What to see and do
Following a devastating fire in 1808, and the city's designation as Finland's capital in 1812, Helsinki was totally rebuilt in a style befitting its new status: a grid of wide streets and Neoclassical brick buildings modelled on the then Russian capital, St Petersburg.
Top image © Karavanov_Lev/Shutterstock
Accommodation
Hostel beds are in short supply, especially during summer, so booking ahead is sensible. The Strõmma tickets and tours desk at the tourist office can help with this in person, by phone, email or online (Mon–Fri 10am–4/4.30pm, Sat 10am–4pm; June–Aug also Sun 10am–4pm; t 09 2288 1600).
In Nuuksio National Park thirty minutes’ drive from Helsinki you can camp in the world’s greenest campsite, where state-of-the-art tents are suspended from trees so barely a blade of grass gets trampled. Book through the outdoor adventure company Honkalintu who arrange overnight camping adventures for €150 per two people.
Sweat it out: Helsinki's hottest saunas
Kultuurisauna Opened in 2013 on the north shore of the Kaisaniemenlahti and blending Finnish and Japanese influences, this is one of the world’s most energy-efficient saunas. Visitors can cool off in the sea afterwards. Tram #3 or #7B to Hakaniemi. Entry €15.
Löyly Design Sauna 2016’s new addition to the capital’s sauna scene uses contemporary wooden architecture to create a huge, stunning seaside complex at the Pyhän Birgitan Puisto park on the Hernesaari peninsula. Tram #1A to Perämiehenkatu. Entry €19/2hr.
Drinking and nightlife
Wednesday is a popular night for going out, while on Friday and Saturday it’s best to arrive as early as possible to get a seat. There are occasional free gigs on summer Sundays in Kaivopuisto Park, south of the centre. There’s also a wide range of clubs and discos, which charge a small admission fee (€5–10). For details of what’s on, read the back page of the culture section of Helsingin Sanomat, or the free fortnightly English-language paper City, found in record shops, bookshops and tourist offices.