Top Five Helsinki Sights

It was announced the other day we're doing Helsinki as our next destination in the Trippa Series.  Currently being produced, here is our run through of the top five sights from the capital of Finland

Suomenlinna

A sea fortress just off the coast of Helsinki is Suomenlinna, now a protected UNESCO world heritage site, it's one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions.  The island is full of seperate museums, cafes and places to stop for photos.  You can easily fill a day in summer visiting here, but not so much in winter.

Havis Amanda

This originally French statue was originally slated when it was unveiled, today though it is persistently voted as the most beautiful piece of artwork in Finland. Located in the center of Market square by the  Kauppatori tram station

Sibelius Monument

Located in Sibelius park, the Sibelius Monument is dedicated to Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.  On display since 1967, the 6 m wide and 24 tonne heavy exhibit made from 600 steel pipes welded together draws in massive crowds every year.

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral has gone through many name changes over the last 100 years but today the beautiful religious monument just off Senate Square is most commonly simply refered to as Helsinki Cathedral.  Opening hours vary with the seasons but admission is free.

Stadium Tower

Rather than being something to go see, our last in the list is something you would be more likely to see everything else from.  Helsinki's Olympic Stadium Tower is one of the best viewing spots for the whole city.  The 72 Meter high tower gives an excellent view across the landscape of the whole city, tickets cost €5 for adults and opening hours are until 20:00 weekdays, 18:00 weekends.

The last in our list provides you, instead of something to look at, but instead something to view the rest of Helsinki from.  The Olympic Stadium Tower provides the best viewing spot for viewing the landscape of the city from 72 meters in the air.

So there you have it, our top five favourite sights from the capital of Finland, Helsinki.  The app will be released in the early part of next year, following London which we are also busy on putting the finishing touches to.  If you're off on a little trip away then why not take a look at one of our other smart city guides like Trippa Cardiff, Trippa Berlin,Trippa Stockholm, Trippa Barcelona or Trippa Oslo.

What's on, London in December

It's December so time for another roundup of events happening over the next four weeks in another one of our favourite European cities. London is almost ready to be launched so here's what you should try making it along to in the English capital.

Spitalfields Winter Festival - 6th to 17th December 2013

Spread out across a variety of venues in the East London area, Spitalfields Winter Festival explores some excellent hidden corners. A broad range of music, opera and free events bring together local and global artists. Expect happenings in venues from Old Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch's Village Underground and many more.

For more information, take a look here.

Battersea Park Santa Dash - 7th December 2013

Quite literally a Santa Dash in Battersea Park on the 7th of December. Watch or take part as people dressed as Santa Claus run 6k from 10 am.

For more information, take a look here.

Christmas Chocolate Festival - 13th to 15th December 2013

For fans of anything Chocolate, this festival in the Southbank Centre is the perfect place to get some festive treats in time for the big day.  It’s not just shopping from top destinations as L'Artisan du Chocolat, The Chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat, Rococo Chocolates and Choco Passion. You will also have the opportunity to create your perfect chocolate bar with a little help from ChocoMe, learn how to make salted caramel pecan brownies with Rachels' Kitchen and much more from the variety of workshops throughout the weekend.

For more information take a look here.

Midnight Mass at St Paul’s Cathedral - 24th December 2013

On Christmas Eve every year, St Pauls Cathedral comes to life as the Choir of St Paul's is joined by Barbican Brass for an evening of carols by candlight

New Years Eve Fireworks - 31st December 2013

The fireworks display in front of the London Eye is probably the best display the UK has to offer all year (apart from maybe bonfire night) The best views are from Victoria Embankment, the South Bank, and Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, make sure you arrive early though as space is limited and thousands of people will be trying to cram into the space.

So there are our picks for December in London, our guide for the capital is due for launch any time now so keep your eyes peeled.  You may also be interested in Trippa Cardiff, Trippa Berlin, Trippa Stockholm, Trippa Barcelona or Trippa Oslo.