3 Best Sights in Helsinki, Finland

This large, shady, path-filled park close to the Baltic shoreline was once the site of a popular spa that drew people from St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and all of Scandinavia until its popularity faded during the Crimean War. All the spa structures were eventually destroyed (the main spa building was destroyed during World War II) except one, the Kaivohuone, now a popular bar-restaurant. From the Ursa Observatory at the top of the hill (a favorite local spot for winter sledding), sea views extend across the harbor entrance and islands including the Suomenlinna sea fortress. Across from the entrance to the Kaivohuone, take Kaivohuoneenrinne through the park past a grand Empire-style villa built by Albert Edelfelt, father of the famous Finnish painter who bore the same name. Built in 1839, it is the oldest preserved villa in the park. Many embassies—including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, and France—and diplomats' residences are located on the eastern side of the park, one of Helsinki's most beautiful residential areas.

Finnish design tradition is showcased in the Design Museum in the heart of Helsinki's Design District. The best of Finnish design can be seen here in displays of furnishings, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Changing exhibitions supplement the absorbing history of one of Finland's proudest traditions presented in the permanent displays and archives. The museum also houses a cozy café and shop with a good selection of design-related books and souvenirs.

In winter, Finns walk, ski, skate, and even cycle with dogs and even strollers across the frozen sea here to the nearby islands. Visitors should take local advice about where it is safe to do this, though. On the land side, the facades of the Eira and Kaivopuisto districts' grandest buildings form a parade of architectural splendor. One tradition that remains, even in this upscale neighborhood, is rug washing in the sea—an incredibly arduous task. You may be surprised to see people leave their rugs to dry in the sea air without fear of theft.