Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland is a metropolis with a small town feel. It has a population of only 6,00,000 people and it retains the ambience of an intimate peaceful little town in a large country. The city is fairly young when you compare it to other European capitals, since it was founded in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden. It is a dynamic sea- town and all the activity seems to be centred on its splendid harbour. Half of the city seems to water, and there are numerous little inlets and bays all around.
What to do:
Helsinki is a very cool city, without trying to be extraordinarily stylish. There is an innate sense of style here, and the décor is elegant and trendy. One of the favourite occupations of the residents of this lovely little city consists of taking a boat to one of the many restaurants located on the islands. One of Europe’s best water parks is the Serena Water Park at Espoo, which is a suburban city of Helsinki. Temppeliaukio is a beautiful underground church hewn from solid rock and is a popular arena for concerts.
What to eat:
Helsinki has the most cosmopolitan restaurants in Finland. Most of them serve a good lunch for a reasonable price, but at dinner time you may have to splurge a larger amount. The modest local eateries will serve you a simple grub of meat and potatoes and some other choices. The Finnish are the largest coffee consuming people, and there are numerous cafes catering to these legal coffee breaks. Their coffee is lighter in aroma and taste than what is popular worldwide. There are many places you can go to for a drink, and the main nightlife district is located within the centre of the city.
When to go:
Summer is the best time to visit Helsinki, since the winters can be very cold. Everyone seems to leave town or go into hibernation during the winters, but during the short summer months, there is a great deal of activity, and the streets are thronged with people cycling around town.