Helsinki, the capital of Helsinki has a quaint feel to it, even though it has slowly grown into becoming one of the preferred destinations in Europe for travel. The market square with all its bustle and activity has a small town appearance, flanked as it is by many historical buildings.

Take for one the beautiful weather in summer. The best time to visit Helsinki is between the months of June and September. The weather is mild, the breeze from the Baltic Sea and Gulf Stream, combined with the soaring seagulls make Helsinki a perfect place to rejuvenate.

During these months, Helsinki has an air of festivity, as the markets are transformed into a riot of colors and people. The cafes throw open their doors for brisk business and one can enjoy berries with cream, while sitting on one of the many quaint sidewalk bistros.

August is the time when most of the art & culture festivals take place in Helsinki, and if you are an aficionado, make sure you plan your trip around this time.

Helsinki is an amazing blend of modernity and the old world. The city boasts of wide avenues, clean roads and sparkling buildings which hearken back to the eras gone by. While taking a walk around town you will encounter a variety of architecture, from Gothic to art deco, from 19th Century classical style to the swanky contemporary architecture.

Though the palette is wide, it is all pleasing to the eye, because they don’t intrude upon each other’s style. And the greenery in Helsinki is something to write home about. The city is embellished with green patches, and wide parks – and you might even spot an elk or two in the parks if you are lucky.

These rolling greens are peppered with hares, squirrels, pheasants; swaying trees and blooming flowers only add to the beauty of the parks. The City Winter Garden is an excellent option for you to explore.

Amongst the chief attractions in Helsinki, Soumennlina Fort ranks amongst the top five. Built in the 18th Century, under the ruling Swedish Government, the Soumenlinna Fort is a historical military monument, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site a few years ago. The barracks which have been renovated, house about 900 Finns who live on this island fortress.

The fort complex today boasts of seven museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes, apart from the beaches and parks. The fort is also a preferred destination for performances, including jazz recitals and theatrical shows, especially during summer.

Located on an island, just off the Helsinki Harbor, the fort has one of the biggest dry docks in the world, akin to which can be compared only to the one in Gibraltar.

If you want to take a look at the churches and cathedrals, head to the Uspenski Cathedral and the Temppeliaukio Church. The Uspenski Cathedral is a throwback to the days when the Russians ruled Helsinki.

This red-brick Byzantine monument, with the classical Russian onion dome was designed by Aleksei Gurnostayev of St. Petersburg in the late 19th Century. Located atop the rock-strewn landscape of the Katajanokka Peninsula, the building is fronted by a statue of Tsar Alexander II.

Make a trip to this Cathedral if you want to experience the Russian influence on the Finn history. The Temppeliaukio Church in contrast is a masterpiece of modern architecture, built by brothers Timo and Tuamo Suomalainen as late as 1969. Hewn from a mass of granite, the Church is also known as ‘Church in the rock’.

The rock walls of the church are shielded by a massive concave copper ceiling, which lends a great acoustic quality to the church. The Temppeliaukio Church is a preferred venue for musical performances for this very reason.

The Helsinki Marketplace is the heart of the city, which pulsates with activity and acts as a meeting point for residents and visitors alike. Surrounded by building old and new on one side, and the sea on the other, the Helsinki Marketplace is truly where all the action is. The City Hall, the Swedish Embassy and the Presidential Palace are all located here, amidst the crisscrossing lanes of trams and waterbuses.

The Marketplace is an amazing place to indulge in some people watching; watch the farmers and vendors display and sell their wares, or be a witness to the change of guards at the Palace. No matter what time of the day, no matter what the season, you will always find this market square brimming with people going about their business.

Helsinki is also known for its myriad museums, and while on a visit here do not miss an opportunity to explore these sites. The National Museum of Helsinki, the Ateneum or the National Gallery of Art, Sports Museum of Helsinki, Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mannerheim Museum are all popular places to visit in Helsinki. However, one museum that stands out because of its sheer uniqueness is the Seurasaari Open Air Museum.

Located on a lush island in the centre of Helsinki, this museum transports the visitors back to the rural Finnish life between the 18th and 20th centuries. The museum has 86 painstakingly well preserved cottages, parsonages, churches, manors and old buildings, which have been arranged in a way to mirror the life of a country district. All you need to do is cross a footbridge connecting the mainland to the island, to be a part of the rural history of Helsinki.

The Senaatintori or the Senate Square is regarded as the official centre of Helsinki city, and is flanked by a number of old buildings which are well known for their neo-classical architecture. The square was designed by Charles Ludwig Engelberg, the German designer, and the most prominent of his creations in the square is the Lutheran Cathedral, which is open to public daily free of charge.

Other prominent buildings that Engelberg designed are Palace of the Council of State dating back to 1822 and the University buildings, including Engelberg’s masterpiece, the Library.

The sights and sounds of Helsinki can be experienced in a variety of ways. You could take a tour around the city with English and Swedish speaking Guide; or opt for the audio city tour with commentaries in 12 different languages.

These tours are available all year round on a daily basis. However, if you would like to discover Helsinki on your own time and at your own pace – walking or biking are the best options.