Helsinki for the day...

[surlycurly]

So for whatever reason I shall be in Helsinki for the day. What should I do/ see? Thanks in advance...

[midsomermurderess]

It is a great city for modern architecture (early 20th c onwards) so, if that interests you, and in no particular order, Alvar Aalto's house, Temppeliaukio Rock Church, Central Railway Station, Finlandia Hall, Kamppi Chapel. The trams are great and I seem to remember that line 14 passes through a lot of the architectural sights. The Cathedral of Helsinki and the Senate Square are impressive too, as are the many Art Deco-ish apartment buildings all over the place.. The market at the end of Esplanadi Bld is ok, not that interesting.

[surlycurly]

Wow thank you that's great! Now if I can get a recommendation for a museum and and some lunch then I should be all set!

[midsomermurderess]

I'd recommend the Design Museum which also has a cafe. It's the Design District and pretty central. Stockmann Department Store also has some cafes and restaurants and is good for a browse.

[DontFeedTheCatCake]

We went out to Suomenlinna Island by ferry. If you are going in winter, even better, as the boat makes its way through the frozen sea!

[surlycurly]

I'm so excited! I've wanted to go forever.

[midsomermurderess]

It's a beautiful and elegant city. I'm sure you'll love it.

[notmrscookie]

I flew to Helskini for a night before doing Estonia and Latvia and Lithuania..it was fab did the island , rock church and mini bus tour ..it was fab but expensive.

[surlycurly]

I wondered about the finances! I've spent a bit of time on Scandinavia and it's expensive there- I'm assuming it's comparable?!?

[midsomermurderess]

Yes, I'd say it's similar to eg Sweden. Hotels are expensive and so is eating out so you need to look around for less expensive options.

[EmmaGrundyForPM]

I've not been but my son goes often and he says it's really expensive. Presumably not an issue if you're only going for the day though!

[surlycurly]

Yip- won't be staying there. Just entry to museums/ a couple of meals/ drinks to pay for really. I would like to go for a few weeks and tour about but the costs put me off. Although if you're rural then accommodation doesn't look to bad.

[TalkingCucumberMoon]

I really like Seurasaari open air museum. The season is probably over already, but you can wander around for free. It's about a 20 min bus ride from the centre.

[surlycurly]

Thank you- I'll have a google!

[DorisDaysDadsDogsDead]

I always like to visit Zetor restaurant. It has a very amusing menu, and tractors in the bar! They used to do a dish called "Finnish Vegetables" which was basically meat...

[surlycurly]

@DorisDaysDadsDogsDead wow- just wow- that menu looks glorious. I'm definitely going there!!!