A few days ago we learned that Helsinki was one of the few European cities that appeared in the ranking of the best cities in the world to live in 2016. It has slipped into position number 9 on the list thanks, among other things, to its climate stability and its health system. Of course, the capital of Finland also stands out for its many tourist attractions.
If you plan to visit Helsinki soon, we recommend that you do not miss anything that we tell you below, since today we are going to talk about the essential visits that you must make during your stay in the Finnish capital. In addition, we propose some activities that you will love. Would you like to join us?
Plazas
Among the many places worth visiting in Helsinki, some of its squares stand out, such as the famous Market Square (Kauppatori) which, as its name suggests, is home to an open-air market. Specifically, the most famous in the city. In addition, here is the City Hall building. You should also visit Senado Square , which is home to important government buildings. Of course, the building that stands out the most is the Cathedral, which we will talk about below.
Cathedrals
As we mentioned, one of the most important buildings in Senate Square is the Helsinki Cathedral, a neoclassical Lutheran temple that stands out for its white color and high green dome. Of course, you should also visit the Uspenski Cathedral, also called the Cathedral of the Dormition of Mary. It is considered the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe and surprises with its golden domes and the red bricks of its facade. We also want to talk about Temppeliaukio, a rock-cut Lutheran church filled with natural light thanks to its glass dome.
Markets
Among the main attractions of Helsinki are also its markets. Before we have told you about one of the most important, the one located in Kauppatori Square. Here you will find numerous stalls in which there is no shortage of proposals for typical Finnish food, handicrafts, furs and, of course, souvenirs. We also recommend a visit to the Old Market, where you will have a great time tasting local handicraft products. Another interesting market is Hakaniemi, which is located in the Kallio neighborhood. Here you can buy handicrafts and woolen fabrics.
Museums
Helsinki also stands out for its important museums. Among them, the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art stands out , which houses the contemporary art collection of the Finnish National Gallery. The Design Museum is also worth a visit, especially if you are a lover of the world of architecture and design. In addition, the Ateneum Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Natural Sciences and the National Museum are recommended.
Other places and activities of interest
Beyond squares, markets, churches and museums, Helsinki hides other interesting corners that are worth visiting, such as the Presidential Palace, one of the official residences of the President of Finland. We must also highlight the Suomenlinna Fortress , a maritime fortress that has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. And we cannot forget the Rautatieasema train station, with its 48-meter tower, which has become an emblem of the city. In addition, we want to highlight the Sibelius Monument, a monument dedicated to the Finnish musician Jean Sibelius, and the Pohjoisesplanadi park, an ideal place to walk and rest.
Finally, we want to recommend three activities that you should do if you have the opportunity to visit this capital: go to a sauna , a boat trip and have a coffee in some of its charming places.
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