Founded in the mid-16th century, Helsinki is a city that embraces both the old and the new world like no other city.
Located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland in southern Finland, it is Finland’s capital and most populous city with about 650,000 inhabitants.
Helsinki is often referred to as the “Daughter of the Baltic”, and in the early 19th century it was largely rebuilt to mimic St Petersburg.
It has appeared in many Cold War-era films over the years and is also considered one of the hottest culinary, art and design hubs in the region.
Here are 15 of the best tours in Helsinki.
1. 90-minute Helsinki Canal Cruise
While they’re not quite as expansive as the better-known canals in Venice, Italy, Helsinki’s canals are a great way to see the city’s unique views from a different angle.
Visitors will pass some of the city’s main attractions, such as Suomenlinna’s sea fortress, Helsinki Zoo and the port’s majestic fleet of icebreakers.
Photography abounds, and along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s history and culture, and discover things you might want to see for yourself after the tour is officially over.
Coffee, tea, cold drinks and pastries are available in the cafeteria on board.
View prices and reviews
2. Panoramic Coach Tour
This panoramic Helsinki coach tour is a great way to keep your attitude in the city without spending a fortune or wasting unnecessary precious vacation time.
The tour lasts less than two hours, is available in nearly a dozen languages, and drives past many of the city’s iconic sights, such as the Parliament Building, the Presidential Palace, the Sebelius Monument, and the Temppeliaukio Church.
Over the next few days, you may see many sights that you want to explore on your own while sitting in the comfortable seat of an air-conditioned bus that costs a lot of money compared to other tours.
View prices and reviews
3. Jean Sibelius Live Music Experience
That’s ok; admit it – you’ve never heard of the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
Now that the uncomfortable part is over, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a one-hour Old Master piece played by professional musicians at the Balder Hall.
The concert hall, built in 1813, is impressive and boasts impressive acoustics.
The show is a short, punchy, family-friendly event that includes free non-alcoholic beverages
It’s a truly immersive and awesome event, even for those who aren’t necessarily fans of classical music. Every guest gets a free CD to take home.
View prices and reviews
4. Private tour with a local guide
Finns are passionate about their country. For those visiting Helsinki for the first time, it may be a good idea to take at least one guided tour before setting out on your own.
This private guided tour ranges from two to six hours, depending on the interests and schedule of the participants, and usually begins with a meeting with your guide and getting acquainted with the community in which you live.
In addition to visiting the city’s many highlights, guests can choose from places to learn about dining, shopping, and experience the city like a local.
View prices and reviews
5. Private Food and Beer Tour
Helsinki’s food and beer scene is often described as vibrant, trendy and unique. There is no better way to experience them than with a private guided tour.
A knowledgeable and experienced guide will take you to taste local produce, traditional dishes and delicious beers in a variety of flavors.
Stops include breweries, restaurants and cafes. In addition to delighting your taste buds, you’ll learn about the city’s history and culture.
Each tour can be customized to the needs and interests of guests, so please contact the operator before booking.
View prices and reviews
6. Hop-on hop-off 48-hour ticket
The hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great option for busy travelers who prefer to fly in the pants seat rather than a long, rigorous trip.
Tickets for this Helsinki tour are valid for 48 hours from the date of purchase and include nearly 20 stops at some of the capital’s most important and frequently visited sights.
The Olympic Terminal, built in the 50s, Compass Square, Ateneum Art Museum and Hietalahti Flea Market are the most popular attractions.
Guests are free to explore at their own pace what interests them and skip over what they are not entirely interested in.
View prices and reviews
7. Small group walking tour
Looking for a more intimate experience than a big trip?
Prefer to walk rather than take a cramped minivan?
If so, this 3-hour small-group Helsinki tour deserves a place in your itinerary.
You’ll see a wealth of city landmarks and learn about the region’s history, culture, customs, and cuisine.
The city is known for its majestic cathedral, stunning architecture and modern design, all of which are featured on this tour.
You’ll also see stunning views of the Baltic Sea and have the option to depart at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.
Tours are limited to ten guests.
View prices and reviews
8. 5-Hour Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour
Helsinki has a lot to do.
It’s full of friendly people, impressive historical attractions, a chic food and art scene, and some of the most stunning natural beauty in the region.
This valuable 5-hour sightseeing tour includes visits to many of the capital’s main attractions, such as the Upensky Orthodox Cathedral, the Jean Sibelius Monument, and the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics.
The coastal fortress of Suomenlinna is another historical highlight of the tour, and almost everything is included in the cost, such as an English-speaking guide, hotel transfers, transportation by coach and ferry, and all applicable taxes.
View prices and reviews
9. Helsinki Highlights and Porvoo Old Town Shore Excursion
Getting around in central Helsinki on your own is relatively easy, but for those who want to get away from the urban environment and explore the countryside, a tour is best.
This shore excursion has been designed with cruise ship passengers in mind, both in and out of the city.
You’ll see all of the city’s core attractions listed above, but also leave the city skyline as you head off to explore more of the countryside.
The quaint town of Porvoo with its interesting rock church has always been popular and especially photogenic.
View prices and reviews
10. Nuuksio National Park Half-Day Tour
Finland is full of amazing national parks. Fortunately, many of them are less than an hour away from the capital, Helsinki.
Nuuksio National Park is known for its idyllic primeval forests, home to many unique animals and even some endangered species.
Tours begin and end in central Helsinki and include round-trip transportation, English-speaking guide services, and a relatively easy walk through the most scenic areas of the park.
Guests will have time to ask questions, take photos and relax with a cold drink or snack before driving back to town.
View prices and reviews
11. Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour
After a long international flight or being stranded on a cramped cruise ship, it might be a good idea to kill two birds with one stone while stretching your legs while getting an overview of Helsinki.
This highlights and hidden gems tour is self-guided; after payment, you will receive an email with all the information you need to make the most of your limited time.
It’s an interactive experience, perfect for those traveling with kids who need to be involved and entertained.
Along the way, you’ll solve puzzles through a mobile app that guides you to the next stop.
View prices and reviews
12. Sipoonkorpi National Park Half-Day Tour
Sipoonkorpi National Park is just over 20 km from Helsinki city centre.
It is a popular day trip destination for those eager to see the country and breathe in the fresh Finnish air.
The park is known for its vast expanses of towering pines, unique geological formations, pristine swamps and abundant lakes.
This tour includes the service of a guide who will lead guests on a hike of approximately three hours. Along the way, you’ll also hear stories about forest legends and local history and culture.
Check with the tour provider about physical fitness and age requirements before booking.
View prices and reviews
13. Redrib Archipelago Speedboat Experience
The Baltic waters around Helsinki are dotted with tens of thousands of islands that are great places to visit by boat.
The island chain is known as the Redrib Archipelago and is best reached quickly by speedboat.
Winds are often howling off the coast, creating harsh conditions, but as safety is paramount, all guests will wear full-body suits, life jackets and speed-rated goggles for a safe and exhilarating time.
The tour includes a narration, a light lunch and a traditional Finnish sauna tour, before flying back to the city four hours later.
View prices and reviews
14. Winter Islands Excursion
For outdoor enthusiasts, Finland offers a variety of outdoor leisure activities throughout the year.
When winter hits the northern country, its natural wonders are often overwhelmed by snow and ice, and the breathtaking views are breathtaking.
This half-day, four-and-a-half-hour excursion takes enthusiastic guests to the Pokhara Peninsula, where they will wander through native forest. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a wide variety of animals, including foxes, moose and birds of all kinds.
The tour is limited to eight participants and includes plenty of photo ops, hiking for most ages, and lunch and coffee by a campfire overlooking the ocean.
View prices and reviews
15. Tallinn Day Trip from Helsinki
While 12 hours in a day is a long day, visiting Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, from Helsinki is a popular excursion.
After being picked up from a hotel in the city center, guests will board the ferry and cross the Gulf of Finland.
Once you arrive, it’s time to explore the city’s top attractions, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Old Town, and the waterfront.
Guests will have guided and free time to explore before returning to Finland in comfort.
The ferry includes indoor and outdoor seating, heating and air conditioning, and onboard dining options.
Check Prices and Reviews Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Helsinki, Finland
Lowest Price Guarantee
