Helsinki
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Helsinki, despite its status as a capital and world-renowned political summit centre, is actually quite a small city. For a tourist this is ideal, as nothing is too far from anything. For example: the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, in the center of the city, is a five-minute walk away from the Finnish National Museum. Then again, if you walk in the other direction you are not far from a number of restaurants, clubs and cinemas. Furthermore, if you are not of the walking kind, you are quite likely to find a tram that goes in your direction, and taking a tram is definitely an experience.
Art
Helsinki has countless museums and should be able to satisfy both the most particular and the most demanding art lover. For a look at contemporary art, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art will be an interesting place to start. Then again, if you have your sights set on something less avant-garde, more in the line of fine art, The Museum of Finnish Art, Ateneum might be a better place to start with its work by artists ranging from Auguste Rodin to Akseli Gallen-Kallela and more. There is a multitude of galleries in Helsinki, especially in the Uudenmaankatu area.
Cinema
The recently opened Tennispalatsi has 14 screens, including Finland's largest screen, with a surface area of 176 square meters. Kinopalatsi, which has 10 screens, is the second biggest cinema complex in Helsinki. Besides these, there are of course many other smaller theatres and in most of them you will be able to see the most recent film releases.
For the movie-goer with a more refined taste there is Orion, run by the Finnish Film Archives, with older films and a continuously changing programme of themes ranging from Fritz Lang movies to Czechoslovakian animations.
In case you are looking for the slightly off-beat, but nonetheless want to see something more recent than what Orion has to offer, then Andorra might be the place to look.
Most films are shown in their original languages and have subtitles in Finnish and/or Swedish. Some children's movies may be dubbed into Finnish.
Theatre and dance
The Senate Square puppet theatre might be worth your while, being known for its high-quality productions.
When it comes to dance, Helsinki is surprisingly amply equipped, having everything from the renowned Helsinki City Theatre Dance Group to diverse Zodiak—productions at the Kaapelitehdas ("Cable Factory"). Not to mention the numerous independent dance productions that are put on continuously all over the city. Then there is of course the National Opera, where you can find anything from opera to ballet or more contemporary dance.
Music
For classical music, Sibelius Academy (one of the world's most famous music academies) organises a large number of concerts in various places over the year.
Jazz-lovers, on other hand, will probably find what they are looking for in Storyville, and if rock music is your thing, the best places to look for it might well be Tavastia or Semifinal.
This, of course, is not to say that the above-mentioned are the only places to look! In addition to these, all kinds of music, from classical to rock, can occasionally be found in surprising places ranging from still-functioning churches to small cafés, and often performed outdoors.
Clubs
Something to consider about the nightlife in Helsinki is the drinking age, which is not always clear. At the age of 24 you are guaranteed admission to all places. Below that, there are no guarantees. Many clubs and pubs demand proof that you are twenty, others permit those above the age of eighteen. A trendy area for young adults is the vicinity of the Helsinki-club. A popular party spot in this area is the disco at the Cumulus Hotel on Läntinen Braahenkatu. Josafat, as the place is called, is full of people under 19. The party ends at 3a here. Not many other discos are located in this area.
Amusement
For those so inclined there is also an amusement park in Helsinki, called Linnanmäki, literally meaning "Castle Hill", the park indeed being situated upon a hill. Here you will find bumper cars, slot machines, a roller coaster ride (the quite unique 100 year-old Vuoristorata), and open-air shows. This is also the place where the Peacock theater is located. Also worth a visit is the large Serena water park, not too far from the city.
Gambling
For those who enjoy gambling, there is Helsinki's only casino, Grand Casino Helsinki.
Festivals and events
Among the many yearly events worth taking note of in Helsinki, is the Night of the Arts (Taiteiden Yö), when art in its various forms can be experienced throughout the night in places ranging from Hesperia park to a telephone booth. The Night of the Arts has traditionally been held towards the end of August.
It is also definitely worth finding out about the Kaivopuisto concerts which are held in the summer, especially if you are fond of Finnish pop music.
Curiosities
The Suomenlinna fortress island with its many attractions (for instance the Doll and Toy Museum, the Vesikko Submarine, and the Summer Theatre) is a fascinating place to visit. It is lovely to spend a whole day there, picnicking and sunbathing as well as sightseeing. Getting there can be especially rewarding in the summer, when you can browse through the many stalls of the Market Square or take a look at the offerings in the cooler Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli), while waiting for the ferry to Suomenlinna.
Among many other sights worth seeing and not yet mentioned are the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum in an environment that is sure to appeal to the nature-lover, and the Heureka Science Centre, for the more scientifically-minded. Also of interest is the Kiseleff Bazaar with its many shops (one of the places to look for souvenirs and gifts to take home), having one of its entrances on Aleksanterinkatu, on the edge of the Senate Square.
