How to spend top weekend in Helsinki - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

The large market that works every weekend on the central square of Helsinki is well-known beyond the borders of the city. However, the old roofed market of Wanha Kauppahalli is often neglected by travelers. The structure of the market is very unusual – one can see beautiful wooden stands with fruit and vegetables, with compact cafes open opposite to them. These cafes are the reason why experienced travelers visit the market as they are among the few places where it’s possible to try classic national delicacies – fish, local cheese, best sorts of beer, and real homemade baking. If you visit this amazing place, don’t forget to try sandwiches with shrimps and caviar, while sweet tooth travelers are recommended to purchase a jar of blueberry jam, maybe even more than one jar – you will not be disappointed.

Continuing the gastronomic theme, it is important to mention some advantages of the abovementioned market square. This is where visitors can try the most delicious smelt and roasted salmon in the city while waiting for a ferry or searching for memorable souvenirs. Small open stalls work all year round on the market square. These stalls cook and sell the delicious local “fast food”. The taste of the fish that has been just removed from fire is nothing but splendid. The fish is served with a choice of garnishes, such as French fried potatoes or vegetables.

If you want literally to diversify your acquaintance with the city and its culture, make a ride on an unusual train known as Kulttuuriratikka. That’s an informal name of route 7A train. For many years the tram has been used for various culture events. Numerous music concerts and exhibitions take place directly in its carriages, so such a ride promises to be an interesting one. The unusual tram with a red sculpture on its roof is not hard to distinguish from regular trams. The culture tram can be seen on weekdays from 15:00 to 18:00. Don’t be afraid about the price – the ticket costs just as much as other trams do. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If after an exciting day full of entertainment you’re not in a mood to return to your classic hotel, it’s high time to make a ride to Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse. Built in 1953 and located on a rocky island, the lighthouse is still in action. Travelers have a unique opportunity – to sleep in a comfortable guest room that is open directly in the old lighthouse. It takes only 45 minutes to reach the distant island by ferry from Helsinki.

Many people who walk in the most famous park of Helsinki, Esplanadin, have no idea about an amazing place of interest that is right under their feet. Several years ago Helsingin Energia Company started building the new district cooling system underground. The system is expected to be finished in 2015, so very soon the large cave will be filled with water, but as of now visitors can go down and walk in winding tunnels. The atmosphere in the cave is quite mysterious and it is skillfully decorated with artistic lighting.

If the above-mentioned attractions are still not enough and you crave for something more thrilling, it’s time to visit the most extreme place of the Finnish capital - Linnamiakki Park. This park will fit the bravest visitors as there are no colorful rides in this park – only scary looking metal constructions. Without a doubt, Kingi freefall tower is the most thrilling ride in Linnanmaki, so everyone is welcome to experience how it feels to fall from a 75m height – just don’t forget to fasten the belts.