The Top 7 Things To Do in Töölö, Helsinki

Eliza Marin

Housing the iconic cultural and parliamentary institutional buildings of the country, Töölö is a neighborhood near the center of Helsinki known for its functionalist architecture, vivid artsy side and pleasant winding streets. Here are some of the top activities within in boundaries.

Sibelius Monument

Sibelius Monument

In the heart of the Sibelius Park, these 600 steel pipes protruding from natural rock showcase a three dimensional experience of the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius (1865–1957). The wavey movement of the monument, as well as its apparent fragility gives the impression that the monument is hanging in thin air. Designed in 1967 by artist Eila Hiltunen and titled ‘Passio Musicae’, it not only captures the aesthetic part of Sibelius’ music but also makes some amazing sounds.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall

Housing exhibitions, congress and a whole host of different events, Finlandia Hall represents one of Alvar Aalto’s masterpieces in terms of aesthetic vision, functionality and stone construction. Yes sir, the architectural creation of the Finnish architect is one real full experience. The building was completed in 1971, designed by Aalto as a versatile space, and made famous by its stripped-down functionality. Sectioned into a simplistic main auditorium, a foyer filled with natural light, a congress wing and a veranda, Finlandia Hall is simply not to be missed. Mannerheimintie 13e, Helsinki, Finland

Rock Church

Building, Church

Rock Church

Built directly on solid rock, using excavations to create an incredible acoustic and visual experience, the Rock Church was designed by Timo Suomalainen and Tuomo Suomalainen in 1961 after almost 30 years of interrupted building plans. The structure of the church is made of half natural rock, half copper dome, with a Lutheran interior. Famed for its nigh on perfect interior acoustics, the church houses concerts and gatherings, and remains an architectural masterpiece of global renown. Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki, Finland, +358 9 23406320

Rock ChurchTemppeliaukio Church | © Rob Hurson/Flickr

Olimpia Stadium

Stadium

Olimpia Stadium
© Cha già José/Flickr
The largest stadium in the country and the host of the 1952 Summer Olympics, the Helsingin Olympiastadion (or Olimpia Stadium) represents a landmark for sport activities and various other large-scale events. The functional architecture comes courtesy of Yrjö Lindegren and Toivo Jäntti, who designed the stadium in 1938 to host the 1940 Summer Olympics. However, plans were soon cancelled due to the start of World War II. The stadium was built to host up to 50,000 people and is one looming structure over Helsinki, reaching heights of more than 72 meters! Paavo Nurmen tie 1, Helsinki, Finland

Lyon Restaurant

Restaurant, French, Vegetarian

Finnish National Museum
© Zarex/WikkiCommons
Located in the center of Töölö, and surrounded by the prolific cultural and political building icons of the neighborhood, this Francophone eatery is really worth a visit. Lyon is a restaurant perfect for casual dining, special celebrations and business gatherings alike. The menu offers such treats as fresh cod with cockle glaze, sautéed with green peas or short ribs with bone marrow and onion. Simply delicious! Gourmandise-Ravintolat Oy, Mannerheimintie 56, Helsinki, Finland

Finnish National Musuem

Finnish National Musuem

Focusing on the narrative of Finnish history since prehistoric times, and currently the largest archaeological exhibition in the country, the Finnish National Museum contains coins, medals, jewellery and weapons, along with oodles of relics relevant to the development of Finnish culture through the Middle Ages. The highlight of the museum is a special interactive exhibition, giving a hands-on glimpse of Finnish cultural life in the past. Finnish National Museum, Mannerheimintie 34, Helsinki, Finland, +358 40 1286469

Parliament BuildingParliament Building | © Miemo Penttinen/Flickr

Parliament Building

Building

The five-floor Parliament building represents one of Finland’s most important structures and evokes some of the proudest moments in the history of the parliamentary republic: giving women the right to vote – the first country in Europe to do so – being perhaps the most notable. Since Finland’s independence in 1917 from Sweden and Russia, the building has been hugely important. Designed by Johan Sigfrid Sirén in a modernist style with a classical and neoclassical Corinthian capital façade, marble staircases, a plenary chamber, grand reception hall and five unique floors, the site is a veritable symbol of Finland as a whole.
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