Top places to visit

Helsinki is an Olympic city. Having hosted the 1952 Olympic Games at this renowned stadium, today the place stands as a big tourist attraction. It now serves as a sports museum and venue for live entertainment events since it has a capacity of over 40,000 people. There are soccer fields next to the stadium and the biggest attraction is the Uimastadion that is the largest outdoor pool in the city. It attracts thousands of tourists who come to relax and enjoy under the sun. Moreover, the stadium tower provides an excellent view of the overall city. To view the tower you must pay 2 Euros for adults and 1 Euro for children. Opening Time: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6 pm. Address: Paavo Nurmen tie 1 00250 Helsinki Phone: 0436 6010 Fax: 0494 511

This is the biggest cultural collection in the country and includes everything from a Tram museum to a theater, bar, café, club and galleries. Multiple events happen at the same time so the place is always buzzing with excitement! The work on display exhibits Finnish art and culture to its fullest and attracts a big crowd during peak seasons. Location: Töölönkatu 51 Phone: +358 504 072 467

The Parliament house was inaugurated in 1931 and since has been a major attraction for tourists who want to get a feel of how the country stands as a political and economic hub. The building is designed in a classic way, finding the right combination of art and functionality. Organized tours are conducted in English between 11am to 12 pm on Saturday and between 12 pm to 1 pm on Sundays.

This museum represents Finnish history from the Stone Age to the present times. All cultural and historical artifacts related to Finland are preserved, collected and displayed at this museum. The museum was inaugurated in 1905 and simply looking at its structure and style can take you back to the olden days. The exhibitions are divided in to permanent and temporary exhibits. The permanent ones are of six kinds and are held throughout the year. These six displays are given titles such as Treasure Troves, The Realm Period and Prehistory of Finland. VINTTI is the museums latest department which enables visitors to experience the country’s history by personal experience and sensory touch.

One of the most popular destinations in Helsinki for concerts and congress events, Finlandia Hall is a marvel for its superb architectural design. Put together by the renowned Alvar Alto, the building is worth a visit just to marvel at the beautiful shapes and geometry that has been put to work in its creation. Multiple dinners and social events are also organized here. The place is a must see at sunset when it is lit by a thousand lights and stands beautifully beside the sea. Paid tours are also available.

Located by the Toolo bay, the National Opera House of the country is given utmost importance for it revives the culture and history of Finland in theater and film making. The Opera house is owned by the state and is in perfect condition for visitors and Helsinkians to visit occasionally for upcoming performances. It is equipped with the latest technology, has two spacious auditoriums and a 120 member orchestra. The Opera House opened in 1933.

This is the biggest cemetery located in Helsinki and is quoted very often in texts and speeches because it holds the graves of most of the soldiers who fought during the Finnish War. Within the Hietaniemi parameters are smaller cemeteries such as the Helsinki Ismaic Cemetery, Catholic Cemetery and the Jewish Cemetery.

This monument is a dedication to the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in the Sibelius Park. This truly is a work of art and tourist marvel. About 600 organ pieces are welded together in a ‘wave’ shape and it is situated in the center of the park. The monument was completed by Eila Hiltunen in 1967.

This museum is a display of both modern consumer and modern industrial arts and designs. It has a couple of permanent exhibitions showing the planned drawing of industrial and consumer goods ever since the beginning to the 20th century. However, most exhibitions are seasonal. There is a record for all designers that have passed and those that are still operating in Finland. It is located in the north of the city center of Helsinki. Location: Korkeavuorenkatu 23, Phone: +358 9 622 0540

This science center shows live laboratory displays and experiments. There are hands on exhibitions of scientific apparatus and a shop to buy things related to science. Basically, a very interactive place to take your children to!

A lush green park located right next to the center of the city in the Punavuori neighborhood, Sinebrychoffin is crowded with people in the summer months, picnicking and sipping beer under the sun. In the winters, kids treat the park as a sledge ground to spend time in the snow. On the same premises is the Sinebrychoffin Art Museum that houses aesthetic artifacts from the international art arena.

A few miles north from the center is this adventurous amusement park. Located in the area known as Greater Helsinki, Linnanmaki Amusement Park is famous for 37 international standard rides; the rollercoaster, dragon ride and bumper cars and much more are a few of the attractions here. The park was built in 1950 by the Children’s Foundation to raise money for the children orphaned in the Second World War. This purpose is still carried out by the management of the foundation. The park is extensive and has a lot of attractions in terms of rides, restaurants, sea life and a hotel if tourists wish to spend a night or two in this part of town.

It is a few miles north of the city centre, in the area known as Greater Helsinki. The amusement park has 37 rides meeting international standards, such as a roller coaster, the dragon ride, bumper cars and much more. The park was built in 1950 by the Children's Foundation to raise money for children orphaned in the Second World War. The foundation's management still takes responsibility for pursuing the same goal.