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 As we are approaching christmas, I'd like to give you a small christmas special. I you happen to be in downtown Helsinki in December and up for some christmas spirit, these are my favourite things to do.  Helsinki is a beautiful city year-round, but it is especially magical during the Christmas season. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and Christmas markets all around. One of the best ways to experience the Christmas spirit in Helsinki is to visit Aleksanterinkatu, one of the city's main shopping street. Every year, Aleksanterinkatu is transformed into a Christmas street, with hundreds of thousands of lights and decorations. The street is also home to a lovely Christmas market in the Senate Square, where you can buy everything from traditional Finnish Christmas decorations to delicious Christmas food and drinks. Another must-see Christmas attraction in Helsinki is the Stockmann Christmas window. Every year, the depar...

If you are arriving or taking a train in Helsinki Central Railway Station or why not just passing by, you'll need to read this. The station is full of cafés and restaurants but I'd like to mention two that are both cozy and good value for money. I visit them often just because they are such nice places. Cafe Eliel Cafe Eliel is a charming cafe located in the Helsinki Central Railway Station. It is named after the famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, who designed the railway station in the early 1900s. The cafe has a beautiful Art Nouveau interior, with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and marble pillars. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. The menu at Cafe Eliel features a variety of salads, sweet and salty snacks, and drinks. Cafe Eliel is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal or snack in a beautiful setting. The cafe is also very conveniently located, making it a great place to stop for a bite to e...

Ok everyone, it's hidden gem time! When I need some time for myself and a moment of relaxation, Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is my destination. Join me! Yrjönkatu swimming hall will undergo an extensive renovation at the end of 2023 and is supposed to be ready for guests again in 2026. Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is a historic and beautiful swimming hall located in the Kamppi district of Helsinki. The swimming hall was built in 1928, and it is the oldest swimming hall in Finland. The swimming hall is known for its stunningly beautiful architecture and its serene atmosphere. Architecture The Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall was designed by the Finnish architect Yrjö Lindegren. The swimming hall is built in the Neoclassical style, and it features a large swimming pool, a sauna, and a shower hall. The swimming pool is the most impressive feature of the swimming hall. The pool is surrounded by marble columns and statues. The pool is also lit by natural light from the skylights in the ceiling. Atmosphere...

If you are in the very city center of Helsinki and have some extra time, there are a handful of museums that are definitely worth tour time. I'll introduce Kiasma first. Kiasma is a contemporary art museum located in the heart of Helsinki, Finland. It is part of the Finnish National Gallery, and it is responsible for the gallery's contemporary art collection. Kiasma was founded in 1993, and it was designed by the Finnish architect Steven Holl. The building is known for its unique and innovative design, which features a copper roof that is shaped like a wave. Kiasma has recently undergone a large renovation, which was completed in 2021. The renovation has updated the museum's facilities and made it more accessible to visitors. Kiasma hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, including both solo and group exhibitions. The exhibitions feature a wide range of contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, video, and performance art. Some of the artists who have exhi...

The National Opera House in Helsinki, Finland is a stunning example of Nordic architecture and culture. The opera house was designed by the Finnish architects Raili and Heikki Pietilä, and it was opened in 1993. The building is known for its unique and innovative design, which features a copper roof that is shaped like a wave. The National Opera House is home to the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, which is one of the leading opera and ballet companies in the world. The opera house hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including operas, ballets, and concerts. Images: Lady Macbeth opera and Jekyll&Hyde ballet The National Opera House is located in the beautiful Töölö Bay, and it is surrounded by parks and gardens. Visitors can enjoy a walk around the bay before or after a performance, and they can also visit the nearby Helsinki City Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma (morr about them later!). History of the National Opera House The National Opera House...

Welcome to Helsinki! Helsinki has always been home for me and I'm not really sure how many generations my family has lived here. I have quite a few tips and recommendations to give so let's go! Helsinki is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history. The city is located on the southern coast of Finland, and it is home to a population of over 650,000 people. Helsinki was founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden. The city remained under Swedish rule for over 200 years, until it was ceded to Russia in 1809. Helsinki became the capital of Finland in 1812. Helsinki was heavily damaged during World War II, but the city has since been rebuilt and modernized. Today, Helsinki is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a thriving economy. The city is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, and it is a major financial and cultural center. Things to do in Helsinki Helsinki has a variety of things to offer visitors, regardless of the time o...

Our next destination is my home country:  Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and unique culture. Finland has a population of over 5.5 million people, and its capital city is Helsinki. Image: Miekankoski, Finland in summer Finland has a long and rich history dating back to the Stone Age. The country was under Swedish rule for over 600 years, until it became an autonomous Grand Duchy in 1809. Finland gained its independence in 1917, and it has been a member of the European Union since 1995. Finland's history has had a significant impact on the country today. Finland is a very egalitarian society with a strong sense of social justice. The country is also known for its high-quality education system and its innovative economy. Finland is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Finland: Visit Helsinki: Helsinki is a vibrant and modern city with a ric...