Helsinki, the Capital of Finland, is nicknamed the White City of the North. We arrived in pouring rain but left in bright sunshine.
It is situated on a penisula in the Gulf of Finland and, like the weather, it is a city of contrasts.
Wide streets and green parks, a bustling harbour, roadworks, which does impede travel.
Shopaholics can indulge with shopping in big and small stores, in modern malls and department stores with world-renowned retail brands, including Louis Vitton and even Marks & Spencer.
The harbour area, with a tented village selling food, fruit and crafts, is a mecca and it is also where local sightseeing cruise boats leave from.
However, if you want to chill then you can do that in Helskini, selected as the World Design Capital for 2012.
The people we met were helpful. Many also speak excellent English so getting around is not an issue.
Popular sights include the Senate Square, Market Square, Sibelius Park, named after the composer and his munument is constructed using 600 steel pipes.
When we were there, the stadium which housed the 1952 Olympic Games is closed for renovation.
How to get around:
Helsinki City Card:
For 39E (child free 0-12 years with an adult) you can indulge yourself for 48 hours with a freee sightseeing tour, free entry to museums and to sights, free travel on public transport and a free guide book in five languages plus discounts.
Hop-on, hop-off:
This covers 20 stops and they run every 20 minutes from The Senate Square near the harbour (May to September). The cost for 24hr is 30E.
Boat trips:
They claim to show guests the best of Helsinki from the sea in 1.5hrs taking in the Suomenlinna sea fortress, the shores of the old city, historic buildings, churches, harbours and villas. Costs vary but are around 23E.
One carrier is Royal Line : www.royalline.fi
Kyak sightseeing
A daily, three-hour paddling tour takes you to the archipelago of Helsinki and is 69E a person including transport to the start point.
Tours are suitable for beginners and experts and rainproof gear is provided. Wind is said not to be a problem. You can also rent a kyak for a minimum of two hours. You can also rent a fatbike (price 50E).
Dining cruises:
Menus are created by top chef Michael Bjorklund who has achieved success in the Bocuse d'Or competition.
Management prefer to serve organic, local food and sustainably-sourced fish. Packages including a jazz dinner with top Finnish artists. Menus start from 36.50E plus the cruise ticket of 24E.
Children:
A special city map for children is available at the tourist information office at Pohjoiseplanadi 19, near the market square and quayside.
Rock church:
This is the most unique church in Finland and is built into bedrock near the city centre. Entry is 3E.
Museums:
Helsinki City Museum is at the heart of the city's historic quarter and there stories of the city and its people are chronicles www.helsinkicitymuseum.fi National Museum of Finland: this museum shows how Finland has developed from medieval times. Open daily expect Monday.
Tram museum:
Take a seat in one of the old trams and experience the history of the Helsinki by watching old films.
Cafe culture:
It is strong in Helsinki. We visited Kappeli, seconds from the harbour and which is nearby an open-air venue for concerts.
The goulash soup - with a touch of cream - was mouth-watering and popular (9E) and there is wi-fi. My fruit tea was refreshingly different and it is a pleasant place to linger and chat. Newspapers are provided.
Amusement park:
Linnanmaki is Finland's oldest and offers traditional attractions and modern rides. Entrance is free. Daily until September 3.
Flytour XD:
This is a 4D ride and shows helsinki in ten minutes.
Poorvoo:
It is Finland's second oldest town. It is a popular artists centre with cobbled streets lined with colourful wooden houses and handicrft shops. A street called Valikatu is rated among the 20 most beautiful in the world.
Suomenlinna:
A UNSCO World Heritage site of a series of small, interconnected islands and one of Finland's most popular attractions.
Korkeasaari Zoo:
Home to 100 animal species and located on an island.
Tropicario:
Experience the world of snakes and lizards and the park specialises in breeding rare species such as constrictors.
Fishing:
A number of campanies can assist in arranging trips to lakes in rivers within 100 kilometers of Helsinki.
They fish mainly from six-meter boats(four or five anglers) for pike, perch and trout plus salmon and the package includes equipment, permits and suitable cothing.