Old Town in Helsinki, Finland

© Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstoc

Helsinki, Finland

Welcome to the Old Town in Helsinki—the capital and largest city of Finland. Often referred to as the 'Daughter of the Baltic' or the 'Pearl of the Baltic,' this city sits gracefully at the tip of a peninsula, surrounded by 315 islands. Often regarded as Finland's only metropolis, this region is the northernmost metropolitan area in the world with a population exceeding one million.

In terms of size, Helsinki ranks as the third-largest municipality in the Nordic countries, following Stockholm and Oslo. With one of the highest standards of urban living globally, its city centre is renowned for its neoclassical buildings. The city also boasts a rich collection of Art Nouveau buildings, reflecting Finland's romantic nationalism and inspired by the themes of the Kalevala. Helsinki isn't just a city; it's a vibrant mix of history, culture and stunning architecture, making it a must-visit destination.