FIN: Helsinki Downtown

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is the capital city and the most populous municipality of Finland. It's the third largest city in the Nordic countries after Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway. I feel that Helsinki, as one of the highest urban standards of living in the world, is rather slow-paced compared to many other major capital cities across the globe.

To reach the city centre, my BFF and I took a train from Vantaa Airport. As Vantaa and Helsinki are two separate municipalities, you need to buy a regional ticket that costs €5.00 (~S$7.65) one-way.

"I say the train is coming baby. I say the train is coming now~" Do you know the song?

I recall the journey took approximately 30 minutes.

Helsinki Central Railway Station is the main station for commuter rail and long-distance trains to and from the city. In 2013, it was identified by BBC as one of the world's most beautiful railway stations.

Beef burger with nachos from McDonald's, anyone?

The railway station was originally built in 1862 for trains on the Helsinki-Hämeenlinna line

In front of Finnish National Theatre that's not far from the train station is a statue of Aleksis Kivi, a Finnish author who wrote the first significant novel in Finnish language titled 'Seven Brothers'.

I literally stopped to smell some interesting-looking flowers.

Helsinki was the venue for the 1952 Summer Olympics. Besides that, it was the World Design Capital for 2012.

Besides mustikka, ravintola is the only other Finnish word that I can remember, which means restaurant.

As can be seen, the city wasn't that crowded during the early part of summer last year.

Marimekko is a proudly Finnish design brand that has been partnering with Finnair.

The sculpture depicting three men hammering on an anvil was unveiled in 1932.

Located near Hotel Anna, a 3* hotel where we stayed at, is St. John's Church.

The Lutheran church is the largest stone church in the country by seating capacity.

After putting down our stuff in the hotel room, we wandered about the area nearby.

Helsinki's Design Museum occupies that Gothic style building.

Riding on a bike is a good way to explore the city.

We then made our way to the bustling Market Square.

We didn't get the chance to experience the tram.

Would you like to dine on a boat at Kubo Seafood, Grill and Café?

At first, I thought the Old Market Hall was a fire station.

The city's Ferris wheel, which goes by the name SkyWheel, is 40 m tall.

Don't forget to visit Helsinki Cathedral, one of the most recognisable landmarks of the city.

Old school tram!

Ateneum is an art museum - one of the three museums forming the Finnish National Gallery.

Here are some photos taken in the evening after we explored Kaivopuisto Park.

I adore the architecture of the various buildings near the park.

Public toilets in Helsinki are modern; some of which come with self-cleaning features.

We walked past a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to St. Henry.

After a long day of walking, I had a really good night's rest.

On a rainy afternoon, we made our way to Temppeliaukio Church, followed by Sibelius Park. Below are some photos that I took along the way.

What's with the eagle head?

I wonder what's the meaning behind that abstract sculpture.

Would anyone like to caption this photo?

Finlandia Hall is a congress and event venue, which was inaugurated on 2 December 1971. It has proven its usefulness in hosting several world congresses and forums for the world's top economic and political leaders.

There must be something special about that tree, but the tablet description is in Finnish only.

Before finding ourselves back at Helsinki Central Railway Station, we saw more significant buildings.

Helsinki Music Centre is home to Sibelius Academy, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Who wouldn't be tempted to add that extra 'n' for fun?

On our last day in Helsinki, before going to Suomenlinna, we walked through Esplanadi, an urban park that was first opened to the public in 1818.

Lovely alternating colours~

Johan Ludvig Runeberg is a poet who wrote the lyrics of Finland's national anthem.

Last but not least, here's a peculiar holey statue made of stainless steel. Named 'He Who Brings the Light', it's a memorial to commemorate those who perished during the Winter War from 1939 to 1940, where Finland defended itself, without any allies at all, against the invading Soviet Union army.

Visit my food blog to discover more on the following eateries:
- Ravintola Kuu Kuu (Scandinavian)
- Ravintola Seahorse (Scandinavian)
- Ravintola Zetor (Scandinavian)
- Mumin Kaffe (Scandinavian and French)

- Ingman Ice Cream Kiosk (Ice Cream)