It's one of Finland's most famous art nouveau buildings, designed by Eliel Saarinen and opened in 1919. Nowadays, the Helsinki Central railway station is used by approximately 200,000 passengers daily, making it Finland's most-visited building.

The iconic station is covered with Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues, the "Lantern carriers" by sculptor Emil Wikström, holding the spherical lamps on both sides of the main entrance.

Serving as the terminus for both commuter and long-distance trains, it's a key spot for travelers hopping on and off trains in the capital region. There's a big mall right across the Central Station. On rainy and snowy days, you can take the underground corridor which takes you there directly.

Bonus tip: Take the train to Lapland (or any other place in Finland)

The train network in Finland is amazing. Although, still not many travellers know it, taking the train to Lapland is still one of the best transport options. Not only is it more sustainable, it's also incredibly fun and sometimes even cheaper than flying!

There's a special Santa Claus Express train which drives you directly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with just a couple of stops in between. You can opt for the night train (which saves you money on a hotel night), with private sleeping cabins - optional with your own toilet and shower. The cabins are very comfortable and clean.

There's a restaurant on board, they have a playing area for kids and even dog-friendly cabins. Trust me, it's a very fun way to travel long distances in Finland. I even saw the northern lights right from my cabin window once! Just make sure to book the train tickets upfront on the website of VR Finland.

This public library is a modern and vibrant hub for all things bookish and beyond. With its striking architecture blending glass, steel, and wood, Oodi offers a innovative spot to meet friends, dive into a good read, or get creative in their studios and Urban Workshop.

Whether you're looking to work, relax, or explore, Oodi's got you covered with a range of services and facilities available seven days a week. It's basically the coolest hangout spot for bookworms and creatives alike in Helsinki. They even have music studio's, game rooms, cooking classes and creative ateliers with 3D printers and sewing machines. There's a café and you can play a match of backgammon at one of the tables.

The books are sorted out by robots and everything feels very high-tech and innovative. I really like going here when I am in Helsinki. It's a nice place to relax, look around and hide on a rainy or snowy day.

This popular department store is known for its wide range of products, from fashion and cosmetic to home goods. Stockmann is like a one-stop shop where you can find everything you need, whether you're looking for trendy clothes or stylish home decor.

With its convenient location in the city centre and variety of brands, Stockmann is a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike, especially on a rainy or snowy day. They sell a mix of high-end brands and affordable international and Finnish products. There's really something within every price range.

On the ground floor they have a very nice bakery shop with sweets and pastries. They also sell the typical Finnish Runeberg Tarts.

Fazer is Finland's most famous chocolate brand and they have a few cafes in Helsinki. Café Kluuvikatu is one of the biggest locations in Helsinki and a prime spot to grab a delicious cup of coffee and some tasty pastries.

With it's big silver letters and light boxes on the facade, it almost looks like a vintage cinema from the outside. The café is beautiful inside as well and they sell a lot of Fazer treats. The coffee is excellent and with its central location and friendly staff, it's a great place to unwind and recharge while exploring the city.

With its stunning architecture, this library is not just a feast for the eyes, but also of cultural importance with over 3 million books and periodicals that document the country's heritage.

The National Library of Finland can be found in the heart of Helsinki, right next to the famous white Cathedral. It's a must visit for book lovers and history buffs! When you enter the building, it feels like you are stepping inside a Harry Potter movie.

I really enjoyed spending some time on my own here, flipping through all the books and admiring all the old details. Whether you're a bookworm or just appreciate beautiful buildings, this spot is definitely worth a visit!

With its symmetrical Greek cross layout and impressive dome tower surrounded by smaller domes, the cathedral stands out as a symbol of Finnish architectural beauty and religious significance.

The Helsinki Cathedral, also known as the Dom Church of Helsinki, is an iconic Lutheran church located in the heart of Helsinki on Senate Square. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in a neoclassical style, this church was built between 1830 and 1852 as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. It's definitely a must-see landmark if visit Helsinki.

With a variety of vendors offering delicious food and drinks, this is the perfect place to grab a bite while exploring Helsinki. The Old Market Hall is a charming spot where you can enjoy high-quality culinary delights in a historic setting right by the Market Square.

Whether you're in the mood for a coffee, a pastry, or a hearty meal, this market has something for everyone. They also sell very surprising local things, like wild bear meat in cans. Although I personally wouldn't recommend buying this, the market itself is a very nice place to try other local snacks and fresh sea food. It's not very big, so it's great for a quick stop in between seeing some sights.

This Greek Orthodox cathedral located in Helsinki was the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary).

The red Uspenski Cathedral was build between 1862-1868 and overlooks the city from the Katajanokka peninsula. It's known for its Russian Revival architecture and with half a million tourists visiting annually, it's a must-see attraction in Helsinki.

Located in the city center next to the Market Square, it's easy to hop on for a ride. SkyWheel Helsinki offers a fun way to experience the beauty of Helsinki from great heights. It's a fun activity for families with children, but as an adult you cant opt for the unique SkySauna and champagne rides. So why not take a spin and see Helsinki from a whole new angle?

Looking for a place in Helsinki to cool down in summer or heat up in the winter? Allas Sea Pool is the ultimate urban oasis in Helsinki! It's a unique place to swim and relax, with three outdoor pools, five indoor saunas and a sandy beach area.

All the pools are located outside, on a floating deck in the city harbour of Helsinki, that offers amazing views. They have a heated pool (25 meters), a sea water pool (11 meters) and a 17 meters long children’s pool.

The water is heated to 27°C (80.5°F) and the water in the sea water pool is pumped from cleaner currents farther away in the sea. The water is filtered for particles, as well as using UV technology, so it's save to swim.

The children’s pool is emptied during the winter season, but children are welcome all year round to the heated pool, if they are accompanied by an adult. Please keep in mind that you need to wear swimwear in the saunas.

My favorite restaurant in Helsinki and a must visit place during your stay. Even if it's just for a cup of coffee! Kappeli restaurant is a charming spot in Helsinki known for its beautiful setting and delicious food. With its prime location in the heart of the city, Kappeli offers a mix of traditional Finnish dishes and modern European cuisine.

The historic building and outdoor terrace make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists looking for a cozy dining experience with a touch of elegance. They have 3 beautiful private round seats by the window and if you manage to get a seat there, you never want to leave again.

I spend lots of time here during lunch time, gazing out of the window one a snowy day, making plans for my trip and watching the locals doing there every day things. They serve great coffee with sweet pastries and they have an excellent local dining menu. Although you might want to make a reservation if you are planning to eat here in the evening.