Best Tours of Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, one of Scandinavia's most culturally outstanding cities and also a great place to use as a base for discovering nearby destinations. However, it is home to some of the region's best attractions, which you can experience on guided excursions and organised tours that show you everything from the design of the buildings to the importance of the surrounding canals.

Some of the best things to do in Helsinki include taking a guided tour of the local architecture, joining a helicopter tour, speedboating around the Baltic Sea, and even getting to know Suomenlinna and its history with an expert guide.

One of the best ways to get to know Helsinki is from the perspective of its buildings, so if you want to discover the essence of the city, which combines tradition and modernity, you can take part in a guided tour of the architecture of this destination.

During these excursions you can explore iconic sites such as Helsinki Cathedral, an architectural icon that dominates the skyline with its neoclassical presence. Its interior details and façade design will take you back to the golden age of the Finnish capital. You can also visit the Oodi Library, a contemporary jewel that symbolises the avant-garde that also characterises Helsinki.

During these tours you will have the opportunity to discover the functionalist architecture of the Temppeliaukion Church, which was carved into the rock and crowned by a copper roof. This place of worship is world-renowned for its exceptional design and unique atmosphere, but also as a perfect combination of human intervention and the natural environment.

Finally, you can also visit Helsinki's design district, known for its contemporary buildings, avant-garde shops and art galleries.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 63 euros per person.
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the city on a guided tour from one of the best perspectives of this destination, which is the architectural one.
• Disadvantages of these tours: Entrance to Temppeliaukion and other buildings with entrance fees is not included in the price.

If you want to see the entire skyline of the city in one thrilling experience, you can't miss a helicopter tour of Helsinki. These tours allow you to see the city from a dazzling perspective, as well as accessing sweeping panoramic views.

During the flight you will be able to see Helsinki's iconic landmarks, from the imposing Cathedral to the modern design of the Oodi Library. You will also be able to see the size of the Presidential Palace and the distinctive architecture of some of the Finnish capital's best museums in the city centre.

The helicopter tour will not only take you to explore the city's urban charms, but will also include a tour over the Baltic Sea. From above, you will enjoy the crystal clear waters and serene beauty of this sea that surrounds Helsinki's coastline and is also the gateway to some of the best tours from Helsinki.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 468 euros per person.
• Duration: about 30 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of the city's best all-round skylines, from the air and in an experience that also takes you over the Baltic Sea.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are expensive experiences.

Helsinki is primarily a port city, and is built around the waterways that for years shaped the city's development as Finland's main economic centre, so one of the best things to do in the capital includes a tour of these sites.

Considered one of the best boat tours in the city, these experiences will allow you to discover the coastal architecture, maritime history and natural beauty that characterise Helsinki and, above all, its riverside surroundings.

From the picturesque Hakaniemi market to the Presidential Palace, every corner of the city will come to life from a maritime perspective and with the assistance of expert local guides' narration, you'll be transported back in time and given an insight into Finnish culture. You can also discover the surrounding islands and parks along the canals.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know Helsinki's waterways in a quick tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they do not include stops at the canals' piers.

Suomenlinna is one of the most fascinating sites around Helsinki and the best way to discover the secrets of this maritime fortress is to take a guided tour of the island. These experiences will allow you to see the ancient walls, fortifications and unique blend of architectural influences that make this former military base a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During these experiences you will have time to explore the passages and buildings of Suomenlinna, learning about its strategic importance and military role. From the ramparts to the cannons that are still operational, every corner tells a fascinating story that will transport you back in time and give you an insight into the inclement weather in this area, especially if you plan to visit Helsinki in winter.

The fortress is also home to the Suomenlinna Museum, which is one of the best museums in Helsinki. This cultural treasure houses a collection of artefacts, interactive exhibits and military relics that reveal everyday life on the island over the years, from its construction to the present day.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 149 euros per person.
• Duration: between 4 and 5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will visit one of the most popular sites around Helsinki and learn about its intriguing history on a guided tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you won't have much free time to explore the sites on your own.

If you prefer to organise your own itinerary and not join other tour groups, you can choose to explore the city on a personalised private tour, where you will have full control over the pace and route of the excursion. These options also give you the freedom to tailor-make your day to suit your interests and preferences.

Among the recommended sites most visited by tourists in general are the iconic Temppeliaukion kirkko, carved into the rock, and the historic Suomenlinna Fortress, with its military architecture and panoramic views from the ramparts. You can also explore the lively Hakaniemi flea market to experience authentic local life.

With a personalised private tour, no corner of Helsinki is off-limits to you. From well-known attractions to hidden gems, this experience will guarantee a tailor-made exploration to suit your interests and ensure that every moment is unforgettable. Of course, the tour will depend on your organisation and your research of the city's best sites.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 58 euros per person for the fastest options.
• Duration: between 2 and 6 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you can set your own itinerary and choose the pace of the tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: You'll need to do some research beforehand to choose the tours, otherwise you'll have to go with the guide's recommendations and pay more for tours similar to those available for shared groups.

If you want to combine one of the best tours of Helsinki with an adventure tour, you can embark on a speedboat tour to discover the city from an adrenaline-filled and speedy perspective. This unique experience will take you through the waters of the Baltic Sea and along the picturesque canals of the Finnish capital.

From the Cathedral to the Suomenlinna Fortress, each destination becomes a must-see experience, allowing you to enjoy sweeping views and capture unique moments on one of the best boat tours in Helsinki. In addition, the speed of the boat will allow you to explore multiple locations in record time, which is ideal if you plan to tour the city in 3 days or even less.

During these excursions you can also visit nearby islands and discover places that would otherwise be difficult to reach, adding an extra dose of adventure to your sea voyage.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 155 euros per person.
• Duration: around 1 hour and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to visit many places in the city in a short time and make it an exciting adventure experience.
• Disadvantages of these tours: no stops are included.

If you are up for a different experience during your tour of Helsinki, you can discover the magic of cinema on a Flying Cinema Experience Tour. This innovative attraction combines state-of-the-art technology with the city's rich history and scenic beauty, offering you a unique experience that will transport you through time and space.

The Flying Cinema invites you to embark on a virtual journey through Helsinki, where you will experience the sensation of flying over the city's most iconic landmarks. Thanks to the panoramic screen and immersive special effects, you will feel like you are floating above the Cathedral, cruising the canals and exploring the most picturesque corners of the Finnish capital.

What makes this tour one of the best in Helsinki is its ability to merge entertainment with education. As well as enjoying unmissable images, you'll receive detailed information on the history, architecture and sights of each site you fly over. It's a perfect choice for those looking for a novel and immersive way to discover Helsinki.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 12 euros per person.
• Duration: about 12 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see the best sights of the city in an immersive experience unlike any other.
• Disadvantages of these tours: the projection is generic, so you won't be able to choose between different types of interactive tours.

One of the traditional experiences you can do in Helsinki is to tour the city on the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. This service allows you to hop on and off as many times as you want during the validity of the pass at any of the 19 stops established at the main points of the Finnish capital.

You can opt for 1 or 2 full-day passes that will start from the moment of activation and will allow you to discover the main attractions of the city, including the best museums of Helsinki and the coastal tour, which will include the cruise terminal. You will also be able to board the bus for the end-to-end tour, which will last approximately 1.5 hours.

This alternative will give you an ideal option to plan an itinerary on your own and at your own pace. You can also save time on transfers between each of the stops, with buses running every 30 minutes, although in winter this can be extended.

Stops included on the sightseeing bus

• Senate Square, Helsinki's ground zero kilometre
• Olympia Terminal, one of the city's main transfer points.
• Café Ursula / Kaivopuisto Park, one of Helsinki's foodie hotspots
• Compass Square, one of Helsinki's most visited waterfront sites
• Eira, Helsinki's luxury district
• Hernesaari Cruise Terminal - Dock 1, the city's cruise terminal
• Hernesaari Cruise Terminal - Dock 2, the city's cruise terminal
• Loyly, the city's most famous sauna area
• Flea Market / Bulevardi, the local flea market
• Swedish Theatre, one of the most famous cultural venues in Helsinki
• Market Square, the city's harbour square
• Amox Rex / Kiasma / Art Museum, Helsinki's most popular museum circuit
• Temppeliaukio Church, the temple built into the rock and one of Helsinki's main tourist sites
• Sibelius Monument, the heart of Sibelius Park, one of the city's largest green lungs
• Olympic Stadium, Helsinki's sporting epicentre
• National Opera House, the home of the Finnish Philharmonic Orchestra
• National Museum / Parliament, the oldest area of the city
• Ateneum Art Museum, one of Helsinki's leading art museums
• Botanical Garden, an ideal place to relax between tours and for ice skating in winter

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 37 euros per person for the full day pass option.
• Duration: The full tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can plan an itinerary on your own and at your own pace.
• Disadvantages of these tours: In summer and spring the frequency is one bus every 30 minutes, but in winter services can take between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

You can book a tour in Helsinki in advance online as well as once you are in the city, although if you plan to visit the Finnish capital during the summer or during the high season months, I advise you to arrive in the city with a confirmed booking. This will allow you to secure your place in the experiences and also save money, as fares are dynamic.

Bear in mind, too, that booking in advance will give you time to put together a comprehensive itinerary of your tour of the city, which will be useful if you plan to tour Helsinki in 2 days or less. This will not only contribute to a more efficient tour, but will also allow you to get the most out of your trip without over-stressing yourself.

As a first step, in Helsinki you will have to deal with the weather, which is very cold during the winter, so make sure you dress appropriately. Mackintoshes and coats are essential to keep you comfortable while discovering the sights and enjoying Helsinki's unique atmosphere and will allow you to spend a lot of time outdoors without too much inconvenience other than having to endure the snow and drizzle.

On the other hand, keep an open mind to immerse yourself in Finnish culture. Interact with the locals, discover local traditions and enjoy the unique hospitality that Helsinki has to offer. This is ideal for participating in local activities or visiting places frequented by the Finns, such as the popular Hakaniemi Market.

Firstly, consider that having the assistance of an expert local guide will give you access to valuable information and local anecdotes that you would not find on your own. History, culture and little-known details come alive as you explore Helsinki, so if you want to gain an in-depth understanding, a guided tour is the perfect alternative.

In addition, comfort and efficiency are crucial factors when choosing a guided tour. Well-planned itineraries allow you to make the most of your time, ensuring you visit the highlights without worrying about logistics. This way you will avoid wasting time and discover the city more effectively, optimising your sightseeing experience.

Finally, while exploring the city on your own has its charm, a guided tour in Helsinki offers a perfect balance between comfort and expert knowledge, an ideal offer to enjoy the city, especially if you plan to tour the Finnish capital during the winter, when the weather and freezing temperatures often complicate some experiences.