The Finnish capital of Helsinki offers so much more than a whistle-stop tour, writes Michelle Tchea Capital cities are not always the most exciting places to visit and port cities can be very touristy. Helsinki is both of these and to the unassuming traveller who jumps off one of the large cruise ships docked on the harbour of the Finnish capital, it can be just another European city with beautiful views of the Baltic sea offering nice walks on cobblestone-lined streets. But there is so much more to Helsinki than a quick, albeit touristy tour of the city looking at souvenirs in the market square, taking photos in front of the iconic Helsinki Cathedral in Sensate Square and shopping along the Esplanade Park where luxury retail giants like Louis Vuitton sit.
READ MORE: Finland is the happiest country in the world Often overlooked when compared to other big Nordic cities like Reykjavik, Copenhagen and the ever-so-cool and sustainable Gothenburg in Sweden , Helsinki offers foodies, art lovers, culture-seekers and even adrenaline-junkies a lot to do. There’s more than a dozen art museums all within walking distance of each other with a rotating list of exhibitions that cater to both contemporary and historical art lovers; a booming food scene with a brigade of young chefs ready to promote Finnish cuisine and food culture to rival its Nordic neighbours; and easy day tours that take city-dwellers out to nearby lakes, forests and ski resorts for travellers who want to do more than .