Juho Kusti Paasikivi (1870-1956) was elected president of Finland in 1946 after serving as the…read morecountry's second Prime Minister and as Chairman of the Senate of Finland. He was the seventh President and served until his passing in 1956. According to articles, he is remembered as a main architect of Finland's foreign policy after the Second World War. I found the monument just outside the Kampin metroasema in the large plaza. The monument comprises two black granite stones and a pedestal in which Paasikivi's famous utterance "Acknowledging the truth is the beginning of wisdom" ("Tosiasioiden tunnustaminen on viisauden alku") has been inscribed. The sculpture's height is 5.5 metres and it weighs 40,000 kilos. "East and West" derives its aesthetic force from the massive stones which have been polished and shaped to give an appearance of lightness. [Review 10056 overall, 1641 of 2018.]

A naked girl with a spear, this is art! Actually, the bronze sculpture is quite well formed and the…read morewoman throwing the spear means business. Tellervo is the daughter of Tapio, who is the god of the forest and the protector of cattle in Finnish mythology. She's been here since 1929 and she still looks great! [Review 10096 overall, 1682 of 2018.]

This area is a shopping area...but it has a great view of the transportation system, beautiful…read morearchitecture, and yummy little cafes to pick from. It's a busy area...so be on your guard for pickpockets. It's still a great place to take pics and see Finland!!!

In the heart of Helsinki this mall has everything. You can find stores, restaurants, groceries, the…read morebus station within it's walls. I love staying at scandic simonkentta because the elevators lead into kamppi and it's a great place to shop or eat. You have coffee shops, restaurants. Bookstores, luggage stores, grocery stores, department store, clothing stores, bars. Happy yelping mi amigos!

Sunday market: prices high, but haggle-friendly…read more Also, let the record show: POLITE hagglers. I watched Finns use the style of "would you consider accepting?" English not all-pervasive, so can be tricky but - scored some vintage candleholders! Yelp note: bring cash.

This is a must-do in Helsinki especially if the weather is nice. We ate breakfast (delicious rice…read moreporridge and meat pies) sat in the sun and listened to polka music played on an accordion. A lovely experience. The market itself is fairly small, but in the summer includes both indoor and outdoor vendors of all varieties from crafts to antiques, baked goods, meats and farm fresh produce. It took us about an hour or so to eat breakfast and walk around. Worth checking out. Much less touristy than the South Harbor market square at the end of the esplanade.

This bronze statue of Zachris Topelius (1818-1898) has the author sitting on a bench and surrounded…read moreby a group of cheerful children who appear eager to learn from the storyteller. Topelius was one of the earliest Finnish novelists. The theme of his stories was the long-standing power struggle of nobility and peasants which promoted the freedom of society. As well, he was a journalist, writing a lot about women and children. [Review 10090 overall, 1676 of 2018.]