Travel and Leisure

Helsinki is the capital of Finland and is known for its extremely cold winter. Temperatures can be as low as -5 degrees C, but the wind chill makes it a difficult place to visit during this season. Being one of the northern most cities, it experiences long winters and the summers are usually short. Winters are usually dark with little or no sunlight for days on end. The good weather is restricted to the months of June and August. This is the peak tourist season and vacationers have to look hard to get cheap flights to Helsinki. Most of the flights to Helsinki are fully booked by tourists planning to visit here in the summer months. The weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are possible.

Being the capital of the country, the city is well connected by air with other parts of the world. British Airways, Air France and US Airlines have flights to the city and tend to offer best airfares to enjoy a memorable vacation in the city. The city has a beautiful archipelago to explore on a boat from the city center. There are a number of churches and museums to get a glimpse of the city's past.

One of the attractions is the island of Suomenlinna. It is a fortress on the Baltic Sea coast. The small town has an old town feel with very few inhabitants, car-free streets and old houses. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a number of guided tours on offer for visitors.

Another attraction of the city is the Seurassari Open Air museum. It is a unique experience with walking trails to explore the museum. It is the perfect place to get a feel of the local culture. People in authentic dresses go about their chores inside this open air museum. It is a different learning experience altogether. Entry to this place is free.

There are a number of parks and gardens in and around the city that are worth exploring. They are usually packed with tourists and residents during the summer months who want to make the most of the sunshine. It is a good place to see the midnight sun during the summer months. Cheap tickets to Helsinki are available online, with many hotels offering package deals with accommodation and day tours of the city.

Pihlajassai is a popular summer destination, with good beaches to enjoy the sunshine. Another place to visit is the Helsinki Zoo situated in Korkeassaari. The city offers something different to every visitor. A city to be avoided during winters because of the harsh weather conditions, cheap plane fares available during this time makes it attractive to visit, if fully prepared to withstand the cold temperatures. It is a different experience all together.