Helsinki is home to a large number of interesting sights, museums and squares. Most are walking distance from the city centre, making this a great city to explore on foot, especially if the weather is nice. Many of the museums and halls are fascinating architectural gems, designed by some of Finland's most highly regarded architects.

Walking around Helsinki is a great way to get a feel for this vibrant city!

The history of modern Helsinki dates from 1917, when Finland gained independence from Russia. The 1920s and 1930s were a boomtime for Finland generally and Helsinki specifically, and a number of the architectural splendours were built during this time. Helsinki also garnered world attention by hosting the Olympic Games in 1952, and remains the smallest city to have hosted the modern Olympics.

Helsinki's European ties were cemented in 1995 when Finland became a member of the European Union. The 'East meets the West' culture of Helsinki is symbolised in its architecture, with a juxtaposition between the sleek, modern Finlandia Hall and the majestic royalty of the golden 'onion' dome found on Uspenski Cathedral. The size of the city makes the central area of the city, a Neo-Classical wonderland that is often compared to St. Petersburg, easily explorable on foot. Most of the major sights and attractions are within relatively easy walking distance of the centre of the city.

As could probably be expected in a climate such as that of Helsinki, the mood and pace of the city changes quite drastically with the seasons. Summer, the time of warm temperatures and 20-hour-long days of sunlight, sees bars and cafes spilling onto the sidewalks, and the streets teeming with people. In winter the city goes indoors and underground to escape the cold temperatures. This has resulted in Finland generally, and Helsinki specifically, to become one of the most connected and technologically advanced places in the world.

Main sites : 

- The Senate Square,
- Uspenski Cathedral,
- The Parliament Building 
- The Olympic Stadium

- Sibelius Monument  This unusual and unique monument is dedicated to the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). As a from of rebellion from the oppressive Russian rule, Sibelius wrote tunes that ended up becoming synonymous with Finnish patriotism. His most famous song, 'Finlandia', came to symbolise the Finnish struggle for independence from the Russians. The monument was made by the sculptor Eila Hiltunen out of hundreds of steel pipes, and visiting the site is a form of pilgrimage for most Finns

- Temppeliaukio Church. Designed by Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, this 'Church in the Rock' was consecrated in 1969. Built into solid rock, the inner wall has been left in its natural unfinished state, and the top of the church is covered by a solid copper dome. The surrounding wall is made from rock that was quarried on the site    

Others :

-  Kiasma Contemporary Museum : This museum showcases some of the best of Finnish and international contemporary art since the 1960s. There are approximately 4,000 pieces of art displayed within the museum at any one time. What's inside the building isn't the only point of interest, however. The awe-inspiring building is a work of art in itself, and was built by the award-winning architect Steven Holl. It also has a funky cafe and an excellent bookshop