Since 1812, Helsinki has been known as the "Daughter of the Baltic," and served as Finland's capital. Today, Helsinki manages to be a bit of an international city while also maintaining a small-town vibe. Summer is the ideal season to visit when Finns shed their overcoats and throng outdoor pubs and cafés to soak in the rays. Aside from that, Helsinki is even more well-known for its numerous Art Nouveau-inspired buildings of romantic nationalism, constructed in the early 1900s and heavily influenced by the Kalevala, a prominent topic in national romantic art.