Download or read book Helsinki Travel Guide written by Daniel Windsor and published by Interactive Media Licensing. This book was released on 2024-05-21 with total page 33 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, is a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Situated on the southern coast of the country, Helsinki opens up to the Gulf of Finland, offering stunning coastal views and a wealth of maritime activities. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, and high quality of life. As a city that embraces both historical heritage and cutting-edge innovation, Helsinki is a fascinating destination for travelers from around the globe. The charm of Helsinki lies in its seamless combination of urban living and nature. With numerous parks, islands, and waterfronts, the city provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. At the same time, Helsinki boasts a thriving arts scene, world-class museums, and a diverse culinary landscape. Its design district is a testament to the city's creativity and is home to numerous shops, galleries, and studios that showcase Finnish design. Helsinki's population is just over 650,000, making it a small yet bustling capital. It is the political, educational, financial, and cultural center of Finland. The city's infrastructure is top-notch, with an efficient public transportation system, well-maintained roads, and excellent healthcare facilities. English is widely spoken, making it easy for international visitors to navigate and communicate. In addition to its local attractions, Helsinki serves as a gateway to the rest of Finland and the Nordic countries. The city's ports and airports connect travelers to a myriad of destinations, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the region. Helsinki's climate is characterized by cold winters and mild summers, with long daylight hours in the summer due to its northern latitude. Whether you're drawn to its historical sites, modern attractions, or natural beauty, Helsinki offers something for everyone. This preface serves as a brief introduction to what makes Helsinki a special place and sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the city in the following chapters.
Download or read book Helsinki Travel Guide Finland written by David Mills and published by Sonittec. This book was released on 2019-12-09 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Helsinki Travel Guide, Finland. A modern city featuring some of the most distinctive architecture in the world, both old and new, Helsinki is one of the cultural hot spots of Northern Europe. An idealholiday destination for both for lovers of the arts and those who relish its exciting and vibrant nightlife, Helsinki is also a child-friendly city perfect for family vacations, and being surrounded by forests, lakes and the sea, it is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Situated on the Baltic Sea, Finland's capital, Helsinki, is a modern city of over half a million people, and is the second most northern capital in Europe. Surrounded by an archipelago of hundreds of tiny islands, and culturally influenced by both the East and West, Helsinki is unique, combining both modern and historic architectural styles with a love of open spaces that is at the very heart of Finnish identity. See our recommendations and tourism guide to Helsinki! Helsinki is world famous for its architecture; the city centre is renowned for its neoclassicalism, especially around Senate Square. Close by on a hilltop stands the Uspenski Cathedral, Europe's largest Russian Orthodox church, and a stunning example of the Byzantine-Russian style. Scattered about the city are fine examples of Jugendstil, or Art Nouveau. Elsewhere, the Temppeliaukio Church and Finlandia Hall represent early Modernism
Download or read book Bruised Passports written by Savi Munjal and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2022-02-20 with total page 113 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As young kids, SAVI and VID, as they are popularly known to their followers, dreamt of travelling the world together. In 2013, they turned this dream into reality with the launch of their travel blog, BRUISED PASSPORTS. And now, countless flights, dreamy destinations and beautiful pictures later, the OG couple of travel has decided to reveal the secret of their carefree and footloose life. But this isn't just a book filled with dreamy stories of travel, people and culture; in these pages, Savi and Vid share their insights on how you, too, can live a life full of memories, adventure and the excitement of discovering a new place. With tips, plans and advice inspired by the hurdles and successes they have faced, Savi and Vid tell you how to be successful digital nomads in a post-pandemic world. From financial planning to, risk analysis, to taking that leap of faith, to how to create a brand of your own, BRUISED PASSPORTS promises to be a treasure trove for anyone who wants to take the plunge and set off on a journey to live life on their own terms.
Download or read book Insight Guides Scotland written by Insight Guides and published by Apa Publications (UK) Limited. This book was released on 2014-11-06 with total page 781 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scotland is a firm favorite with visitors from all over the world, thanks to its historic cities and majestic castles, misty mountains and dramatic lochs and glens. Although the weather may be chilly you can be assured of a warm welcome, good food and the restorative powers of a wee dram of whisky. Insight Guide Scotland is a comprehensive full-color guide to this beautiful country. The book is packed with stunning photography on every page that brings to life Scotland's wild landscape and creative people who over the centuries have contributed so much to science and culture. Our Best Of Scotland highlights the top attractions, such as the elegant city of Edinburgh, St Andrews, the home of golf, and Iona, the cradle of Christianity in Scotland. Our lively features on Scotland's history and culture provide an in-depth introduction to what makes the country unique. Detailed, high-quality maps throughout will help you plan your itinerary, while the travel tips give you all the essential information for organizing a memorable trip, such as transport, festivals, and outdoor activities, plus our selection of the best hotels and restaurants.
Download or read book Helsinki written by Nigel Wallis and published by Bradt Travel Guides. This book was released on 2007 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nigel Wallis leads you through all the best activities; unwind in the summer with the many parks, gardens and terrace cafés or try a spot of ice-swimming, cross-country skiing or beach hopping around the archipelago. Whenever you go, you will not fail to be captivated by Helsinki, with this guide being the perfect companion.
Download or read book How to Travel the World on 50 a Day written by Matt Kepnes and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2015-01-06 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *UPDATED 2017 EDITION* New York Times bestseller! No money? No problem. You can start packing your bags for that trip you’ve been dreaming a lifetime about. For more than half a decade, Matt Kepnes (aka Nomadic Matt) has been showing readers of his enormously popular travel blog that traveling isn’t expensive and that it’s affordable to all. He proves that as long as you think out of the box and travel like locals, your trip doesn’t have to break your bank, nor do you need to give up luxury. How to Travel the World on $50 a Day reveals Nomadic Matt’s tips, tricks, and secrets to comfortable budget travel based on his experience traveling the world without giving up the sushi meals and comfortable beds he enjoys. Offering a blend of advice ranging from travel hacking to smart banking, you’ll learn how to: * Avoid paying bank fees anywhere in the world * Earn thousands of free frequent flyer points * Find discount travel cards that can save on hostels, tours, and transportation * Get cheap (or free) plane tickets Whether it’s a two-week, two-month, or two-year trip, Nomadic Matt shows you how to stretch your money further so you can travel cheaper, smarter, and longer.
Download or read book The Rough Guide to Finland written by Roger Norum and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2010-06-01 with total page 477 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Rough Guide to Finland is the essential companion to this fascinating Scandinavian country with clear maps and coverage of all the best attractions. Packed with stunning photography and illustrations, explore the must-see highlights from the best summer and winter activities - including skiing, snowmobiling and reindeer and husky driving - to the remote villages that come to life in the summertime, with beaches, lake cruises and island hopping. Find detailed accounts of all Finland's major tourist attractions, including the cultural capitals of Helsinki, Turku and Tampere and the laconic seaside towns along Finland's southern and western coast, as well as sections on Finnish design and The great outdoors. You'll find informed, practical advice on what to see and do whilst relying on countless recommendations for Finland's best restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and hotels for every budget and style. With authoritative background on Finland's intricate history and expert tips on how to get around the beautiful national parks, this is your must-have guide. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Finland.
Download or read book Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki written by Lonely Planet and published by Lonely Planet. This book was released on 2018-04-01 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore the World-Heritage listed Suomenlinna, admire the artwork at the inspiring Ateneum, or discover history at the island-set Seurasaaren Ulkomuseo; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of the best of Helsinki and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki: Full-colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss User-friendly layout with helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time Covers City Centre, Kruununhaka & Katajanokka, Punavuori & Ullanlinna, Kamppi & Toolo, Kallio and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Pocket Helsinki, a colorful, easy-to-use, and handy guide that literally fits in your pocket, provides on-the-go assistance for those seeking only the can't-miss experiences to maximize a quick trip experience. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
Download or read book Helsinki Travel Guide 2024 written by Patrick Wilson and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-08-31 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The "Helsinki Travel Guide" will take you on an enchanted tour through the heart of Finland's dynamic capital. Discover this quaint Nordic city's hidden secrets, famous landmarks, and rich cultural tapestry like never before. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an admirer of architecture, or just looking for a new adventure, this thorough guide is sure to be your best friend. Travel through time as you delve into Helsinki's fascinating past and experience its rich culture. Every time you turn the page, Helsinki's past comes to life, from the splendor of the Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the stunning designs of Art Nouveau buildings. Discover the fascinating tales of Finnish folklore and legends to better understand the origins and development of the city. Enjoy the culinary scene of Helsinki, where local specialties and international flavors perfectly coexist. This tour will take you to the city's top restaurants, where you may sample sophisticated Nordic cuisine or relish a steaming cup of creamy salmon soup at neighborhood market booths. Discover the secrets of Finnish baking customs and the renowned coffee culture to make your journey a very tasty one. Off-the-beaten-path exploration will reveal Helsinki's best-kept secrets. Navigate through charming, character-filled areas where you may find local artisans, shops, and inviting cafes. Find one-of-a-kind design stores that feature the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Finns, allowing you to bring a little bit of Helsinki home with you. You'll be directed to stunning parks, peaceful lakeshores, and lesser-known locations for breathtaking views of the cityscape with the help of insider advice. Take part in Helsinki's thriving arts and entertainment scene, where imagination has no limits. With the help of this guide, you won't miss a single cultural heartbeat, from exciting live events to galleries featuring modern art. Discover the acoustics that make the Temppeliaukio Church, which is carved out of solid rock, a setting for breathtaking concerts. Discover the locations where Finland's renowned musicians have left their mark by diving into the local music scene. Exploring the surrounding islands will help you appreciate Helsinki's distinctive landscape and provide a calm respite from the city's bustle. Sail to Pihlajasaari Island for a tranquil beach day and explore the charm of Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, where centuries of Finnish rural life have been exquisitely maintained. By taking a leisurely boat ride, you can discover how to explore the archipelago like a local and see the fascinating blending of land and sea. The "Helsinki Travel Guide" is your ticket to an extraordinary Finnish trip, whether you're a lone traveler seeking solitude, a couple seeking love, or a family yearning for adventure. Discover Helsinki's Wonders by ordering your copy today!
Download or read book Finland Lonely Planet Travel Guide written by Lonely Planet and published by Lonely Planet. This book was released on 2018-05 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Insight Guides Finland Travel Guide eBook written by Insight Guides and published by Apa Publications (UK) Limited. This book was released on 2019-12-01 with total page 583 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Insight Guides England Travel made easy. Ask local experts. Inspirational travel guide with fascinating historical insights and stunning imagery. From deciding when to go, to choosing what to see when you arrive, this guide to Finland is all you need to plan your perfect trip, with insider information on must-see, top attractions like Kiasma, Helsinki; Lapland; Lakeland; the Aland archipelago; and Sibelius Hall, Lahti; and cultural gems like Karelia's Russian Orthodox history, the Lenin Museum and SIIDA in Inari. Features of this travel guide to Finland: - Inspirational colour photography: discover the best destinations, sights and excursions, and be inspired by stunning imagery - Historical and cultural insights: immerse yourself in Finland's rich history and culture, and learn all about the Northern lights, Saimaa ringed seals, Sapas and littala glassware - Practical full-colour maps: with every major sight and listing highlighted, the full-colour maps make on-the-ground navigation easy - Editor's Choice: uncover the best of Finland with our pick of the region's top destinations - Key tips and essential information: packed full of important travel information, from transport and tipping to etiquette and hours of operation - Covers: Helsinki, Southern Finland, Southwestern Finland, The Aland Islands, The West Coast, Lakeland, Karelia and Kuusamo and Lapland Looking for a specific guide to Helsinki? Check out Insight Guides Pocket Helsinki for a detailed and entertaining look at all the city has to offer. About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.
Download or read book The Mini Rough Guide to Helsinki Travel Guide eBook written by Rough Guides and published by Apa Publications (UK) Limited. This book was released on 2023-12-01 with total page 223 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This mini pocket Helsinki travel guidebook is perfect for travellers seeking basic information about Helsinki. It covers key places, main attractions and a short hotel and restaurant recommendations list. This book is printed on paper from responsible sources, verified to meet FSC’s strict environmental and social standards. This Helsinki travel book covers: Rautatientori, Market and Senate Squares, Mannerheimintie, Töölönlahti Bay and the Olympic Stadium, The “Design District”, Ullanlinna and Kaivopuisto, Kallio and Around, Suomenlinna Fortress, Helsinki’s Islands, Greater Helsinki. In this Helsinki guidebook, you will find: Curated recommendations of places – main attractions, child-friendly family activities, chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas Things not to miss in Helsinki – Suomenlinna Fortress, Senate Square, Esplanadi, Temppeliaukio, Market Square and Hall, National Museum of Finland, Kiasma gallery, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, Kamppi Chapel of Silence, Ateneum Art Museum Perfect Day – itinerary suggestions for those on a short break Short Helsinki introduction – geographical location, cultural legacy, history with interesting key dates What to do in Helsinki – recommendations for entertainment, shopping, sports, children’s activities, events and nightlife Food and drink – recommendations for local products and places to eat Overview maps – handy maps on the inside cover flaps showing Helsinki and around Practical information – how to get there and around, opening times, health and medical care, and tourist information Striking pictures – inspirational colour photography throughout Fully updated post-COVID-19 This guide is easy to use and quick to scan through when you need help on the go. It’s the perfect companion both ahead of your trip and on the ground. It gives you the flavour of Helsinki without overwhelming you with too much information.
Download or read book Rick Steves Iceland written by Rick Steves and published by Rick Steves. This book was released on 2020-04-28 with total page 588 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hike vast glaciers, marvel at steaming volcanic lakes, and explore the land of the midnight sun: with Rick Steves, Iceland is yours to explore! Inside Rick Steves Iceland you'll find: Comprehensive itineraries that can be adapted for 24-hour layovers, 5-day visits, 2-week trips, and more, including the best road trips in Iceland from the Ring Road to the Golden Circle Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the stunning northern lights to hidden hikes and cozy bookstores How to connect with local culture: Soak in hidden hot springs, sample smoked fish, and chat with locals in moody and welcoming rural towns Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax Self-guided walking tours of lively Reykjavík and art and history museums and mile-by-mile scenic driving tours Detailed maps for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, an Icelandic phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Westman Islands, West Iceland, The Ring Road, the East Fjords, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Iceland. Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Scandinavia or Rick Steves Northern European Cruise Ports.
Download or read book I Helsinki written by Russell Snyder and published by Klaava Media. This book was released on 2014 with total page 170 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "It took many years for the world to notice me, but during the last decades businesspeople, visitors, and journalists have been looking my way and smiling. After spending time in my city, visitors are full of positive comments and are recommending me to their colleagues and friends. Recently, I've been described in the media as cool, hip, fresh, modern, and even stylish and trendy. Well, I certainly don't mind a bit of flattery!" "If you are considering visiting me, just remember, I have a lot to offer. In all modesty, I'm beautiful, creative, safe, easy going, friendly and a bit mysterious. So, why don't you come over sometime and see me?" Yes, for the traveler, Helsinki is certainly worth a visit or three. What's more, according to recent research, the residents of this city are very content with where they live. Let Helsinki tell you in her own words about her city. What to see, do, and expect. She is proud of herself and her accomplishments over the years, and is more than happy to give you some outstanding tips. This book contains around a hundred ideas, and these are broken down into sections dealing with sights; getting around; amusement; museums; eating, drinking and nightlife; recreation and sport, and celebrations. The text is easy to read and packed with colorful photos depicting most of the suggestions.
Download or read book The Rough Guide to Finland written by Rough Guides and published by Rough Guides UK. This book was released on 2010-06-01 with total page 456 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Rough Guide to Finland is the essential companion to this fascinating Scandinavian country with clear maps and coverage of all the best attractions. Packed with stunning photography and illustrations, explore the must-see highlights from the best summer and winter activities - including skiing, snowmobiling and reindeer and husky driving - to the remote villages that come to life in the summertime, with beaches, lake cruises and island hopping. Find detailed accounts of all Finland's major tourist attractions, including the cultural capitals of Helsinki, Turku and Tampere and the laconic seaside towns along Finland's southern and western coast, as well as sections on Finnish design and The great outdoors. You'll find informed, practical advice on what to see and do whilst relying on countless recommendations for Finland's best restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and hotels for every budget and style. With authoritative background on Finland's intricate history and expert tips on how to get around the beautiful national parks, this is your must-have guide. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Finland.
Download or read book Lonely Planet Finland written by Lonely Planet and published by Lonely Planet. This book was released on 2018-05-01 with total page 638 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Finland is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Shop for the best in Scandinavian design, fizz across Lapland behind a team of huskies, and warm up in a traditional sauna – all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Finland and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet’s Finland: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, art, literature, music, architecture, landscapes, wildlife, the Sami, Finnish culture, Finnish design Covers Helsinki, Turku & the South Coast, Åland Archipelago, Tampere, Pirkanmaa & Häme, the Lakeland, Karelia, West Coast, Oulu, Kainuu & Koillismaa, Lapland, and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Finland is our most comprehensive guide to the country, and is designed to immerse you in the culture and help you discover the best sights and get off the beaten track. Looking for wider coverage? Check out Lonely Planet’s Scandinavia guide for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. ‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times ‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.’ – Fairfax Media (Australia) Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
Download or read book Helsinki Travel Guide written by Steven Norris and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-04-22 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Helsinki is the capital of Finland. Founded in 1550, the "Daughter of the Baltic" has been the Finnish capital since 1812, when it was rebuilt by the tsars of Russia along the lines of a miniature St. Petersburg, a role it has played in many a Cold War movie. Today, Helsinki pulls off the trick of being something of an international metropolis while still retaining a small-town feel. The best time to visit is in summer, when Finns peel off their overcoats and flock to outdoor bars and cafes to enjoy the sunshine. The city of Helsinki forms the core of Finland's largest urban area, known in Finnish as the "capital area" (paakaupunkiseutu). 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. Beyond these three, the suburbs rapidly give way to small towns, farms and forests, most notably Nuuksio National Park at the intersection of Espoo, Vihti and Kirkkonummi. Within Helsinki itself, the city center is on the southern peninsula at the end of the city's main thoroughfare Mannerheimintie (or just Mansku). Both 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. Probably half of Helsinki's points of interest are located downtown. The Lutheran Cathedral with the surrounding buildings, dating from the early 19th century when Helsinki was made capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland, can be found here. Westwards there is what can be called the central business district with shopping and dining along the streets of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie. In the calm and affluent southern part of Helsinki you can enjoy the greenery of the parks and drop into a nice cafe for a cuppa coffee. And let's not forget about Suomenlinna, the fortress on an island which prides itself on being a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 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. 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 out for the Romantic Kalevala-esque themes. helsinki travel guide, helsinki guide book, helsinki guide, helsinki travel book, helsinki travelbook"