The town was founded by Swedes in the 1500s, ravaged by the plague in the 1700s, became an independent country and hub of technology in the 1900s.

Nav:

Lots to see and do. Take in a sauna (it’s wildly popular). Take a boat ride, or two.

Old Market Hall
Mostly restaurants, some specialty grocers, and a liquor store.
Take a cruise. Much of the city is best seen from the water.
An icebreaker ship…this is how goods are kept moving in and out in the winter.
Savoy restaurant
Esplanadi…shops and restaurants along the promenade.
Uspenski Cathedral
Helsinki Cathedral
Sibelius Park
Take a trip to Estonia. It was a surprisingly pleasant journey.
The ferry to Tallinn is a mini cruise ship
Restaurants, bars, and shops all onboard.

Nosh:

Fresh fruit, veggies, and seafood are found across town and in the market stalls outside near Old Market Hall.

All the berries. Some are sweet, some bitter. All are fresh and healthy.
Lox with roe on toast. The whipped avocado was a weird texture but tasted good.
Salmon Soup at Seafood Bar in Old Market Hall. Seconds please.

Nip:

The Long Drink, just becoming popular in the USA, was created here for the 1952 Olympic Games. It’s in cans and on draft at bars.

Up To No Good Imperial Pils and Meridian IPA at Helsinki Bryggeri
The lonkero…aka the long drink