The Sibelius Monument is one of the most beautiful and yet controversial pieces of artwork in Finland. It was designed in tribute to Jean Sibelius, a famous Finnish Composer, and is located in the park in Helsinki that also bears his name, standing just outside the Bank of Finland.

The artwork was revealed to the local community in 1967, and almost immediately started a debate. The issue was that this piece was the first public abstract monument ever built in the whole country. Many people could not understand the purpose of such work. So, to appease some of these voices, an effigy of the famous Finn was also added.

The long steel pipes that make up the piece were designed to create a replication of the music that was written by the famous musician. It is made up of 600 pipes that are fashioned in wave-like sound patterns. The monument is quite large, measuring 8.5 by 10.5 by 6.5 meters, and weighs over 24 tons. If you happen to do any tours on your stay in Helsinki, you will no doubt pass by this place. It is so famous that you can find replicas in New York and Paris, France.

Why You Should Visit:
Interesting from every angle!

Tip:
How much you enjoy this probably depends on when you decide to visit. With the sun setting and casting interesting light across the sculpture and nearby lake, it's a good place to stop for a few minutes.

This Lutheran church in the Töölö neighborhood is distinctive. It was built into solid rock in 1969 by sibling architect duo Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen. It's commonly called the Rock Church or the Church of the Rock.

The site here has been selected for a church as early as the 1930s, but World War II interrupted progress on the program. The Suomalainen brother's won an architectural competition to complete the church. The project had to be scaled back from the original vision due to budget constraints, so the final product wound up being about a quarter of the original plan's size. The rock walls were not part of the original plan that won the brothers the competition because they thought it was too radical an idea to be approved.

The interior of the church was carved out of the rock, illuminated by a giant skylight around the large central dome. The shape of the building gives it excellent acoustics, and as a result, it is a popular concert venue. Part of the magic comes from the interior's rough rock walls, which are perfect for reflecting sound. All of the interior furnishings were designed by the original architects. Today, Temppeliaukio is one of Helsinki's most popular attractions.

Why You Should Visit:
Helsinki's architectural wonder; the mix of concrete, granite, coupled with color and copper everywhere (including the roof) make for an inspiring view.

Tip:
Try to see if there are any concerts and enjoy the great acoustics.

The Helsinki Central Library Oodi, often simply called Oodi, officially opened its doors on December 5, 2018. This public library is located in Helsinki’s Töölönlahti area, right next to the Helsinki Music Centre and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. It's important to note that Oodi isn’t the main library of Helsinki; that title belongs to a library in the Pasila district.

Back in 2012, there was a contest to decide who would design the library, and the winner was a Finnish company named ALA Architects, with Ramboll Finland taking care of the structural design aspects. Their vision included a building with three floors, featuring unique amenities like a sauna and a movie theater on the ground floor. The library got its name, Oodi in Finnish and Ode in Swedish, which translates to ‘Ode,’ towards the end of 2016. It was strategically placed in the Töölönlahti district, and its grand opening was held on the eve of Finnish Independence Day in 2018.

Oodi is quite spacious, with about 17,200 square meters (or 185,000 square feet) of space. While one part of this space is dedicated to housing books, the rest is designed for various activities, including meetings. They’ve even introduced robots to help move books around, especially to the areas dedicated to them.

Since 2019, the Kino Regina cinema within Oodi has been the venue for regular film screenings of archival films. These events are organized by the National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI), adding a cultural layer to what the library offers to the public.

The Glass Palace (Lasipalatsi) is a notable functionalist office building located in the heart of Helsinki's Kamppi district, along the busy Mannerheimintie. Designed by Viljo Revell, Heimo Riihimäki, and Niilo Kokko in the 1930s, it rose from the remains of the Turku barracks, which were destroyed during the Finnish Civil War in 1918. Initially constructed in 1936 as a temporary solution, Lasipalatsi was meant to serve until a more elaborate office building could be built.

During its prime, the Glass Palace was a bustling center, housing offices, restaurants, and the large film theater Bio Rex, making it a premier location for Finnish film premieres and a cultural hotspot. It hosted prominent businesses like Varuboden Grocery, Oy Siemens AB, and the popular HOK ice cream bar, attracting visitors for both business and leisure.

Today, the Glass Palace is renowned not only as a bustling hub for cafes and media companies but also as a venue for internet services, exhibition halls, and the showcasing of non-mainstream cultural films through Bio Rex. Its recognition by Docomomo International as one of Finland's architectural masterpieces of modernism underscores its historical and cultural importance.

The story of the Glass Palace took another turn with the establishment of Amos Rex, a contemporary museum that extends beneath the Lasipalatsi square and into the building itself, marking a new phase in its legacy. Through extensive renovations initiated in October 2016, the Glass Palace has been reimagined and preserved as a testament to Finnish architectural innovation and as a symbol of cultural vitality in Helsinki.

The Kamppi Chapel is a non-denominational spot for people to seek sanctuary from busy Helsinki's hustle and bustle. The striking building is found in Narinkka Square. It's oval on the outside and inside and is often described as neutral, austere, or unadorned. It is similar in that way to many multi-faith prayer rooms found around the world.

But just because it is minimalist does not mean that the building is not noteworthy. It was built as part of the World Design Capital program, which Helsinki won in 2012. The Chapel won the International Architecture Award in 2010.

The Chapel of Silence is located right in one of Helsinki's busiest areas, which is part of its charm. Many visitors say they wish more cities had spots like this; it's an uplifting place to slow down and disconnect from the busy world.

The Central Railway Station is one of the most visited and well-known sites in the city. There are over two hundred thousand passengers that pass through this place every day. On that basis, it is the single busiest building in the whole country.

The whole complex of rails in the country was started in 1860 when the first track was opened for business between Helsinki and Hameenlinna, a city 100 kilometer north of Helsinki. The first station here was designed by Carl Edelfelt. The station's popularity grew through the years, and so the location had to be renovated multiple times. The last such renovation was completed in 2003 when a shopping center was added to the complex.

One little known tidbit about this station is the Presidential Lounge. This private 50-square-meter waiting lounge is available for exclusive use of the President of Finland and his/her official guests. It was first built for the Emperor of Russia in 1911. After a short stint as a military hospital, it has been the private lounge for the President ever since. It is the only such structure known in the world.

Tip:
Underneath the station, there is a multitude of shops, including supermarkets, and also a walkway over to the other side of Kaivokatu street, which gets you into downtown.

Senate Square, or Senaatintori, is a city square surrounded by beautiful Neo-Classical buildings. The square and its buildings are the oldest part of Helsinki. The structures on the square include the Cathedral, the main building of the University of Helsinki, the Government Palace, and the Sederholm House dating from 1757.

The square is built on the site of a 17th and 18th-century graveyard. The city plan, designed by Johan Albrecht Ehrenström, designated the square in 1812. By 1822, the Government Palace was completed. The Senate of Finland met there until the Council of State replaced it in 1918. Today, the building is used by the Prime Minister and Cabinet officials.

The University Building was constructed in 1832. But the most dominant building in the square is by far the Helsinki Cathedral. It was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel but was not completed until 12 years after his death. It was initially called the Church of Saint Nicholas.

Walter Runeberg carved the central statue of Emperor Alexander II in 1894. During the Russian years, the Alexander statue was a symbol of resistance. People would leave flowers under the statue as a gesture of protest against Alexander's grandson, tsar Nicolas II. Alexander was known locally as "the good tsar."

Why You Should Visit:
Today, Senate Square is a popular destination. There's often a festival, art exhibition, or concert going on.

The square is the site of the oldest buildings in Helsinki. The Cathedral is especially worth seeing as it is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. From the stairs to the Cathedral, be sure to take in the view of the city all around.

Tips:
Every day a digital carillon plays at 17:49. The acoustically best spot to hear the piece is at the central statue of Alexander II.

If visiting in the wintertime, the Helsinki Christmas Market is held every December in Senate Square.

The square has appeared in many movies, including many scenes that were supposedly set in Russia. By omitting the distinctive Cathedral from his shots, Warren Beatty convincingly used Senate Square as a substitute for Soviet Saint Petersburg in the 1981 film Reds.

Helsinki Cathedral is an important symbol of Finnish culture and architecture, situated in the heart of Helsinki's Kruununhaka neighborhood on Senate Square. This impressive building serves as the main Lutheran cathedral for the Diocese of Helsinki and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Initially built between 1830 and 1852, the cathedral was dedicated to the Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicholas I, and was known as Saint Nicholas's Church until Finland gained independence in 1917. Today, it is renowned worldwide as one of Finland's most significant historical landmarks.

Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in the Neoclassical style, Helsinki Cathedral features a distinctive green dome surrounded by four smaller domes, creating a striking silhouette against the city skyline. Engel intended the cathedral to be the focal point of his design for Senate Square, with other structures complementing its grandeur. The cathedral's architectural plan, based on a Greek cross, emphasizes symmetry with colonnades and pediments adorning each arm, though Engel's original vision for additional columns at the entrance was never realized.

Built on the site of the earlier Ulrika Eleonora Church from the 18th century, Helsinki Cathedral's foundation has historical significance. Construction was funded by a decree from Alexander I, tying its origins to Helsinki's designation as the nation's capital in 1812. While Engel passed away before its completion, Ernst Lohrmann, his successor, made further contributions to the design, including the addition of four small domes and a bell tower. Notable zinc statues of the Twelve Apostles, crafted by renowned artists of the time, adorn the roofline.

Throughout its existence, Helsinki Cathedral has undergone renovations and restorations, including the conversion of its crypt into a functional space for exhibitions and events beyond religious ceremonies. It remains an important center for worship, hosting regular services and special occasions like weddings. With half a million visitors in 2018 alone, it is a popular tourist destination, embodying Finnish culture and spirituality through its historical significance, architectural grandeur, and active community involvement.

Tips:
Plenty of steps to get to the cathedral's main entrance (no handrails, so be prepared). There are some wheelchair ramps if needed.
Also worth a visit is an atypical café right under the cathedral (Cafe Krypta). The entrance is at the back of Kirkkokatu Street or via elevator from the cathedral. Friendly staff, delicious pastries, and inexpensive coffee.

Part of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Upenski Cathedral is the official seat of the bishop of Helsinki for that faith tradition. It is dedicated to the Dormition of Theotokos (The Bearer of God, or Mary). In fact, the name of the church itself is derived from the old Slavic word for Dormition.

The building was finished in 1868 and took a total of six years to complete. The well known Russian architect Alexey Gomostaev designed the structure. Sadly, it was not completed in his lifetime.

There is a crypt chapel that is built into the building complex. It was named after one of the old Vicars of the church, Alexander Hotovitzky. He served the local parish in the early 1900s.

There are several very beautiful icons on display in this cathedral. They also happen to be quite valuable as art antiquities. In fact, two of them had been stolen from the church in the last several years, with only one having been (remarkably) recovered. Consequently, glass protection covers had to be added, but this will not ruin your chance to appreciate the icons.

Tips:
- The climb up involves quite a number of stairs. Go up there at sunset. You'll get stunning photos of the cityscape with the sun setting just behind the Lutheran Cathedral.
- The rocks right in front of the church are popular place to sit on together with friends enjoying the view. Just watch out – they are steep!

On the Baltic Sea at the eastern end of the Esplanadi Park likes Market Square. Many local cruises and sightseeing boats depart from the port next to the square in the summer, including the year-round ferry to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Many vendors congregate here to sell souvenirs and fresh fish and seafood. Cafes are dotted around the square, and it's a great place to grab a lihapiirakka, a Finnish meat pastry.

The square is the site of the famous annual herring market in October. Many popular sites are located next to Market Square, including the Presidential Palace, Swedish Embassy, and the Helsinki City Hall. The square is a beautiful place to stroll, and the ships in the harbor and vendors selling their goods will take you back to a bygone era.

On the south side of the square, look for the Vanha Kauppahalli, or Old Market Hall. This is a popular shopping spot and a great place to sample local delicacies.

Why You Should Visit:
Fun place to get a taste of Finnish food and try something you haven't eaten before.

Tip:
Do not leave without trying the "neulamuikut" (deep fried whitefish), which is usually served with potatoes and garlic sauce. If you visit when the season for wild berries & mushrooms starts, stop by to stock on some fresh wonderful cloudberries or chanterelles.

The Old Market Hall in Helsinki has a special significance in the city's business and cultural life. It's the oldest among Helsinki's market halls, opening its doors to the public back in 1889. This architectural marvel came during a time when Helsinki was moving from chaotic open-air markets to more organized indoor setups. Concerns about food hygiene and the need for structured trading spaces drove this transition away from the haphazard market squares of the 19th century.

Construction of the Old Market Hall began in 1888, led by Gustaf Nyström, who had experience designing market halls across Europe. However, delays due to issues with the cement supply pushed its opening to a year later. Nyström aimed for a design that combined functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating a sophisticated trading environment. The hall proudly displays the year of its opening at its southern end, underscoring its historical significance.

Situated next to the Helsinki Market Square, the Old Market Hall adds richness to the city's culinary offerings. It's a paradise for food lovers, hosting various vendors selling cheeses, fish, shellfish, meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices, as well as coffee, tea, small gifts, and tableware. It even houses Finland's smallest Alko store, enhancing its uniqueness.

Beyond being a shopping destination, the Old Market Hall offers culinary experiences, renowned for its delicious salmon soup and fish sandwiches that draw visitors from afar. It's also a convenient stop for lunch, especially for those heading to Suomenlinna, as the ferry departure point is nearby at the Helsinki Market Square.

Why You Should Visit:
Amazing selection of food and drinks and a great place to pick up a couple of presents to take home. If you're a fish lover, especially salmon, you have to visit as there are lots of different types to try. If you are more of a meat lover, there are stalls selling reindeer burgers/kebabs which are worth tasting.

Iittala glassware is famous throughout the world for their distinctive, carefully crafted and eye-catching shapes which add grace and elegance to one's home. A wide range of Iittala glass products are made for their functionality and decorative purposes. They’re also quite sturdy and long-lasting.

Dinnerware, cutlery and serving utensils are available as well as various mugs, casserole dishes, pitchers, bowls, pans, pots, etc. Fun and playful objects, like whimsical glass birds, are a particularly popular. Vases and jewelry boxes are among other uses.

A good place to buy Iittala glass products is at Ittala Glassware located at in Pohjoisesplanadi 25.

What to buy here: Iittala Glass.

Between Erottaja Square and Market Square, you will find Esplanadi Park. Known simply as ‘Espa’ by the locals, this long promenade is a popular walking area. The park opened in 1818 and was designed by Carl Ludwig Engel. In 1827, Engels Teater was the first theater built in Helsinki.

Espa is a popular spot with locals to enjoy a picnic or see live performances. The central section of the park features roses bushes, crab apple trees, and aspen trees. You'll see many monuments and statues, including one of national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. He wrote the Finnish national anthem, and his was the first monument erected in Helsinki in 1885.

The Kappeli Restaurant opened in 1867, and it’s still known for great food in a beautiful setting. Espa Stage hosts live music throughout the year, including the longest music festival in Finland. It's held from May until the end of August and features 200 or more artists hosted by the Cultural Office of the City of Helsinki.

Why You Should Visit:
Beautiful open space in the middle of the city, great for sitting on the bench and people watching, or bringing food and having a picnic.

Tip:
Be sure to take in the architecture on both sides – the old buildings are splendid.

Hietalahdentori is one of the most famous markets in the city of Helsinki. It is located in Hietalahti. You would never know it from the current look of the establishment, but this location was actually the barracks used to house the Russian Military Horses during the First World War.

In modern times, this building is known all over town for the wonderful flea market it has. You can almost literally find anything you are looking for in these walls. There are also many small stands and shops that can help you try out the local food of Helsinki also. It is a true delight.

In addition to the flea market, the location also hosts a lot of art exhibits. You can also find some wonderful informal musical groups here as well. If you want to get a chance to take some of that art home with you, you’ll be in luck. There are many great antique and art shops scattered in the offering as well. The Market Hall is open from May to September of each year.