Assorted slices from my first afternoon in Helsinki

After my morning exploration and navigating the move from hotel to apartment I had maybe 4-5 hours before heading to the Finland v Lithuania soccer game at 7p (next post coming on that). I was going to test a walking tour of the center from 2-4. Before and after that were open. The pictures and notes below are a bit of a grab bag of thoughts and observations from that afternoon of walking around.

Starting with the area right around my apartment in the Ullanlinna area of the city. It was really nice. Residential, but with a number of small boutiques, shops, and cafes. I pinned a number of them to try if / when I can get back here with Judy. These few pics provide a sense of the vibe.

(Perhaps the best toaster merchandising I've ever seen)

Moving along, I grabbed a few more pics of another area that captivated me, which is around that Erottaja tram stop. This area is also a short walk to the Esplanadi, so the hotels in that stretch along Bulevardi really are where you want to be, in my opinion.

Dipped through the commerical center, behind Stockmann and along Aleksanterinkatu. Brought to mind memories of State St. and the old Marshall Fields in Chicago. Maybe it was the grey skies that really brought the Chicago vibes home.

Made my way over the the Esplanadi. Very pleasant place for a walk.

(Would love to swing by this place when it's open during warmer weather and pay whatever they are charging for a Salmiakki.)

Continued on toward the walking tour's meeting point. Got my first glimpse of the Helsinki Cathedral. Followed shortly thereafter by a shot I liked with the City bikes all lined up in front.

Also stumbled upon this Okra shop which has great reviews and cool stuff. Check it out if you're nearby.

Then a few pics from the walking tour (which was okay, not great).
Senate Square

National Library of Finland

Havis Amanda (which apparently was scandalous when first unveiled)

And the statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg (Google him - I don't remember his significance, but he's got a statue in the middle of the Esplanadi, so probably a big deal).

The best stop on the tour was the Helsinki Central Library Oodi. It was on my list to visit anyway, but the guided tour and explanation of all that is possible there was helpful. Did not take any pics inside as the guide explained that the Finns don't love being in pictures (my people!). But the area around it is beautiful.

On my way back to the apartment I took a quick spin along Iso Roobertinkatu, which is one of the main axis of the Design District. Over the next few days I was here multiple times because it was the closest K-Market location.

All in all a good orientation afternoon covering a fair bit of ground. Now time for a brief rest before heading off to the soccer game.