A Perfect Day In Helsinki

9.00am

Helsinki Cathedral

After feasting on a Finnish breakfast at your hotel, head straight for the neoclassical Kruununhaka district. In the morning light, before the crowds descend, the startling white cathedral floats above Senate Square like a dream.

10.00am

Havis Amanda

Wander down Unioninkatu to have a gander at the city’s sauciest mermaid. Next, stop at the orange tents on the Market Square for a fortifying slug of coffee before admiring the many stalls, tumbling with fresh produce.

11.00am

Archipelago tour

Helsinki is a city of the sea. The Royal Line boat tour threads between the archipelago islands, offering stunning views of Suomenlinna Fortress and a whole new perspective on the city.

1.00pm

Lunch in Esplanadi Park

Back on dry land, head for lunch at the 140-year-old Restaurant Kappeli (for more information, click here), in prime position on tree-lined Eteläesplanadi. A favourite of Sibelius’s, the restaurant has one of the biggest terraces in the city, perfect for people-watching and listening to live music on the nearby summer stage.

2.00pm

Walk up Mannerheimintie

Stroll through the park to the beginning of Mannerheimintie. This is Helsinki’s longest street: on the left-hand side are venerable institutions such as the Parliament Building and the National Museum; while on the right are the modern Kiasma and Musikkitalo. Stop at Finlandia Hall to admire the work of Alvar Aalto, one of Finland’s greatest architects, before taking a pleasant walk across Hesperia Park to the Olympic Stadium.

4.00pm

Olympic Stadium Tower

Although the Olympics were held here over 60 years ago, walking into the stadium will still give you goosebumps. However, the highlight of a visit is a clanking lift ride up the tower for fabulous views of Helsinki and its archipelago backdrop.

5.00pm

Sauna

Catch tram No. 8 (Arabia direction) along Helsinginkatu, and prepare yourself for a quintessentially Finnish experience. Kotiharjun, dating back to 1928, is a rustic wood-burning sauna where you can get to know the locals. Pace yourself with plenty of breaks and cold water. If you’re here on Tuesday, Friday or Saturday, be brave and get a scrub from the traditional washing-woman.

6.30pm

Sámi Dining

The metro from Sörnäinen will whisk you back to the centre in 10 minutes, hopefully with an appetite. Lappi Ravintola (for more information, click here), a cosy wooden affair on Annankatu, can supply a taste of the wild north, with dishes of reindeer, wild mushroom, and Lappish cheese served with cloudberry jam.

8.00pm

Death metal?

Helsinki’s operas and orchestras take a well-deserved rest over the summer, but the city is full of music. Bar Bäkkäri is a rock/metal bar with a fantastic atmosphere; if that’s not to your liking, you’re guaranteed a good time at the Happy Jazz Club Storyville, with live music every night in summer.