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.]

This statue along the esplanade is to Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the Finnish national poet (1804-1877)…read more Runeberg is depicted wearing a priest's coat. His right arm is resting on his chest with the thumb underneath the coat as if he is about to begin a speech. He was the author of the lyrics to Vårt land (Our Land) that became the Finnish National Anthem. He was also involved in the modernization of the Finnish Lutheran hymnal. It is worth noting that the granite pedestal has a statue of the Maiden of Finland, wrapped in a bearskin and in her left hand is holding a tabled with the words of the Finnish national anthem in Swedish. In her right hand, a laurel wreath. [Review 10071 overall, 1656 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.]

Hidden gem in very central, old Helsinki. Basic coffee and pastry, but the area is worth the visit…read more Located in an old, old hospital on a beautiful site that has been in a middle of controversy. Due to its prime location, developers have been eyeing the area to use for new construction projects. Luckily the history so far has been preserved and the area is developing while conserving the history and cultural values.

I walked past this statue a couple of times and it's definitely unusual. TItled "Äidinrakkaus /…read moreMaternal love", it consists of a mare and a foal which are cast in bronze. A little corroded since the installation in 1930, but still in decent condition. The mare's head is turned towards her foal, which expresses the maternal instinct towards her young. It's worth a stop if you're in the area but definitely not something to go out of your way to experience. [Review 10057 overall, 1642 of 2018.]

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 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!

Glims Farmstead Museum is a lovely place, especially in summer and Christmas time. It's mostly…read moreabout rural 19th century Finland but has also temporary exhibitions. In summertime they have different handicraft demonstrations and guidings almost every day and there are sheep and hen you can meet. It's nice to visit any time of the year, but November-December the main building has 19th century Christmas decorations and they tell about traditional Finnish Christmas. The personnel is extremely helpful and enthusiasted and know their stuff - ask them anything about their subject and they will answer! They have a nice museum shop, if you're searching for gifts. There is also a small and cosy cafe which has excellent pullas (sweet buns).