Helsinki Cathedral
Designed in Neoclassical architecture by Carl Ludvig Engel, based on the design of St. Isaac Cathedral of Saint Petersburg, the iconic Helsinki Cathedral is a white imposing building built as a tribute to Tzar Nicholas I of Russia in 1852. Often known as the White Jewel of Helsinki, the cathedral has been the site of many protests and events since it is located in the prominent area of Senate Square. A part of Helsinki's Empire era centre, and also a milestone for those arriving by sea, the cathedral is a symbol of the whole of Helsinki.
Uspenski Cathedral
The largest Orthodox Church in Western Europe, the Uspenski Cathedral bears a redbrick facade with the golden cupolas serving as its crown. Completed in 1868, the church is one of the clearest symbols of the Russian impact on Finnish history. Exteriors are not elaborately decorated, but its deep-red brick walls and 13 green-and-gold onion domes, representing Christ and the 12 apostles, are worth your time. The interiors house a rich display of icons and other typical Orthodox decorations, including an impressive array of chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceiling. One of the icons is believed to work miracles. It's a must visit tourist spot on anyone's list visiting Finland.
Fortress of Suomenlinna
Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands located at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, this fortress on Suomenlinna Island is an interesting and stunning example of European military architecture of the time and a feast to eyes of the beholder. The island itself is a world heritage site and a treasure trove of Finland’s best-kept secrets. It serves as a great fun spot for an ideal weekend and is an avant-garde location for culture.
Design Museum
An internationally recognised national specialist museum of Finnish design, the Design Museum was founded in 1873 designed by architect Gustaf Nyström in 1894 in the neo-Gothic style. To honour the centenary of Finnish independence in 2017, the Design Museum opened its completely renewed collections exhibition. The museum includes spaces for permanent exhibition, dedicated to the history on Finnish design from 1870 to modern-day designs, and also spaces for changing exhibitions. The museum houses a permanent collection, consisting of over 75,000 objects, 40,000 drawings and 100,000 drawings. Design Museum also arranges international touring exhibitions and publishes books and exhibition catalogues. It also houses Juuri Café & Bar and museum shop.
Parliament Building
The Parliament Building was constructed during 1926–1931 and was officially inaugurated on March 7, 1931. Ever since then, it has been the site of many key moments in the nation's political life. The award-winner architect Johan Sigfrid Sirén designed the building in a stripped classical architectural style combining Neoclassicism with early twentieth-century modernism, which gives the majestic building a serious, mausoleum-like appearance. The colossal facade of the Parliament Building is lined by 14 columns with Corinthian capitals. The Visitors' Centre is where you can find information more about the Parliament and possibly take a guided tour.