Although Europe is the second smallest continent in the world, it is perhaps one of the most culturally diverse land masses on earth. From medieval fortresses and gothic architecture, to modern metropolises and massive mountain ranges, there is certainly a lot of variety squeezed into this compact continent.

And whilst the likes of France, Germany and the UK will no doubt be at the top of many tourists’ hit-lists, it can be easy to forget about the abundance of other hidden hotspots that exist throughout Europe, from the Mediterranean Sea in the South, all the way up to Scandinavia in the North.

As far as cities go, Helsinki is up there with the best of them. A lively yet intimate city, Finland’s capital is the most sparsely populated EU city after Brussels, meaning it’s a great place to go to get away from the crowds whilst still enjoying all the benefits of a city break.

Helsinki is a beautiful city and is great for a city-centre stroll whilst observing the diverse architecture on display, including numerous neo-classical and Art Nouveau buildings.

Furthermore, Helsinki is an art-lovers haven, with a wealth of cultural artifacts on display in numerous museums and galleries across the city. The National Museum of Finland in central Helsinki presents Finland’s history from the Stone Age right through to the present day, whilst

the Atenium and Kiasama art museums have classical and modern exhibits. There is also a myriad of theatres, opera houses and concert halls for live performance events.

Because of Helsinki’s prime coastal position, most of its central districts are near the sea, making it a great location for all sorts of maritime activities. Hietaniemi Beach in the district of Toolo is very popular amongst the locals, with the beach offering tourists and residents the chance to indulge in water sports and beach volleyball.

One of Helsinki’s must-see attractions is the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a centuries-old inhabited fortress built on six islands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular picnic-location amongst locals and tourists.

Then there is Seurasaari, an island and district of Helsinki. With no permanent residents, it consists mainly of parks and forests and is a great place to wile away long summer days in a tranquil rural setting.

Hotels in Helsinki are always in great demand due to the activity-rich opportunities on offer. From art and culture to sea and sand, Finland’s capital has to be seen to be believed. Helsinki really is the jewel in Europe’s crown.

Adam Singleton writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.