Meeting Point

Hotel, port, airport or another address in Helsinki, Espoo or Vantaa.

Senate square

The birthplace of 2nd Helsinki, this is where the story starts... Swedish, Russian and Finnish square, an allegory from German architect built into yellow architectural ansamble. Here we will enter the Cathedral and National library (should opening hours allow), admire the beauty of the 19th century and see the dream of independent Finland.

Market square

Finnish gulf is the reason why Helsinki is in this spot - a port! We will enter the Market hall and see what Finns prefer to have for lunch and how big is the variety of salted salmon. We will stroll through the market, seeing what local souvenirs are like, sneak peak on a sauna, see the Presidential palace and Uspenski cathedral. Market square is full of significance and surprises.

Esplanade

This park starts at Havis Amanda, the symbol of the capital, has a monument to Johan Runeberg, first Finnish national poet who never wrote in Finnish, has an old and charming restaurant from 1867 that survived WW2 bombings and welcomes its visitors with traditional Salmon soup. Esplanade, a place to walk, eat, enjoy beautiful houses and see how 19-20-21 century houses are neighbours with different souls.

Eira district

Having walked through the 19th century Helsinki, lets have a picturesque drive by the seashore to Eira. This is the best district for Jugend of Finnish Romantic Architecture. These most expensive private houses built in 1910s will show you another face of the capital.

Sibelius monument

Helsinki gratitude to the best composer in Finland! It is a combination of what inspired Jean Sibelius: granite, water and trees. This monument is for walking under, for touching, but not putting head into steel pipes from 1967.

Rock church

Rock church (should opening hours allow) has granite walls, copper dome and natural light - a church created by 2 brothers in 1969 is still surprising its visitors by the natural simplicity and beauty.

Cafe

Tourists don't come here often, as cafe is situated off the beaten path. Let's enjoy a cup of coffee in a beautiful and old Helsinki cafe. Local treats and aromatique coffee will tell you about local culinary culture.

Central Railway Station and Aleksis Kivi

Grand granite Central Station with a tower and a bell that never rings... the marsterpiece by Eliel Saarinen: we enter the hall and try the echo. Next to the station is a monument to Aleksis Kivi, looking down, all crooked and sad. Let me tell you his story and how the one was not recognized before is cherished nowadays. Around his are several very beautiful buildings: Finnish National Theater and a Gallery that exhibits local artists.

Oodi library

Newer Helsinki is in front of you: the Parliament, Finlandia hall designed by Alvar Aalto, and Oodi, our most beloved library. These buildings are grand, unusual and still so very Finnish! The variety of materials: marble, granite and wood; show how open Finns are to the new concepts and still how they admire and cherish their traditions.

Ending Point

The place of your choosing: hotel, restaurant, museum...