Helsinki is an architecture and design wonderland and the city’s many buildings and landmarks illustrate the clear and resident friendly city planning. Senate Square is home to a handful of prime attractions, while the Rock Church is a unique and progressive place of worship. The Maritime Fortress and Vesikko Submarine showcase Helsinki’s intrinsic links with the sea.

Lutheran Cathedral
Also known as Suurkirkko or St Nicholas church, the cathedral is Helsinki’s most significant landmark. The stately outline of its central tower exemplifies the true splendour of the White City of the North. The cathedral features a high-ceilinged crypt, an exhibition and concert venue and a café open daily in summer. Phone: +358 9 709 2455

Rock Church
One of the highlights of modern Helsinki architecture, the design of Temppeliaukion Kirkko was at first the subject of much controversy, as it involved a huge, gaping hole in the granite outcrop covered with a bowl-shaped roof. There aren’t any ornaments, altar or belfry. Around 500,000 visitors come to see this church annually and criticism has completely faded away. The stone walls and metal ceiling exude a feeling of warmth and sanctuary. The temple also serves as an excellent venue for musical events; the superb acoustics attract many of the world’s leading organists.
Phone: +358 9 494 698

Sea Life Helsinki
Sea Life takes you on a journey from the tropical oceans to the Arctic Sea, putting in a stop at the Baltic Sea on the way. Explore strange and enthralling underwater worlds, where crabs, starfish, sharks and rays live. The ocean tank boasts a transparent tunnel, allowing visitors to walk through it. The displays present numerous species whose environments are under threat from pollution and other ecological damage caused by humans. Phone: +358 9 565 8200; website: www.sealife.fi

Senate Square
The Senate Square and its environs create a unique and cohesive illustration of neoclassical architecture. Four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel dominate the square: The Helsinki Cathedral, the main building of the University of Helsinki, the Government Palace and the National Library of Finland. The Sederholm House is the oldest stone building in Helsinki, located on the square’s southeast corner.

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress
This fortress is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. It was built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands at the mouth of Helsinki’s harbour. It is a particularly interesting example of European military architecture of the time. A Visitor Centre and the Sveaborg Experience multi-vision show are housed in the former naval stores. Phone: +358 9 684 1850; website: www.suomenlinna.fi

Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral
Located in the Katajanokka district of Helsinki, the Uspenski Cathedral was completed in 1868 and is the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. It was designed by Aleksei Gornostajev and was styled after an old church built in the 16th century near Moscow in Russia. Its golden cupolas and redbrick facade make the church one of the clearest representations of the Russian influence on Finnish history. Phone: +358 9 634 267

Vesikko Submarine
The 250-ton Vesikko submarine was constructed in Turku in 1933. The German Navy originally commissioned it, but the Finnish Navy got hold of it in 1936. Vesikko was in operation until the end of WWII; while other submarines were sold to scrap yards, Vesikko was spared owing to the 1947 Treaty of Paris. Guided tours can be arranged by appointment. A ferry departs for Suomenlinna from the Market Square. Phone: +358 9 1814 6238

Baking in a sauna is the time-honoured Finnish way to socialise and do something for your health at the same time. Don’t forget to cool off in the icy plunge pool afterwards.

Boat tours around the outlying islands are popular and range from hour-long teasers of Helsinki’s waterways to full-day excursions. All depart from Market Square and offer commentary, while some also provide lunch.

Go on a nature hike. A safe and convenient way to explore Finnish nature is with a guided tour. These are organised by companies such as Helsinki for You and Helsinki Expert. Free nature hikes within Helsinki are arranged by the Environment Centre.

Hit the beach for some much needed sun and frolic in the waters of the Baltic Sea. Some fine beaches can be found near the Maritime Fortress.

Learn the Tango, the melancholic dance that fits so well with the Finnish psyche. The long, dark winters make Finns prime candidates for depression and this has resulted in them embracing this southern dance to express their longings. Milongas are public dance venues where people tango all night.

Take a lift up to the top of Stadium Tower. From here you’ll get spectacular views over the city.

Stock up on Marimekko wares and visit the factory, located about 15 minutes outside the city, which has stunning old textile printing machines and outlet-shopping.