Kind and generous people
by BillNJ
Before visiting Helsinki, I had read that the Finnish people tend to be shy and withdrawn. In my experience, that is only partially true. I agree that the Finns are not as outgoing as many other people of the world -- and they will generally leave you alone if you don't approach them. However, after I took the initiative to introduce myself, most Finnish people whom I met were kind and generous.
Fortunately, most of the Finns that I met spoke English very well (I was told that English is a mandatory subject in Finnish schools). I enjoyed many interesting conversations. Also, on more than one occasion, a Finn bought me a drink as a gesture of friendship -- and expressed sincere appreciation that I chose to visit Finland on my vacation. My recommendation when visiting Finland is to take the initiative to start conversations with local Finns -- and to enjoy their friendship and goodwill.
Midnight Munchies
by morgenhund
After a liberal doseage of Lapin Kulta or whatever booze you've been enjoying, I recommend grabbing a hotdog to soak up the alcohol. Finnish sausage stands seem to be open all hours - which is just as well if you have a long night of drinking. They also serve affordable drinks. A hot dog seems to cost about EUR 3 from memory. There is nothing like collapsing drunk in your room at the Hilton having spurned room service in favour of a hotdog or five - I don't know why I don't do it more often!
Movietheatre Orion
by annamantere
This is a really good movie-theatre. Many foreign students come here as they show loads of movies from different countries with english subtitles. They`ve got both new films and old classics. The theatre itself is old and comfy. The net-pages are www.sea.fi, you can find the program from the newspapers too. Located in Eerikinkatu, behind Forum departmentstore. (Next to the movietheatre is an excellent kebab-place called Eerikin Pippuri).
Walk as much as you can. Start...
by davidcross
Walk as much as you can. Start at the harbour area and while you are there decide when you are going to take trips to the fortress island and locate Lindaline for quick trips (hydrofoil) to Tallinn.
The market in the harbour area is well worth seeing. The coastal views from near the British Embassy and the whole area around the Sibelius Memorial, the President's residence and the open-air museum would justify seeing again and again.
(Photo: market by the harbour)
Helsinki Tip
by GretaHK
Walking down the street after a night of partying. Helsinki is a meeting place between Finnish, Swedish and Byzantine culture. Although the Finns are very much a Lutheran country, an Orthodox element features prominently in the city's silhouette. Uspenski Cathedral. There are about 1.1 million inhabitants out of the total Finnish population of about five million living in Helsinki currently. English is widely spoken even though their official languages are Finnish and Swedish.
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Uspenski Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Interior (2)
A Helsinki Christmas Tree
Airport Taxi
