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Helsinki

The sea shapes Helsinki, from Market Square’s harbour to the island fortress of Suomenlinna. Around Senate Square, pale neoclassical buildings give way to streets of shops, cafés and northern design. Ateneum, Amos Rex and Oodi show different sides of the city’s cultural life, while Katajanokka mixes maritime warehouses with contemporary timber architecture. Suomenlinna requires a ferry crossing, and Seurasaari’s open-air museum has seasonal interiors, useful distinctions when planning time beyond the centre.