Best Tours of Helsinki

Helsinki is the capital of Finland, one of the most culturally outstanding cities in Scandinavia and also an ideal place to use as a base for discovering nearby destinations. However, here you will find some of the best attractions in the region, which you can learn about on guided excursions and organized tours that will 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, participating in a helicopter tour, taking a speedboat ride around the Baltic Sea, and even getting to know Suomenlinna and all its history accompanied by an expert guide.

One of the best alternatives 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 participate in a guided tour of the architecture of this destination.

During these excursions you can explore emblematic sites such as the Helsinki Cathedral, an architectural icon that dominates the skyline with its neoclassical presence. Its interior details and the design of its facade will take you back to the golden age of the Finnish capital. You can also visit the Oodi Library, a contemporary jewel that symbolizes the avant-garde that also characterizes 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 recognized worldwide for its exceptional design and unique atmosphere, but also as a perfect combination of human intervention and the natural environment.

Finally you will also get to know Helsinki's design district, known for its contemporary buildings, avant-garde stores 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 in a guided tour from one of the best perspectives of this destination, which is the architectural one.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the entrance fee 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 a thrilling experience, you can't miss a helicopter tour of Helsinki. These tours will allow you to see the city from a dazzling perspective, as well as access 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 see the size of the Presidential Palace and the distinctive architecture of some of the Finnish capital's best museums located in the city center.

The helicopter tour will not only take you to explore the 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.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 468 euros per person.
• Duration: about 30 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the best complete profiles of the city, from the air and in an experience that will also take you along the Baltic Sea.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are expensive experiences.

Helsinki is primarily a port city, and is built around the navigable canals that for years shaped the city's development pathways as Finland's main economic center, so one of the best excursions you can do in the capital includes a tour of these sites.

Throughout the tour, which is 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 characterizes 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 marine perspective and with the assistance of expert local guides' narrations that will transport you back in time and give you an insight into Finnish culture. In addition, you can also discover the surrounding islands and parks along the canals.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour and a half.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the navigable canals of Helsinki 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 learn about 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 allow you to experience the inclement weather in this area, especially if you plan to visit Helsinki in winter.

At the fortress you can also visit the Suomenlinna Museum, which is one of the best museums in Helsinki. This cultural treasure houses a collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits and military remnants that reveal everyday life on the island over the years, from its construction to the present day.

Details of interest

• 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 are someone who prefers to organize your own itinerary and not join other tour groups, you can choose to explore the city on a customized private tour, where you will have full control over the pace and route of the excursion. These options will also give you the freedom to design a tailor-made day, adapted to 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 customized 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 that is tailored to your interests and ensures that every moment is unforgettable. Of course, the tour will depend on your organization and your research of the city's best sites.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 58 euros per person for the fastest options.
• Duration: between 2 and 6 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to build your own itinerary and choose the pace of the tour.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: you will have to research in advance to choose the tours, otherwise you will have to choose the recommendations of the guides and you will 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 a perspective full of adrenaline and speed. This unique experience will take you through the waters of the Baltic Sea and 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 will be 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 be difficult to reach otherwise, adding an extra dose of adventure to your sea voyage.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 155 euros per person.
• Duration: about 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: they do not include stops.

If you are up for a different experience during your tour of Helsinki, you can discover the magic of cinema on a movie experience tour at Flying Cinema. 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. In addition to enjoying unmissable images, you will receive detailed information about the history, architecture and curiosities 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 sites of the city in an immersive experience unlike any other.
• Disadvantages of these tours: the projection is generic, so you will not 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 tourist bus. This service will allow 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 in the main points of the Finnish capital.

You can opt for 1 or 2 full-day passes that will start counting 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 provide you with an ideal option to plan an itinerary on your own and at your own pace. Also, you will be able to save time in the transfers between each of the stops, with buses that offer a frequency of service every 30 minutes, although in winter it can be extended.

Stops included in the tourist bus

• Senate Square, Helsinki's ground zero kilometer
• Olympia Terminal, one of the city's main transfer points.
• Café Ursula / Kaivopuisto Park, one of Helsinki's gastronomic hotspots
• Compass Square, one of Helsinki's most visited waterfront sites
• Eira, Helsinki's luxury district
• Hernesaari Cruise Terminal - Dike 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 Theater, one of the most famous cultural venues in Helsinki
• Market Square, the city's harbor square
• Amox Rex / Kiasma / Art Museum, the circuit of the most popular museums in Helsinki
• 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 epicenter
• National Opera House, the Finnish Philharmonic Orchestra building
• 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

Details of interest

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

You can book a tour in Helsinki in advance online, as well as book them 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 reservation. This will allow you to secure your place in the experiences and also save money, as the rates are dynamic.

Also keep in mind that if you book in advance you will have time to put together a comprehensive itinerary 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 face the weather, which during the winter is very cold, so be sure to dress appropriately. Raincoats and coats are essential to keep you comfortable while discovering the sights and enjoying the unique atmosphere of Helsinki 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 will be ideal to participate in local activities or visit sites frequented by the Finns, such as the popular Hakaniemi Market.

First of all, 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 that you visit the highlights without worrying about logistics. This way you will avoid wasting time and discover the city more effectively, optimizing 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.