Helsinki: The Bradt City Guide Book

Introduction     IX
How to Use this Book     XI
Contexts     1
History     1
Politics     12
Economy     15
People     17
Cultural etiquette     19
Local charities     23
Business     24
Religion     27
Culture     29
Public holidays     33
Festivals and events     34
Geography     40
Climate     41
Planning     45
Helsinki - a practical overview     45
When to visit (and why)     48
Highlights/suggested itineraries     49
Tour operators     52
Red tape     54
Getting there and away     58
Health     69
Safety     72
What to take     75
Money and budgeting     78
Practicalities     81
Banks     81
Media     83
Communications     88
Embassies and consulates in Helsinki     92
Religious services     93
Tourist information     94
Local tours     95
Local travel agents     97
Discount card     99
Public toilets     100
Local Transport     101
Public transport     101
Accommodation     108
Hotels     111
Self-catering apartments     124
Hostels     127
Camping and cabins     129
Eating and Drinking     131
Food and drink     131
Restaurants     135
Coffee and cake     152
Bars and pubs     157
Entertainment and Nightlife     162
Ticket offices     162
Theatre     163
Music     164
Bars and nightclubs     168
Gay Helsinki     173
Cinema     174
Casinos     175
Shopping     177
Art and antiques     178
Department stores     179
Design District     180
Folk art and Finnish crafts     184
Food and drink     186
Markets     187
Music     190
Newspapers, books and maps     191
Secondhand shops     191
Shopping malls      191
Souvenirs and gifts     192
Activities and Sport     194
Bowling alleys     194
Canoeing     194
Climbing     195
Cycling     195
Fishing     196
Fitness centres and swimming pools     196
Football     197
Golf     200
Hiking     200
Ice hockey     201
Public saunas     201
Walking Tours     204
Discovering Helsinki on foot     204
What to See and Do     219
Museums     219
Galleries     229
Major sights     232
Natural Helsinki     247
Gardens and parks     248
Islands     254
Beyond the City     263
Nuuksio National Park     263
The old town of Porvoo     264
A day trip to Tallinn     268
Language     274
Pronunciation     275
Words and phrases     280
Further Information     292
Books     292
Websites     295
Index     305