June 2012. The burly…read morelady working at the cafe at the Toy Museum doesn't look like the type who'd have much use for a toy unless it's to beat you unconscious with one. I order a slice of rhubarb pie with whipped cream. It's a really good piece of pie. They also sell a chocolate lava cake and an elegant tomato and spinach quiche. I ask the lady where they get their baked goods. She looks confused by my question. "We bake them. In the back," she says. "You make all this stuff?" I stammer. "From scratch?" "Yes," the lady says with a what's-the-big-deal kind of shrug. I want to tell her that I come from a country that dabbles in the black magic of eternal moistness, and that has figured out the science of making petroleum products taste like fresh strawberries. A country where a snack shop in a little out-of-the-way museum wouldn't bake its own baked goods. Instead, they'd come vacuum-sealed in little plastic baggies trucked in from a faraway industrial kitchen and they'd be stamped with expiration dates in the remote future. But I just say thanks, the pie is really good. On the way to the Toy Museum, S and I noticed a tunnel. We hadn't noticed it before because it's usually hidden behind an unremarkable garage door. But today, the door was open and we could see it: a one-lane paved road lit up by fluorescent lights that plunges into the bowels of the earth. I ask the lady at the Toy Museum about it. "Oh, that. I don't know the word in English." She goes in the back and confers with her colleague, who pulls out a little Finnish-English dictionary. "It's a shelter. You know, for when they drop the bombs." At first, I wonder if something is getting lost in translation. I mean, who would drop bombs on the Toy Museum? But it's a naive question. Finland may currently be peaceful and independent, but given the history of this country, there are no guarantees.

Suomenlinna, one of the most popular attractions of Helsinki, is very shy in promoting it's hidden…read moreservices. This tiny cafe close to the sea has a cozy terrace with sunshine (half the day) and a good tea selection plus cakes. Didn't visit the museum so can't comment on that...

Ateneum gives a very good overview about Finnish and European art in 1800s and 1900s. The place…read morehouses some of the most important oil paintings of national artists. The cost is well in par with the historic value the expos provide.

Fantastic museum in a lovely historic building. The Kallela and Klimt collections are worth this…read morevisit alone. Helpful staff, worthwhile value of time and money.

Great free museum. Most sections has description English least, some is Finnish only. This place is…read morehidden gem that when you visit here, perhaps you are only your frends that visited here. Tampere has same kind museums like this, Spy museum and Police museum. Suomenlinna has Also museum submarine Vesikko, adr: Susisaari / Tykistölahti.

Only part of the museum was open due to installation of a new exhibit, but we still found plenty to…read moreenjoy. There is extensive information on architectural design changes throughout the history of Helsinki which we found very interesting especially as the exhibits were arranged in the context of geopolitical events. We also enjoyed the furniture, kitchen and fashion exhibits.

Neat museum, definitely worth a visit if you have an interest in modern design. I enjoyed learning…read moreabout Finnish design in all it's various forms, from furniture (the ball chair!) to video games to jewelry that was worn in Star Wars. The museum isn't too big, so it's very easy to see everything in around one to two hours. There were even some interactive exhibits that were fun. This museum might not be your cup of tea if you aren't a fan of more contemporary art, but I found it very interesting!

Super cool museum smack downtown (I think). It's in the square by the cathedral and was a great…read morespot to both wind down and get some energy out on a long sunny day, and an even better place to hunker down when it was a rainy day later in the week. Our primary purpose was the kids area as we had three kiddos that desperately needed some play and imagination time after walking the city for some time. They've got a whole section for the kiddos with lots of stuff to jump around and climb on, an old kitchen where play food lives and a small stage where they can put on puppet shows. There's another area where they house classic toys - sort of a tease to have them displayed but not let the kids play with them, but they're fun to look at! Entry was free and there appeared to be plenty of other stuff to check out throughout the place. Stroller parking is outside but easily seen from the kids area and there's a coffee shop right off the main entryway. There's really no reason to not be checking this place out, especially if the kiddos are in tow!

If you're looking for the city museum, this is it. The entrance is always free and it features…read morerotating exhibitions having to do with Helsinki. On my visit, I saw "Mad About Helsinki," which was about places in the city that people have always had a connection with, and explanations about what makes them special or relevant even today. It was interesting to find out about places that no longer exist (such as the mermaid tanks) as well as spots that remain favorites to this day (like Cafe Regatta). In addition to two floors of this exhibition, there was also a room featuring photography from the city during the early 20th century. All in all, it took less than an hour to see everything, and it was nice to have some added context. if you're going to be in town for more than a few days, it's worth checking the museum out.

This is the most adorable art museum in Helsinki. Just the perfect size, not too much nor little…read morebut just enough for a fulfilling esthetics experience. They have wonderful changing exhibitions and a lovely basic exhibition of the family's collection who formerly lived there. Amazing atmosphere, easy to reach on foot or by tram, clise to the ocean and parks and a great South Park restaurant which offers a lovely brunch during the weekends. Always friendly and knowledgeable staff. A must see in Helsinki! And great value with the museum card!

The Vesikko is a World War 2 submarine that's permanently docked at Suomenlinna. During the war,…read moreFinland had five subs but when the war ended, they sold four of them to Russia to raise some cash. The Vesikko is the last of the subs. Nowadays, you can take a tour of it. Inside, it's predictably cramped, but tidy and thoughtfully designed, the way things are in Finland. The docent tells us that while the Russians and the Germans would cruise around the open ocean in their submarines looking for trouble, the Finns were much more careful, which is probably why the submarine survived the war and Finland did, too. I get the idea that being careful is a guiding principle for Finland. Perched way up north with Europe on one side and Russia on the other, it's a country that's made an art of being careful.

Wonderful art museum in downtown Helsinki. They oftentimes have the most amazing exhibitions from…read moreacross the world. Most genuine and inspiring exhibitions. Lovely atmosphere and great staff. Note that you don't need to buy a ticket in advance, it's always possible to get a ticket from the door, however sometimes there's a long line.