This is a bay surrounded by a nice park that is dotted with attractions such as the Finlandia Concert Hall and the National Opera. Töölönlahti is partly in a natural state which is quite rare in major cities. Walking and jogging around the bay is a popular outdoor activity.
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Kansallisooppera
Lavishly subsidized, but it's still easy to get good seats. Tickets €14-84. Students can buy discount tickets for performances on the same day for €10 if there are still seats left, but these tickets have to be bought in person. An international student card is valid. Pensioners get €5 off, and children get their tickets at half regular price. Also runs the National Ballet (Kansallisbaletti).
You can rent a SUP, a kayak, a canoe, a wooden rowing boat or even a paddle boat.
Designed by Finland's best known architect Alvar Aalto. It is across the street from the National Museum. The marble Finlandia Hall is a popular congress and concert venue in Helsinki. The building itself is worth a visit particularly for architecture buffs, with guided tours available (€6/4, check website for schedule). Be sure to view the building also from across the Töölönlahti bay in the evening when it is floodlit.
Kansallismuseo
A beautiful classical building houses this old museum, which has been renovated. The exhibit includes displays of artefacts and items relating to Finland's history. Closed until spring 2027.
Heikki Ritavuoren murhapaikka
Finnish Interior Minister Heikki Ritavuori was assassinated by Swedish-speaking activist Ernst Tandefelt. At the front door of Ritavuori's former home stands the Finnish text: "Minister of the Interior Heikki Ritavuori was killed in front of his front door on 14 February 1922 by a bullet from an Assassin."