1. Senate Square features a monument to Russian Emperor Alexander II, framed by grand neoclassical buildings. It took shape in the late 17th century and instantly became the city's defining landmark.

2. St. Nicholas Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, reflects the deep historical ties between Finland and Russia – its golden domes gleaming against the sky.

3. Suomenlinna (Sveaborg), built in the late 18th century, is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. Today it houses museums, cafés, shops, and even residential buildings with around 850 inhabitants.

4. The Sibelius Monument. This is exactly what a true tribute to a composer should be – not only beautiful and symbolic, but one that literally resonates with sound!

5. The National Museum of Finland takes visitors through Finnish history from prehistoric times to the present day. The building itself is a striking example of Finnish National Romantic architecture.

6. On the island of Seurasaari lies an open-air museum, where visitors can explore historic farmhouses and saunas, windmills and stables.

7. The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio) is, as the name suggests, carved directly into solid bedrock and covered with a glass dome. This remarkable example of modernist church architecture was completed in the late 1960s.

8. Esplanade Park. This linden-lined park in the heart of the city is a favourite retreat for locals – concerts, fairs, and picnics fill it throughout summer and winter alike.

9. The Finnish National Gallery consists of three venues: the Ateneum Art Museum (paintings by Finnish masters), the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Sinebrychoff Art Museum (decorative arts and interiors of the 18th century).

10. The Design District – a neighbourhood of 25 streets packed with everything creative: galleries, museums, studios, workshops, antique shops, and naturally the city's most stylish bars and restaurants.