If you want to see the city at its lively, smiling best, then come in the summertime. But bear in mind that during and after the midsummer festival the locals pour out to the countryside, leaving the city full of tourists, somewhat of a snoozy - but still pleasant - shadow of itself. Summer is the time for picnicking in the park, wining and dining on the terraces, hopping from one exciting event - be it a festival, street market, or an art exhibition - to the other, and seeing how Helsinkisiders really take ownership of the city spaces. In the winter the cold, icy beauty of Helsinki is something magical in itself and locals buckle down to make the most of the warm cafes and bars, good music and fairytale atmosphere. The nature around the city is amazing at any time of year and you don’t have to venture far afield to get to it. Be sure to check out some of the islands not far from the centre.
Amos Anderson Gallery
Artsy treats
Sarah Hudson /
A very popular local art and design establishment, there's nothing stuffy about this place ...
Designmuseo
Superstars of Nordic design
Sarah Hudson /
Sometimes the exhibits here are excellent and really give you a good picture of Finland's ...
Kaisaniemi Botanical Gardens
Botanical dreaming
Sarah Hudson /
Close to the central station, the Botanical Gardens features shrubs, flowers, herbs ...
Kiasma
Funky artspace
Sarah Hudson /
It's an easy to find landmark in the city and frequently the exhibitions are the sort that ...
Natural History Museum
Not-so-musty museum
Sarah Hudson /
Actually one of the coolest Helsinki museums cleverly disguised as...well...an old museum. If ...
Seurasaari
Open air history
Sarah Hudson /
One of those amazing Helsinki green places that's just a stone's throw from the city. A great ...
Suomenlinna
Not-so-tropical island retreat
Sarah Hudson /
It's a lovely place to go to get out of the city - even though it's just ten minutes from the ...
Suomenlinna Museum
Interesting historical outpost
Sarah Hudson /
Suomenlinna has a really interesting history, paralleling Finland's history - first under ...
Töölö Winter Garden
Tropical Helsinki
Sarah Hudson /
This beautiful old greenhouse has a large variety of cacti and other succulents for ...