Dotted with an enticing collection of bays, inlets and offshore islands, Helsinki is almost completely surrounded by water, making it an amazing cruising port of call. Helsinki is a city of two seasons, taking on a highly contagious buoyant spirit during the summer months that travellers find it difficult to ignore. The dainty outdoor cafés adopt a thriving personality and the streets come alive with bizarre celebrations.

Gorgeous Art Nouveau and Neo-Classical architecture encapsulate Helsinki’s strong artistic heart where everything from the tree-lined promenades to the low-built buildings are an eye-catching work of art. Surrounded by a colourful market selling everything from fresh seafood, flowers and handicrafts, Helsinki’s harbour is bright, bustling and enriched with a vibrant spirit that carries right through the neat streets of this model city.

Mini-St Petersburg
At the centre of the city is the architecturally-brilliant mini-St Petersburg, a compact treasure that packs all the city’s most celebrated sights into a highly enjoyable scenic stroll.

The wide, welcoming Esplanadi that leads from the harbour to the city centre is a shopping mecca, brimming with Finland’s best-known designer stores. South of this pretty tree-lined avenue is an affluent section of gorgeously designed embassies and elegant houses that rise into Kaivopuisto Park.

Uudenmaankatu and Eerikinkatu are the nightlife hubs of Helsinki, and their delightful compact areas make bar-hopping and restaurant browsing easily done on foot.

Offshore
Back on the water, a short sail finds the island fortress of Suomenlinna, the largest sea fortress in the world and a UNESCO listed Heritage Treasure. Cruising from the harbour to this intriguing island passes the pretty Finnish Archipelago, a picturesque combination of thatched cottages, luxury villas and waterfront saunas.