Ad Helsinki I happened to be there almost by chance, practically not knowing it at all, just because I was passing by a few days in Tallinn and proximity, complete with a connection in 2 hour ferry, was such that not even making a leap beyond the Gulf of Finland, my first approach to Scandinavia, would have been a real shame. A priori impression definitely confirmed by the facts!
In any case, whether you are already in Tallinn or you just want to go to Helsinki, the cheapest and fastest way to get there is always to go through the Estonian capital (flight from Bergamo with Ryanair; arriving in the evening suggests sleeping to Tallinn and take the ferry early in the morning if necessary).
Arriving by sea, you disembark at the south port terminal, west side quay, where it is very convenient to take the tram n ° 9, which with 2 euros (buy the ticket at the automatic cash desk under the shelter) leads straight to the central train station. Journey time 10 minutes, while on foot it would be half an hour, a walk that I feel I do not recommend because it crosses an area of ​​the city that is not very interesting, at least for those with time limits.
La railway station it is the nerve center of the city's public transport, connected by metro, tram, bus and of course trains. Looking at the main facade, the large one opens to its right piazza Rautatientori, with two important buildings: the Ateneum, which houses the art museum which is part of the Finnish National Gallery, and the National Theater, founded in 1872 and later inspired by the “national romantic” style.
Passing beyond the latter, you enter the Kaisaniemi park, where the walk is pleasant in the green, with the sighting here and there of squirrels, more attracted than frightened by passers-by, certainly in search of food. A good part of the park is covered by the university botanical garden, since 1828, among whose greenhouses are frequently set up temporary exhibitions related to the naturalistic world.
Returning southwards, up the uphill road, we see the symbolic monument of Helsinki, the Lutheran Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko). Neoclassical style building, it is architecturally completed by the staircase and the Piazza dei Senatori (Senaatintori). In the same square, the University (Yliopisto) completes one of the sides with its imposing facade.
Leaving the square in an easterly direction, in two steps you will reach the sea and one of the many ports of the city. Here the sailing boats dock, fascinating sailing ships that recreate an atmosphere a little of other times, definitely in contrast with the landing a little further south near the market square of the large cruise ships. To separate the two port areas, the peninsula dominated in an elevated position by the red Uspenskin Katedraali, Orthodox cathedral with a central plan dedicated to the Virgin Mary, from which you can enjoy a good view of the city.
Going down, you then come to Kauppatori market Square, where you can find several stalls selling mainly souvenirs and groceries. It might be a good idea to eat here if you want to save money and allow little time for lunch. Facing the sea, some of the most important buildings of the city (Presidential Palace, Town Hall, City Museum) and the tourist office. From here start the two large avenues that make up the Esplanadi (for the Finns simply "Espa”), Which enclose a long urban park-garden frequented especially in summer for picnics and outdoor activities, while remaining in the absolute city center. The Esplanades are also the shopping streets, dominated by department stores, including the historic Stockmann, the largest in northern Europe.
Returning to the central station, you pass through a whole series of department stores and administrative buildings of companies such as the national pride Nokia, together with some bars and fast food places where you can eat (if you have not already done so) without fainting. The tour may close at the central station, but it would be better to continue a little longer in the north-west area.
Passing the post office and the bus station, you reach the museum area with the Kiasma, new museum of contemporary art, the Musiikkitalo, center of music, the Finlandia Hall, concert hall and conference center, and the National Museum. In a short time there will be no way to visit everything, but it is worthwhile, even for the less experienced, to visit the area to appreciate the interesting architectural ideas. Near the Parliament, on the other side of the main road, we can find the Art Gallery (Taidehalli) and the Museum of Natural History (Luonnontieteellinen Museum).
From here, it is absolutely essential to continue the walk towards the very particular Temppeliaukion Kirkko, a church carved into the rock, which gives the desired atmosphere of recollection well from the entrance. It is also possible to climb the hill / roof above to take a tour from above.
Then it is definitely time to return, even a little tired, to the central station, perhaps passing through the shopping area and some small shop for a souvenir of the city. Taking the tram n ° 9, with very frequent runs, we will return very comfortably to the naval terminal, where the ferry to Tallinn will be waiting for us. Or we will stop a few more days in Helsinki to learn more about what aroused the greatest interest in the quick visit just described.
