The capital of Finland - a relatively young city, which was founded in 1550. For almost four centuries of its existence, Helsinki was repeatedly invaded Russian. And in the early 19th century, after the Russian-Swedish war, the city is almost completely destroyed, it was built on the plan of the Russian architect. That is why the central part of Helsinki and some of its architectural monuments greatly resemble St. Petersburg. If you want to go abroad, but the funds do not allow you to visit, such as Central Europe or South America, or you have no time to make a visa, Finland, and in particular the capital of the republic - the perfect solution. Firstly, such a journey does not require a very long flights, and secondly, you will be able to plunge into the magical European atmosphere, feeling at the same time that you are not too far from home.

If you consider yourself a connoisseur of art, like the sophisticated style and charm of northern legends, and feel free to go in Helsinki attractions of the city, particularly its architectural ensembles, will be able to give aesthetic delight even the most discerning travelers.

Architectural monuments of the city

The main attraction is considered to Helsinki Senate Square, is located in the city center, along the perimeter of which is one of the most magnificent architectural ensembles of the city in the Empire style. Here is the Assumption Cathedral - one of Europe's largest Orthodox churches. Another architectural masterpiece - the Cathedral, built on the model of the Kazan Cathedral. In addition, the Senate Square are located the main building and the library of the local university and the oldest building in the city - the house of merchant Sedergolma. Such a focus of various historical and architectural monuments in the city center will help you for a short time to explore several attractions and free time to spend on other activities.

If the Senate Square will not satisfy your cravings for examination interesting and unusual plants, you can go to the town hall, which together with its surrounding neighborhoods creates a rather unusual appearance.

Souvenirs and other small pleasures

Souvenirs for family and friends, you can buy on the Market Square, which is also a kind of landmark Helsinki. Here is the most famous and biggest market in the city, where you can buy everything you want. Not far from the Market Square on the waterfront is the old covered market, which is a meeting place for the entire Finnish food lovers. Besides small pastry and meat shops in the European style where you can find specialty shops, which sell national Lappish delicacies. If you get tired of visiting the local beauties, you can relax over a cup of tea in one of the outdoor cafes, which are located here, or visit the Japanese restaurant.

For art lovers

The capital of Finland comprises over three hundred islands, so over a third of all its area is occupied by parks and gardens in which you can always take a walk, enjoying the fresh northern air. One of the most popular parks - Esplanade, located in the city center. In winter, it is a kind of natural attraction Helsinki pleases the eye of visitors unusual lighting effects, and in the summer on the concert stage of the park are the famous and just starting his career artists.

In addition, in this city you will find more than 70 museums and art galleries, which will diversify the vacation of art lovers. If you do not consider yourself to be such, it can also visit one or several museums, and join the world culture, because there are some interesting works of national and international authors.

One of the favorite places for tourists from different countries - Temppeliaukio church on the square. The uniqueness of the architectural landmarks of Helsinki in a minimalist style that is carved into the rock. Inside this building is very good acoustics, so in addition to worship here occasionally hosts various concerts.

Rest in Helsinki with children

If you go on holiday with your children, then you and your daze be without interest local family park Linnanmäki. Besides the actual attractions, the list of which is replenished every year since 1950 in this park you will be able to participate in carnivals and light show, a visit which is absolutely free. Younger travelers also enjoy the zoo Korkeasaari, which gathered representatives of fauna from around the world. From the local inhabitants can be found here wolverine, hook-nosed seal and otter.

If, after visiting all the attractions of Helsinki you will still have time and energy, you can go to the fortress of Suomenlinna, which begins with the history of this city. Fort, which houses the fortress is under protection of UNESCO. On the territory of Suomenlinna are 7 museums, a variety of cafes and restaurants, gift shops and other amenities that will delight the soul of any tourist. To reach the fortress is on a river tram, which departs from the Market Square. During the warmer months of Suomenlinna you can go on a walking tour at any convenient day. In winter, these tours are organized only at the end of the week.

If you look at the sights of Helsinki on the map, you will see that they are all located on a fairly short distance from each other, so in this city you can afford, often unavailable in other cities - explore all the interesting architectural monuments, parks and museums, leaving at this time for yourself, for example, to visit the local sauna, go to a nightclub or on a romantic trip.

Helsinki - wonderful northern city, and allow yourself to touch his charm can anyone, including you.

Karlovy Vary can be rightly called a real Czech fairy tale, which combines the possibility of a royal rest, treatment of the unique sources of water, luxurious architecture and many attractions. Yes, and industrial products romantic town, picturesque Bohemia, known as much healing mineral springs. Therefore the best souvenir resort considered crystal products brand "Moser", the famous drink "Becherovka" elite glassware "Mottl Glas", porcelain firm "Thun", featuring a pinkish color.

Start your observation of the city of Karlovy Vary and attractions for each of which are of great interest, can be a leisurely stroll along the waterfront romantic river Heat where the grand Mill Colonnade. Architectural marvel appeared on the map of Czech resort in 1871, and the project developed colonnade outstanding architect Joseph Zítek. Built in the neo-renaissance looks attractive even from a distance, and the tourists can enjoy a variety of columns supporting a majestic roof, and made of plastic columns on the facade.

Of interest and the market colonnade, which was built in 1883 out of wood, but now after several reconstruction of its appearance has changed significantly. And guests can appreciate the magnificent building in the Swiss style, which is in the midst of well-room with water from the source of Charles IV. On the territory of the romantic resort town survived three colonnades of XIX century - castle garden and Thermal Spring, and each of them is a kind of shelter for the pump room of healing water, and, thanks to luxurious buildings, visitors can easily find themselves healing sources.

To dive into the half-forgotten history of the Czech Republic, you can take in the sights in Carlsbad, built in the XVII century in the midst of impenetrable forests. These architectural monuments are the old castle on a majestic hill, which seemed to dominate the luxury resort streets lined with Renaissance buildings. Even in the Middle Ages on the hill was a romantic hunting lodge of Emperor Charles IV, and in 1608 it was decided to build in this place impregnable fortification.

If you wish to admire the unforgettable panoramic view of this wonderful town, as if hiding between forested hills, you can pick one of the popular tourist viewing platforms. The old observation towers located in the forests surrounding the resort on all sides and find a way to help them a lot of pointers. On the castle hill is the tower of Charles IV, to a viewing platform which are 79 steps, and building in pseudo-Gothic style can be seen from almost anywhere in the resort.

It is located in a two-storey building fortification lookouts obtained the most attractive panoramic photos of the famous resort. Over the luxury hotel "Pupp" towers built in 1914. Tower of Diana, a viewing platform where you can even climb on a cable car. On this picturesque place in clear weather in front of tourists with views not only at the Karlovy Vary and historical postroiky, but also the surrounding area.

See the sights of Karlovy Vary, look at the many temples and churches, most of which was built in the XIX century at the time of the conversion of a small royal hunting residence in the prestigious European spa resort. Since the XVI century, preserved only the church of St. Andrew, in the old days was carrying out the role of the cemetery church, and now the old cemetery reorganize the park Mozart. But the territory is still preserved tombs of famous people, including doctors D. Becher and Jean de Caro.

Above the Thermal Spring colonnade stands the church of Mary Magdalene - the stunning building, erected in the luxurious baroque style. The temple, built in 1737, is still in effect, and tourists can go inside even in the days when the service is not carried out. But of particular interest are available to all comers basement of the church where you can see the interiors interesting underground chapel.

This city is really worth a visit! After all, here you can relax not only the body but also the soul!