Start our journey with places that combine art, history and the unique atmosphere of the Finnish capital.

The Sibelius Monument in Helsinki is one of the most original works of art in the city. This monumental structure, created by Finnish sculptor Eila Hiltunen in 1967, consists of more than 600 steel pipes joined together in an abstract form meant to symbolize the great composer's music. As the wind flows through the metal pipes, the monument produces soft sounds, creating a kind of tribute to Sibelius' musical legacy. Interestingly, the monument initially sparked controversy among locals, who expected a more traditional commemoration of the composer. In response to criticism, the artist added a Sibelius face made of metal alongside the main sculpture. The park where the monument is located is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll among the pines and birches, and there is a charming Cafe Regatta nearby, where you can enjoy traditional Finnish baked goods.

The Helsinki City Museum is another non-obvious attraction that takes visitors on a journey through the daily lives of the capital's residents over the centuries. Unlike typical history museums, this institution focuses on telling the stories of ordinary people and their everyday experiences. The museum is housed in five historic buildings on Senate Square, the oldest of which dates back to 1757. Of particular interest is the 'Children of Helsinki' exhibition, which depicts the lives of the city's youngest residents from the 1940s to the present day. The museum also offers virtual tours of Helsinki from different eras, allowing visitors to see how the city has changed over the years. Of note is a collection of photographs documenting the city's architectural transformation after Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917.

Ruttopuisto, also known as Plague Park, is a place with a fascinating and dark history. This unassuming green area in the center of the city hides a secret - in fact, it is a former cemetery where the victims of the 1710 plague epidemic were buried. According to local accounts, more than a thousand Helsinki residents were laid to rest here, accounting for a third of the city's population at the time. Today, the park is a peaceful resting place where locals come to enjoy the tranquility among the old trees. A distinctive feature of the park is the neo-Gothic Old Church (Vanha kirkko), built in 1826 as the city's first Lutheran church. Information boards can be found around the park telling its history, and local guides often include the site in tours dedicated to the ghosts and legends of Helsinki. The park takes on a special atmospheric character in autumn, when colorful leaves cover ancient burial sites.

Helsinki is famous for its harmonious combination of urban development and nature. Let's now discover the places where nature plays a central role in the landscape of the Finnish capital.

The Helsinki University Botanical Garden is a true oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Founded in 1829, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Finland and home to more than 2,800 plant species. Particularly impressive are the Kaisaniemi greenhouses, where you can admire exotic plants from different climatic zones - from succulent desert cacti to lush rainforest ferns. Few people know that the garden played a key role in the development of Finnish botany - it was here that pioneering research on Arctic flora was conducted, which contributed to a better understanding of northern European ecosystems. In the central part of the garden there is a pond with water lilies, around which you can relax on wooden benches. In winter, some of the plants are moved to heated greenhouses, but the garden remains open year-round, offering a very different but equally fascinating experience during the snowy months.

Kaivopuisto is Helsinki's oldest and one of the largest public parks, located at the southern end of the peninsula on which the city lies. Established in the 1830s as a spa park, it offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Finland and an archipelago of islands. Little-known fact: during the Crimean War (1853-1856), the park was used as an observation post by the British fleet, which blockaded the Finnish coast. Today Kaivopuisto is a favorite place for locals to picnic, especially during Vappu (the Finnish holiday of the first of May), when thousands of people gather here to celebrate the arrival of spring. The park's highest hill, where the 1926 astronomical observatory is located, offers panoramic views of the sea and the nearby Suomenlinna Fortress. In winter, Kaivopuisto's slopes turn into a popular tobogganing spot, and in summer it hosts concerts and cultural events. A picturesque promenade runs along the coast, from which one can watch ships and yachts passing by.

Lenin Park is a place with an intriguing political history that reflects the complicated Finnish-Russian relationship. The park is named after a statue of Lenin that stood here at a time when Finland had close relations with the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the USSR, the statue was removed, but the park's name remains as a testament to the historical changes. Today, it's a peaceful place of recreation, where residents of the surrounding neighborhoods come to relax among the carefully maintained greenery. The park is distinguished by a distinctive layout of alleys and flower beds designed in the style of classical European gardens. An interesting fact is that near the park is the former residence of the Russian Governor General from the time when Finland was part of the Russian Empire (1809-1917). The park hosts seasonal events, including summer classical music concerts and winter light illuminations that illuminate the long Finnish nights.

To conclude our tour of Helsinki's non-obvious attractions, I invite you to discover places that allow you to explore the mysteries of nature and the underwater world.

The Finnish Museum of Natural History is a veritable treasure trove of nature knowledge that delights children and adults alike. Established in 1988, the museum is housed in a neoclassical building designed by famous Finnish architect C.L. Engel. The main attraction is the impressive skeleton of the Finnish forest elephant (Elephas antiquus), which lived in the area before the Ice Age, some 120,000 years ago. Its discovery in the 1980s was a sensation in the world of paleontology, as it provided new evidence about the range of these extinct animals in northern Europe. The museum is also famous for its 'History of Life' - a multimedia exhibition depicting the evolution of life on Earth, from the first single-celled organisms to modern species. Particularly fascinating is the collection of minerals from the Lapland area, including rare specimens of meteorites that have fallen on Finnish soil. For lovers of local fauna, there is a 'Finnish Nature' room, where you can see all the species of animals that inhabit the country, including the rare Eurasian lynx and the brown bear - the national symbol of Finland.

The SEA LIFE Helsinki offers an extraordinary journey through the marine depths without having to plunge into the cold waters of the Baltic Sea. This oceanarium, opened in 2002, is housed in a landmark building on Korkeasaari Island, right next to the famous Helsinki Zoo. The main attraction is a 250-meter-long acrylic tunnel through which visitors pass while sharks, rays and other sea creatures swim above their heads. A little-known fact: the aquarium participates in a program to protect an endangered species of gray seal from the Baltic Sea. In a special pool you can observe these fascinating mammals and learn more about conservation efforts. SEA LIFE also offers interactive exhibits on Finland's marine ecosystems, including a unique display depicting life under the ice during the harsh Finnish winter. Of particular interest is the jellyfish tank, illuminated with changing colors, which creates a mesmerizing light show. For the little ones, there is a 'touch pool', where they can gently touch some of the sea creatures, such as starfish and crabs, under the supervision of caregivers.

When comparing all eight of Helsinki's non-obvious attractions, it's worth noting their diversity and accessibility. The Sibelius Monument and parks (Kaivopuisto, Ruttopuisto, Lenin Park) are available free of charge at any time of the year, making them ideal for travelers on a budget. SEA LIFE museums and oceanariums, on the other hand, require the purchase of tickets, but offer a more educational and interactive experience. In terms of location, most of the sites described are located in the city center or within walking distance, making it easy to visit. The farthest is SEA LIFE on the island of Korkeasaari, but getting there is part of the adventure, as you can take a boat cruise across the bay.

If you have limited time, the most efficient choice would be to combine a visit to the Helsinki City Museum with a walk through the nearby Ruttopuisto and then proceed to the Botanical Garden. Such an itinerary will allow you to learn about both the history of the city and its natural aspects. For families with children, the Finnish Museum of Natural History and SEA LIFE are the best choices, offering education through play. On the other hand, for lovers of peace and contemplation, Kaivopuisto and Sibelius Park will be ideal, where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beautiful views.