Helsinki City Walk-2) Market Square and Uspenski Cathedral

After visiting Senate Square, I walked to the Bank of Finland, which is located behind the square. I sat in the small garden in front of the bank to rest, checked my map, and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

From there, I headed to Market Square, the bustling waterfront area where most tourists gather. Market Square is Helsinki’s most famous and international market, with booths selling traditional foods, treats, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Next, I walked to SkyWheel Helsinki, passing a waterfront restaurant with a great view of Market Square from across the water.

Afterward, I visited Uspenski Cathedral, also known as the Red Church. Unlike Helsinki Cathedral, where you have to pay to enter, Uspenski Cathedral is free to visit inside.

I continued along the main street, Pohjoisesplanadi, which runs parallel to Market Square, all the way to Stockmann department store, hoping to find a camera shop. Unfortunately, I didn't have any luck (I had broken my camera lens earlier while visiting Senate Square).

I then made my way back toward my accommodation near Central Station, passing through the Amos Rex Museum courtyard. I stopped to take some photos of the green giant sculptures and admired the museum's unique exterior design while watching children play nearby. The Kamppi Metro Station and Kamppi Chapel were also in the area.

From there, I walked along Route E12 to take photos of the Finnish Parliament House, Oodi Library, and the adjacent Musiikkitalo ( the Helsinki Music Centre). Finally, I returned to the Central Train Station, took some photos inside, and walked back to my Airbnb before dark, ending the day on a good note.

Bank of Finland

                                                Market Square

Uspenski Cathedral

Amos Rex Museum courtyard

Kamppi Chapel

Kamppi Metro Station

Helsinki Music Center

Oodi Library

Finnish Parliament House

Helsinki City Walk -1) Central Station and Senate Square

Helsinki Central Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema) is one of the most iconic buildings in the Finnish capital and serves as the main railway station for both local and long-distance trains. It connects Helsinki to the rest of Finland and beyond, with international routes to Russia, including St. Petersburg and Moscow.

The station is a prime example of Finnish national romanticism, designed by the renowned architect Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1919. Flanking the main entrance are four giant stone figures holding spherical lamps, known as the “Lyhdynkantajat” (Lamp bearers). These statues have become a symbol of the station and even Finnish design.

Situated in the center of Helsinki, Senate Square is the most significant public square in the city. It’s surrounded by grand neoclassical buildings that reflect Finland's history and cultural identity.

Senate Square was designed by the German architect Carl Ludvig Engel in the early 19th century. The square is an example of Empire-style urban planning and reflects the period when Finland was part of the Russian Empire.

Senate Square is surrounded by Helsinki Cathedral, The Government Palace, The University of Helsinki and The National Library of Finland.

Helsinki Cathedral is also designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, Helsinki Cathedral is a Lutheran church that was completed in 1852. Its style is neoclassical, and the church’s imposing white facade, green domes, and grand staircase make it one of the most recognized symbols of Helsinki.

(Note, you have to pay to go inside Helsinki Cathedral)

Helsinki Central Station

Railway Square-Opera House

Senate Square

Helsinki Cathedral

The National Library

Helsinki Expressions and Experiences

The flight from Copenhagen to Helsinki was short, lasting just 1 hour and 20 minutes. I had a pleasant conversation with the young, handsome Finnish man seated next to me and learned some interesting bits of history about Finland and Helsinki from him.

Upon landing at Helsinki airport on time, I was already familiar with the efficient public transportation system, thanks to some pre-arrival research. Apple Maps showed me how to use public transit to get from the airport to the Central Station area where I was staying.

At the airport, I asked a store clerk for directions to the train station. They not only guided me but also recommended downloading the HSL app, which allows you to purchase train tickets and navigate the city's transport system.

It was a bit of a walk to reach Platform 1, accessed by an escalator to the underground station. I tried buying a ticket through the HSL app, but it didn’t work. Luckily, there was a ticket machine on the platform where I bought a paper ticket for €4. After 11 stops and a 27-minute ride, I got off the train and walked to the tram station, which was bustling with people. I took the tram for two stops and then walked to my Airbnb. Due to nearby construction, I had to take a small detour, but my host was already waiting for me at the front door.

Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system that can take you almost anywhere, but the city is also quite walkable. I walked to most of the attractions.

Restaurants and grocery stores are abundant, and when I visited in August, the weather was perfect. While there were many tourists around, Helsinki didn’t feel as crowded as cities like Dublin, probably because it’s spread out over a larger area.

Market Square is a great spot to try traditional Finnish food. 

Helsinki itself is a relatively modern city, known for its modernist architecture, influenced by functionalism and designers like Alvar Aalto. The city also boasts stunning neoclassical buildings, especially around Senate Square, home to landmarks like Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the University of Helsinki. You don’t get the old European charm here like you would in Tallinn.

As in most major cities, road construction was a common sight.

I stayed in Helsinki for 4 nights and explored a lot in 3 full days. However, I felt that two additional days would have allowed me to see even more. If time permits, I’d recommend staying for at least a week to fully explore the city. Overall, Helsinki is a bustling, modern city with beautiful architecture and plenty to see and do. One experience I missed was trying a traditional Finnish sauna—maybe next time!

Here’s a list of places I visited during my stay:

Day 1 (on foot)

Helsinki Central Station and Railway Square

Senate Square: Helsinki Cathedral (White Church) and the Old Library

Bank of Finland

Market Square and Presidential Palace

Uspenski Cathedral (Red Church)

Stockmann department store

Amos Rex museum courtyard

Kamppi Metro Station and Kamppi Chapel

Day 2 (on foot and by car)

Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)

Oodi Library and the Parliament House

Sibelius Monument and Monument Park

Day 3 (ferry ride from Market Square and then on foot)

Suomenlinna, an 18th-century sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site

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Brief History of Finland

Before the early 19th century, Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. However, after the Finnish War (1808–1809), Finland was ceded to Russia under the Treaty of Fredrikshamn. It then became an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire, with Tsar Alexander I granting it significant autonomy, including its own government and laws.

In 1812, Tsar Alexander I moved Finland’s capital from Turku to Helsinki, mainly for strategic reasons, as Helsinki was closer to Russia and easier to defend. This marked the beginning of significant Russian influence on the city's development.

Under Russian rule, Helsinki was redesigned to reflect the ideals of a modern, imperial capital. Architect Carl Ludvig Engel, commissioned by the Russians, designed the city’s neoclassical center, inspired by the architecture of St. Petersburg. Senate Square, with its grand Helsinki Cathedral, Government Palace, and University of Helsinki, is a prominent example of this style.

Folger Shakespeare Library (continued)

Sculptures in the Garden

Outside the library, there is a small garden featuring sculptures inspired by scenes from Shakespeare's works. I think the artist had a brilliant idea, as the sculptures feel incredibly lifelike. Just look at the expressions on the characters' faces!

King Lear, Act 3, scene 2

Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 1

Puck Statue

One of the most prominent sculptures is of Puck, a mischievous character from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. This bronze statue is located near the entrance, capturing Puck's playful and whimsical nature. It was created by sculptor Brenda Putnam in 1932. Puck is shown seated with a flute, embodying his trickster role.

Bas-Reliefs of Shakespearean Scenes

The exterior of the library features bas-relief sculptures that depict iconic scenes from several of Shakespeare’s plays. These marble reliefs, created by sculptor John Gregory, were part of the original design from 1932 when the library was built. The scenes include famous moments from plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Tempest. Each relief captures critical dramatic moments, emphasizing the themes of Shakespeare’s work.

The Nine Muses

Above the entrance of the library, there are carvings of the Nine Muses, representing the Greek goddesses of inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. These figures symbolize the broad intellectual and artistic mission of the Folger Library, emphasizing its dedication to both scholarship and creativity.

These sculptures complement the neoclassical architecture of the library and give a visual narrative that honors Shakespeare’s contributions to literature and the arts.

Folger Shakespeare Library

 While ago, a friend of mine notified me that the Folger Shakespeare Library has recently completed its renovations and opened to the public.  When my friend Justin invited me to visit Washington, DC, I suggested we visit Folger's Library.   

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most important centers for the study of Shakespeare. It was founded in 1932 by Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger. The library is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, including 82 First Folios (the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623), as well as a vast collection of other rare books, manuscripts, and art from the early modern period (1500–1750).

The building itself is designed in a neoclassical style with a beautiful marble exterior, featuring bas-reliefs of scenes from Shakespeare's plays. Inside, the library is both a research center and a cultural venue, offering exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

While Shakespeare is the centerpiece, the Folger also holds materials related to other Renaissance writers, explorers, and historical figures. Its collections include manuscripts, letters, and early printed books from the 16th and 17th centuries. 

 The library also hosts a theater, the Folger Theatre, which presents regular performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other classic works.

We explored five sections of the library.  They are Great Hall; Reading Room; Theater; Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and Rear Book & Manuscript Exhibition Hall.  

Shakespeare Exhibition Hall

Great Hall

Reading Room

Theater

Rear Book & Manuscript Hall

Cant resist the earrings from the gift shop that match the designs with all the windows!