This morning our ferry headed into Helsinki, the “White City of the North,” and the European capital closest to Russia; St. Petersburg is a 15-hour ferry ride away.

We lined up for our departure.

A shuttle met us and transported our luggage – we walked the short distance – to the Haven House Hotel along the harbor.

It’s going to be another busy day following the tracks of Rick Steves. After settling our luggage we were off to the nearby Senate Square.

and then climbed the steps to the Cathredral.

A Lutheran Church, it had a statue of Martin Luthor.

Next, we went to check out the train station.

We noticed the elegant Burger King there.

We then wandered along the main shopping street – Aleksanterinkatu – and checked out Stockman’s, Scandinavia’s largest department store and several other small shops including a Christmas store and some sporting goods stores. Here, we were interested in the bicycle helmets.

Especially the one that looked like a watermelon and the one next to it with flamingos. Doesn’t take much to enthrall some of us Americans.

We met back up with our small group and checked out some lunch options among the cafes along the Esplanad. The outdoor seating here is lined up for major people watching.

We ended up at the Cafe Esplanad.

Today, the outdoor seating was full so we went inside and were greeted with this vision. No pastries for lunch though – we saved that for later.

Across the street is an urban park and this was a lovely area to walk along.

The Esplanad is famous for its interesting design shops.

After more wandering around,

we finally went to Fazer’s, the famous candy and pastry shop. It’s been around since 1891 so they do it right.

We allowed ourselves a modicum of pastry.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped to listen to a street quintet playing ABBA songs.

We wanted to have dinner at this restaurant but it was too busy and we could not get in. We heard good reviews from others who ate there so keep it in mind when you next visit Helsinki.

Dinner that night was at a nearby Italian restaurant and the manager was our waiter.

The food was so-so but he made it a fun experience.

More Helsinki adventures await us tomorrow.