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 Art to play with |
30 Annankatu Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 169 3747 |
The Annantalo arts centre for children and the young is a beautiful old wooden building in Kamppi, behind Forum. This lovely place has art courses, but for the visitor, more interesting are the exhibitions, aimed mainly at children of various ages. There may be several exhibitions at one time, one lasting usually from a few weeks to several months. The centre is very spacious, and many exhibitions are to be played with (or in). The curators take into account what keeps children interested and what art means to them. There is also a café, though its open hours are slightly different than the centre's. If you plan to go during the week, remember than until the afternoon it might be full of kindergarten groups. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Finnish architecture |
Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 13 B 17 Helsinki, Finland 00260 Finland +358 9 4777 300 www.archtours.com |
If you are interested in Finnish design and architecture, take part in one or more of the architectural excursions organised by Arch-Tours. There are many alternatives to choose from, both regular tours and tailored excursions, available in Finnish, Swedish, English, French, German, Russian, Japanese, Italian and Spanish. There are four basic tours, two of which have commentary in English. Aalto Bus gives a four-hour tour of Alvar Aalto's architecture; this starts in front of the Finlandia Hall. The Urban and Historical Centre Tour is taken on foot; it starts at the Senate Square and takes about two hours. A wide variety of tailored tours are available, three of which focus on the work of Alvar Aalto. The other tours give varied views of the city. Modern Classics is an introduction to the greatest modern and contemporary architecture around the city, while the Annual Rings of Helsinki tour examines the different stages and styles connected with the expansion of Helsinki. Helsinki Urban Centre and Jugend Architecture concentrate on the city's historical buildings, and Culture and Restaurants is an introduction to the city's dining and social life through the ages. Arch-Tours also hosts architectural excursions to Tallinn and St. Petersburg. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Information and entertainment |
1 Messuaukio (Helsingin Messukeskus) Helsinki 00520 Finland +358 9 1 5091 http://www.finnexpo.fi/exhibit... |
Child is the perfect fair for families with children. The aim of the event is to provide as much information about new products and services as possible and still be entertaining. The programme is organised in cooperation with different children's cultural organizations. Product groups represented at the fair include housing and interior decoration, hobbies, leisure and culture, organizations and public administration, child welfare, children's clothes, magazines, toys and much more. The organizer of the event is the Finnish Fair Corporation with the Finnish Federation of Enrolled Children's Nurses, the Centre for Children's Work in the Church/Lasten Keskus Oy and EFU-Projektit Oy. See the website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Doll and Toy Museum |
C 66 Suomenlinna Helsinki 00190 Finland +358 9 668 417 http://www.suomenlinna.fi/suom... |
The Doll and Toy Museum, one of the various museums in Suomenlinna, has a collection of over 2,000 toys (dolls, dolls' houses, teddy bears, toy cars, etc) dating from 1830 onwards. The small, cosy museum also includes a quaint café. Visiting this old Russian villa is worthwhile especially if you are visiting Suomenlinna anyway. In addition to the toys there is also a collection of Russian samovars and the museum also holds special exhibitions. To get to Suomenlinna take a ferry from the Market Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Benjamin Wong |
 Photo: Fozo Attila |
 Ice stadium with multiple events |
1 Areenankuja Helsinki 00240 Finland +358 (0)204 1997 http://www.hartwall-areena.com |
Hartwall Areena is the home arena of Jokerit, a Helsinki ice hockey team. The stadium has 13,665 seats, including 69 places for wheelchairs, as well as 70 private suites and five rental suites. Above the ice is a Sony Jumbotron video scoreboard used for slow-motion pictures, instant replays and animations during the games. Besides the ice hockey matches, many different events are arranged including world-famous musical performances. On guided tours, you will see all the main attractions of the hall: the suites, the sauna from where events can also be followed, restaurants, the Elvis Presley Boulevard, the backstage area and the locker rooms. Hartwall Areena also has four restaurants, the Silver Star Café, the Golden Star Café, Power Play Saloon and Lapin Kulta, as well as 15 fast-food outlets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark  |
 Photo: JuicyBurger |
 Photo: Katja Nykanen |
 Photo: Scott Forrest |
 Photo: Carl-Magnus Dumell |
 Photo: Carl-Magnus Dumell |
 Photo: iSani |
 Photo: Tristan Millward |
 All you need to know about Helsinki |
19 Pohjoisesplanadi Helsinki, Southern Finland 00100 Finland +358 (0)9 169 3757 http://www.hel2.fi/Tourism/EN/... |
Helsinki is more than a city in the land of the midnight sun. There are things to do in this vibrant metropolis no matter what the season, no matter the amount of sunshine or moonlight. The Helsinki City Tourist & Convention Bureau can provide you with information on activities ranging from Christmas fairs to ski team viewings. For information on upcoming events, visit their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nature in its full glory |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
Even the name says it all: this is the dream tour for a nature-lover. The half-day trip covers one of Finland's most important protected sites, Nuuksio National Park. Cisitors can become acquainted with southern Finnish nature at its best: crystal-clear lakes and ponds and mighty forests. The tour, led by an expert guide, is an introduction to the stunning beauty of Finnish nature, and to the special features to Nuuksio. Among other things, this is the main place in Northern Europe where flying squirrels nest. The trip includes a one-kilometre walk through the woodsand lasts four hours and starts in front of the City Tourist Office. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sameli |
 Photo: Timo Tervo |
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The place to go for summer fun |
1 Tivolitie Helsinki 00510 Finland +358 (0)9 7739 9287 / +358 (0)9 77 3991 http://www.linnanmaki.fi |
The only amusement park close to central Helsinki, Linnanmäki contains not only plenty of rides, but also games arcades, tombolas, restaurants, bars and the obligatory candyfloss and hotdog stands. The most impressive thing is the Vuoristorata roller—coaster, which in 1996 celebrated its 100th birthday. The amusement park was opened in 1950 by the charity Children's Day and proceeds from the park still go towards child welfare work. You can get to Linnanmäki on trams 3T and 3B, and bus 23 (alight at Alppila). The main part of the amusement park is open only in the summer, normally daily. Check the website for detailed information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Helen Penjam |
 Photo: Toni Malin |
 Photo: Helen Penjam |
 Photo: Toni Viemerö |
 Photo: Daniel Spillere |
 Photo: aixcracker |
 Photo: aixcracker |
 Photo: Petri Tuohimaa |
 Photo: Andrew Rogers |
 Photo: Janne Hillervo |
 Photo: Juice Carton Coma |
 Photo: Andrew Rogers |
 Photo: Niko Lipsanen |
 Photo: niki matita |
 Photo: Monika |
 Photo: geekmusic |
 Photo: ls_yankova |
 Popular gym in the city centre |
8a Kaivokatu 4th floor Helsinki 00100 Finland +358 9 415 335 00 http://www.motivus.fi |
This is a fitness centre located in the centre of Helsinki. It has a wide range of gym machines and offers classes for aerobic boxing and, neck and back care. After heavy training you can go to the sauna or solarium here for burning some more fat. In the centre there are also trained physiotherapists who give treatments and massages in case your muscle need to be relaxed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tennis, squash, badminton |
4 Varikkotie Helsinki 00900 Finland +358 9 341 7130 |
At Myllypuro Tenniskeskus there are six indoor tennis courts. In the winter there are three tennis courts in an "air dome" which convert into outdoor courts in the summertime. All in all there are five outdoor tennis courts. The indoor courts have Plexipave coating. At Myllypuron Tenniskeskus there are also 12 courts for badminton and two courts for squash. It is possible to use the solarium and sauna and have a massage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Large swimming centre |
49 Mäkelänkatu Helsinki 00550 Finland +358 9 3484 8800 |
This cafe resides at Kurvi, the junction of Helsinginkatu and Hentie, one of the busiest spots in the city. It is easy to get there by tram (6, 7A, 7B, 8), metro or dozens of buses. The cafe is spacious, with modern decor in all kinds of bright colours. The big windows give a nice view out onto the street, and they serve coffee, espresso, cafe latte, iced cappuccino or steamers. Also, there are lots of natural and spring waters, juices, soft drinks, filled breads, pasta dishes and salads are available. The bar is fully licensed, and they have a number of newspapers and magazines to read. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Puppets and tradition |
18 Eläintarhantie Helsinki 00530 Finland +358 9 712 818 |
Puppet Theatre Vihreä Omena (Green Apple) is the oldest children's theatre in Finland. It was founded in 1971 by the current president of the World's Union of Puppet Theatres. Vihreä Omena has some 400 shows every year, many of them held at different locations. About a quarter are held at their own premises. The shows are really wonderful and depending on the season they may be sold out, so remember to book your tickets in advance. There are always several productions going on; some may be short ones, while the classics have been running for years. The theatre has good international connections, and there are often exchanges both ways by different groups. The theatre is located in Kallio and is easily reached by tram 2. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Guided tour of the old city of Porvoo |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1600 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
This half-day tour of the old town of Porvoo will take you back to a more idyllic world in which small wooden houses, little shops and craftsmen's workshops were a part of everyday life. Although destroyed by fire in 1760, Porvoo still has a medieval design reminiscent of many Central European towns. It used to be popular among artists—its citizens have included painter Albert Edelfelt, sculptor Ville Vallgren, national poet J.L. Runeberg and his son, sculptor Walter Runeberg. This tour covers, among other places the Medieval church and the Town Hall. Visitors would be wise to also visit the Porvoo bridge with its views of the city. The tours start in front of the Helsinki City Tourist Office, and have commentary in Finnish, Swedish and English. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Catuxa Seoane |
 Photo: Sergio Calleja (aka SuperKeko) |
 Photo: Jaime Rubio |
 Photo: Kent Charles |
 Photo: Daniel Lombraña González |
 Photo: razzcore |
 Photo: Elvira Guàrdia |
 Photo: Ignacio Caballero |
 Photo: Stacey Maxwell |
 Photo: Aine&Ville |
 Photo: petelewin |
 Photo: trendsetter631 |
 Photo: Giorgio Minissale |
 Photo: Toni Oliver |
 Photo: K.T.Bui |
 Photo: matt t. dudek |
 Photo: Mystic Sands |
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Tour the splendour of the palace |
1 Messuaukio Lönnrotinkatu 7 B Helsinki 00520 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
The Presidential Palace has been a private home, the Finnish residence of the Czar and the official residence of Finland's President. Now, it is the venue for numerous official functions, held in the Valtiosali (Hall of State) where glorious statues, golden and bronze hues and the dark parquet create a majestic setting for banquets. The Peilisali (Mirror Hall) is a more airy, silvery hall, the most memorable feature of which are the fabulous chandeliers. The Keltainen sali (Yellow Hall) is a famous salon. Its dark-wood furniture and luscious interior are the setting for intimate coffees during the Independence Day celebrations. Most functions are held on the second floor, which is what the guided tour focuses on. Tours are held by appointment on only a few days a week and last about 45 minutes. Each tour is held for two groups; check the website or call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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See the sights from a new perspective |
6 Meritullintori Helsinki 00170 Finland +358 9 6122 950 http://www.royalline.fi/englis... |
If you're not content with taking the ordinary bus tour of the city, why not admire Helsinki's sights from a different perspective. The boat tours arranged by Royal Line let you enjoy the city by sea. Two such tours are available: the Traditional Helsinki by Sea tour taken onboard M/S Natalia, and the Helsinki Under the Bridges tour on M/S Katarina. These give visitors the special opportunity of exploring Helsinki's older districts, landmarks, monuments and buildings. The tours include beautiful churches, monuments, the coastline Helsinki's islands, and the magnificent Suomenlinna fortress. The tours take an hour-and-a-half, and are arranged several times a day during the summer. Commentary is given in English, Swedish and German. Ticket prices may or may not include meals, depending on what you ask from the tour operator. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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For fans of Finnish culture |
Esplanade Park, Fabianinkatu Helsinki Finland +358 9 2288 1600 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
This half-day trip is perfect for people interested in culture. It visits two important places connected to Finnish art: Hvitträsk and Ainola. Hvitträsk used to be the studio of the famed trio of architects Saarinen-Gesellius-Lindgren. The most renowned member of this trio, Eliel Saarinen, also used to live at the beautiful house, located by a lake. This tour lasts four hours and is arranged every summer from June-September. It starts in front of the City Tourist Office, and have commentary in Finnish, Swedish and English. Tickets can be purchased in Esplanadi park, close to the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: Pavel Curtis |
 Photo: Pavel Curtis |
 Photo: nyomee wallen |
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The ultimate guided bus tour of Helsinki |
7 B Lönnrotinkatu (Helsinki Expert) Helsinki 00120 Finland +358 9 2288 1222 http://www.helsinkiexpert.fi |
The new Expert Sight & Sound Tour by Happy Helsinki runs several times a day. Besides the normal commentary, a soundtrack including music and sound effects sets the mood at the different locations. The tour can be taken in one of ten languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Spanish, Italian and Latin; the commentary comes through individual headphones. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and covers most of the city's main sights, including the Senate Square, the districts of Eira and Kruununhaka, the Olympic Stadium, the Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the Parliament, Kiasma and the Presidential Palace. Tours start at the Olympia terminal, at Katajanokka terminal and in front of the City Tourist Office. Tickets can be purchased at the starting points or the Tourist Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Saara |
 Photo: Sami Salmenkivi |
 Photo: caltonmonument |
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The renowned garden city |
1-3 Kimmeltie Helsinki 02110 Finland |
The Tapiola garden city is an internationally renowned pearl of urban design, where buildings, people and nature all work together; where walking and cycling are encouraged. Tapiola was born after the war, as the desire to develop the areas around Helsinki grew. It was based on the garden city ideology of Ebeneser Howard. Tapiola consists of three areas with a pedestrian centre. Several architects were involved in the design, each building a harmonious unit. Variety was all-important; there had to be a combination of tall and low buildings. The buildings had to fit in well with the surrounding nature, and the great Otsolahti bay was to be kept undisturbed. Aarne Ervi was given the job of designing the famous centre with its tower, busy shopping district, pond, hotel, swimming baths, Cultural Centre and church. Tapiola was commended in the US in 1967 as one of the best cityscapes in the world. The garden city is now an important commercial and cultural centre; for instance the Tapiola Choir, Espoo Big Band, Espoo City Theatre and Tapiola Sinfonietta are greatly renowned. Tapiola is also home to the popular April Jazz festival and Espoo Ciné International Film Festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tero Lakkala |
 Photo: Tero Lakkala |
 Photo: marco_pozzo |
 Photo: Kosti Kannas |
 Photo: Oliver Weidlich |
 Photo: Emil Lupu |
 Photo: Arja Kirvesoja |
 Photo: Chittagong |
 Photo: Jonttu Leskinen |