HELSINKI
FinlandIf Scandinavian capitals were siblings, Helsinki’s the one who went to art school, detests pop music and spends hours away in a cutting-edge studio. With a design scene that is one of the most eclectic you’ll find, its districts are bountiful of beautiful art-nouveau architecture, down to its intriguing backstreets. Enjoy the city’s foodie scene of hip eateries and great coffee, all the while strolling around the city to see why it’s won the City of Design by UNESCO.
History buffs should definitely visit the Suemonlinna, the ‘fortress of Finland.’ Set on a cluster of islands connected by bridges, the UNESCO World Heritage site was originally built in the mid-18th century. Explore a number of museums, bunkers and fortress walls; and why not the WWII submarine, too? With plenty of picnic spots to choose from, take in the brilliantly cool weather as your revel in all that history.
Suemenlinna 
Can there ~be~ more churches? Creatively done, each structure has a look that makes it unique from one another, standing through the tests of time to show us the history of the wonderful city. Head to the underground Temppeliaukio church (a.k.a. ‘The Rock Church’) for a spirituality-in-nature feel, or the Tuomiokirkko (a.k.a. Helsinki Cathedral) to see one of the greatest cathedrals in Europe. Be impressed by the orthodox Uspenski Cathedral, or the biggest Lutheran church of St John’s!
Sinebrychoff (Museum) If you’d like to concentrate exclusively on art made by European masters, be sure to make a point visiting the Sinebrychoff Art Museum. Formerly the home of a wealthy family from Russia with a profitable brewery business, the collection began when Paul Sinebrychoff married an actress who shared a passion for the arts. They amassed such an impressive collection of work under the prominent art dealer Henryk Bukowski and historian Osvald Siren, before the state inherited it all in 1921.
For those who would prefer a lesser-known island, head to Seurasaari and bask in all its tranquility. Connected by a bridge filled with historical Finnish houses, the picturesque green island is home to the Seurasaari Open Air Museum that depicts all one needs to know about customary Finnish lifestyle. Be sure to visit in the summer where it is at its best, not forgetting to attend the Midsummer Bonfire that’s lit just off the island.
Seurasaari After all the wandering you’ll be doing around the gorgeous city, be sure to replenish your energy at the @pauligkulma for its marvelously-sugary treats and its famous coffees. A coffee house, roaster and barista institute all-in-one, it is an interesting twist of origin coffees, raw cakes, and gluten-free sandwiches by Turku-based raw food café @purehero; all promising to be fair trade-certified and child-labor free by the end of 2018. Something more conventional? They’ve got croissants and cinnamon buns on offer, too!
Klaus K Hotel Inspired by Finland’s epic poem, Kalevala, the boutique hotel also offers brilliantly-designed bedrooms made up of four emotional themes: mystical, passion, desire and envy. Conveniently located in Central Helsinki, the striking interior design mixes with cozy and classy Scandinavian styles influenced by folklore inspiration, equipped with a unique dining scene and a stylish urban spa as well!
Opt for the new Sky Suites at Klaus K should you like a private terrace with views across the city, and live and breathe Helsinki for as your heart desires.
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