Helsinki Sightseeing
The central hub of Helsinki is around the bustling sea-front Kauppatori (Market Square). Here, locals gather to lunch, shop for fresh fish and vegetables and buy produce from the market stalls. From here 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, the Hotel Torni , from where it is easy 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 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, 00100 Helsinki
Tel: (09) 169 3757. Fax: (09) 169 3839.
E-mail: tourist.info@hel.fi
Website: www.hel.fi/tourism
Opening hours: May-Sep Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat and Sun 0900-1500; Oct-Apr Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Sat 0900-1500.
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 benefits at restaurants, theatres, concerts and the opera, as well as gifts at department stores. The Helsinki Card is valid for one day (FIM130), two days (FIM165) or three days (FIM195). The card can be bought from the City Tourist Office, the Hotel Booking Centre, travel agencies and hotels.
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