Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
vibrant street life and a joyful creative spirit. In 2012, Helsinki celebrated its
stint as a “World Design Capital,” seizing the opportunity to spiff up the city
with exciting new projects—including the new Helsinki Music Center con-
cert hall, an extensive underground bike tunnel that cuts efficiently beneath
congested downtown streets, and an all-around rededication to its already im-
pressive design. While parts of the city may seem dark and drab, splashes of
creativity and color hide around every corner—but you'll only discover them
if you take the time to look.
On a three-week trip through Scandinavia, Helsinki is worth at least the time
between two successive nights on the cruise ship—about seven hours. To do
the city justice, two days is ideal. (Wear layers; Helsinki can be windy and
cold.)
For a quick one-day visit, start with the 1.75-hour orientation bus tour that
meets the boat at the dock. Then take my self-guided walking tour through the
compact city center from the harbor—enjoying Helsinki's ruddy harborfront
market and getting goose bumps in the churches—ending at the underground
Temppeliaukio Church. Inthe afternoon, dive into Finnish culture in the open-
air folk museum or take a walk in Kaivopuisto Park. Enjoy a cup of coffee at
the recommended Café Kappeli before sailing away.
Like most big European cities, Helsinki (pop. 602,000) has a compact core.
The city's natural gateway is its main harbor, where ships from Stockholm
and Tallinn dock. At the top of the harbor is Market Square (Kauppatori), an
outdoor food and souvenir bazaar. Nearby are two towering, can't-miss-them
landmarks: the white Lutheran Cathedral and the red-brick Orthodox Cathed-
ral.
