Helsinki (Finnish, English) (Helsingfors (Swedish)) [1] is Finland's capital and something of an international metropolis. Founded in 1550, it has been the Finnish capital since 1812. Helsinki's current population is about 560,000, but the Helsinki region with the neighboring suburban cities of Espoo and Vantaa has a population of over one million.
Helsinki's symbol, the Lutheran Cathedral ( Tuomiokirkko)
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SEE DO EAT
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 SEE
Surrounded by sea and a vast archipelago, Helsinki is at its best in the summer when the dialogue between the city and nature is at its fullest. Classical Helsinki's sights can be divided into an eclectic set of churches and a wide variety of museums.
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DO
- Hietaniemi Beach, Hietaniemenkatu. It's safe to say that most people don't come to Helsinki for the beaches, but on a hot summer day Hietsu (as it is known among the locals) is a good place to be. Beach volleyball, swimming and various events are popular. Bus 55A from Kamppi/Rautatientori, or just walk (15-20 min from the centre).
- Linnanmäki [22] is the oldest amusement park in Finland and famous for its wooden rollercoaster. Entrance to the park is free of charge, all-day passes €28 (adults) / €18 (children). Open only during the summer, but the adjacent Sea Life [23] aquarium at Tivolikuja 1 is open throughout the year. Tram 3T, 3B or 8 and bus 23.
- Serena Water Amusement Park, Tornimäentie 10, Espoo (bus 339), tel. +358 9 88705555, [24]. 11PM-8PM daily. The largest water park in the Nordic countries with some 2,000 m² of heated pools indoors. The buildings have seen their best days, but kids love the water slides. An extra 1000 m² of outdoor area is open in the summer, but Serena is at its best in winter when you can kick back in a jacuzzi and watch people ski on the other side of the glass windows. All-day pass €19, evening pass (from 4PM) €15.
- Härmälä Farm, Mäntykummuntie 6, Vantaa, tel. +358 9 876 7339, +358 (0)400 880 539. Open by arrangement around the year. A typical Finnish farm located in the village of Sotunki and surrounded by a picturesque landscape. On the farm you can meet animals representing the traditional Finnish stock: cows, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and pets. Admission €3, families €10.
- Kotiharjun sauna, Harjutorinkatu 1, Kallio District. One of the few wood burning public saunas in Helsinki. Separate saunas for men and women. Washing service and folk medicine (kuppaus) also available. There's a good chance to find a top level chess match in the dressing room. Don't miss cooling off outside, especially in winter. On Saturdays you'll find bachelor partyers (Kotiharju is pretty near to Kallio's nightlife). €8 for adults, students €6.5. Closed Summer 2007 for renovation. A good second-best option is the nearby Arlan Sauna, in operation since 1929 at Kaarlenkatu 15.
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EAT
Helsinki has by far the best cosmopolitan restaurants in Finland, and is a good place to escape the usual diet of meat and potatoes... if you can foot the bill, that is. As usual in Finland the best time to eat out is lunch, when most restaurants offer lunch sets for around €6-10. Lunch sets are typically served from 10:30AM to 2PM, but the times vary between venues. In the evening, only budget places are less than €10, while splurges cost well over €30 per head.
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