Helsinki

The "Daughter of the Baltic", Helsinki (Finnish) (Helsingfors in Swedish) is Finland's capital and largest city. Founded in 1550, Helsinki became the capital of the Finnish Grand Duchy in 1812, when the Russian Empire rebuilt it as a miniature St. Petersburg, a role it has played in many a Cold War movie. Today, Helsinki is a city of 600,000 people, combining the atmosphere of an international metropolis with the coziness of a small town. The city is best seen during its short summers, when the sun brings the outdoor bars and cafés to life and even the nights are light. While visiting in winter is more of a challenge, Helsinki is one of few large cities in Europe with a good chance for snow on Christmas.

The city of Helsinki forms the core of Finland's largest urban area, known in Finnish as the "capital area" (pääkaupunkiseutu). Helsinki is bordered by the Gulf of Finland to the south, while the posh suburban city of Espoo, with the embedded tiny enclave city of Kauniainen, is to the west. The more industrialized city of Vantaa is to the north and east. The Capital Region has a population of about 1.1 million, 630,000 of them living in Helsinki proper. Beyond these, the suburbs rapidly give way to small towns, farms and forests, most notably Nuuksio National Park at the intersection of Espoo, Vihti and Kirkkonummi.

Helsinki's city center is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare Mannerheimintie (or just Mansku). The central railway station and the main bus terminal are in the city center. Shopping streets Aleksanterinkatu (or Aleksi for short) and Esplanadi (or Espa) connect to Senate Square (Senaatintori), the historical center of the city. See the Helsinki Guide Map for an interactive searchable map of the city.

As Finland became part of the Swedish kingdom in the 13th century with Turku as its regional capital, Helsinki was founded in AD 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden as a trading post to compete with Tallinn to the south in Estonia, which was Danish at that time. Helsinki was established about 5 km northeast of the current downtown, at the rapids where Vantaa river (at that time known as Helsinge river) flows into the Baltic Sea, which in turn gave the city its Swedish name Helsingfors. Never becoming the trading post Gustav Vasa envisioned and largely bypassed by the King's Road — the major road along the coast at that time — the village faced some hard times during its first centuries with fires and diseases and today there is but a few stones left of the original Helsinki. Eventually the city was moved further south to its current location and in the middle of 18th century Sveaborg (nowadays Suomenlinna in Finnish) Maritime Fortress was established in the front of Helsinki. The now world heritage-listed fortress archipelago features some of the oldest standing buildings in the city.

In 1809, Finland was annexed by Russia after the Finnish War (a part of the Napoleonic Wars), and the capital of Finland moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812.The Czar felt the Grand Duchy of Finland needed a capital of grand proportions, and this was a major turning point in the history of Helsinki. The architects Johan Albrecht Ehrenström, a native Finn, and Carl Ludwig Engel, from Germany, were given the task of rebuilding the city in the Empire style. This can be seen today around the Lutheran Cathedral, which was completed in 1852. The same style, and even architects, is also a part of Saint Petersburg's history.

Growing steadily during the 19th century, with the population exceeding 100,000 by the turn of the century, Helsinki had established itself as the largest city and ad the political and cultural capital of the country. The city was a battleground in the Finnish Civil War 1917-18, and was bombed by the Soviets in the Second World War. Before the war Finland was largely an agricultural country but the industrialization and urbanization that happened during the following decades meant an influx of new inhabitants from the rural parts of the country and turned Helsinki into the metropolis it is today with suburbs, superhighways and even a small subway system. Architectonically a young city, many of the monumental buildings erected since the independence have a stark modernist style and the rest of the city's architecture is made up of National Romantic style buildings from the early 20th century and the aforementioned Empire style buildings in Central Helsinki. Though thoroughly a Nordic capital, Helsinki today reflects the influences gained from the Western and Eastern cultures.

City of Helsinki Tourist Information Office, Corner of Pohjoisesplanadi and Unioninkatu (just off Market Square, +358 9 3101-3300. M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa Su 09:00-18:00; Oct-Apr closes 18:00/16:00. A fount of information with helpful, multilingual staff. They also sell tickets to museums and sightseeing tours. There is also another one right in the Central Railway Station.

Helsinki is among the world's northernmost capitals and the lengthy winter is dark and chilly. Winter temperatures average, but the wind chill and humidity makes it feel even colder and the mercury can plunge below on a particularly cold day. Days are short. In general snow falls only intermittently and often melts into grey slush. However lake-effect snowfalls dropping copious amounts of snow during a few hours (and messing up the traffic) is not unheard of in the early winter. Since the Helsinki peninsula juts into the sea, there is often a cold sea wind, and the climate is more maritime than inland, with snow and replaced by slush, sleet and . This is especially apparent in November and December, but the first months of the year almost always have colder temperatures and clear skies.

The spring brings clear skies but the temperature doesn't increase as fast as the sunshine hours; even in April you may experience sub-zero nights, even as the afternoon temperatures raise above . The summer is often pleasant. Daytime temperatures are usually around and July and August afternoons often see temperatures above 25 °C, and unlike the rest of the year you don't need a jacket or sweater even at nighttime. The sun sets late in the night and even then dusk turns into dawn without any real darkness in between. Parks burst into green, sunbathers dot the city's beaches and restaurants and bars deploy their terraces and patios, making the streetscape look more Central European for a couple of months. The autumn slowly developes throughout September with fall foliage and moderate temperatures; snow and seriously cold weather before early November is very uncommon.

The city is officially bilingual, with an 86% Finnish-speaking majority and a visible 6% Swedish-speaking minority. Many in the Finnish-speaking majority only know the basics of Swedish, which they learned in school, while some speak it fluently.

The majority of Finnish-speaking people are much more comfortable with speaking English than Swedish, and especially the younger generations usually speak very good English. Although locals will appreciate an effort to say a few words in Finnish, they know very well how difficult Finnish is and will readily switch to English – many people also like the chance to practice their English.

Finnish letters are always pronounced the same way, regardless of context (unlike e.g. English "a" in "car" and "hat"), with letters doubled for long sounds. Word stress is always on the first syllable. This makes it easy to learn how words should be pronounced, while actually pronouncing them correctly may be quite difficult.

Street signs and most other signs are usually in both Finnish and Swedish. In tourist-oriented areas, English signage is also prevalent. The Finnish and Swedish names for different streets and areas in Helsinki may differ significantly, for example Suomenlinna/Sveaborg for the fortress or Pasila/Böle for one of the train stations.

Being Finland's most cosmopolitan area by a fair margin, Helsinki also houses people from different parts of the world. While strolling around, you may hear people converse in Estonian (which at first sounds a lot like Finnish), Russian, German, and Somali.

See #Districts for listings.

Surrounded by sea and a vast archipelago, Helsinki is at its best in the summer when the dialogue between the city and nature is at its fullest. Classical Helsinki's sights can be divided into an eclectic set of churches and a wide variety of museums. For a coastal amble past some of Helsinki's minor and major sights, see the itinerary A seaside stroll in Helsinki.

Many of Helsinki's museums are as interesting from the outside as from the inside. Architecture buffs will get a kick out of Helsinki's Neo-Classical center, centered around Senate Square (Senaatintori), where a statue of the liberal Russian czar Alexander II stands guard. Aleksanterinkatu and the Railway Station square also have some beautiful neo-classical buildings — look for the Romantic Kalevala-esque themes — but unfortunately these areas also have many concrete monstrosities mixed in.

If you see only one place in Helsinki in the summer, make it Suomenlinna. Entry to the island itself is free, but you need to pay for the ferry ride. The HSL ferry from Market Square is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting there at €5 for a 12-hour tourist return. The ferry is a part of the Helsinki local traffic, so if you have an HSL Day Ticket it includes ferry travel. The ferry runs approximately every half hour. On summer weekends the island is a popular picnic destination and you may have to wait for a long time as hundreds of people crowd the ferry terminal. In this case it may be worth it to use the more expensive private ferry company at the other end of the Market Square.

Suomenlinna is far from the only island, a beautiful archipelago (saaristo) surrounds the Helsinki city center. The major islands are Korkeasaari with the eponymous zoo, Seurasaari with its open air museum and Pihjalasaari with its beach. In addition to these, there are scheduled services to many smaller islands, and you can also tour them by sightseeing cruise. Most of the cruises depart from the Western corner of the Market Square and last from one to several hours. Most ferries and cruises operate only in the summer high season.

• A seaside stroll in Helsinki, an easy half-day walk along Helsinki's west coast
• Helsinki itineraries, several suggested itineraries for different lengths of stay

See #Districts for listings.

The situation with movie theaters in Helsinki has deteriorated as one by one small theaters have closed their doors.

Foreign films are mostly shown in the original language with Finnish (and usually Swedish) subtitles.

In downtown Helsinki, there are two large multiplexes: Tennispalatsi in Salomonkatu 15, Kamppi and Kinopalatsi in Kaisaniemenkatu 2, Kaisaniemi, both maintained by Finnkino, the largest movie theater chain in Finland. Prices vary between €6.50 and €17.50 depending on location, time and 2D/3D. See Finnkino's pricing policy on their website.

Theaters concentrating on classic and art house films are few and far between in Helsinki today. The movie theater Orion, Eerikinkatu 15, run by the Finnish National Audiovisual Archive, displays a wide variety of films, including classics. Tickets €6.00 for non-members and €4.50 with a membership card. Kino Engel, Sofiankatu 4 near Senaatintori, concentrates on European and world cinema. Tickets €9. In Summers, also Kesäkino (Summer Cinema) is held in the inner court of Café Engel, Aleksanterinkatu 26. Tickets (€12) can be bought from the Kino Engel counter and for the same night also from the Kesäkino door 45 minutes before the screening.

There are also some (small) independent movie theaters in neighboring Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen showing mainly the bigger blockbusters: Bio Grand in Tikkurila, Vantaa, Bio Jaseka in Myyrmäki, Vantaa, Bio Grani in Kauniainen and Kino Tapiola in Tapiola, Espoo. Many of them have a matinée series of cheaper, more art house screenings supported by the local culture board. In addition, Finnkino operates three screens in Omena cinema in the Iso Omena shopping center in Matinkylä, Espoo as well as six screens in Flamingo multiplex in the entertainment center Flamingo in Vantaa. In Leppävaara, Espoo there are also six screens in the Finnkino multiplex at Sello shopping center.

Luckily, several film festivals enrich the cinema culture in Helsinki region. The biggest is the Helsinki International Film Festival - Love and Anarchy held annually in September. Espoo has its own international film festival Espoo Ciné held every August in Tapiola and Leppävaara. In January, Helsinki Documentary Film Festival Docpoint takes over. Some of the smaller film festivals include (to name few) Lens Politica showing political films and art, and Night Visions focusing on horror, fantasy, science fiction, action and cult cinema. Cinemania website collects at least some of the festivals together and also sells passes of 5 or 10 screenings that may be used in several festivals. However, check the site for the most up-to-date information as the ticket policy varies from festival to festival.

Helsinki has an active cultural life and tickets are generally inexpensive.

• tiketti. There are many lives of many genres. So you must browse what show will be held and buy ticket.
• tavastia. Live club with live rock, pop and jazz.

Important performing groups include:

• Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances have moved to the Music House, a brand new visually questionable but acustically excellent concert hall. Tickets €20. On selected Wednesdays you can go see dress rehearsals for as little as €3 per person. The rehearsals start 09:30. Check availability on the site before showing up at the Music House!
• UMO Jazz Orchestra. An important part of Finnish jazz life, known for performing new Finnish music alongside interesting shows, such as with new circus. Various venues.

tiketti. There are many lives of many genres. So you must browse what show will be held and buy ticket.

tavastia. Live club with live rock, pop and jazz.

Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. Performances have moved to the Music House, a brand new visually questionable but acustically excellent concert hall. Tickets €20. On selected Wednesdays you can go see dress rehearsals for as little as €3 per person. The rehearsals start 09:30. Check availability on the site before showing up at the Music House!

UMO Jazz Orchestra. An important part of Finnish jazz life, known for performing new Finnish music alongside interesting shows, such as with new circus. Various venues.

Helsinki's celebrations are among the most exciting in the country.

• Lux Helsinki. 17:00-22:00. Beginning of January. Lux Helsinki is an annual event of light installations to cheer residents' and visitors' minds during the darkest time of the year. They are on display over several nights. Lux Helsinki can also be enjoyed as part of a guided walking tour. Free of charge.

Lux Helsinki. 17:00-22:00. Beginning of January. Lux Helsinki is an annual event of light installations to cheer residents' and visitors' minds during the darkest time of the year. They are on display over several nights. Lux Helsinki can also be enjoyed as part of a guided walking tour. Free of charge.

• Helsinki Burlesque Festival, Pikku Roobertinkatu 12, +358 40-744-5999. 19:00-04:00. Finland's biggest burlesque show. Held on a weekend in late February/early March. Although most of the performers are female, the Finnish burlesque scene has more male performers than that of any other country. Many visitors come in fancy dress costumes, and there is even a prize awarded for the best dressed man and the best dressed woman in the audience. For adults only. €83 for a two-day pass.

Helsinki Burlesque Festival, Pikku Roobertinkatu 12, +358 40-744-5999. 19:00-04:00. Finland's biggest burlesque show. Held on a weekend in late February/early March. Although most of the performers are female, the Finnish burlesque scene has more male performers than that of any other country. Many visitors come in fancy dress costumes, and there is even a prize awarded for the best dressed man and the best dressed woman in the audience. For adults only. €83 for a two-day pass.

• Vappu. April 30-May 1. Vappu began as a north European pagan carnival, and is now an excuse for students to wear brightly colored overalls and for everybody to drink vast amounts of alcohol. At 18:00 on April 30, the statue of Havis Amanda at the Market Square is crowned with a student's cap and the revelry begins in the streets. Things can get a little ugly outside as the night wears on, so it's wiser to head indoors to the bars, clubs and restaurants, all of which have massive Vappu parties. The following morning, the party heads to the Kaivopuisto and Kaisaniemi parks for a champagne picnic, regardless of the weather. If the weather is good, up to 70,000 people will show up. Left-wing parties hold rallies and speeches, but the event is increasingly non-political.

Vappu. April 30-May 1. Vappu began as a north European pagan carnival, and is now an excuse for students to wear brightly colored overalls and for everybody to drink vast amounts of alcohol. At 18:00 on April 30, the statue of Havis Amanda at the Market Square is crowned with a student's cap and the revelry begins in the streets. Things can get a little ugly outside as the night wears on, so it's wiser to head indoors to the bars, clubs and restaurants, all of which have massive Vappu parties. The following morning, the party heads to the Kaivopuisto and Kaisaniemi parks for a champagne picnic, regardless of the weather. If the weather is good, up to 70,000 people will show up. Left-wing parties hold rallies and speeches, but the event is increasingly non-political.

• World Village Festival. An annual multicultural weekend festival in late May. The event is free to all and a meeting place offering tastes of different cultures and surprises from all over the world, music, dance, food, art, market, information. Several hundred organizations are involved and the main organiser KEPA works under the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
• Helsinki City Run. A running event in central Helsinki where you can run the length of a half-marathon.

World Village Festival. An annual multicultural weekend festival in late May. The event is free to all and a meeting place offering tastes of different cultures and surprises from all over the world, music, dance, food, art, market, information. Several hundred organizations are involved and the main organiser KEPA works under the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Helsinki City Run. A running event in central Helsinki where you can run the length of a half-marathon.

• Helsinki-päivä. Jun 12. This is the birthday of the city. It traditionally starts with the mayor's morning coffee and is celebrated throughout the day with a variety of concerts, performances, exhibitions and guided tours around the city. Nowadays special event program even for several days.
• Helsinki Pride. Parade 13:00-14:00, party 14:00-18:00. Finland's biggest and most famous LGBT pride event. Held over a week in late June, culminates in a parade and open-air party on Saturday. Free of charge.

• Helsinki Samba Carnaval. 15:00-17:00. The biggest samba show in Finland, inspired by the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnaval in Brazil. Held on a Saturday in early June. A great samba parade fills the streets of central Helsinki, with dancers and music players from practically every samba school in Finland. Free of charge.
• Juhannus. Friday between June 19 and June 25. Although a large bonfire is lit in Seurasaari, the celebration is low key as the tradition is to celebrate "the nightless night" at summer cottages in the countryside. Although some celebrate Juhannus in Helsinki as well, the streets are often eerily empty and the doors of the shops closed, making it the most quiet time of year in Helsinki.

Helsinki-päivä. Jun 12. This is the birthday of the city. It traditionally starts with the mayor's morning coffee and is celebrated throughout the day with a variety of concerts, performances, exhibitions and guided tours around the city. Nowadays special event program even for several days.

Helsinki Pride. Parade 13:00-14:00, party 14:00-18:00. Finland's biggest and most famous LGBT pride event. Held over a week in late June, culminates in a parade and open-air party on Saturday. Free of charge.

Helsinki Samba Carnaval. 15:00-17:00. The biggest samba show in Finland, inspired by the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnaval in Brazil. Held on a Saturday in early June. A great samba parade fills the streets of central Helsinki, with dancers and music players from practically every samba school in Finland. Free of charge.

Juhannus. Friday between June 19 and June 25. Although a large bonfire is lit in Seurasaari, the celebration is low key as the tradition is to celebrate "the nightless night" at summer cottages in the countryside. Although some celebrate Juhannus in Helsinki as well, the streets are often eerily empty and the doors of the shops closed, making it the most quiet time of year in Helsinki.

• Tuska Open Air. An annual, 3-day heavy metal festival, featuring acts from all over the world, held in July.

Tuska Open Air. An annual, 3-day heavy metal festival, featuring acts from all over the world, held in July.

• Helsinki City Marathon. Next event: May 18, 2019. The name says it all. Not as famous as the one in New York, but with over 6,000 participants the largest marathon race in Finland.
• Flow Festival. A music and arts festival in early August at Suvilahti. Noted for its high-end arrangements marrying music to design and gourmet food and drink, Flow has expanded to include installations, arts and workshops in the past few years. The music presented at Flow is a strong and varied selection of up and coming and established artists from indie-rock to soul and jazz and from folk to contemporary club sounds, both from the Finnish and the international scene.
• Finland-Sweden athletics competition. biannually held in Finland. A yearly athletics international competition held between these two neighboring countries since 1925 – the only one still existing of this kind of two-country competition. The two-day event, held in alternate years in Finland or in Sweden, attracts significant audiences.
• Helsinki Festival. Multi-week annual arts festival in the latter half of August. The peak of the festival is Taiteiden Yö, "Night of the Arts" called "little vappu" by many as the streets are full of revelers. The official event is marked by performing arts through the night. The Night of the Arts was first organized by local bookstores in the 1990s. It's now organized by the city. During the last few years, the event has slightly returned to its origin as an arts and culture event.

Helsinki City Marathon. Next event: May 18, 2019. The name says it all. Not as famous as the one in New York, but with over 6,000 participants the largest marathon race in Finland.

Flow Festival. A music and arts festival in early August at Suvilahti. Noted for its high-end arrangements marrying music to design and gourmet food and drink, Flow has expanded to include installations, arts and workshops in the past few years. The music presented at Flow is a strong and varied selection of up and coming and established artists from indie-rock to soul and jazz and from folk to contemporary club sounds, both from the Finnish and the international scene.

Finland-Sweden athletics competition. biannually held in Finland. A yearly athletics international competition held between these two neighboring countries since 1925 – the only one still existing of this kind of two-country competition. The two-day event, held in alternate years in Finland or in Sweden, attracts significant audiences.

Helsinki Festival. Multi-week annual arts festival in the latter half of August. The peak of the festival is Taiteiden Yö, "Night of the Arts" called "little vappu" by many as the streets are full of revelers. The official event is marked by performing arts through the night. The Night of the Arts was first organized by local bookstores in the 1990s. It's now organized by the city. During the last few years, the event has slightly returned to its origin as an arts and culture event.

• Helsinki International Film Festival. Also known as Rakkautta & Anarkiaa (Love & Anarchy) and held annually in September, HIFF features a wide selection of films from all over the world. Asian films have been a special focus in the history of the festival that began in 1987.

Helsinki International Film Festival. Also known as Rakkautta & Anarkiaa (Love & Anarchy) and held annually in September, HIFF features a wide selection of films from all over the world. Asian films have been a special focus in the history of the festival that began in 1987.

• Lautapelaamaan, Tallberginkatu 1. 10:00-18:00 mostly. Finland's biggest board game event, hosted by the Finnish Board Game Society. Held on a weeked in early November. A whole hall at the Helsinki Cable Factory is available to play board games for the entire weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday evening (the event closes for the nights though). Hundreds of board games available provided by the organisers (to borrow a game to play, you must leave something valuable as a pawn token, such as your phone or wallet). You can also bring your own board games to play. Suitable for people of all ages, both adults and children. Free of charge.
• Liquorice and salmiak festival, Pikku Satamakatu 3-5. 11:00-17:00 mostly. Finns are known for their taste for liquorice flavoured with the salt ammonium chloride, popularly known as salmiak or salmiakki in Finnish, even if many foreigners may find the taste strange and even repulsive at first. Wanha Satama in Katajanokka holds an entire festival for salty liquorice candy on a weekend in middle November. More liquorice candy than you can shake a stick at, with salmiak and without. Several vendors offer their candy for sale and give you free samples. €12.

Lautapelaamaan, Tallberginkatu 1. 10:00-18:00 mostly. Finland's biggest board game event, hosted by the Finnish Board Game Society. Held on a weeked in early November. A whole hall at the Helsinki Cable Factory is available to play board games for the entire weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday evening (the event closes for the nights though). Hundreds of board games available provided by the organisers (to borrow a game to play, you must leave something valuable as a pawn token, such as your phone or wallet). You can also bring your own board games to play. Suitable for people of all ages, both adults and children. Free of charge.

Liquorice and salmiak festival, Pikku Satamakatu 3-5. 11:00-17:00 mostly. Finns are known for their taste for liquorice flavoured with the salt ammonium chloride, popularly known as salmiak or salmiakki in Finnish, even if many foreigners may find the taste strange and even repulsive at first. Wanha Satama in Katajanokka holds an entire festival for salty liquorice candy on a weekend in middle November. More liquorice candy than you can shake a stick at, with salmiak and without. Several vendors offer their candy for sale and give you free samples. €12.

• Slush. 2018: 4–5 December. Big happening where startup companies meet possible investors from all over the world, arranged mostly by volunteer students. Expect hotels to be sold out, and paying a premium if booking early.
• Joulu. In the weeks before Christmas, Aleksanterinkatu is festively lit up, the Christmas lights of the street are ceremonially lit on the last Sunday in November. The open-air Christmas market formerly held in the Esplanadi Park is nowadays held at the Senaatintori (Senate Square). The Stockmann department store sets up a Christmas themed exhibition with mechanic dolls and animals in their windows at the corner of Keskuskatu and Aleksanterinkatu. Christmas itself is a family event, so on the 24th, everything shuts down and stays closed until December 26.
• New Year's Eve. Dec 31-Jan 1. Like in many other major cities, thousands of Helsinkians gather at Senaatintori next to the Cathedral to welcome the New Year. The event is shown on live television and there is a free outdoor concert as well.

Slush. 2018: 4–5 December. Big happening where startup companies meet possible investors from all over the world, arranged mostly by volunteer students. Expect hotels to be sold out, and paying a premium if booking early.

Joulu. In the weeks before Christmas, Aleksanterinkatu is festively lit up, the Christmas lights of the street are ceremonially lit on the last Sunday in November. The open-air Christmas market formerly held in the Esplanadi Park is nowadays held at the Senaatintori (Senate Square). The Stockmann department store sets up a Christmas themed exhibition with mechanic dolls and animals in their windows at the corner of Keskuskatu and Aleksanterinkatu. Christmas itself is a family event, so on the 24th, everything shuts down and stays closed until December 26.

New Year's Eve. Dec 31-Jan 1. Like in many other major cities, thousands of Helsinkians gather at Senaatintori next to the Cathedral to welcome the New Year. The event is shown on live television and there is a free outdoor concert as well.

Helsinki is on the Finnish Gulf, and several cruise liners arrange trips out to the archipelago ranging from short hops lasting only an hour or two to trips ranging a full day.

• Söderskär Lighthouse, +358 400-502-771. May–Sep daily with start 09:00, back 16:00. An old secluded lighthouse island out at sea, in the middle of a bird reserve. The lighthouse may have inspired Tove Jansson's Moominpappa at Sea. Day trips with an hour on the skerry. Cancelled in high seas. Day cruise €65, children 6–12 €33.
• Skippered Day Sailing, Laivastokatu 1, Katajanokka, +358 50-592-9141. leaves daily 10:00 (May–Sept). Visit the coastal archipelago on a 35 ft sailboat, for two hours or full day trips with an experienced skipper. Island hopping is also possible. from €60.

Söderskär Lighthouse, +358 400-502-771. May–Sep daily with start 09:00, back 16:00. An old secluded lighthouse island out at sea, in the middle of a bird reserve. The lighthouse may have inspired Tove Jansson's Moominpappa at Sea. Day trips with an hour on the skerry. Cancelled in high seas. Day cruise €65, children 6–12 €33.

Skippered Day Sailing, Laivastokatu 1, Katajanokka, +358 50-592-9141. leaves daily 10:00 (May–Sept). Visit the coastal archipelago on a 35 ft sailboat, for two hours or full day trips with an experienced skipper. Island hopping is also possible. from €60.

See #Districts for listings.

Shopping in Helsinki is generally not so expensive, fans of Finnish and Nordic design will find plenty of things of interest. You can also enjoy the season of sales and discounts (in January and July). Since 2016, opening hours have been fully liberalized, but most large shops and department stores still have the normal hours of weekdays from 09:00-21:00, Saturdays 09:00-18:00, and Sunday 12:00-18:00. A notable exception is the Asematunneli complex, underground adjacent to the Central Railway Station, most shops here are open until 22:00 almost every day of the year. Hours are still in a state of flux and for the most part you could expect them to get longer.

All S-markets are open until 22:00 every day. At least the major supermarkets K-Supermarket and Lidl in the Kamppi Center (see below) are open until 22:00 each day, and the S-Market supermarket below Sokos, next to the railway station, is open 24/7. Small grocery stores and the R-Kioski convenience store chain are open until 22:00 or 23:00 (or later) year-round, too. A handful of small Alepa grocery stores are open 24 hours a day. In the centre you will also find small Delish and Pick A Deli convenience stores in the city center, open 24 hours a day year round but more expensive than regular grocery stores. On holidays, many stores are closed (though we need to see how this changes with the new opening hour laws), but at least the central S-supermarket (Sokos) and K-supermarket (Kamppi) are historically barely affected by holidays. Other centrally located small grocery stores and R-kioskis have some holiday opening hours, too.

In the neighboring cities of Vantaa and Espoo you can also find big shopping malls. Vantaa has Jumbo(including Flamingo) and Myyrmanni, while Espoo has the centers of Sello and Iso Omena. All of these are easily accessible by public transport or by car (free parking).

There are high-end design stores around Aleksanterinkatu and Etelä-Esplanadi. The Design District Helsinki area around Uudenmaankatu and Iso Roobertinkatu is full of design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms. Here you can find the most interesting names, classics, and trend-setters. Visit Design Forum Finland at Erottajankatu 7 to get a map of shops and galleries.

Most outdoor markets in Helsinki are open only in summer, but the market halls are open all year round. They are great places to taste Finnish delicacies. The three major market halls are the Old Market Hall, Hietaniemi and Hakaniemi.

Helsinki has a selection of great "underground" record stores with a greatly varying selection of both Finnish and international music. Most of them also sell vinyl (12, 10 or 7 inch). Generally speaking, prices aren't cheap, but the selection may be worth it. Some of the more collectible stuff may even be cheaper than elsewhere. Price range is vinyl €20 ±€5 and CD €10 ±€5.

If you have only a limited amount of time, check out the record stores around Viisikulma, a brisk walk from the city center.

In addition to Aleksanterinkatu, various fashion boutiques can be found along Fredrikinkatu, a 10-15 minute walk south from the railway station. Of course you can also head to department stores and malls like Stockmann, Kamppi and Forum.

See #Districts for listings.

Helsinki has by far the best cosmopolitan restaurants in Finland, and is a good place to escape the usual diet of meat and potatoes... if you can foot the bill, that is. As usual in Finland the best time to eat out is lunch, when most restaurants offer lunch sets for around €6-10. Lunch sets are typically served from 10:30 to 14:00, but the times vary between venues. In the evening, only budget places are less than €10, while splurges cost well over €30 per head. Almost every place will have at least one vegetarian option.

A surprisingly large number of restaurants close down for a month or more in summer (July–August), so call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Budget choices are largely limited to fast food, although there are a couple of workaday Finnish eateries in the mix. In addition to McDonald's and its Finnish imitators Hesburger/Carrols, Helsinki is also full of pizza and kebab places, where a meal typically costs around €7-8 (sometimes as low as €4-5, especially in Kallio). A more healthy option is Unicafe, a chain of restaurants owned by the Helsinki University student union, which has around 10 outlets in central Helsinki and offers full meals from €5.70, including vegetarian options. There are also many other lunch restaurants for students that serve affordable food also for non-students. A good active listing of Helsinki's student restaurants and their menus as well as opening hours can be found at lunchmenu.fi. During the lunch time, usually from 11:00 to 15:00, most restaurants serves food for reasonable prices. Lunch restaurants and lists in Helsinki can be found at lounaat.info.

Two classes of fine dining stand out in Helsinki: fresh seafood and Russian. During the dark days of the Soviet Union, it was sometimes said that the best Russian restaurants in the world were across the border in Helsinki. For something authentically Finnish and uniquely Helsinki, try Vorschmack, an unusual but surprisingly tasty mix of minced lamb and herring, served with chopped pickles and sour cream (smetana).

Finland is the largest coffee consuming nation per capita and coffee breaks are written into law. However, in Finland most coffee is filter-brewed from a light, more caffeinated, roast that is quite different to what the rest of the world drinks. Finns often enjoy a bun (pulla) or cinnamon bun (korvapuusti) with their coffee.

In Finland commonly espressos and lattes are called "special coffees" and a large number of establishments that make such coffees have popped up all over town ever since the 1990s when they arrived. One which will give any Italian cafeteria a go for their money is La Torrefazione next to Stockmann. In the more common cafeterias the normal light brew coffee is sold by self-service at the counter even at some more expensive cafeterias (there is only a handful of cafeterias serving to the table in Helsinki - this shows how commonplace coffee drinking is considered).

See #Districts for listings.

Helsinki has plenty of hip places for a drink. The main nightlife districts, all in the city center within crawling distance of each other, are around Iso-Roobertinkatu, the Central Railway Station and Kamppi. Helsinki's busy gay nightlife is centered mostly around Iso-Roobertinkatu and Eerikinkatu and surrounding streets.

Going out is not cheap, and complaining about the prices is a popular Finnish pastime, but compared to (say) London or New York City the prices aren't that bad. If you are on a budget and intent on getting plastered, follow the Finns and drink up a good "base" at home or hotel before going out on town. Alternatively, you can start the night outside the city centre area and head to the district of Kallio where bar prices are significantly lower and you can find a plethora of drinking places.

While entry to bars and clubs is often (but not always) free, in club-type places and proper restaurants you must use and pay for the coat check (narikka), usually around €2, if you're wearing anything more than a T-shirt. In some places you must pay even if you don't leave anything at the cloakroom. The bouncer will be very strict with this as the much of the narikka-money goes into his pocket. If a ticket price is advertised, it usually does not cover the coat check.

The drinking age is 18, and this is rather strictly enforced, so bring along ID. Underaged drinking is still a huge problem, and many bars and clubs apply house limits of 20–24 years, but these are enforced less strictly and a patron of younger age will some times be let in if one fits the clientele, especially women.

Information on clubs and live performances can be found in free, Finnish-language tabloids such as City, which can be picked up at many bars, cafes and shops.

In Helsinki, the most popular nightclubs have long queues starting to form around 23:30. Get in early to avoid standing, although it can be a nice way to meet people. After around 01:00-02:00 it might be impossible to get in anymore. You may try to just walk past the queue looking important, but a more efficient strategy is to discreetly tip the bouncer (€10-20). The larger group you are, the more difficult things get. Look smart!

Helsinki is a safe city for its size. However, on weekend nights, intoxicated people wandering around city streets may be an annoyance, especially during summer festivals and on New Year's Eve and April 30, the eve of May Day, which is the most important beer-drinking festival in the Finnish calendar. Warm summer nights always gather a drunken crowd downtown. Intoxicated Finns tend to be rather noisy (in stark contrast to sober Finns) and admittedly sometimes picking a fight with just about anyone. Just use your common sense, and steer clear of overly loud groups of young men.

There are rare exceptional health hazards, although the extreme cold in the winter should be borne in mind by visitors, especially those planning outdoor activities. Whilst in summer the temperature rises occasionally to 30°C, in the winter months it can drop to around -30°C (-20°F) for a week or two. Dressing warmly is a must. If you forget to bring winter clothing, you can always visit local shops for appropriate apparel. Also, watch out for slippery sidewalks in winter. Thousands of people slip and injure themselves every winter! Winter-time driving needs also special caution as the roads may be very slippery with ice and/or snow.

• Yliopiston Apteekki pharmacy, Mannerheimintie 96 (Taka-Töölö district, +358 300 20200. Open always 24/7. The pharmacy with the most central location and the best hours.
• Haartman hospital emergency, Haartmaninkatu 4 (Meilahti hospital area, +358 9 310 63231. 24/7. Emergency department of Helsinki Municipal Health Center.
• Viiskulma Health Centre, Pursimiehenkatu 4 (near Viiskulma, +358 9 310 45930. Weekdays 8-16. Municipal health center for minor health problems.

In emergencies, .

You can contact the social service, when you need urgent help or advice for:

• child protection
• other social work
• family crises
• domestic violence
• life management or housing
• matters related to mental health or substance abuse.

Emergency Social Services are available around the clock (24 hr): . Emergency Social Services can also be contacted by calling the emergency number 112.

The crime rate in Helsinki is generally low – Helsinki being maybe one of the safest capitals in Europe – although locals grumble that things have gotten worse since the EU removed restrictions on movement. Pickpockets target crowds and bicycles are prone to petty theft. Walking in the streets after dark is generally safe and the city center is indeed quite lively until the early hours of the morning. However, it's best to steer clear of obviously drunk people looking to pick a fight, the traditional trouble spots being the frustratingly long queues for late night snack food or taxis. Getting mugged for money in the streets of central Helsinki is almost unheard of, but you might not want to get into any unlicensed taxis even though the licensed ones are almost always way short of demand during pre-Christmas and summer seasons. A licensed taxi in Finland will always have a yellow box with its number on the roof.

The most crimes in city center concentrate around the central railway station and Kamppi shopping center. The Kaisaniemi park behind the main Railway Station is possibly best avoided at night, and the area of Kalasatama, Kallio and Sörnäinen (northeast from the center, after the Pitkäsilta bridge) may be somewhat rougher than other parts of the downtown. Relatively high-crime neighborhoods are found in the 1970s concrete-built suburbs of Eastern Helsinki, Northwestern Helsinki and Northern Helsinki, mainly in the extreme reaches of the metro and local train, such as Kontula, Itäkeskus, Mellunmäki, Vuosaari along metro; Pukinmäki, Malmi, Puistola and Kannelmäki along local train.

Especially in the summer you will encounter Roma beggars from Eastern Europe sitting on the streets in the city center. Most locals would prefer it if you do not encourage them by giving money, and donate to a charity instead.

In winter, try to keep a steady footing: despite the use of vast quantities of gravel and salt, pavements can be quite slippery when the temperature hovers around zero and near-invisible black ice forms.

Helsinki's bedrock is close to the surface, so new building works invariably involve some dynamite to build foundations, and it's thus quite common to hear explosions around the center. Blasting is often preceded by a loud sequence of warning beeps, which speed up as they count down. There is no danger to anyone, as the builders are experts (and the solid granite bedrock is very, very strong), but now you know where that "BOOM!" came from.

If you are just passing through and choose Helsinki to apply for a Russian visa, be careful when choosing a travel agency: some may charge a lot extra for "express service" (although applying for one yourself at the consulate will take weeks).

Yliopiston Apteekki pharmacy, Mannerheimintie 96 (Taka-Töölö district, +358 300 20200. Open always 24/7. The pharmacy with the most central location and the best hours.

Haartman hospital emergency, Haartmaninkatu 4 (Meilahti hospital area, +358 9 310 63231. 24/7. Emergency department of Helsinki Municipal Health Center.

Viiskulma Health Centre, Pursimiehenkatu 4 (near Viiskulma, +358 9 310 45930. Weekdays 8-16. Municipal health center for minor health problems.

• When using escalators, people in Helsinki usually reserve the right side of the moving staircase for standing and the left side for people walking up the stairs. Standing still on the left side will certainly make people irritated and flag you as a tourist or a fool.
• It would be wise to use common sense when entering the metro car: do not block people when the doors open, but take one step back and let people get off first. Also, it is often customary to enter a tram from the right side of the doors while people exiting use their right side.
• Avoid walking in the cycle lane. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the sidewalk. Helsinki cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. However, they are usually careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at.
• When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns rarely cross queues but make sure you actually stand in the line. If you are not sure whether there is a queue, ask others.
• Finns usually do not address people who are doing things (in their opinion) wrong. They will just look at your foolish behavior and swear silently to themselves. You might embarrass yourself but addressing it will make an even bigger scene.
• Do not feed seagulls or pigeons (especially in the city center). Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is also officially prohibited in many areas.

When using escalators, people in Helsinki usually reserve the right side of the moving staircase for standing and the left side for people walking up the stairs. Standing still on the left side will certainly make people irritated and flag you as a tourist or a fool.

Much of Helsinki is blanketed with wifi ("wlan") hotspots, and the City of Helsinki maintains a handy map. By comparison, Internet cafes with shared PCs are few and far between in Helsinki, but here is a partial listing. Most cafes offer these services without requiring a person to be a paying customer. Some restaurants will do this as well, but may insist that you purchase something. Many internet/cyber cafes in Finland can be expensive.

• Library 10, Elielinaukio 2G, +358 9 3108 5000. A public Internet and music library in the main post office building at the western side of the central railway station. You can surf the Internet for free for 30 minutes on the library's computers, but you're going to have to queue. Also has wi-fi, but you need a library card to access the network.
• Mbar, Mannerheimintie 22-24 (Lasipalatsi, +358 9 612 4542. A pleasant and popular living room-ish space in the heart of the city with local DJs playing drum & bass, house and chillout beats. Computers with Internet access (€5 per hour; €2 minimum charge), free wifi for laptop & cell phone owners. The terrace is a popular hipster hangout in the summer, situated in the former bus station area just next to the bar. Drinks €4-5.

There are a large number of locations in Helsinki that offer free public wifi for those needing to connect to the office while outside of the country. Many public libraries have computers and wifi networks so you can get online for free. If you are staying in a hotel, they usually have free wifi in the rooms and a computer in the reception for the guests.

Library 10, Elielinaukio 2G, +358 9 3108 5000. A public Internet and music library in the main post office building at the western side of the central railway station. You can surf the Internet for free for 30 minutes on the library's computers, but you're going to have to queue. Also has wi-fi, but you need a library card to access the network.

Mbar, Mannerheimintie 22-24 (Lasipalatsi, +358 9 612 4542. A pleasant and popular living room-ish space in the heart of the city with local DJs playing drum & bass, house and chillout beats. Computers with Internet access (€5 per hour; €2 minimum charge), free wifi for laptop & cell phone owners. The terrace is a popular hipster hangout in the summer, situated in the former bus station area just next to the bar. Drinks €4-5.

• Argentina Argentina, Bulevardi 5 A 11, +358 9 4242 8700.
• Austria Austria, Unioninkatu 22, +358 9 68 18 600.
• Belarus Belarus, Unioninkatu 18, 00130, +358 9 4247 2056.
• Belgium Belgium, Kalliolinnantie 5, 00140, +358 9 170 412.
• Brazil Brazil, Itäinen Puistotie 4 B 1, 00140, +358 9 6841500.
• Bulgaria Bulgaria, Kuusisaarentie 2 B, 00340, +358 9 458 40 35, +358 9 458 40 55.
• Canada Canada, Pohjoisesplanadi 25 B, 00100, +358 9 228 530.
• Chile Chile, Erottajankatu 11 A 17, 00130, +358 9 612 67 80.
• China China, Vanha Kelkkamäki 9-11, 00570, +358 9 228 90 110, +358 9 228 90 167, +358 9 228 90 129.
• ColombiaColombia, Unioninkatu 18, 2nd fl, 00130, +358 9 615 00 172. M-F 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-16:00.
• Croatia Croatia, Kruunuvuorenkatu 5, 4th fl., 00160, +358 9 622 22 32, +358 9 685 01 70.
• Cuba Cuba, Fredrikinkatu 61, 3rd Floor, 00100, +358 9 680 20 22.
• Cyprus Cyprus, Bulevardi 5 A 19, 00120, +358 9 6962820.
• the Czech Republic Czech Republic, Armfeltintie 14, 00150, +358 9 6120 8811, +358 9 6120 8812.
• Denmark Denmark, Mannerheimintie 8, 6 fl., 00100, +358 9 684 10 50.
• Egypt Egypt, Kasarmikatu 44, 3rd floor, 00130, +358 9477 7470.
• Estonia Estonia, Itäinen Puistotie 10, 00140, +358 9 622 02 60.
• France France, Itäinen Puistotie 13, 00140, +358 9 618 780.
• Germany Germany, Krogiuksentie 4 B, 00340, +358 9 45 85 80.
• Greece Greece, Maneesikatu 2 A 4, 00170, +358 9 622 97 90.
• Hungary Hungary, Kuusisaarenkuja 6, 00340, +358 9 484 144, +358 9 484 145, +358 9 484 167, +358 9 484 007.
• Iceland Iceland, Pohjoisesplanadi 27 C, 00100, +358 9 612 24 60.
• India India, Kulosaarentie 32, 00570, +358 9 228 9910.
• Indonesia Indonesia, Kuusisaarentie 3, 00340, +358 9 477 03 70.
• Iran Iran, Kulosaarentie 9, 00570, +358 9 686 92 40.
• Iraq Iraq, Lars Sonckin tie 2, 00570, +358 9 68188727.
• Ireland Ireland, Erottajankatu 7 A, 00130, +358 9-6824240.
• Israel Israel, Yrjönkatu 36 A, 00100, +358 9 681 20 20.
• Italy Italy, Itäinen Puistotie 4, 00140, +358 9 68 11 280.
• Japan Japan, Unioninkatu 20-22, 5th fl, 00130, +358 9 6860 200.
• Latvia Latvia, Armfeltintie 10, 00150, +358 9 476 472 44.
• Lithuania Lithuania, Rauhankatu 13 A, 00170, +358 9 68 44 880.
• Malaysia Malaysia, World Trade Center Helsinki, 00100, +358 10 320 2030.
• Mexico Mexico, Simonkatu 12 A 12, 00100, +358 9 586 04 30.
• Morocco Morocco, Unioninkatu 15 A, 00130, +358 9 6122 480.
• the Netherlands Netherlands, Erottajankatu 19 B 00130, +358 9 228 920.
• Norway Norway, Rehbinderintie 17, 00150, +358 9 686 01 80.
• Peru Peru, Lönnrotinkatu 7 B 11, 00120, +358 9-759 9400.
• Poland Poland, Armas Lindgrenintie 21, 00570, +358 9 618 28 120.
• Portugal Portugal, Unioninkatu 22, 2nd fl., 00130, +358 9 682 4370, +358 9 6824 3715, +358 9 6824 3718.
• Romania Romania, Stenbäckinkatu 24, 00250, +358 9 241 3624, +358 9 241 4414.
• Russia Russian Federation, Tehtaankatu 1 B, 00140, +358 9 661 876, +358 9 661 877.
• Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, Stenbäckinkatu 26, 00250, +358 9 477 8870.
• Serbia Serbia, Kulosaarentie 36, 00570, +358 9 6848 522, +358 9 6847 466.
• Slovakia Slovakia, Vähäniityntie 5, 00570, +358 9 6811 7810.
• South Africa South Africa, Rahapajankatu 1 A 5, 00160, +358 9 6860 3100.
• South Korea Republic of Korea, Erottajankatu 7 A, 00130, +358 9 251 5000.
• Spain Spain, Kalliolinnantie 6, 00140, +358 9 6877 080.
• Sweden Sweden, Pohjoisesplanadi 7 B, 00170, +358 9 68 77 660.
• Switzerland Switzerland, Kalliolinnantie 16 A 2a, 00140, +358 9 622 95 00.
• Taiwan Taiwan, Aleksanterinkatu 17, 4th Floor, 00100, +358 9 68293800.
• Thailand Thailand, Eteläesplanadi 22 C, 00130, +358 9 6122 6415.
• Tunisia Tunisia, Liisankatu 14 B 31, 00170, +358 9 680 39 614.
• Turkey Turkey, Puistokatu 1 b A 3, 00140, +358 9 6122 6100.
• Ukraine Ukraine, Vähäniityntie 9, 00570, +358 9 228 90 00.
• the United Kingdom United Kingdom, Itäinen Puistotie 17, 00140, +358 9 2286 5100.
• United States United States of America, Itäinen Puistotie 14 A, 00140, +358 9 61 62 50.
• Venezuela Venezuela, Bulevardi 1 A 62, 00100, +358 9 686 0440.
• Vietnam Vietnam, Kulosaarentie 12, 00570, +358 9 622 9900, +358 9 562 6302.

Argentina Argentina, Bulevardi 5 A 11, +358 9 4242 8700.

Austria Austria, Unioninkatu 22, +358 9 68 18 600.

Belarus Belarus, Unioninkatu 18, 00130, +358 9 4247 2056.

Belgium Belgium, Kalliolinnantie 5, 00140, +358 9 170 412.

Brazil Brazil, Itäinen Puistotie 4 B 1, 00140, +358 9 6841500.

Bulgaria Bulgaria, Kuusisaarentie 2 B, 00340, +358 9 458 40 35, +358 9 458 40 55.

Canada Canada, Pohjoisesplanadi 25 B, 00100, +358 9 228 530.

Chile Chile, Erottajankatu 11 A 17, 00130, +358 9 612 67 80.

China China, Vanha Kelkkamäki 9-11, 00570, +358 9 228 90 110, +358 9 228 90 167, +358 9 228 90 129.

ColombiaColombia, Unioninkatu 18, 2nd fl, 00130, +358 9 615 00 172. M-F 09:00-13:00 & 14:00-16:00.

Croatia Croatia, Kruunuvuorenkatu 5, 4th fl., 00160, +358 9 622 22 32, +358 9 685 01 70.

Cuba Cuba, Fredrikinkatu 61, 3rd Floor, 00100, +358 9 680 20 22.

Cyprus Cyprus, Bulevardi 5 A 19, 00120, +358 9 6962820.

the Czech Republic Czech Republic, Armfeltintie 14, 00150, +358 9 6120 8811, +358 9 6120 8812.

Denmark Denmark, Mannerheimintie 8, 6 fl., 00100, +358 9 684 10 50.

Egypt Egypt, Kasarmikatu 44, 3rd floor, 00130, +358 9477 7470.

Estonia Estonia, Itäinen Puistotie 10, 00140, +358 9 622 02 60.

France France, Itäinen Puistotie 13, 00140, +358 9 618 780.

Germany Germany, Krogiuksentie 4 B, 00340, +358 9 45 85 80.

Greece Greece, Maneesikatu 2 A 4, 00170, +358 9 622 97 90.

Hungary Hungary, Kuusisaarenkuja 6, 00340, +358 9 484 144, +358 9 484 145, +358 9 484 167, +358 9 484 007.

Iceland Iceland, Pohjoisesplanadi 27 C, 00100, +358 9 612 24 60.

India India, Kulosaarentie 32, 00570, +358 9 228 9910.

Indonesia Indonesia, Kuusisaarentie 3, 00340, +358 9 477 03 70.

Iran Iran, Kulosaarentie 9, 00570, +358 9 686 92 40.

Iraq Iraq, Lars Sonckin tie 2, 00570, +358 9 68188727.

Ireland Ireland, Erottajankatu 7 A, 00130, +358 9-6824240.

Israel Israel, Yrjönkatu 36 A, 00100, +358 9 681 20 20.

Italy Italy, Itäinen Puistotie 4, 00140, +358 9 68 11 280.

Japan Japan, Unioninkatu 20-22, 5th fl, 00130, +358 9 6860 200.

Latvia Latvia, Armfeltintie 10, 00150, +358 9 476 472 44.

Lithuania Lithuania, Rauhankatu 13 A, 00170, +358 9 68 44 880.

Malaysia Malaysia, World Trade Center Helsinki, 00100, +358 10 320 2030.

Mexico Mexico, Simonkatu 12 A 12, 00100, +358 9 586 04 30.

Morocco Morocco, Unioninkatu 15 A, 00130, +358 9 6122 480.

the Netherlands Netherlands, Erottajankatu 19 B 00130, +358 9 228 920.

Norway Norway, Rehbinderintie 17, 00150, +358 9 686 01 80.

Peru Peru, Lönnrotinkatu 7 B 11, 00120, +358 9-759 9400.

Poland Poland, Armas Lindgrenintie 21, 00570, +358 9 618 28 120.

Portugal Portugal, Unioninkatu 22, 2nd fl., 00130, +358 9 682 4370, +358 9 6824 3715, +358 9 6824 3718.

Romania Romania, Stenbäckinkatu 24, 00250, +358 9 241 3624, +358 9 241 4414.

Russia Russian Federation, Tehtaankatu 1 B, 00140, +358 9 661 876, +358 9 661 877.

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, Stenbäckinkatu 26, 00250, +358 9 477 8870.

Serbia Serbia, Kulosaarentie 36, 00570, +358 9 6848 522, +358 9 6847 466.

Slovakia Slovakia, Vähäniityntie 5, 00570, +358 9 6811 7810.

South Africa South Africa, Rahapajankatu 1 A 5, 00160, +358 9 6860 3100.

South Korea Republic of Korea, Erottajankatu 7 A, 00130, +358 9 251 5000.

Spain Spain, Kalliolinnantie 6, 00140, +358 9 6877 080.

Sweden Sweden, Pohjoisesplanadi 7 B, 00170, +358 9 68 77 660.

Switzerland Switzerland, Kalliolinnantie 16 A 2a, 00140, +358 9 622 95 00.

Taiwan Taiwan, Aleksanterinkatu 17, 4th Floor, 00100, +358 9 68293800.

Thailand Thailand, Eteläesplanadi 22 C, 00130, +358 9 6122 6415.

Tunisia Tunisia, Liisankatu 14 B 31, 00170, +358 9 680 39 614.

Turkey Turkey, Puistokatu 1 b A 3, 00140, +358 9 6122 6100.

Ukraine Ukraine, Vähäniityntie 9, 00570, +358 9 228 90 00.

the United Kingdom United Kingdom, Itäinen Puistotie 17, 00140, +358 9 2286 5100.

United States United States of America, Itäinen Puistotie 14 A, 00140, +358 9 61 62 50.

Venezuela Venezuela, Bulevardi 1 A 62, 00100, +358 9 686 0440.

Vietnam Vietnam, Kulosaarentie 12, 00570, +358 9 622 9900, +358 9 562 6302.

• United Community Church, Annankatu 7. International, bible-based and nondenominational church that welcomes Finns and foreigners to attend. Services in Helsinki and Espoo on Sundays. Free.

United Community Church, Annankatu 7. International, bible-based and nondenominational church that welcomes Finns and foreigners to attend. Services in Helsinki and Espoo on Sundays. Free.

In Finland itself the following make good day trips:

• Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, a piece of untamed wilderness ca 25 km from Helsinki city centre. Accessible by bus from the city.
• Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland is just 60 km away. It has a charming old town of wooden houses. Much more lively in the summer.
• Tampere, the second largest city region in Finland, and the birthplace of Finnish industry, boasting one of the last Lenin museums left in the world as well as a spy museum. 180 km north of Helsinki, one and a half to two hours by train.
• Hämeenlinna, 100 km to north is famous for the Häme castle, a large medieval castle, and the beautiful park area Aulanko. One hour by train.
• Turku, the oldest town in Finland, the main one into the 19th century, now third largest city region. The cathedral and the medieval castle are well worth visiting. Two hours by train.
• Hanko, the southernmost spot in Finland, 140 km west of Helsinki. This town of less than 10,000 people is famous for its summer activities, including sandy beaches, sailing, tennis, art, theatre, etc.
• Oulu, the biggest city in Northern Finland (as well as whole Northern part of the Nordics). Known as the biking and IT capital of Finland and easily accessible from Helsinki, only an hour's flight away. Flights start from €30 if bought months in advance. The fastest day train takes 6 hours, from €25 if bought in advance, sleepers available in the overnight trains.

As a coastal city, Helsinki has good connections to some fine international destinations nearby:

• In Russia, Saint Petersburg, "the Venice of the North", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Accessible by St. Peter Line's overnight cruise ferry departing a few times a week – or by train.
• Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is somewhat like Helsinki but more Scandinavian and bigger. Accessible by Viking Line's and Silja Line's overnight cruise ferries departing late in the afternoon around the year.
• Tallinn in Estonia is known for its medieval city centre and is easily accessible even as a day trip.