Helsinki is a calm and slow-paced city – a walking tour is the best way to get to know Finland’s capital.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Finland’s capital Helsinki is a relatively peaceful place, compared to Europe’s more buzzing metropolises, filled with green spaces, relaxing cafes, and a friendly vibe. It’s also a very safe city to visit – Finns have Europe’s highest levels of trust in others, according to one survey – and if you lose something in Helsinki chances are it will be handed in. Easy-going Helsinki is fairly compact and never feels overly busy, so a walking tour is the best way to get to know the city at a leisurely pace – here are five of the best ways to see the city on foot.
Helsinki: Architectural Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Helsinki is a top destination for lovers of architecture, packed full of functional and minimalistic Nordic architecture – both old and new. Even if you aren’t a buildings buff, this tour is an interesting way to see the city, passing by and learning the history of Helsinki’s most iconic and beloved buildings. The number of architectural styles is mind-boggling – including neoclassical, gothic revival, renaissance revival, art nouveau, art deco, Nordic classicism, functionalism, and modernism – and with this being a small group you can also customise it to focus on the buildings or styles that are most of interest. From €48.00.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Helsinki walking tour with a city planner
(Photo: Viator.com)
How often can you say that you were shown around an urban metropolis with a city planner? The city planner guide for this tour certainly gives it a unique twist and it turns out that not many people know cities better than the people who build them. This tour consistently gets five star reviews, it’s that good – the guide taking the small group to all sorts of off-the-beaten track locations, explaining everything from religion to soccer, and revealing bizarre Finnish traditions. This is a good option for anyone who has visited all the main tourist sights already and looking for something a little more detailed and unique. From €48.00.
Book at Viator.com
A Finntastic Free Walking Tour in Helsinki (Tip-based)
This is a much-loved tour of Helsinki which gives a good overview of the city in just two hours. This is not just about ticking off the sights, although there are plenty of them on the way, but also learning a little about Finnish culture, history, education, and even saunas. The guide will meet you in the Senate Square and takes you on a walking adventure past Helsinki Cathedral, the city’s museums and university, past the first-ever cafe bar in Helsinki, and past the unique buildings that line Aleksi Street. As the name suggests this tour is free – although obviously a suitable a tip for the guide is highly recommended. Free (tips based).
Book at Getyourguide.com
Helsinki: Free Guided City Sights and Culture Walking Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Another good free, tip-based tour, this excursion is a good mix of the historical and more contemporary sides of Helsinki. Also starting in Senate Square, you’ll get to see highlights such as Helsinki’s Old Town, as well as the city’s modern architecture such as the Oodi Library. The guide is always happy to pass on tips and recommendations for the rest of the trip, especially in Market Square, the cultural and gastronomical centre of Helsinki. Along the way the guides explains all you need to know about Finland’s literature, society, customs, and everyday life – it’s great way to start your vacation in Helsinki. Free (tips based).
Book at Getyourguide.com
Helsinki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
If you are looking for a more personal experience than a group tour, this private package is worth considering. The experience is tailored to you, with a pre-tour chat about your interests and the sights chosen to suit. The guide can give really good recommendations for your stay and you won’t be straining to hear at the back of a big group. You can also choose a time that suits as well as the duration, from two to six hours. In the end the experience is more like being shown around Helsinki by a local, accompanied by indispensable insider know-how. From €55.00.
Book at Viator.com