Being in this northern European capital city for such a short time, I give myself free reign to walk around and enjoy everything. With no pre-conceived ideas or plans, anything is on the menu. After a not so hearty hotel breakfast I decide to begin my day at the beach, park and marina. Helsinki day 2, what to see and do that you won’t want to miss.
Ursinin Kallio
Walking in the opposite direction of the city centre this morning, I head for the coast and find a park. The grass is so green it almost hurts my eyes and I can’t resist walking barefoot. There is a large concrete memorial to seafarers who lost their lives, that is striking against the otherwise serene environment. The large flat stones near the water warm my bare toes as I watch the ducks feed down below in the water.
A small beach close by, really only just a short walk across some boulders, is where the swimming club meets. This is a city beach, nothing fancy but locals are out taking full advantage of this sunshine and going for a swim in the cold greenish water.
I walk down the coastline a little way and pass an old fisherman’s hut, several beach bars and a larger club with a magnificent wooden sauna. This is the perfect place to begin my day, get my bearings and set off back into the city for more.
Jugge
As I am wandering aimlessly down streets heading for the centre, I pass a park and what do I see? Jugge! I have seen this place on Tiktok and there doesn’t happen to be much of a line. What the heck, I’ll have a little cheeky treat. 🤭 Joining the queue, it is less than 10 minutes before its my turn to order. A soft swirl yogurt topped with nectarines, Daim and salted caramel sauce is my pick. Cost is €6.80, shocking I know, but it is Helsinki after all where everything is costly.
A table is vacant under a tall tree and I sit to enjoy my little cup of goodness that seems to be empty all too quickly. Oh well, my waistline didn’t need more than that anyways.
Esplanade Park
Back here again, at the most famous park in Finland, I find a seat outside at Kappeli. This huge restaurant is always packed and is the perfect spot to sit and relax and simply enjoy my surroundings. Up at the bar I choose an iced cold Finnish beer and return to my seat in the shade. On a stage across the way are singers just finishing a traditional folk music set. There are so many people out and about and this is the perfect opportunity to people watch, eavesdrop and let down my shoulders.
Sinebrychoff Art Museum
I have found another free place to enter and it’s the Sinebrychoff Art Museum. Having picked up my backpack from the hotel, I’m now heading for the new ferry terminal and it is quite a walk from the city. Yes, I could take a tram, but what fun is that? This museum is filled with old European art and forms part of the Finnish National Gallery. The exhibition space costs €13 to enter however that is not what I have come for. You see this was also the exquisite home of Paul and Fanny Sinebrychoff and this is what is free to explore.
Bequeathed in 1921, the house remains virtually unchanged and is filled with the most beautiful old antique furniture, décor and art. One room in particular holds a fascinating collection of miniatures that Paul compiled. There are hundreds of them and they are exquisite in detail and subject matter.
Industrial Port
Now that I have left that part of the city, I have to walk past the industrial port in order to reach the ferry terminals. Here I find an old fishing boat and a navy ship turned café as well as a vibrant area where locals are out enjoying the sun.
Bad Bad Boy
One statue in particular I was hoping to see while in Helsinki and would you guess my luck? I walk right past him now! This is Bad Bad Boy and I don’t think I need to elaborate on why he received that name. 😂
Made it to the new ferry terminals where Tallink Silja departs from. I am heading back to Tallinn to continue my stay in that incredible city. Helsinki has been nothing short of fantastic, not at all boring like I had heard repeatedly. I don’t think I would enjoy the city nearly as much under grey skies, and most definitely not in the dark and freezing dead of winter, but on a sunny day? Its pure magic.
