Around the Market Square
by annase
One of my fondest and earliest memories of the city is that I'm sat down on the steps next the Helsinki Cathedral on a beautiful summer day, snacking on sweet sugar snaps and strawberries that me and my mum has just bought at the outdoor market next to the sea. I must have been under 5. Every time I visit Helsinki in summer, I still go and buy these two things at the Market Square and sit down somewhere (usually Suomenlinna island, Katajanokka or Tahtitorninmaki hill to eat them).
I also remember the distinctively green colour of the sea as well as the smell of it. It does not smell the same anymore though..
One of the landmarks in the vicinity of the market square is the naked 'Havis Amanda' statue. Every year on 1st May, she will be given a back and white hat to wear for a day by the students. It's a silly tradition really, but at the same time rather hilarious as well.
Internet Cafe Facilities
by gordonilla
There are many locations where the visitor can check his or her email. These range from clothes/fashion shops, book stores, museums and the main post office. Generally these are free of charge facilities, with a time limit of between 15-20 minutes.
However my preference is to pay for a computer at MBAR.
check out: www.mbar.fi
(phone) +358 9 61245420
(email) info@mbar.fi The bar has good food and drink, DJs and live cabaret. IT also features regularly on MTV3, subTV and other Finnish television channels as a venue for live acts.
Safety first!
by Tsakane
I'm not sure if I really like the town... There are some places I like of course, like the zoo (Korkeasaari) and the amusement park (Linnanmäki) or the old forth (Suomenlinna). But in all it's not really that special...
The town of Helsinki was...
by ankx
The town of Helsinki was founded by King Gustav Vasa of Sweden (which Finland belonged to for many centuries) as a new trading post in southern Finland and a competitor to Tallinn in Estonia, the Hansa city on the opposite shore of the Gulf of Finland. The King then ordered the burghers of Rauma, Ulvila, Porvoo and Tammisaari to move to Helsinki; the date on which this order was issued, 12.6.1550, is regarded as the date on which the city was founded.
Growth was slow, for despite the King's order, the medieval trading traditions were slow to change. Due to the wars in Russia, the Baltic countries and Germany, Helsinki was nevertheless a strategic military centre, a point of embarkation for troops and a winter haven for the navy.
In time, the site of the town on the mouth of the River Vantaa proved unfavourable, and in 1640 a decision was made to move it further south to the Vironniemi headland, nowadays known as Kruununhaka near the city centre.
More than peas and strawberries!
by Bigs
See the Cathedral, Usbenski Cathedral, Kauppatori Market, take a ferry to Suomenlinna or a cruise trip through the archipelago or have a sauna in the evening! Many more interesting things will follow!!! The people! I love the Finnish people. They seem to be arrogant, but they aren´t if they will know you a bit better......
Sign in with Facebook
Best Western Premier Katajonokka
Signage
Place in front of Lutheran Cathedral
Senaatintori
