.

Source: www.visithelsinki.fi

See also What to do in Helsinki  and how is Weather in Helsinki.