The Finns are proud of their heritage, and Helsinki is an excellent example of well-preserved Finnish culture - from its thoughtful museums to Art Nouveaux buildings and elegant, old world cafes. Take a Helsinki tour with a personal guide and let a local show you their favourite parts of this beautiful coastal city.

Stroll through the Kiasma and Ateneum museums with their fine collections of Finnish art. Join the locals by taking a ferry across the bay for a picnic on the grounds of World Heritage Site Suomenlinna Castle. Ask your guide to recommend a concert at Temppeliaukio, where you can appreciate amazing acoustics in an underground church hewn from solid rock. If you're lucky enough to be in Helsinki during its gloriously long summer days, make sure to spend some time relaxing in the late evening sun on one of the city's many excellent beer terraces.

Your guide is keen to personalize a Helsinki tour to suit your personal travel interests - come prepared for a great time!

Helsinki

The sea, islands, and parks - these three factors represent Helsinki well. Culture, architecture, and the rich history between East and West, Russia and Sweden, are still dominant in our daily lives.

Helsinki is a place to visit all year round. The air is fresh, we don't have heavy industries in the center, and Helsinki is known for its several green parks. The most common feedback is - How can this city be so clean?
Let's drive to local areas, get familiar with hidden gems, and let me show you that feedback is honest. We will stop at the Food Market for Finnish tastings and coffee/tee (included in the tour).

You will not get bored when I talk about our daily lives, high education, free healthcare, and traditions. For instance, the Finnish Sauna has now been chosen for Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list!

This tour is made with a tidy air-conditioned Toyota Chr (2020) with me as the driver.

** If you are more than 4 persons, please inquire about a customized tour.

Food tasting in Old Market hall (4 different tastings)+ coffee/tea beverages

History, presence, hidden gems and food tasting in a 5 hour tour

Private Helsinki Highlights with SUV, minivan

Helsinki Highlights & Visit to Porvoo Old Town

This tour combines Helsinki city highlights with a short car trip (45 km) to charming town of Porvoo.
Porvoo gained its city rights in 1346. Porvoo has a picturesque wooden Old Town, mainly built in 1700s. With its old colorful wooden houses, narrow cobblestone street, shopping, cafeterias, and restaurants, Porvoo Old Town is one of the most visited sites in Finland.

On this tour you will see the best of Helsinki combined with the Porvoo Old Town charm.

In Helsinki we visit all the main sights in a historical city centre and other interesting sites according to your preferences.

Helsinki & Porvoo medieval town - all in one day tour

Private Helsinki Highlights Tour incl. the World Heritage Site Suomenlinna

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Helsinki on this complete tour of the city's most prominent sights. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group private tour, limited to 6 people.

See sights such as Finlandia Hall, Oodi library, Olympic Stadium from the 1952 Summer Olympics, Senate Square and the open market! Visit the monument to the composer Jean Sibelius and explore the vibrant promenade of Esplanade Park. Go to Old Market Hall, and admire the largest Orthodox church in western Europe at the Uspenski Cathedral.

Then, catch the ferry to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Suomenlinna sea fortress and enjoy the sea view. Upon arrival, walk to the Great Courtyard and listen to the fascinating history of this once unconquerable "Gibraltar of the North". Continue to the King's Gate and see the church built for the Russian troops.

Helsinki sea front and the Esplanade Open Air Market

Helsinki is often called " The Daughter of the Baltic"-you can easily see why!

Cannon sloop Diana, which has been built according to its 1700s role models sails the coastal waters of Suomenlinna.

King's Gate at Suomenlinna, the former Parade Entrance from the Swedish era

Kustaanmiekka fortifications near the King's gate

Get the most of your day in Helsinki!

Helsinki is actually not born yesterday but only during the last 200 years has it become an important town in Finland. We will visit the Senate Square where we have several neoclassical buildings from the beginning of the 17th century. Not to forget the statue of Aleksander II. We were a bit more than 100 years part of the Russian empire. Close by we have a look at the busy market square. Far away we can see a bit of the Suomenlinna fortress that reminds us the time we were part of the Swedish empire. They lost us to Russia 1809. We have plenty of facinating buildings and sights from the time we have been an independent country that is since 1917.

Porvoo is our second oldest town; almost 800 years old. Cobble stone streets and wooden buildings wait for us there. Walking by the riverside we can imagen ships coming in with exotic products from abroad and sailing away with tar that was once one of the most important export products. This is a nice place for a lunch or a coffee/tea.

Two Finnish towns. One young, one old . Helsinki our capital and Porvoo filled with history. With a professional guide. Me.

Helsinki and Porvoo private tour

Shore Excursion-The Best of Helsinki & the Olde World Charm of Medieval Porvoo

This tour features the best of both Helsinki City and Old Porvoo. You will learn about Finnish nature, culture and history during this fun and relaxed tour which we can flexibly adapt according to your own needs and interests.
We will drive into the countryside and visit picturesque Porvoo which from ancient times to the present day has been a hub for artisans, craftsmen and artists who found inspiration in the beauty of the Old Town and its surrounding countryside. Porvoo also been visited by Kings and Tsars. We will visit the old cathedral, pass by charming wooden houses, flower filled courtyards and you can choose to linger in the quaint shops filled with handmade goods by local artisans
In Helsinki we will visit all the most interesting areas and sites in the city . Through stories and anecdotes, I will make the city and its people come alive. If you want to shop or eat I know the best places. The tour is at your pace and is designed to accomodate your needs and interests. Welcome to Finland!

The view from the bridge looking out onto the Old Town

Private 6 hour Guided Tour Helsinki/ Picturesque Porvoo

Helsinki is known as 'The Daughter Of The Baltic' and on this tour you will discover why. Learn about the legacy from the Swedish and Russian periods of rule and marvel at the eclectic mix of architecture in a city dotted at every turn with beautiful parks and stunning Baltic Sea shoreline. On this gently-paced walking tour we will cover the following:

- Historical Senate Square, one of the best preserved neo-classical squares in all Northern Europe.
- Helsinki Lutheran (external visit) and Uspenski Orthodox cathedrals.
- Market Square, an authentic city market with a local feel.
- Esplanadi Park and home to chic Finnish design.
- Central Railway Station, designed by Architect Eliel Saarinen, father of American architect Eero Saarinen.
- The Rock Church with its unique design (subject to availability).
- NEW: The stunning Oodi Public Library.

Time will also be available for a relaxed coffee stop.

If your group size is over 10 persons please contact me for more details.

Good morning everybody and welcome to my tour !

The national Museum by Saarinen and partners

The Chapel of Silence, an oasis of tranquility

Monument to controversial Cold War President , Urho Kekkonen

The famous Rock Church, blasted out of a granite rock

The famous Cinnamon Buns in every Helsinki cafe !

Interior of the fabulous Public Library OODI

Pastries galore at the famous Cafe Esplanad coffee shop

Private Helsinki Walking Tour with Private Guide

Private Helsinki Uncovered Walking Tour

Come with me for a combination of a panoramic getaway onboard a Premium Coach private bus for a relaxed tour with plenty of stop-overs for picture taking, souvenir shopping, and local delicacy tasting.

On this full-day tour, I am taking you for a visit to Porvoo, one of Finland's most photographed national landscapes and a long-time favourite of both locals and tourists.
Porvoo will not leave you indifferent—its Old Wooden Town, charming cafes and boutiques, and the painted red-ocher river bank, surrounded by the most beautiful Finnish countryside, exudes beauty and harmony.

Stop for a cup of coffee at numerous cafes—famous for their barista and freshly-brewed organic/ specialty coffee; Finns drink the most coffee in the world per capita.
During shopping, haggle for fine handicrafts—socks, woollen pullovers, and gift items at the flea markets .

Enjoy the Lunch Break on mid-day at a seaside restaurant.

Welcome to Finland, known as one of the happiest places on earth! Experience it for yourself!

Explore Nordic Capital Helsinki &amp; Old Town Porvoo in a day! - Private Transportation -

Helsinki Highlights, Medieval River Town Porvoo - Shore Excursion

The history of Finland is colourful, and it has strongly impacted the modern Finnish kitchen. The main element of Finnish food is its purity: berries, mushrooms and game from our woods, fish from our lakes, sea and rivers, fresh dairy products, oat and rye to bake delicious bread from our fields.

in addition to some of the typical flavours mentioned above, during our food tour you will try out our traditional Karelian pies and cinnamon buns so soft you will believe your guide when she says they are the best in the world!

Your local guide will share stories about Helsinki's past and what the city is all about today, all while tasting high-quality local delicacies. In addition to enjoying the food, you will also have time to savour the exquisite architecture, design and cultural sights of the city of Helsinki. You will also receive valuable tips on where to shop for those fantastic Finnish design clothes and what else to do during your stay.

Main sights and food tastings

TASTE Helsinki food tour

Finntastic City Tour in Helsinki (7 hours)

Moi!

- Did you know that Finns drink the highest amount of coffee in the world?
- Did you know that there are more saunas in Finland than the number of cars?!

If your answers were "no", you need to book this tour right now and get to know more about the Finnish culture! This tour is not only informative but also very fun.

We'll visit some of the architectural and historical masterpieces of the city such as the iconic senate square and Helsinki cathedral, Orthodex cathedral of Helsinki, a library where you can play some playstation and record some music for free, and the UNESCO site of Suomenlinna. Finnish cuisine is another important focus of the tour so you could try some of the best local dishes.

Together with me, you will get to know about the past and present of Finland, Finnish mindset and culture, Finnish Lifestyle, education, politics, etc.

I'll be glad to meet you and show you my beautiful city!

A Full-day city tour to see all attractions of Helsinki

Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland! Here you can find how it feels to live in a country located between west and the east, see the development from Swedish time trough Russian time, and finally the years of Finland's independence. Helsinki is now a metropolitan area, consisting of Helsinki, Vantaa and Espoo towns.

During this tour, you will have the opportunity to view the major sites of Helsinki. We will first drive around Helsinki, and then have lunch at the Market Hall. The complete day length is 6 hours.

The route is fully customizable according to your requests.

Let's go for a tour around Helsinki city!

Private Excursion to Helsinki

On this walking tour, you learn about the history and culture of the city. This tour is a great way to get orientated with the city, particularly for first-time visitors.

City orientation tour includes Lutheran Cathedral, a visit to the unique Church in the Rock and Market Square, which is bustling with activities with vendors selling fresh food and souvenirs.

Walking tour

Helsinki Orientation Tour

Discover Helsinki and Porvoo 6-hours tour

Do not miss this tour! Combine Helsinki with Porvoo -a pittoresque town from the Medieval era. Porvoo is famous for its red wooden old barracks by the riverside and of its many art galleries and handicraft shops. Many Finnish artists have lived in Porvoo. Walking in the Old Town, by the river and visiting the Cathedral will enchant you.

Returning to Helsinki we will have a full city tour:
* Senate Square with the Gran Cathedral and the beautiful neoclassical part of the town.
* Art Nouveau district of Katajanokka, Orthodox Cathedral of Uspenski.
* Market Square, an open market by the Baltic Sea.
* Esplanadi Avenues and Park with chic designer stores.
* Central Railway Station, designed by Eliel Saarinen and chosen on the list of 10 most beautiful railway stations in the world.
* Parliament Palace, National Museum, New Music Center.
* Finlandia Hall, designed by Alvar Aalto.
* Sibelius Monument, Sibelius Park.
* Stunning and unique Rock Church.
Please note: entrance visits subject to opening hrs.

Market Square and Havis Amanda - the official symbol of Helsinki!

Senate Square, Gran Cathedral, Alexander II Statue

Porvoo, lovely wooden town, view with the Medieval Cathedral

Porvoo river, red wooden old salt barracks and the Mediebal Cathedral

Best of Helsinki and Porvoo

The Best of Helsinki 4-Hour Excursion by Nina P

Let's discover the most significant architectural sights of Helsinki. International cultural architecture by Aalto, Engel, Sonck and Saarinen has modified the city towards to the most interesting design cities in the world!

Besides to the city center and the Rock Church, we will admire the modern design of Löyly Sauna, the Art Nouveau Eira Villas and Katajanokka district. This tour will pass by the most beautiful historic buildings in Kallio and Vallila district, from where we will continue to the neighborhoods, which are less known among the tourists. I will present Helsinki's most magnificent mansions, castle-style buildings and luxurious private villas of the most significant and honorable figures in the history of Helsinki and Finland. These buildings were designed by Engel, Lindgren, Granstedt and Sonck.

Finally, we will visit the Sibelius monument, drive to Seurasaari district and follow the scenic route until to beautiful Kuusisaari or visit at the Iittala & Arabia Glass&Ceramics Design Center!

Engel, Saarinen and Aalto have created the international city center of Helsinki!

Let's discover the fascinating histories of various Eira Villas in the Art Nouveau district!

Sustainable designs of Löyly Sauna are breathtaking! You may ask the price for your own sauna experience here or on the other more historic place from me!

Modernism, National Romanticism, Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements of the architecture are to be discovered all around in Helsinki!

I will introduce some of the most interesting interiors and unique places during this tour!

Extraordinary designs of the historic mansions and castle-styled villas around the sea sceneries!

Among the Sibelius monument, during our scenic tour to Kuusisaari, there are several other famous designs by Eila Hiltunen! 

You have a chance to visit at the 150 years old factory including Iittala & Arabia Design Center!

I have lived in Katajanokka Art Nouveau district for 10 years - I have plenty of histories and stories to tell you about!

Please, if you have any special requests, do not hesitate to inquire!

Explore the best highlights, architectures and arts in Helsinki with a private chauffeur!

Best of the best in Helsinki! This 4-hour tour takes you around to vital places of Helsinki. The capital city of Finland includes various historical places, modern Finnish art, and monumental churches. With this tour, we'll find out how all these mix together to build up the present Finnish lifestyle.
The Senate Square offers you historical vibes with our neighbor Russia as Alexander the second still stands there reminding of his empire. Also, the Helsinki Cathedral, a symbol of Helsinki, reminds of Finnish under hard times. The marketplace offers you great shopping possibilities, with extraordinary local products. As studies have proved, Finnish people drink the most coffee in the world, but is the coffee good at all here? That we'll find out by tasting coffee during our tour.
To bring up the mix of modern and historical Finland, we visit Oodi, the new library!

Symbol of Helsinki, the Helsinki Cathedral

Alexander the second standing proud at the Senate Square

Let's explore Helsinki

Walking Tour in Helsinki - Capital City

Walk through the heart of the City of Helsinki - Walking Tour

Are you coming to Helsinki and want to have a little introduction or orientation tour of the city? If so, this tour would be the best option for you.

Together we will take a walk through some of the most historic neighborhoods of the city, visiting some of the Helsinki highlights and hidden gems. This tour will help you to get acquainted with a wide range of topics such as the Finnish history, lifestyle, architecture, local traditions, food, religion, economy and much more.

At the end of the tour, I can give you some recommendations on what to do in the city according to your interests and help you with directions too.

If you would like to start your visit to Helsinki with a fun and informative tour, send me a message.

Private Walking Tour of the Old Helsinki Centre

Exploring one of Finland's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the historic sea fortress that played part in the coastal defense of Finland.

Come explore the beautiful and historic island from a different perspective by private boat. We cater to your needs and circle the whole island unlike any ferry. Once we dock the boat you will get to explore the insides of the fortress and enjoy the beautiful hillside sea views of Helsinki's coastline. The island offers cafes and souvenir shops and some might even want to pop inside the Suomenlinna-museum. We will show you the lighthouse church and the WW2 submarine stationed on the island. After exploring the island we will climb back on board our boat to cruise and check out the panoramic view of the city center along with other coastal sights such as churches, market squares, and neighboring islands.

Suomenlinna tours

Explore with 116 tours and 17 guides.

Laila P.

$ 797 (USD)

Jaakko V.

$ 911 (USD)

Arja N.

$ 962 (USD)

Ralf L.

$ 1,111 (USD)

Lesley R.

$ 1,489 (USD)

Maria H.

$ 493 (USD)

Sheila Maria R.

$ 1,776 (USD)

Maddalena B.

$ 483 (USD)

Medi

$ 844 (USD)

Timo R.

$ 630 (USD)

Susanna A.

$ 321 (USD)

Sarianna S.

$ 962 (USD)

Nina P.

$ 561 (USD)

Paivi L.

$ 372 (USD)

Anna S.

$ 284 (USD)

Karri K.

$ 572 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Suomenlinna

Customize your tour