Helsinki is the capital of Finland and the largest city in the country. It is a very maritime city and is popularly called the daughter of the Baltic. The Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 1975, Finland's membership in the European Union as of 1995 and The Summer Olympics in 1952 are landmarks on the road to internationalisation. It was also one of the nine European Cities of Culture in the year 2000. It is built on the islands and is frequently called the city of the sea. The area which the city covers includes 315 islands.



Helsinki today is an archetypal 21st century city, as the 20th century progresses, Helsinki earns its place among the worlds metropolises.

Helsinki offers hundreds of tiny and unique boutiques, including original designer shops as well as major shopping centres.

The young people of Helsinki, call it the White City of the North, because it offers fast paced action, top design metal beat, high tech, and a bar culture.

Nightlife is centrally located around Eerikinkatu and Uudenmaankatu and bar hopping is easily done on foot as every thing is close by. The Helsinkilaiset are relaxed about their dress code. Visitors will feel at ease in anything from jeans to eveningwear, depending on the venue. Helsinki seems to specialise in the bar come restaurant the later crowd to party and the early shift comes to dine. Most bars stay open until about 0300 in the summer, while hours vary in the winter. Discos or nightclubs generally close about 0400.

The amusement park Linnanmaki has entertained families since 1950. The amusement park has an enormous selection of fun rides, from more easy going to ultra scary. The special wooden roller coaster remains the most popular ride and is over 50-years-old. Linnanmaki also has an outdoor stage presenting entertaining performances and many arcade halls with the latest games as well as

The Senate Square and its surroundings form a unique and cohesive example of Neoclassical architecture. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852. The Government Palace, Helsinki Cathedral, the National Library of Finland and the main building of the University of Helsinki. Helsinki Cathedral is the Finlands most famous and photographed building; it celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2002. The oldest stone building in Helsinki is the Sederholm House located on the southeast corner of the square. The main building of the City Museum can be found on the Sofiankatu museum street.