The central hub of Helsinki is around the bustling seafront Kauppatori (Market Square). Here, locals gather to lunch, shop for fresh fish and vegetables and buy produce from the market stalls.

From this point, the architectural heart of Helsinki, Senaatintori (Senate Square), is a five-minute walk away. The best overview of the city is from its tallest building, Hotel Torni, from where it is easy to see Helsinki's most noted landmarks.

These include Alvar Aalto's Finlandia Hall and Steven Holl's Kiasma - the curvaceous contemporary art gallery. A good way for tourists to get orientated and see the sights is to hop on tram 3T, which takes in most of the main attractions.

City of Helsinki Tourist Office
Pohjoisesplanadi 19
Tel: (09) 3101 3300.
Website: www.hel2.fi/tourism
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat-Sun 0900-1800 (May-Sep); Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 1000-1600 (Oct-Apr).

The Helsinki Card (website: www.helsinkiexpert.fi/helsinkicard) entitles visitors to free travel on the buses, trams, trains and metro. A discount on a sightseeing tour, free admittance to museums and other places of interest, special discounts at restaurants, theatres, concerts and the opera, as well as gifts at department stores are also offered. The pass is valid for one, two or three days. It is available at the Tourist Office, the Hotel Booking Centre, travel agencies, city centre kiosks and hotels. The price includes a guide book in four languages.