Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
monument, unveiled in 1835 in honour of a visit by Tsar Nicholas I and Tsarina Alexandra.
2
HHavis A
vis Amandda, the female nude statue dipping in a fountain just west of the market, is
regarded as the symbol of Helsinki. Across from the kauppatori is the
3
Prreside
identtial
ial
Pala
alace, guarded by uniformed sentries.
(Lutheran Cathedral) is the most prominent feature. The main University of Helsinki
building is on the west side and the magnificent National Library a little further north
along Unioninkatu. Walking back to Pohjoisesplanadi, stroll through
6
Espla
uistto
(Esplanade Park), or browse the design shops and upmarket cafes along the pavement.
Turn right onto Mannerheimintie, the main thoroughfare. An equestrian
7
sttattue o
planadin P
din Puis
ue of Ma
f Marr-
sshal Ma
al Mannerrheiim, Finland's most revered military leader, dominates the square alongside
Kiasma.
Continue walking northwest. Monolithic
8
Parlia
t Houuse(1931) dominates this
Further up on the right is one of Alvar Aalto's most famous works, angular
a
Finla
rliament Ho
inlandia
dia--
Talo
alo, a concert hall built between 1967-72. At this point you can detour west through
A few blocks north, on Mannerheimintie, is the 1993
c
Oopperrattalo
alo, home of the Fin-
This striking sculpture was created by artist Eila Hiltunen in 1967 to honour Finland's
back to the centre from Mechelininkatu.
Tours
There are a couple of the standard hop-on hop-off bus tours running; expect to pay around
€25 to €30 for a ticket. An excellent budget alternative is to do a circuit of town on
Tram
2
then
Tram 3
or vice versa; pick up the free
Sightseeing on Tram 2/3
brochure as your
guide around the city centre and out to Kallio.
Helsinki Cityride
WALKING, CYCLING
( 044-955-8720;
www.helsinkicityride.com
)
