The Top 7 Things To Do In Tl Helsinki

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

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.

2. 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

3. Olimpia Stadium

Stadium

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

4. Lyon Restaurant

Restaurant, French, Vegetarian

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

5. 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

6. 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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.