Helsinki

The neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral dominates Senate Square and the skyline of central Helsinki. The interior is austere and stately but its cool white and green colours give the massive building a light and dreamlike quality. The surrounding buildings are the hub of the Finnish state, with the Presidential Palace and the university nearby. There are many ceremonies held here throughout the year.

Phone:

N/a

Opening hours:

9am-6pm daily; summer 9am-midnight

Address:

Senate Square

Guarding the entrance of Helsinki Harbour is Suomenlinna, or ‘Fortress of Finland’. This massive military island fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been central in the fortunes of the country. Built by the Swedes in the 18th century, it now contains numerous museums as well as the remains of its fortifications, barracks and defenses. The island is reached by the regular ferry that leaves from the front of the Presidential Palace.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 684 1850

Opening hours:

Oct-Apr 10am-4pm; May-Sept 10am-6pm

Address:

Helsinki Harbour

Finland was Russian territory for hundreds of years, and while the Finns are rightly proud of their own culture, the Uspenski Cathedral is perhaps the most notable example of Russia’s influence. The red-brick cathedral towers over the harbour and was often used as an alternative set for the Soviet Union by film companies during the Cold War. There are attractive frescoes inside.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 634 267

Opening hours:

Oct-Apr 9.30am-4pm Tues-Fri; 9.30am-3pm Sat, noon-3pm Sun; closed Mon. May-Sept 9:30am-4pm Mon-Fri; 9.30am-4pm Sat; noon-3pm Sun

Address:

Kanavakatu 1

Stockmann is Helsinki’s largest department store and flagship of one of the Baltic’s most important shopping chains. It seems to stock just about everything imaginable on numerous floors and is such a central part of Helsinki daily life that it’s an attraction in its own right. It’s great to simply browse through the vast shopping area.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 121 51

Opening hours:

9am-9pm Mon-Fri; 9am-6pm Sat, Sun

Address:

Aleksanterinkatu 52b

Finland in general and Helsinki in particular have an enviable design heritage, lead by Alvar Aalto, whose works punctuate the city. The Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art showcases some of the finest Finnish designers as well as international names through exhibitions and seminars. Its central location makes it the hub of Helsinki’s cultural life and a popular meeting place.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 1733 6501

Opening hours:

10am-8.30pm, closed Mon

Address:

Mannerheiminaukio 2

Only in Finland would people think of combining a bar with a sauna. The effect is one of the most unusual bars you’re likely to enter. The bar itself is in the heart of Helsinki’s rapidly expanding bar district of Uudenmaankatu. Nearby options also include Corona Bar, Bar 9 and Erottaja Bar. None of these throw in a sauna experience to boot though.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 586 5550

Opening hours:

2pm-9pm Mon; 2pm-1am Tues; 2pm-2am Wed-Sat; closed Sun

Address:

Eerikinkatu 27

Lappi is the place to head if you want to sample traditional Lapland dishes. The surroundings are undeniably kitsch but the food is good. It’s a great opportunity to sample more unusual and authentic dishes as well, including reindeer tongue or snow grouse. Finnish cuisine also uses forest fruits extensively, including cranberries and Arctic cloudberries, producing some delicious flavours.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 645 550

Opening hours:

Noon-10.30pm Mon-Fri; 1pm-10.30pm Sat, Sun

Address:

Annankatu 22

Zetor is a lively, even boisterous restaurant whose name means ‘tractor’ – appropriate for such a no-nonsense eatery. It’s a great place to get hearty Finnish dishes and great steaks, and a wonderful place to watch the sometimes reserved Finns let their hair down in a relaxed and informal environment.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 666 9666

Opening hours:

3pm-1am Sun-Mon; 3pm-3am Tues; 3pm-4am Wed-Fri; 11am-4am Sat

Address:

Kaivopiha Mannerheimintie 3-5

The Finns take their coffee very seriously, and café culture is well established in Helsinki. Kappeli is one of the best places to join the locals in a cup or two. The sun terrace is extremely popular in the summer and it’s the perfect spot to relax and while away a sunny afternoon in rather sumptuous surroundings.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 681 2440

Opening hours:

9am-2am Mon-Sat; 9am-midnight Sun

Address:

Etelaesplanadi 1

The sauna is a national institution – obsession even – in Finland, and the Yrjonkadun Uimahalli is perhaps its main temple. The art deco building offers an unparalleled swimming and sauna experience in Helsinki and it’s impossible to begin to understand Finland without a visit. There are separate times for men and women. Swimming costumes are not allowed.

Phone:

+358 (0)9 3108 7401

Opening hours:

Different times for men and women

Address:

Yrjonkatu 21b