Helsinki, overlooking the Gulf of Finland and the coastal archipelago, is a city built in harmony with nature. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges arch across to nearby islands, and ferries reach out to the offshore islands. It is a stunning combination of architectural styles, the result of a neo-classical building scheme in the early 1800s and the effort of modernist Finnish designers, such as Aalto and a living work of art. There are 70 museums and galleries in Helsinki from the Ateneum (Helsinki's most famous art museum) to the new Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma. The Lasipalatsi (Glass Palace) Film and Media Center is home to the Finnish information society with exhibition galleries, television studios, free Internet connections, as well as trendy cafés. The Tennispalatsi (Tennis Palace) was originally built in 1952 for the Helsinki Olympics and is now a cultural and leisure center. There you can find the Helsinki City Art Museum, the Museum of Cultures and a complex of 14 cinemas. Helsinki's cultural heritage also offers the spectacular Opera House, dubbed "the classiest new aria house in the west," also home to the National Ballet.

Eighteenth-century Suomenlinna, or the "Gibraltar of the North," is a former island fortress and is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Treasures. In the summertime, the fortress' popular collection of parks, gardens, art and historical museums is enhanced by a sea of mauve and purple lilacs. Korkeasaari Island is the site of one of the northernmost zoos in the world. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, founded in 1909, features architecture and lifestyle exhibits from various regions around Finland--the oldest of which is the wooden Karuna Church, completed in 1686. 

From Helsinki's waterfront there are a varity of cruises to the beautiful archipelago as there is much to see and do on the nearby islands, including dining in the many delightful seasonal restaurants. In effect you will find Helsinki's international cuisine and alluring nightlife the perfect way to end your day in this Cultural City. Finland's blend of east and west influences offers over 40 different types of cuisine in Helsinki alone and here you can find everything from Finnish, Scandinavian and Russian to international cuisine. Options range from local fish, game and wild fowl to fresh berries, breads and delicious pastries. You can dine at gourmet restaurants, intimate bistros or bustling cafés, all of which can be found either hidden in cozy basements, nestled in historic buildings or sprawling out onto the sidewalk (a people-watcher's dream!)

The sophisticated simplicity of Finnish-designed goods make wonderful and unique souvenirs and Helsinki is home to the largest variety of shops, boutiques and department stores, such as Stockmann's, City Sokos, and Aleksi 13, as well as the recently opened Kämp Galleria with 50 exclusive stores. You'll find a selection of jewelry, porcelain, crystal and apparel by strolling through the bustling thoroughfare of Helsinki's Esplanade. There are also several colorful markets: Kauppatori-Market Square, an outdoor market held year-round every day from end of May to mid-September and closed Sundays the rest of the year. In the summer, be sure to visit the Kauppatori at night as there's a lively evening market, too. Just next to Market Square is the 110-year-old Kauppahalli, a delightful indoor market where you can have lunch.