16. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, Finland’s capital, has several notable landmarks, including the Helsinki Cathedral, the Old Market Hall, and the Temppeliaukio Church or “Church in the Rock.”

Happiness: 2nd

Historical Landmarks: 22nd

Sports: 47th

Schools and Education: 30th

Governmental Stability: 2nd

Crime: 12th

Healthcare: 20th

Affordability: 42nd

Food: 18th

Innovation: 16th

Pollution: 1st

Climate: 52nd

Overall Average: 22

Happiness: According to the World Happiness Report, Finland scores in the highest category of happiness.

Historical Landmarks: Helsinki has one UNESCO World Heritage site—the Fortress of Suomenlinna, that was built on several islands at the entrance to Helsinki’s harbor.

Sports: Helsinki is currently home to only one club (HJK) in its premier league of Veikkausliiga.

Schools and Education: Helsinki has one university in the top 100 worldwide—University of Helsinki at 99.

Crime: In Helsinki, crime is low, and even scores very low in several categories such as home burglaries and car theft.

Affordability: Helsinki has a cost of living index at 68.9, meaning it is one of the more expensive European cities.

Food: 6 restaurants in Helsinki have at least 1 Michelin star, so it does not have as many as other European capital cities.

Pollution: A pollution index score of 13.06 means that Helsinki has very low air pollution and very high air and water quality.

Climate: Helsinki reaches the upper 60s and low 70s (F) in summer months, while in the winter, it can be found in the upper 20s to low 30s in Fahrenheit.