The capital of Finland is a relatively young city,which was founded in 1550. For almost four centuries of its existence, Helsinki was several times occupied by the Russians. And in the early 19th century, after the Russo-Swedish war, this city, almost completely destroyed, was rebuilt according to the plan of the Russian architect. That is why the central part of Helsinki and some of its architectural monuments very much resemble St. Petersburg. If you want to go abroad, but the financial means do not allow you to visit, for example, Central Europe or South America, or you do not have time to make a visa, Finland, and in particular the capital of this republic, is an ideal solution. First, such a journey does not require very long flights, and, secondly, you will be able to plunge into the magical European atmosphere, feeling at the same time that you are not so far from home. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of art, like the refined style and charm of northern legends, also venture safely to Helsinki: the sights of this city, especially its architectural ensembles, will be able to present aesthetic pleasure to even the most demanding travelers.
Architectural monuments of the city
The main attraction of Helsinkiis the Senate Square, located in the center of the city, along the perimeter of which is one of the most majestic architectural ensembles of the city in Empire style. Here is the Assumption Cathedral - one of the largest Orthodox churches in Europe. Another work of architectural art - the Cathedral, built on the model of the Kazan Cathedral. In addition, the Main Building and the library of the local University are located on the Senate Square and the oldest building in the city is the home of the merchant Sedergolm. Such concentration of various historical and architectural monuments in the center of the city will help you for a short time to inspect several attractions at once, and spend time to other entertainment. If the Senate Square does not satisfy your craving for exploring interesting and unusual structures, you can go to the Town Hall, which, together with the adjacent quarters, creates a rather unusual impression.
Souvenirs and other small pleasures
Souvenirs for family members and friends you canBuy on the Market Square, which is also a kind of attraction of Helsinki. Here is the most famous and large market in the city, where you can buy absolutely anything. Not far from Torgovaya square on the embankment there is an old covered market, which is the meeting place for all the gourmet gourmet. In addition to small confectionery and meat shops in European style, you can find specialized shops selling national Lapland delicacies. If you are tired of seeing the local beauties, you can relax over a cup of tea in one of the street cafes located here, or visit a Japanese restaurant. 
For connoisseurs of art
The capital of Finland includes more than three hundredislands, so more than a third of its entire area is occupied by parks and squares, where you can always walk, enjoying the clean northern air. One of the most popular parks is the Esplanade Boulevard, located in the center of the city. In the winter, this kind of natural attraction of Helsinki pleases the eye of visitors with unusual light effects, and in the summer on the concert site of the park famous performers who are just starting their career perform. In addition, in this city you will find more than 70 different museums and art galleries, which will be able to diversify the rest of all connoisseurs of art. If you do not consider yourself to be such, then you can also visit one or several museums and join the world culture, because here you can find interesting works of national and world authors. One of the favorite places for tourists from different countries is the church in the Temppeliaukio square. The uniqueness of this architectural sight of Helsinki in the style of minimalism is that it is cut right in the rock. Inside this structure is very good acoustics, that's why, apart from the services, sometimes there are various concerts.
Holidays in Helsinki with children
If you go on vacation with your children, then you, too,and your child will be interested in the local family park Linnanmäki. In addition to the actual attractions, the list of which is replenished every year since 1950, in this park you can participate in carnivals and light shows, which are absolutely free. Small travelers will also like the zoo of Korkeasaari, which gathers representatives of the animal world from around the world. From the local inhabitants you can find a wolverine, a hunchback seal and an otter. If after visiting all the sights of Helsinki you still have the strength and time, you can go to the fortress of Suomenlinna, with which the history of this city began. The fort in which this fortress is located is under the protection of UNESCO. In the territory of Suomenlinna there are 7 museums, various cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and other amenities that will please the soul of any tourist. You can get to the fortress by the river tram that departs from Torgovaya Square. In the warmer months of Suomenlinna you can go on a hike in any convenient day for you. In the winter, such excursions are organized only at the end of the week. If you look at the sights of Helsinki on the map, you will see that all of them are located at a relatively short distance from each other, so in this city you can afford the luxury that is often inaccessible in other cities - to view all the interesting architectural monuments, parks and museums, leaving at this time personally for themselves, for example, to visit a local sauna, go to a nightclub or on a romantic trip. Helsinki is an amazing northern city, and everyone, including you, can afford to touch his charm. We advise you to read:
