Usually tourists spend one day in Helsinki, then take a ferry, sailing to Sweden or board a plane, flying a budget flight to one of European cities. During this time, they manage to go on the standard tours to visit the church in the rock (and a large souvenir shop opposite); the monument to Finnish composer Sibelius, reminiscent of organ pipes, and leave the city with the idea that this day was enough to get acquainted with the Finnish capital. But those who decide to stay in the city longer will not regret. Because there are so many interesting things that escape the attention of transit travelers!
For those who arrive by train, the acquaintance with the city starts from the railway station. When coming out, look around: it is a building of the beginning of last century – one of the most famous and recognizable works of Finnish architecture.
It is unlikely that someone bypasses the Senate Square, an architectural ensemble which was established when in 1812 Alexander I proclaimed Helsinki, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland and the city needed a new main ceremonial attire. To this end, was selected a solemn and majestic empire style, in which all the surrounding buildings are executed.
Turning to the side-street leading to the wharf, is like being transported into the past years: among the remaining houses in the century before, on an accurate pavement bridge there is an old phone booth.
Walking around the city assumes familiarity with the monuments. Sometimes very unusual, as this one, established in honor of the famous author of fairy tales Zacharias Topelius…
… Or with the indispensable seagulls on the head, this monument to Runeberg – a popular poet and author of the text of the Finnish national anthem.
Seabirds feel in the Finnish capital as full-right residents. They masterly saunter through the streets, and sometimes they manage even to out voice the city transport.
Helsinki is a port city. Huge terminals Viking Line and Silja Line are located almost in the center of the capital. Those who are not going to cross the sea on the giant ferry, it is worth to drop in to the shore at least to visit the small market at the pier. It smells like the sea, spices, sweets and has everything: vegetables, fruits, souvenirs, fresh fish, clothes, flowers …
And before Easter there also appear amusing bouquet-like ornaments of colored eggs.
Here with ordinary tickets for public transport, you can board on a tiny raft, floating to the island fortress of Suomenlinna, the journey to which takes only 15 minutes.
Now there is a residential area and several historical museums on the island. The very majestic castle with thick stone walls is a genuine monument of fortification technology.
And if you are on the island in a warm weather, you can swim and relax on a small beach marked as the other beaches of the Finnish capital, with a great funny duck on a pole.
If there is another day in the stock, why not to spend it, as do the inhabitants of Helsinki, going by bus for a walk in the park Seurasaari – an open-air museum?
Here you can see old wooden buildings – from ancient boats to old-age huts from all over Finland. At weekends, local residents are involved in Nordic walking, running; they stroll with children, dogs, feed birds, who immediately fly on crumbs, and those who are smaller, will even sit on your hand. And do not forget to grab along nuts! Squirrels are taking them directly out of the hands.
In the evening, returning to the city center, it is unlikely that you will want to go to bed immediately. To get started, dine in a restaurant: try a flavored soup with smoked salmon, a salad, lightly salted trout and other fish delicacies. Order local pies and drink cider – there is a tough combat against drunkenness in the country, and because of that this low-alcohol drink is very popular. And then you can not miss the acquaintance with the nightlife. In Helsinki, there are a lot of different bars and nightclubs, where you can easily find any of the popular musicians of Finnish groups (if you know them, of course, in person), and simply to have a good time. Only all people who still have at least a few years before retirement age, need to carry a passport. It will have to be regularly shown at the entrance to nightclubs and all other cafes where alcohol is served; alcohol can not be sold to persons under the age of 18, but the restaurants have the right to establish a higher age limit themselves.
