If you want to save money on buying a map of Helsinki, contact tourist information agencies - they'll offer a map in English for free. In Porvoo, Imatra and other towns near the capital, you can find maps of Helsinki with the main attractions.
In Duty Free stores, try to find a free magazine called Stop in Finlahd with tons of tourist information about the capital and other cities in Finland. In Helsinki, you can also find a city map with hotels at the Helsinki Expert tourist office (e.g., in the station building), at the hotel reception, or buy one at any book store.
All the main attractions of the capital are concentrated in the Old Town - Senate Square, University and others. Which Helsinki neighborhood should tourists stay in? Here's a rough list:
Kruunununhaka ("King's Paddock") is the oldest neighborhood in Helsinki, where apartments have been passed down from generation to generation since the 18th century. Check out Snellmaninkatu for some of the city's most beautiful mansions.
Punavuori is one of Helsinki's better neighborhoods for tourists.
Ruololahti is the business center of Helsinki by the main harbor, and tourists are attracted here by the many bars and restaurants.
Mellunkulâ, Kivikko, Vuoosaari are among the dangerous areas of Helsinki, where it is better to refrain from night walks. The city has its own red light street - Vaasankatu. Tourists should not walk alone and in the Itäkeskus neighborhood - it is mainly inhabited by natives of Africa.
