Helsinki, Finland

Pursed against Russia, Helsinki is stylishly Soviet. Russians once conquered Finland between 1809 and 1917. Although lauded as an architectural jem rivaling Stockholm, there was little evidence to support this claim. The streets were dusty and the entire city felt drabby, as if Helsinki just stepped out of WWII.

We visited and recommend visiting: Senate Square; Lutheran St. Nicholas Cathedral; Market Square (rather dull); and absolutely visit Suomenlinna Island Fortress which was built to protect Helsinki from Russian attack in the 18th century. Six islands of a self-contained city are adjoined by bridges. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get there by a public ferry which departs from Market Square.