Best Helsinki Day Trips & Things to Do

One of Europe’s most dynamic capitals is this model of 19th-century city planning. Helsinki is defined by Art Nouveau buildings, spacious and elegant cafes, broad avenues and green parks. It’s also a waterfront wonderland whose bay is dotted with islands and coastline punctured by inlets. A must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site is Suomenlinna, the “fortress of Finland,” which is located on a cramped cluster of islands connected by bridges. The city’s Design Museum, which exhibits industrial, fashion and graphic design, should also be on any itinerary. In fact, Helsinki was voted the 2012 World Design Capital.