Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Helsinki

Established in the mid-16th century, Helsinki is a city that uniquely combines both historical and contemporary elements.

Situated on the shores of the Gulf of Finland in the southern part of the country, it serves as Finland’s capital and is the most populous city, with approximately 650,000 inhabitants.

Helsinki is often called the ‘Daughter of the Baltic,’ and in the early 19th century, it underwent significant reconstruction to resemble St. Petersburg.

Over the years, it has appeared in several Cold War-era films and is regarded as one of the region’s premier centers for culinary, artistic, and design innovation.

Below is a selection of 15 exceptional tours in Helsinki.

1. 90-minute Helsinki Canal Boat Sightseeing Tour

While not as expansive as those in Venice, Italy, the canals of Helsinki provide a distinct viewpoint of the city from an alternative angle.

Tour participants will navigate past several of the city’s key landmarks, including the Maritime Fortress at Suomenlinna, the Helsinki Zoo, and the fleet of impressive icebreakers in the harbor.

Numerous photographic opportunities arise, and throughout the journey, insights into the city’s history and culture are provided, along with suggestions of places to explore once the tour concludes.

Coffee, tea, refreshing beverages, and pastries are offered in the boat’s onboard café.

2. Panorama Coach Tour

This Panorama Helsinki Coach Tour offers an excellent way to gain orientation in the city without incurring substantial costs or wasting precious vacation time.

Lasting just under two hours, the tour is available in nearly a dozen languages and passes many of the city’s emblematic sites, such as the Parliament Building, Presidential Palace, Sibelius Monument, and Temppeliaukio Church.

Many attractions are likely to pique your interest for further exploration in the days to follow, all while seated comfortably in an air-conditioned bus at an economical price compared to other tour options.

3. Jean Sibelius Live Music Experience

Admittedly, you may not be familiar with the renowned Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

With that settled, there’s no reason not to enjoy a one-hour performance of the maestro’s compositions, executed by professional musicians at the Balder Music Hall.

Constructed in 1813, this music hall boasts impressive acoustics and design.

The performance is succinct yet impactful and is suitable for all ages, complemented by complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

This event provides an engaging and inspiring experience, even for those who might not typically appreciate classical music. Each attendee receives a complimentary CD to remember the occasion.

4. Private Tour with Local Guide

Finns demonstrate a deep passion for their homeland. Therefore, for first-time visitors to Helsinki, it may be advantageous to partake in at least one guided tour before venturing out independently.

This private guided tour can extend from two to six hours based on the participants’ interests and availability, commencing with an introduction to the guide and the neighborhood in which you are residing.

In addition to exploring a number of the city’s main attractions, guests can choose to learn about local dining, shopping, and ways to experience the city more like a local.

5. Private Food and Beer Tour

The culinary and beer cultures in Helsinki are often characterized as vibrant, fashionable, and distinctive. There is no superior method to experience these aspects than by joining a private guided tour.

A knowledgeable and experienced guide will lead the way while you sample local delicacies, traditional dishes, and a range of beers showcasing varied flavor profiles.

Stops may include a brewery, restaurants, and cafés. In addition to delighting your palate, you’ll gain insights into the city’s history and cultural heritage.

Each tour can be tailored to accommodate the preferences and interests of participants, so it is advisable to consult with the operator beforehand.

6. Hop-On Hop-Off 48-Hour Ticket

For travelers desiring flexibility and spontaneity instead of adhering to strict schedules, hop-on-hop-off bus tours are excellent alternatives.

This Helsinki tour’s tickets remain valid for 48 hours from the time of purchase and encompass nearly 20 stops at some of the city’s essential and frequently visited landmarks.

Popular sites include the Olympic Terminal from the ’50s, Compass Square, the Ateneum Art Museum, and Hietalahti Flea Market.

Guests can explore attractions at their own pace, allowing them to focus on what genuinely interests them while bypassing less engaging sites.

7. Small Group Walking Tour

If you are seeking a more personalized experience than what a large group tour offers, and prefer walking to traveling in a cramped minivan, this small group, three-hour Helsinki tour should be prioritized on your itinerary.

The tour showcases numerous city landmarks while offering insights into the area’s history, culture, traditions, and gastronomy.

Helsinki is especially renowned for its splendid cathedrals, remarkable architecture, and modern design, all of which are highlighted during the tour.

Additionally, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea and have the option to start at either 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM.

Group sizes are limited to ten participants.

8. 5-Hour Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sightseeing Tour

Helsinki boasts many appealing features.

It is known for its welcoming residents, remarkable historical landmarks, vibrant culinary and art scenes, and some of the region’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

This comprehensive five-hour sightseeing tour includes visits to many of the capital’s prominent sites, such as the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the Jean Sibelius Monument, and the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the summer games in 1952.

The coastal fortress of Suomenlinna is another historical highlight of the tour, and nearly all expenses, including an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, transportation via coach and ferry, and applicable taxes are included in the price.

9. Helsinki Highlights and Porvoo Old Town Shore Excursion

Navigating downtown Helsinki independently is relatively straightforward; however, for those interested in venturing beyond the urban environment to explore the countryside, a tour is recommended.

This shore excursion caters to cruise ship passengers and encompasses experiences both within and outside the city.

Participants will see all the city’s key attractions mentioned in previous tours, while also departing the urban skyline to explore rural sites.

The charming town of Porvoo and its captivating Rock Church are especially popular and visually appealing.

10. Half-Day Nuuksio National Park Tour

Finland is home to numerous exceptional National Parks, many of which are located just an hour away from Helsinki.

Nuuksio National Park is celebrated for its picturesque and serene forests, housing numerous unique species and several endangered wildlife.

Tours begin and conclude in downtown Helsinki and include round-trip transportation, the services of an English-speaking guide, and relatively simple walks through the park’s most scenic spots.

Guests will have ample opportunity to inquire, capture photos, and enjoy a refreshing beverage or light snack before returning to the city.

11. Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour

After a lengthy international flight or being confined on a crowded cruise ship, it may be wise to explore Helsinki while simultaneously stretching your legs.

This highlights and hidden gems tour is self-guided; upon payment, an email will provide all necessary information to maximize your limited time.

The interactive nature of this experience makes it particularly suitable for families traveling with children who require engaging and entertaining activities.

During the tour, participants will solve riddles through a mobile application that will lead them to each new destination.

12. Sipoonkorpi National Park Half-Day Trail Tour

Sipoonkorpi National Park is a mere 20-kilometer distance from downtown Helsinki.

It is a favored day-trip location for those eager to experience nature and inhale the crisp Finnish air.

This park is best known for its extensive pine forests, distinctive geological formations, ancient bogs, and an abundance of lakes.

This tour features a guide who will lead participants on a hike lasting approximately three hours. Along the way, stories of forest lore and local culture will be shared.

It is advisable to discuss physical fitness and age prerequisites with the tour provider in advance.

13. Redrib Archipelago Fast Boat Experience

The Baltic Sea surrounding Helsinki is dotted with tens of thousands of islands, all remarkable locales to explore via boat with a guide.

The island cluster, known as the Redrib Archipelago, is best accessed swiftly via a powerful boat.

While conditions can be challenging due to strong coastal winds, safety remains the primary concern, and all participants are equipped with full-body suits, life jackets, and goggles to ensure a safe and exhilarating experience.

This tour includes commentary, a light lunch, and a visit to a traditional Finnish sauna before a rapid return to the city after approximately four hours.

14. Winter Archipelago Excursion

For enthusiasts of the great outdoors, Finland offers a plethora of recreational activities year-round.

During winter, the country’s natural wonders are often blanketed in snow and ice, yielding stunning vistas.

This half-day, four-and-a-half-hour excursion takes participants to the Porkkala Peninsula, where they will traverse pristine forests. With a bit of luck, one might encounter various wildlife, including foxes, moose, and diverse bird species.

Tour sizes are limited to eight individuals, featuring abundant photo opportunities, age-appropriate hikes, and a lunch along with coffee by a campfire overlooking the sea.

15. Tallinn Day Cruise from Helsinki

Although it constitutes a lengthy 12-hour period, traveling to the Estonian capital of Tallinn from Helsinki is a popular venture.

After being collected from their hotels in the city center, participants will embark on a ferry crossing the Gulf of Finland.

Upon arrival, there will be opportunities to discover the city’s primary attractions, such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Old Town district, and the waterfront area.

Visitors will enjoy a combination of guided and independent exploration time before the return journey to Finland.

The ferries offer both indoor and outdoor seating, alongside heating and air conditioning, in addition to onboard dining options as well.