Between Senate Square and the harbour, the Tori Quarters blend Helsinki’s neoclassical past with its creative present. Once home to city offices, these 18th- and 19th-century buildings now house independent shops, Finnish design stores, cafés, restaurants, and bars. You’ll also find the Helsinki City Museum and a small art-house cinema here.

This 13th-century Gothic cathedral, which peers straight over the Binnenhof is a standout landmark of The Hague. Although the original structure of the ‘Great Church’ is built from wood, the 2,200 square metre area that the church now takes up includes stone, marble and iron features as well as impressive touches such as intricate mechanistic clocks, detailed stained glass windows and 51 carillon bells, which were added over the years as the edifice grew in prominence. There are lots of events taking place in the Grote Kerk all year round, so it is worth checking the agenda on their website ahead of time to see what’s on. Book a tour and climb the 288 steps to the top where the entire city centre can be seen.

Just a short ferry ride from Helsinki’s Market Square (May–September), Vallisaari is one of the city’s more peaceful island escapes. The island mixes lush nature with old military ruins and sea views. There are a few cafés, a seasonal restaurant, exhibitions and occasional events, but the real draw is the landscape — great for a quiet walk or a slow afternoon outdoors.

In 1880, Reverend J.M. Buckley, a summer resident of Waterville Valley, built the Stone Tower after remarking that "Waterville Valley had everything but a ruin." The quirky 2 ½-story structure still stands today, serving as one of the town's unique attractions.