Been there | Helsinki Profile

Senate Square, Helsinki
Photo: Corbis

drollpseudonym

Helsinki can be tough to "get". If the weather isn't on your side and you haven't done your homework, it seems like a rather forlorn place on the edge of Europe. But it's worth the trouble. Finns are less reserved than you think, so get talking to people and they'll usually be happy to show you the ropes.

There's some excellent shopping, cool bars and superb food. The mix of buildings is a pretty unique blend of modern Nordic design, German Jugendstil/Art Nouveau influences and St Petersburg.

On a summer's day, it's a wonderful place to be: lots of outdoor bars and cafes as well as sandy beaches and islands to explore close to the city centre.

Bear in mind when planning a weekend break that idiosyncratic laws on opening hours may leave you with little to eat and even less to shop for on a Sunday, depending on the time of year.

* Want to add to this introduction? Email been.there@guardian.co.uk

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