Fun things to do in Helsinki

Kiasma is a dividing museum in that some hate it and others love it. Not just the exhibitions but the ultra modern architecture. Personally, I think it belongs to the ugly buildings of this world and that is not because it is modern, I just don't like this "mess". Inside is however a different thing as here you can experience everything from the 1960s and up to now in the form of art, film and music so there is hardly anything you cannot see here whatever sort of modern art you enjoy.

Restaurant Cupla provides free WLAN connection to internet. All you have to have is either a laptop or some other kind of piece of equipment (Im not an expert) to get connected.

They also have big screens and TV's (Eurosport). Main games can be watched in this place, even formula I suppose.

Open: Mon-Sun 12-02.

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This is where the 200 members of the Finnish Parliament, Eduskunta, work.
The Eduskunta celebrated their 100th Anniversary 2006. Finland was one of the first countries in the world to let women vote and be as candidates in general elections.

The building was designed by the architect J.S.Siren and it's built of red granite in 1926-1931. It represents 1920's classicism with a handsome main facade of 14 columns. Here it is in evening light.

Situated in the middle of a park is a monument to Sibelius, composer of FInlandia and other great, but in my view, very very sombre pieces. The monument consists of metal pipes welded together in a piece of modern art which I guess could resemble organ pipes. To us it looked like a big version of pitch pipes for guitar tuning. It is said that as the wind blows over the pipes they can make certain tones but we couldn't hear anything the day we were there...if that was the intention then the sculpture would make sense otherwise it needs more explanation than I can provide. Any offers from other VT'ers ?

It's a green oasis for the citizens of Helsinki. You can find there iron tables and chairs in the palm room, fountains and goldfish. Classical music give a unique touch to the place.

There are no admission fees because it's free! It's closed on Mondays. And other days it will close 15-16.

There are over 400 different plants and the garden has been open to public since 1893. It's located on the northern side of Töölö Bay.

Check the webpage where you can find a map.

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I am not sure what to tell you about this church. It is warm and welcoming and seems to have a very busy and vibrant community who use it.

Pope John-Paul II visited and celebrated mass here in 1989.

The Cathedral is named after the patron Saint of finalnd and Martyr - St Henry

The cablke factory is a real cultural mix. You can hire exhibition and studio space, you can have a drink, or you can visit the Finnish Museum of Photography, the Theatre Museum or the Museum of Hotels, Food and Drink........

There are also live musuc events in the larger rooms.

Although there are several City swimming pools, I have only visited a few of them. I enjoy the swimming facilities in East Helsinki - a short walk from the Itakeskus metro station and shopping centre.

There are several pools (swimming, learner's, children's, diving stage, jacuzzi and water massage) aswell as sauna dn turkish baths, water slide and solarium.

Not to forget the traditional swimming pool cafeteria facilities.

The entire complex is built from with the rocks, and the interior clearly reflects the contours of the exterior rocks.