Helsinki is small, intimate and lively but not bustling. Because of it's coastal location it has many kilometers of coastlines and is often called “the daughter of Baltic”. Helsinki's coastal position makes it ideal to experience the summertime as many of the tourist attractions in Helsinki are related to the sea. In the winter time Helsinki's northern part makes it dark for most of the day thus making the town cozy and interesting. There are also places for ice swimming along the coast. Some of the important tourist attractions in Helsinki are:

It is one of the best known landmarks of Helsinki. This powerfully stark neo-classical building was designed by Carl Ludwig Engel and was consecrated in 1852. The interior perfectly reflects the architectural splendor of the exterior. There is no charge to visit this cathedral and it is open for public each day..

This cathedral was built in 1868 on a rocky outcrop on Katajanokka peninsula. The Cathedral is a remainder of the influence of Russia over Finland and that the country belonged to Russia till 1919. It is now western Europe's largest orthodox Cathedral. A statue of Czar Alexander II still stands at the square in front of the Cathedral.

Seurasaari is located on a small island and is linked to the mainland by a foot bridge. This open air museum contains folk and farm building from all over Finland. Founded in 1909 this museum gives an overview of the flora and fauna of Finland from 18 th to 20th century. Another important exhibits of Seurasaari is the 17th century Karuna church.

Two architect brothers shaped this outstanding piece of church architecture from a solid rocky outcrop in 1969. That is why it is also called “The rock Church” and is located right at the heart of the city of Helsinki. Because of its wonderful acoustics, the church is often used as a concert hall. A visit to this church will give you a wonderful spiritual feeling whether you are religious or not.

Finlandia hall is Helsinki's leading concert and congress center. Designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, this hall is visited by 30,000 people each year.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Finno – Ugrric exhibit. The cafe of the museum serves light meals and Finnish treats such as lingonberry juice and finnish quiche.

The Kiasma is the most contemporary museum of Helsinki and is rapidly becoming one of the important tourist attractions of Finland. It is a fascinating place for the art lovers and the uninitiated alike. It is not a gallery in the classical sense; it is rather described to be a place where art and its lover encounter each other. The collection starts from 1960s and includes works of Minimalism, Pop Art, German Neo-Expressionism, Italian Trans-Avant Garde and the American 1980s painting.

Senate square is regarded as one of Europe's finest neo-classical squares. It houses the Senate building, the University building and the Lutheran Cathedral. The square is particularly lively in August, when there is the Helsinki festival and in December 6th – in the torchlight procession across the square.

The 18th century Fortress of Suomenlinna is a must see on your trip to Finland. It is located on an island at the entrance of Helsinki and is a UNESCO world heritage. Beside being a historical site and tourist attraction, Suomenlinna is also a well-loved recreation area for Helsinki's citizens.

Built in the romantic style this striking building was opened in 1919. The museum houses some of the rare archaeological finds from the finnish stone age as well as from medieval and Lutheran period. There is also a good collection of folk-culture, costumes, textile and furniture along with foreign ethnographic collections which make it one of the foremost tourist attractions in Helsinki.

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