Despite the common misconception that Helsinki is only worth visiting in summer, there's plenty to suggest it's actually a city for all seasons. Thanks to its unrivalled drinking and dining scene, beautiful architecture and innovative design, there's never a shortage of things to see and do.
Enveloped by the Baltic Sea and a colossal archipelago, Helsinki is renowned for its impressive collection of churches and museums, a few of which can be explored via a coastal stroll. Museums are usually easy to spot thanks to their striking exteriors, with Kiasma art museum and the National Museum of Finland offering wonderful examples of contemporary and classical architecture.
The city's Market Square has been a centre of trade for centuries and hosts popular festivals and a huge number of shops. Most outdoor markets are only open in summer but market halls are available all year round. Here you can sample Finnish flavours like herring, cheeses and fried vendace (a freshwater whitefish).
You can also take a ferry over to the former fortress of Suomenlinna, with guided tours available daily and several museums focusing on the island's captivating history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also include Finland's last remaining WWII submarine, and plenty of scenic picnic spots and cafés.
All flights touch down at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, located 18 km north of the city. Regular taxis depart from the airport, and there's also a ring rail connection which takes around 30 minutes.