Sightseeing
Sightseeing Overview
The central hub of Helsinki is around the bustling seafront Kauppatori (Market Square). Here, locals gather to lunch, shop for fresh fish and vegetables and buy produce from the market stalls. From this point, the architectural heart of Helsinki, Senaatintori (Senate Square), is a five-minute walk away. The best overview of the city is from its tallest building, Hotel Torni, from where it is easy for one to see Helsinki’s most noted landmarks. These include Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall and Steven Holl’s arc of a building, Kiasma, the contemporary art gallery. A good way for tourists to get orientated and see the sights is to take tram 3T, which takes in most of the main attractions.
Tourist Information
City of Helsinki Tourist Office
Pohjoisesplanadi 19
Tel: (09) 169 3757. Fax: (09) 169 3839.
E-mail: tourist.info@hel.fi
Website: www.hel.fi/tourism
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat and Sun 0900-1800 (May-Sep); Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 1000-1600 (Oct-Apr).
Passes
The Helsinki Card entitles the tourist to free travel on the buses, trams, trains and metro. A discount on a sightseeing tour, free admittance to museums and other places of interest; special discounts at restaurants, theatres, concerts and the opera, as well as gifts at department stores are also offered. The pass is valid for one day at a cost of €24, two days at €34 or three days at €42. The Helsinki Card is available for purchase at the City of Helsinki Tourist Office, the Hotel Booking Centre, travel agencies and hotels.
|
