walking tour in helsinki

Best things to do and see in Helsinki

Helsinki is one of the most modern cities in Europe. Capital of Finland , it is the largest and most populated town in the country, and its coast is bathed by the Gulf of Finland. This Scandinavian city is possible to visit in a few days and see the essential and most emblematic places . It has quite a varied architectural style that mixes classic with modern buildings, as well as with different influences from other countries such as Sweden or Russia and also has many museums, designer cafes and many other amazing buildings and monuments.

As in any city, if you want to get to know the culture, history and the most iconic places it is important that you get shown around by a local guide. If you do a free walking tour in Helsinki you can take a guided tour that will allow you to have a complete, different and fun view of the city. Some points of interest that you shouldn’t miss your trip are; Senate Square, where the Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), the University Library and Casa Sederholm are located, the Lutheran Stone Church (Temppeliaukio) and built directly into the bedrock of the city and illuminated with natural light, the Old Market (Vanha Kauppahalli) and the Market Square are also obligatory stops.

The Sibelius park on the seafront, Esplanadi (urban park), the Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral or the Kampi Chapel of Silence could be included in your route to stretch your legs. A little further away but worthwhile is the Fortress of Suomenlinna on 6 islands and built by the Swedes. You can choose a tour for the morning, afternoon, or evening. All the free tours available in Helsinki have opinions of walkers who have already done a tour in this city and evaluated the experience and the local guide. 

Free walking tour near Helsinki

Others cities to visit after helsinki, where are you traveling to.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Free Helsinki Walking Tours

This post provides information about the best free walking tours in Helsinki. 

There are also details about some paid tours that you might want to consider.

• City Center
• Alternative
• Hop-on Hop-off
• Suomenlinna

There aren’t a lot of free walking tours currently available in Helsinki, but if you’re looking to save some money, we will cover a few of the best options in this post.

These are pay-what-you-wish walking tours, which means that at the end of your trip, you get to decide how much the experience was worth. 

Most people will tip their tour guide around €10 - €15.

Searching Availability...

Most of the free tours offered at the moment only cover the city center , so if you’re looking for an outing that will visit other neighborhoods in Helsinki, you might want to consider a paid tour instead.

Another option is to take a hop-on hop-off bus tour .

In addition to providing a decent overview of the city, these services are also a good way to get around, because they make frequent stops at all the major sites and landmarks in Helsinki.

You may also want to consider a trip to Suomenlinna , a UNESCO World Heritage Site just off the coast of Helsinki. 

This sea fortress is one of the most historic locations in the area, and definitely worth experiencing in person.

Free Walking Tours of Helsinki City Center

This section will cover each of the pay-what-you-want walking tours available that cover Helsinki’s city center. 

We’ll include details about when each tour is offered and how long the outing typically lasts.

Here are a few of the most common locations visited on these free walking tours of Helsinki:

• Market Square
• Senate Square
• Helsinki Cathedral
• University of Helsinki
• House of Estates

If you’re interested in visiting any of these locations and learning more about them, consider one of the following options.

Red Umbrella Tours

Much like their competition, this company also provides pay-what-you-want walking tours of Helsinki’s city center. 

In addition to all the major sites, they also visit locations such as the National Library of Finland, Holy Trinity Church, and the Port of Helsinki.

This free walking tour is offered daily (starting in April 2023) at 11 am, and it is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. 

Unfortunately, this tour is currently only provided in English, and there are not any Spanish tour guides available.

If you’re looking for a tour you can take on Tuesday or Thursday, this is an excellent option. As the name implies, you can find your tour guide by looking for the red umbrella!

Book this tour or learn more .

Alternative Helsinki Tours

The following section provides details about alternative tours in Helsinki. 

Most of these outings are paid tours, but there is at least one pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

Kallio Neighborhood Tour

This pay-what-you-want walking tour covers the Helsinki neighborhood of Kallio, giving you a chance to learn about a different side of the city. 

You can expect to visit a variety of locations such as the Kallio Church and the Hakaniemi Market.

You can take this 2-hour free walking tour on Saturday and Sunday at 14:00 (2 pm), and it is currently only available in English.

This tour is unfortunately no longer available as of February 2023.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

Although this isn’t a free tour, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for an easy way to get around Helsinki and learn about the history of this city. 

This service makes frequent stops at a lot of the locations visited on free walking tours, including Senate Square, which is actually the starting point for at least one pay-what-you-wish outing.

In addition to those sites, you can also expect to visit and learn about the following attractions:

• Compass Square
• Swedish Theatre
• Sibelius Monument
• Olympic Stadium
• Finnish National Opera
• National Museum
• Ateneum Art Museum
• Botanic Garden

Tickets are just €46 for adults and €23 for children, and they are active for 2 days. 

This service includes an audio tour covering each of the landmarks you’ll see along the way. 

Purchase tickets or learn more .

Suomenlinna Tours

This attraction is located just off the coast of Helsinki, and there is a ferry that will take you to the site. 

Suomenlinna is a sea fortress that is important to the history of this region and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ferry tickets to Suomenlinna cost approximately €2.80 per person, and there is no ticket required to enter the site. 

That said, there are museums on the island that are ticketed, so you might want to bring a little extra money for those locations.

Alternatively, you can also take a guided tour of Suomenlinna which includes admission to the Ehrensvärd Museum for as little as €12 per person.

Although it’s not free to visit this attraction, it is relatively affordable, and we definitely recommend setting aside some time to see this historic location. 

The ferry departs from Market Square throughout the year.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

THE 10 BEST Helsinki Walking Tours

Walking tours in helsinki.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Porvoo tour from Helsinki or Vantaa

2. Half-Day Nature Adventure to Nuuksio National Park from Helsinki

3. CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki

4. Porvoo All-Way Guided Sightseeing Tour from Helsinki

5. Tallinn Full Day Tour from Helsinki with Hotel Pick-Up

6. Helsinki walking tour with a city planner

7. Free Evening Helsinki Tour - A Walk through Centuries

8. Helsinki Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

9. Helsinki in Nutshell: Suomenlinna & City Highlights by Eco-Friendly Ways

10. Hiking Experience in a National Park with Backpacker Helsinki Tour

11. Happy Helsinki Walking Tour

12. Helsinki tram tour with a city planner

13. FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki

14. Guided Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki / Include hotel transfers

15. Helsinki Highlight: Visit The Most Popular Spots by Eco-Friendly Transportation

16. Archipelago Excursion

17. Helsinki architecture tour with a city planner

18. Winter Wonderland Hike in a National Park

19. Private Helsinki Food and Beer Tour

20. Explore happiest (hidden) Helsinki on (e)bike: BBQ, Sauna, Forest

21. Tallinn Day Trip from Helsinki

22. Berry Picking in a National Park

23. 4-Day Baltic Capital Tour in Helsinki and Tallinn

24. Private National Park and Porvoo Old Town tour from Helsinki

25. 5-Day Cultural Capital Tour in Helsinki, Porvoo, and Tallinn

26. Helsinki private tour with a city planner

27. A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Helsinki's Historical Highlights

28. Helsinki : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour )

29. TASTE Helsinki food tour

30. Shore Excursion- City sightseeing and Suomenlinna from Helsinki Harbors

What travelers are saying.

EXPLORE HELSINKI WITH AN EXPERT

Unique walking tours in Helsinki, ranked #1 on TripAdvisor!

Sightseeing, history, culture, architecture, and more.

Book your customized city tour today!

  BOOK NOW

YOUR EXPERT IN HELSINKI

I am a professional city planner,

an authorised Helsinki guide,

and a lecturer in University Of Helsinki

UNIQUE HELSINKI WALKING TOURS

Tired of crowded, pre-scripted, touristy tours?

Book a tour that is tailored to your interests and preferences,

And discover Helsinki in a personal, safe, interactive and sustainable tour!

You don’t need to join a crowded, pre-scripted, boring touristy tour to explore Helsinki.

Check out the top ranked walking tours in Helsinki and explore this beautiful capital with an expert!

My walking tours are capped at 6 people; they are intimate and more importantly safe .

They are interactive ; you will always get right answers to all sorts of questions about Helsinki and Finland.

They are personal ; you will hear lots of great stories and won’t even understand how time went by.

We will be walking or using the trams; it just doesn’t get more environmentally friendly and sustainable than that.

TESTIMONIALS

Ataman Tours is recommended by 100% of travelers with 5.0/5.0 average according to customer reviews! You can check the reviews under the Testimonials tab or by clicking the TripAdvisor or Google links below.

BUY A GIFT CARD!

Give your loved ones a great gift; a splendid tour with an expert, in one of the most beautiful and safest cities in Europe; Helsinki!

Now you can buy tours as gift cards and they are redeemable anytime you want.

I GOT YOU COVERED

Best expertise.

I am not only a city planner who knows Helsinki inside out but also an authorised Helsinki guide; you’ll enjoy my expertise and get accurate answers to all your questions.

VARIOUS THEMES

Sustainability.

Ataman Tours is ambitious to provide services where sustainable development is an integral part of the activities. All tours are designed according to sustainability principles of City of Helsinki. Check our sustainability policy

small groups

Great value, a look inside helsinki, recommendations.

Ataman Tours is a member of PGE (Private Guides of Europe), an association made up of carefully curated, hand-picked selection of exclusive tour guides from over twenty countries across Europe. You can check the members and recommendations from the below link.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Follow on social media, digital tours.

Ataman Tours teamed up with Reveel to create the first digital architecture tour in Helsinki. I personally designed the itinerary and narrated the tour. If you are short on time and want to see Helsinki’s architectural gems, check out this new digital tour. Just download the Reveel app from the app store (works with Android and iOS), go to Helsinki Architecture Tour and enjoy!

I am pretty sure you will be craving for more after the tour. You can always book your in person architecture tour here to discover more of Helsinki’s magnificent landmarks and architectural beauties.

• Destinations
• Tours in Helsinki

Finntastic Walking Tour in Helsinki

Overview of the tour in Helsinki

Moi! In this Finntastic tour, we are going to learn together about the past and present of Finland! - What do you know about a Finnish sauna? - Is Finland really the happiest country in the world? Join me so we could discuss the Finnish culture, history, and lifestyle together! My tour is going to be not only informative, but also very fun! We will visit the highlights of Helsinki, such as: -Helsinki cathedral and senate square, where the history of modern Helsinki begins! -Government Palace -University of Helsinki -Market square, what should you eat and buy from Finland? -Espa, or Helsinki's champs de Elysee! but why? -Amazing Aleksi street and its unique buildings, -Central Train Station -Central Library, the best public library in the world! ‼️Please note that: - Helsinki Cathedral is closed on Sundays and most Saturdays. - Market square has few shops open in the winter, and no shops in rainy and snowy days. - There is no toilet and coffee break during the tour, so plan beforehand. During the tour, we will discuss many topics about the Finnish culture and lifestyle! So, do not hesitate and book my tour right now! Wish to see you soon on my tour!

This activity includes:

• Helsinki Central Library Oodi
• University of Helsinki
• Senate Square
• Helsinki Market Square
• Professional Tour Guide

Meeting point

Senattintori

Look for the guide at Senate Square, next to the big statue of Alexander ii, holding a red sign saying "Helsinki Walking Tour".

Things to note

No Entry Fee Needed

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

The Hidden North

North European travel guide

Find our guides, road-trips and self-guided walks on our store!

Visit store.

• Our Services
• Advanced Search
• Bergen Walking Tour
• Travel Consultation
• Northern Lights
• Coastal Ferry
• Road-Trip Guides
• Self-Guided Walks
• Multi-Day Tours

Historic Helsinki Self-Guided Walking Tour

Explore Helsinki with our self-guided walking tour. Helsinki is the youngest of the Nordic capitals. It was established in 1550 by King Gustav Vasa, but didn’t see development until the early 19th century, when it was transformed into the capital under Russian rule. But this doesn’t mean that Helsinki is a boring, modern city! In fact, quite the opposite. Helsinki is a gem of architecture, from the Neo-Classical Russian style to the trendy, almost political Art Nouveau of the early 20th century.

On this walk I focus on the historic centre of Helsinki, in particular the areas around Market Square, Senate Square, and the Esplanade. 

In this article...

Downloadable version of this guide.

We offer downloadable versions of our self-guided walks on our online store. 

Coming soon

Online Guide

• Information about points of interest
• Images of each point of interest
• Historic overview of the neighbourhood
• Directions between points
• Historic photos

Downloadable Guide

• Historic overview of the city

Helsinki Self-Guided Walking Tour

This walk begins on Market Square, under the monolith with the Russian Eagle. 

Market Square

Market Square is the central square of Helsinki. In the summertime, there are vendors here selling Finnish food and souvenirs. In October, the annual herring market is held here. If you happen to be here on the first Friday of the month, don’t be confused if you see a lot of Old American cars – this is a long tradition at Market Square!

The ferries to Suomenlinna leave from Market Square.

There are a number of interesting historic buildings on Market Square, so let’s look at those before going to Uspenski Cathedral.

Stora Enso Headquarters

The Stora Enso headquarters is a distinctive building designed by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto and completed in 1962. The materials used included Carrara marble, granite, copper, and brass. It is commonly called ‘the sugar cube’ by locals and is something of a controversial building because many believe it clashes with the historic neo-classical architecture of Market Square. It has at times been called the ugliest building in Finland, but since 2010 it has been granted protection status.

Stora Enso is a major Finnish company that develops and produces solutions based in wood.

Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace is the official residence of Finland’s president. The building was originally constructed as a residence for a merchant, Johan Henrik Heidenstrauch. In 1837, since the building was so lavish, it was purchased to be converted into the residence for the Governor General of Finland, but instead became the official residence in Helsinki of the Emperor of Russia. The building was re-designed by Carl Ludvig Engel to give it the characteristic neo-classical look it has today. When Finland became independent and the Constitution was passed in 1919, it was converted to the Presidential Palace.

Swedish Embassy

This is the Swedish Embassy for Finland. The building was originally build in 1839 as a private residence and became an embassy in the 1920s. It was redesigned by the Swedish architect Torben Grut to resemble the Royal Palace of Stockholm.

Helsinki City Hall

Helsinki City Hall was constructed originally in 1833 as a hotel and cultural facility. The building was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in the distinctive neo-classical style. The hotel moved out in 1913, after which it became a city hall.

Keisarinnankivi (The Stone of the Empress)

This monument is the oldest public monument in Helsinki and was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. You will hear his name a lot; he was the one employed by the Russians to build the new capital Helsinki.

The monument commemorates the first visit to Helsinki by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Emperor Nicholas I. It was erected on the spot where they stepped ashore on the 10th of June 1833. On top is the symbol of Imperial Russia, a double-headed eagle. On the eagle is the lion coat-of-arms of the Grand Duchy of Finland.

Uspenski Cathedral

Uspenski Cathedral feels like a fitting place to start this walk. We will come back to Market Square a little later. The cathedral was completed in 1868 and serves the Finnish-speaking Orthodox congregation. It is believed to be the largest orthodox church in Western Europe and was completed using 700,000 bricks.

The cathedral is one of the clearest symbols of Russian history in Helsinki. 

It is possible to visit the cathedral for free. Visit their website for up-to-date opening hours: https://www.hos.fi/en/uspenski-cathedral-main-cathedral-of-the-orthodox-parish-of-helsinki-and-the-diocese-of-helsinki/

Main Guard Post

This blue building is the Main Guard Post. It was built in this location in 1843. Historically it was the central guard post of the Helsinki garrison, acting as a post to guard the most important military targets. It was also where they would detain soldiers who were drinking alcohol.

In Finland there is compulsory military service for men, and this is one of the places they can do their service. They guard from 7:45am in the morning until 10pm at night. One guard shift lasts an hour at most, or only twenty minutes in winter. They must stand absolutely still and carry assault rifles on their backs.

The Second Customs House & Historic Harbour

The body of water you see is where the original harbour of Helsinki was while Finland was under Swedish rule. This can therefore be regarded as one of the oldest places in the city. The red brick building is the customs and packing house from 1854. It was built to replace the original customs house, which we will see next. Today this building is a day-care.

Aleksanterinkatu

Aleksanterinkatu is a historic street in Helsinki. It is believed to have been here since Helsinki was founded in 1550 but got its current name in 1833 after Emperor Alexander I. Trams have run on the street since the beginning of Helsinki’s trams. This is also the official Christmas street of Finland since 1949.  

Historic Customs House

This yellow building tucked away is the historic customs and packing house from 1765. It is one of the few surviving buildings from the time of the Swedish rule. The reason why it is at an angle is because there was originally a plan to build a wall around Helsinki, and this building follows the curve of the wall. However, those plans were never finalised. Today the building is protected.

Finnish House of Nobility

This beautiful building is the House of Nobility (Ritarihoune in Finnish or Riddarhuset in Swedish). It is regarded as the finest neo-Gothic building in the city.

The estate of the nobility existed from the 1809 Diet of Porvoo until 1906. Families of Finnish nobility was registered here and used the building for private functions. The first noble families came from the Swedish House of Nobility, whose male members lived in Finland and had sworn fealty to the emperor.

Today Finnish nobility is a closed society and it is a hereditary association.

The next part of the street contains a row of historic houses. I won’t point out each one, but if you cross the street and walk along them there are signs in English about each one. 

Oldest Building in Central Helsinki

The Sederholm House is a stone house from 1757, making it the oldest building in central Helsinki. It was built for a Swedish merchant. Ever since 2015 the free Helsinki City Museum has been located inside the building.  

Senate Square

Once Helsinki was established as the new capital of Finland, Senate Square became the main square. The buildings here are designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in the distinctive neo-classical style.

Before this became Senate Square, this was a graveyard with a church called the Ulriika Eleonoora Church. When it was designated as the new centre of Helsinki, all the historic buildings as well as the church were torn down. The graves were not moved, so the graves from the 17 th and 18 th centuries are still under the square. Even in the 2000s, bones have come up in connection with construction work.

Here is an overview of the most distinctive buildings as well as the statue of Alexander II. Stand in front of Helsinki Cathedral and face it. 

Government Palace

This building is to the right of Helsinki Cathedral.

The Government Palace of Helsinki is the office building of the Council State of Finland and the reason for the name ‘Senate Square’. The Senate moved into the palace in 1822 after the building was completed. In the early years of Finland, the building was home to many important public agencies, including the Bank of Finland, Post of Finland, Customs Board and National Archives.    

University of Helsinki

This building is to the left of Helsinki Cathedral.

The University building was completed in 1832. It was heavily damaged due to bombing during World War II and had to be reconstructed. 

Helsinki Cathedral

Helsinki Cathedral is the main Lutheran Church of Helsinki. The church was completed in 1852 in a neoclassical style with a Greek cross layout. The two white buildings on either side of the cathedral are later additions: the one to the left is a bell tower, while the one to the right is a chapel. The zinc statues of the Twelve Apostles are also a later addition.     

Statue of Alexander II

The statue of Emperor Alexander II was erected in 1894 to commemorate his re-establishment of the Diet of Finland in 1863. Alexander II also fought for Finnish autonomy and promoted the use of the Finnish language, amongst other things. The figures around the statue represent law, culture, and peasants. While there have been debates if the statue should be removed, it remains a symbol of the role Alexander II had in establishing Finnish statehood.   

Ulrika Eleonora Church

This small little site on Senate Square is built on the location of the old church, Ulrika Eleonora. 

Sofiankatu is a historic street in Helsinki city centre. The street has existed since the 1640s, though the buildings here are from the early 19 th century under Russian rule. The cobblestone on the ground represents the two eras: the smoother cobblestone is from the Russian time, while the uneven cobblestone is from the Swedish time. Here you will also see the street sign in the three languages: Finnish, Swedish and Russian.

Havis Amanda

The Havis Amanda is a statue that was put on this site in 1908. The work drew strong criticism at first, especially from women who thought its nakedness and seductiveness was inappropriate. Some womens groups even called it as a ‘common French whore’ (the model was in France). The sea lions, with their tongues out, were said to represent men lusting after the woman. However, many of the Swedish elite loved the statue as it made Helsinki look more like a cultural European capital. The statue is supposed to represent Helsinki as the woman rising from the Baltic Sea, which is represented by the sea lions.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade is a public park and esplanade designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel during his construction of Helsinki around 1818.

On the eastern end of the park, where you are now, is the historic Kappeli restaurant from 1867. The stage outside the restaurant has several music performances throughout the summer months.

Many of the historic buildings are on the right side, so I’ll focus on that side. However, it is worth while walking down the centre of the Esplanade too. You’ll see a statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, the national poet of Finland and other statues of prominent Finns. 

Uschakoff House (Roberts Coffee)

The Uschakoff House was originally built in 1815 for Jegor Uschakoff, a Russian merchant who immigrated to Finland in 1808. The building had warehouses and shops on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floor. In 1896, the building was sold to the Private Bank of Helsinki and rebuilt into the Art Nouveau style. The bank closed in 1922 and the city bought the building. The Art Nouveau Hall has been preserved inside and now it is a Roberts Coffee. Highly recommended to go in!

Gronqvist House

Gronqvist House is the amazing house on the street corner. The name comes from the man who had the house built, Fredrik Wilhelm Gronqvist, who was a factory worker and councillor. The building is in the neo-Renaissance style and was completed in 1883. The embassies of Canada and Iceland are in the building, which is today owned by an insurance company.

Hotel Kamp is Helsinki’s luxury hotel. The hotel was constructed in the late 19 th century in the neo-Renaissance style and is regarded as one of the symbols of Helsinki’s modernisation and “Parisianness’. The hotel had a French-style ceiling, and the décor was described as ‘continental’ and ‘cosmopolitan’. The hotel even had its own horse transport from central station. The hotel became the centre of entertainment and nightlife in Helsinki.  The hotel slowly fell into disrepair in the 1960s and was torn down in 1967. A new commercial building was constructed and in 1999 the building was transformed back into a hotel. The original façade has been restored, too. The most expensive hotel room in Helsinki is here and is 3,522 EUR a night.

Academic Bookstore

I know this is technically a history walk, but we have to include Alvar Aalto wherever possible. On the right, towards the end of the Esplanade, is the Academic Bookstore designed by Alvar Aalto and opened in 1969. The interior of the building is lovely and worth visiting.

Stockmann Department Store

The beautiful brick building at the end of the street is called the Argos House. It was completed in 1897. It was originally built as a residential building and is one of the first Art Nouveau buildings to be completed in Helsinki. Stockmann department store bought the building in 1919 and has been there ever since.  

Swedish Theatre

You have now made it to the end of the Esplanade, where the Swedish Theatre is.

The first theatre to be constructed on this site was completed in 1825 and was a small wooden theatre. The building was designed by, you guessed it, Carl Ludvig Engel. However, the theatre soon became cramped, so it was decided to build a new theatre out of stone. The current building was inaugurated in 1866 and was originally called the New Theatre. However, when the Finnish language theatre was established in 1872, the name was changed to Svenska Teatern, or Swedish Theatre.

Thanks for coming!

I hope you enjoyed this walk around the historic area of Helsinki. Be sure to visit our travel guide page to learn more about this wonderful capital! 

Welcome to the Hidden North

The Hidden North is an online travel guide written by me, Emma, to help you make the best of your trip to Northern Europe. Welcome!

Social media

Get the newsletter.

My fortnightly email includes travel tips, my travel updates, new content, and more!

Buy my book!

My first book – the West Norway Road-trip Guide – is now available for order!

Buy our guides

We have a series of printable guides designed to make the most of your trip to Northern Europe. You can find them over on our store. 

Need help planning a trip?

I can help you plan your trip to Northern Europe. Book me for a consultation or let me put together the whole itinerary!

Recent Posts on the Website

Visiting the Resistance Museum, Norway’s Most Important World War II Museum

Be sure to visit the Resistance Museum when you are in Oslo! Here’s my guide to visiting the museum.

Where to Stay in Tromsø, from a Tour Leader’s Perspective

Choose the best place to stay in Tromsø based on my experience!

Where to Stay in Longyearbyen, from a Tour Leader’s Perspective

Choose the best place to stay in Longyearbyen based on my experience!

How to get from Svalbard Airport (LYR) into Longyearbyen

Here’s my short and to-the-point guide on how to get from Svalbard Airport Longyearbyen to the city.

Unique Facts about Life on Svalbard

Here are some unique facts about everyday life on Svalbard.

How to Get to Svalbard

Our useful guide on how to get to Svalbard

Join me for a

Helsinki walking tour.

Experience the local ́s view to the lifestyle, culture, soul and major sights of the capital of the happiest country in the world.

Helsinki With Arto

Regular Tour Schedule

Winter Schedule 2024 departs monthly on Saturdays @ 10.00 local time. Check the real-time availability below for your dates and get your tickets from my Ticket Shop. Summer schedule is in effect from May to August. Winter schedule in effect from September to April.

See all the major sights in Helsinki on a single tour

We walk about 5km in about 3 hours so bring comfortable shoes. Learn how the locals live and see all the major attractions. I will even point out few details and facts which most locals don´t even know!

Local & Native Finnish Guide

Hi, I´m Arto, born in Helsinki, where I also currently live. I´m fully proficient in English and my native tongue is Finnish. I´m also officially authorised Helsinki-Guide with a degree in tourism. I talk a lot, and as an friendly and easygoing personality, I enjoy meeting new people from all over the world. I absolutely love my hometown in the summer time and it makes me happy to be able to share it with you. Welcome to My Helsinki <3

Consistently Amazing Reviews

Every guest and group are unique and so are my tours. Never two tours alike! I get energised from touring with my guests. We always have a blast while touring around my city 😀

Small group has no minimum size

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so please dress accordingly. I have 1-10 seats available per tour. Minimum group size is 1 for the tour to happen, so it´s always safe to book your seat.

Safe space for all

The entire tour is a safe place for all people who identify as members of the LGBTQIA-community or any other minority in any way. All guests are also expected to respect their fellow-guests rights to a safe experience. You are welcome just as you are.

Easy Pricing

per person for Adults over 18 years of age. We´ll always have a small group of 1-10 people.

per person for Youth (12-18 years). Free for children under 2 years of age. (Please note: This tour is recommended for children/youth of 12 years and older, as we do walk a lot and some of the historical stories may scare the little ones)

Private Groups

Book the tour only for your group. Private tour allows more flexibility and customisation to suit your travel plans. Please contact me directly for further details and times.

Large Groups

Groups of 11-34 guests are eligible for group discounts and pricing. Large groups will also have wireless audio devices in use at no additional cost, so this is a tour you´ll actually hear. Please contact me directly for further details and times.

All prices are inclusive of the Finnish VAT of 24%.

Typical Itinerary

(subject to change according to weather conditions, public holidays, and events / We will stop at the attractions written in bold):  

Senate Square , Helsinki Cathedral , National Library of Finland, Tori Quarters, City Museum, City Hall, Central Railway Station, National Theatre of Finland , Ateneum, Musiikkitalo (Helsinki Concert Hall), Parliament House, Oodi Library, Citizens´ Square , Kiasma, Lasipalatsi, Amos Rex , Kamppi Chapel, Stockmann, House of the Nordics (Pohjola Insurance building), Swedish Theatre, Esplanadi Park , Kappeli Restaurant, Presidential Palace, Uspenski Cathedral, Allas Sea Pool, Market Square, Statue of the Sea Maiden ‘Havis Amanda’ , Senate Square

You control your data.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.

Cookie Settings

About Cookies

Preferences, unclassified.

Guided walking tours in the city

Free Walking Tour Helsinki

See the best Free Tours of Helsinki offered by local tour guides

Free Tours in Your Language

Free Walking Tour › Helsinki

Things to Do in Helsinki

Free tours in more cities.

Helsinki Free Tour Calendar

Faqs for free tours, free tour guides in helsinki, best free walking tours in helsinki.

Classic Green Cap Free Tour in Helsinki book your spot here

Modern green cap free tour in helsinki book your spot here, all destinations, story to share.

The most important memento from any experience or voyage. Our commitment is to connect you with the local stories and lifestyle to get deeper feeling of your destination. This works for local tours as well, visually appealing locations and buildings for Instagram posts are important, but much more once you know the stories behind them. This is the why we focus on walking tours with a live guide – to offer you the most enjoyable and sustainable way to catch the local story to share with your close ones.

Experience Helsinki with us

We are based in Helsinki and it is our main location. Come & experience our tours of Helsinki which will be in your evergreen travel diary memories and cherish forever. The capital of the happiest people in the world is calling!

Mission impossible to make a city – Helsinki, Private tour

Hear the unlike growth story of the city of Helsinki. How a such a bad place became a thriving European capital?

Stop Over Helsinki Private Tour

View the sights of Helsinki with a local guide between flights, including the Sibelius Monument, Senate Square and the unique Rock Church. You will also have time to shop for souveniers and delicacies.

Private Custom Helsinki Tour

Welcome to the beautiful capital of Finland. Learn all the main things about the Finnish Culture and History and on our unique Way of Life. We have several types of itineraries planned already that we can modify for your taste. Walking tour by default.

Taste of Helsinki and Suomenlinna – Private Tour

Start with the basics of Helsinki and Finland, taste the fresh local and wander around the beautiful fortress right in front of Helsinki.

Private Helsinki Tour from a Cruise Ship

See the heart of Helsinki during your cruise stop. Explore the sights with a local guide, including the Design District, Sibelius Monument and Senate Square. Visit the unique Rock Church and have some time for shopping at the Market Square.

Private Food & Beer Tasting

Get familiar with the local ingredients and seasonal specialties on this private tour in the heart of Helsinki. Hear the stories on the development of the Finnish food scene from the simple porridge-eaters to Michelin Star cuisine of today.

Travel Guide

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
• Things to See
• Best Restaurants
• Best Nightlife
• Planning a Trip
• Organized Tours
• Walking Tours
• Active Pursuits

Walking Tours in Helsinki

Central Helsinki

Start : Senate Square.

Finish : Helsinki Railway Station.

Time : Allow 3 hours, not including museum and shopping stops.

Best Times : Any day it's not raining.

Worst Times : Rush hours (Mon-Fri between 8-9:30am and 5-6:30pm), because of the heavy traffic.

The tour begins at:

1. Senate Square

You'll find the square in front of the monument to the Russian tsar Alexander II, erected in his honor shortly after the annexation of Finland. Helsinki's most historic and beautiful square was designed in the early 1800s at the height of the Russian Empire's fascination with the architectural glories of ancient Greece and Rome. The designer was Berlin-born Carl Ludvig Engel, who created other public buildings in St. Petersburg.

On the north side of the square is the:

2. Lutheran Cathedral

Featuring triplicate statues of saints, it has four small cupolas ringing its central dome. As you face the cathedral, the Senate, capped by a low dome and graced by six Corinthian columns, is on your right. Opposite the cathedral, on the south side of the square, stand the ocher facade and Ionic columns of a house from 1762 that was redesigned by Engel.

Leaving the square, ascend the steeply inclined Unioninkatu, skirting the right-hand (western) edge of the square. The street was dedicated to the tsar in 1819 and, because of its difficult terrain, was considered extremely expensive at the time of its construction. The elegantly graceful building opposite the western facade of the cathedral is the:

3. Library of the University of Helsinki

Some critics consider this the most beautiful of the many buildings created by Engel. Admire its rhythmically repetitive Corinthian pilasters and columns.

Continue uphill. At the northwestern corner of the cathedral's rear side rises the spire of the:

4. Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity

Designed by Engel in 1827, it has an ocher-colored facade and an artfully skewed Orthodox double cross placed above its doorway.

After passing Kirkkokatu, turn right (east) onto Rauhankatu, where you'll see the statue called:

This statue of a young girl is on a porphyry base near the corner. The gray-fronted modern building serving as the statue's backdrop contains the printing presses and engravers' shops for banknotes issued by the Bank of Finland.

Continue east on the same street, passing an ornately neoclassical building with a trio of wise women on its pediment. This is the storage space for the:

6. Finnish State Archives

Originally designed in 1890, over the course of time the archives were greatly expanded with annexes and underground vaults.

At the corner of Snellmaninkatu, turn right. The russet-fronted temple with four Corinthian columns and a single acanthus leaf at the pinnacle of its pediment is the:

7. House of Scientific Studies

Just below its heraldic plaques is a heroic frieze cast in solid bronze, paying homage to the generosity of Alexander II, who promised to retain the internal laws and religion of Finland after its 1809 annexation. For many years the frieze was the largest bronze casting in Finland. The building was erected in 1891.

Across Snellmaninkatu is a somber gray building above a steep embankment -- the central headquarters of the:

8. Bank of Finland

The bank was designed in 1892 by Bohnsted, a Russian-German architect. In front of the bank is a statue of the Finnish statesman J. V. Snellman, the patriot whose life was devoted to raising the Finnish language to the same legal status as Swedish. Snellman was also responsible for making the Finnish markka the official currency of the country, thereby replacing the Russian ruble.

Continue to walk downhill along Snellmaninkatu, skirting the eastern edge of the cathedral's outbuildings. Shortly, you'll reenter Senate Square. Proceed to the bottom of the square, and turn left onto Aleksanterinkatu. At no. 14 on that street, behind a russet-colored 1823 facade, is the:

9. Official Residence of the Lord Mayor of Helsinki

This structure is next door to the Theater Museum at Aleksanterinkatu 12.

Continue walking east along Aleksanterinkatu. In a short time, you'll enter a small gate dotted with a handful of birch trees. Behind the trees rises the neo-Venetian facade of the:

10. House of the Nobility

Originally a private club and the reunion hall of the Finnish and Russian aristocracy, the House of Nobility was completed in 1861. Walk along Aleksanterinkatu, crossing Mariankatu, and continue toward the harbor. Some of the buildings along the harbor date from the 1760s and are among the oldest in Helsinki.

At the waterfront, turn left onto Meritullintori, skirting the edge of the harbor. A sweeping vista of the Russian Orthodox Uspenski Kathedralen (cathedral) comes into view. At this point, the street changes its name to Pohjoisranta and continues to follow the harbor. Continue along this street to the third intersection, Maneeskikatu, where the quay will widen into a formal park ringed with Art Nouveau buildings, some of the finest in Helsinki. Facing the park, notice on your left the redbrick neo-Victorian building, the:

11. Finnish War College & Military Museum

The college was originally constructed as a barracks in the 1880s.

Turn left onto Liisankatu. Completed in 1813, the street honored the Russian tsarina Elisabeth (Liisa is the Finnish version of Elisabeth). Take the second right, turning uphill onto Meritullinkatu. Cross (but don't turn onto) Kulmakatu. At this point, Meritullinkatu becomes a pedestrians-only walkway for residents of the surrounding apartment buildings. At the dead end, turn left and negotiate a narrow, elevated sidewalk high above the street running below (Kristianinkatu). One block later, cross (but don't turn onto) Kulmakatu. A few paces later, at Kristianinkatu 12, you'll see the simple stone foundation and ocher-colored clapboards of the:

12. Burger's House

Helsinki's oldest remaining wooden house, dating from the early 1800s, now accommodates a small museum.

A few steps later, Kristianinkatu dead-ends at a pedestrians-only sidewalk, Oikokatu. Go right (downhill), descending two narrow flights of concrete stairs heading toward the lake. At the bottom you emerge onto a busy avenue, Siltavuorenranta; turn left and notice the stylish bulk of the Scandic Hotel Continental rising across the water. Walk along the curving embankment for a while, coming to the tramway and car traffic hub of Unioninkatu, which you should cross. You'll then enter:

13. Kaisaniemi Park (The Company Keeping Park)

This tract of waterfront land, beloved by residents of Helsinki, was a marshy bogland until the 1830s, when it was drained and opened as Helsinki's first park. The park contains the Botanical Gardens of the University of Helsinki, which date from 1833.

Walk through the park, flanking the water on your right, and then follow the natural left-bending southward curve of the park's main path. (Don't cross any of the railroad tracks.) After exiting from the park, your path becomes Läntinen Teatterikuja, in a neighborhood of Art Nouveau apartment buildings. Follow the street for a block through the theatrical headquarters of Finland. On your left is the:

14. National Theater

Vaguely reminiscent of the opera house in Vienna, the National Theater features decorative sculptures on its facade -- note especially the representation of bears. The theater was designed by the architect Tarjanne in 1902.

Across the square, immediately opposite the National Theater, is:

15. The Ateneum

The Finnish National Gallery, designed by Hoijer and completed in 1887, is the best art museum in Finland.

On the western side of the square (to your right as you face the Ateneum) is one of the most famous public buildings in Europe, the:

16. Helsinki Railway Station

Designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1916, the station includes sculptures evocative of the monumental works of Pharaonic Egypt. It has been copied endlessly ever since by avant-garde set designers of plays and films such as Batman.

After such an exhausting tour, you'll want to:

Take a Break -- From the railway station, head directly south until you reach Pohjoisesplanadi, site of a number of cafes. Our favorite is Aino, Pohjoisesplanadi 21 (tel. 09/62-43-27 ). Named after a pivotal female character within the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala, it sits beside a pulsating street lined with shops near the Market Place. In addition to ordering food and drink here, you'll find it great for people-watching.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

DESTINATIONS , EUROPE , FINLAND

Visiting helsinki on a cruise: a free self-guided walking tour.

The approach to the cruise port of Helsinki is spectacular. Occupying a peninsula that is studded with over 300 islands, the so-called Daughter of the Baltic is surrounded on three sides by water.

This natural seaport was founded by King Gustavus Vasa of Sweden (to which Finland belonged for many centuries) as a new trading post in southern Finland in 1550. The aim was to woo trade from the Estonian city of  Tallinn , thus challenging the Hanseatic League’s monopoly on Baltic trade.

Today, Helsinki is known for not only its stunning natural environment but also its architecture, sauna culture, design scene and its unique gastronomy. But if you are visiting Helsinki on a cruise and have only 24 hours or less to explore it, you will need to make some tough choices.

Make the most of your cruise stop in Helsinki by exploring its highlights on this free self-guided walking tour .

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

How I visited Helsinki on a cruise

Helsinki was the 4th port of call on my 2-week  cruise on the Baltic Sea :

• Cruise operator:  Celebrity Cruises
• Cruise ship:  Celebrity Silhouette
• Time in port : 7 am – 3.30 pm

The Silhouette berthed at Hernesaari cruise terminal .

As its main attractions are concentrated in a small area, Helsinki is very walkable. I explored it on a self-guided walk.

Language  – Finnish, Swedish. English is widely spoken.

Currency  – Euro. However, cards are widely accepted, even as payment for small purchases such as a cup of coffee. Therefore, I did not bother getting local currency and used my card instead.

Tipping  – As a service charge is added to your bill tipping is not expected in Finland. However, if you feel that the service was exceptional, you can leave a small tip.

Helsinki Self-Guided Walking Tour

Make the most of your cruise stop in Helsinki by following my free self-guided walking tour . As your time in port will be limited, I have deliberately pared this walk down to include only the best things to see in Helsinki in a day (or less!).

Let’s face it; you are on a relaxing cruise. You won’t want to be rushing from one attraction to another onshore.

This walking tour starts from the market square and is around two miles (3 km) in length. At a relaxed pace, it will take  2 – 3 hours , more if you decide to linger, stop for a coffee or bite to eat or go off-piste.

To help you on your way, here’s a Helsinki walking tour map. For step-by-step directions and to send to your phone, click here or on the image.

Kuappatori (market square)

Helsinki’s waterfront market square, framed by stately 19 th  Century buildings, is a good place to start. If you are making your way from Helsinki West Harbour Cruise Terminal on foot, it will be the first landmark that you will come across.

The first thing that hits you is the aroma of wild strawberries, on sale at many of the market’s stalls. But this is a great place to pick up reasonably priced, handmade wooden souvenirs and jewellery.

If you haven’t had enough of being on the water, you can also pick up a sightseeing boat tour from here. I had and I didn’t.

Uspenskin Katedraali (Russian Orthodox Cathedral)

East of the market square, you can’t miss the gold onion domes of Uspenskin Katedraali, Helsinki’s 19 th  Century Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

Unfortunately, the ship docked on a Monday when the cathedral was shut. Therefore, I did not have a chance to take a peek at its reportedly lavish interior.

Tuomiokirkko (Lutheran Cathedral)

Your next stop is Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral. In contrast to the red-brick exterior of Uspenskin Katedraali, this is a stately, shimmering white neoclassical building.

Direct your gaze heavenwards to the zinc statues of the 12 apostles on its roof.

Helsinki’s train station

Whilst I am partial to a grandiose church or two, Helsinki’s train station was my favourite building.

Designed by the architect Eliel Saarinen, his Neoromantic temple to transport is recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations.

This glorious Art Nouveau building opened in 1919 and is clad in Finnish granite. It is known for its clock tower and two pairs of statues, holding spherical lamps, that grace its main entrance.

This was the “What the heck?!” moment during my day in Helsinki.

Opened in 2018, Amos Rex is an underground contemporary art museum, topped by five conical domes rising from the surface of Lasipalatsi Square. Resembling a gleaming lunar landscape, it has rapidly become a Helsinki landmark and is selfie-central.

Temppeliaukio Church

Yes; another church. But you don’t see too many churches hewn out of solid rock.

With a gleaming copper dome covering its 25-m diameter roof and slatted windows allowing the light to play patterns across its floor, this is an extraordinary building. It will cost you 3 Euro to enter but is worth every cent.

Helsinki Shore Excursions

But perhaps you don’t fancy going it alone on a self-guided walking tour and are looking for other things to do during your cruise stop in Helsinki.

Taking a shore excursion is an obvious solution but can be extremely expensive. Often, a better option is to arrange an activity through a local tour operator.

GetYourGuide is my go-to platform for sourcing and booking activities when I travel. Not only do they have a broad choice but they also offer risk-free cancellation within 24 hours of your activity.

Here are a few Helsinki activities that could fit with your time in port.

Helsinki guided walking tour

Benefit from the insider knowledge of a local guide on this customisable walking tour of Helsinki.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Panoramic coach tour of Helsinki

This is the perfect option if you have mobility issues or simply fancy a rest. This 1 hour 45 minute coach tour with audio commentary in 10 languages takes in the city’s major landmarks.

Helsinki tram tour

This is a fabulous eco-friendly way of seeing Helsinki. Accompanied by a guide, you will explore 7 different neighbourhoods, including some hidden gems, on one of the city’s trams.

Is it Worth Buying the Helsinki Card?

The Helsinki Card  is a discount card that gives you free admission to many of Helsinki’s tourist attractions and a free bus tour of the city. At the time, I felt that it was expensive and as I was spending just one day in Helsinki it would not have been of value to me.

However, depending on how long you are in port and where you plan to visit, you might arrive at a different conclusion. Think about where you might be able to visit and how much individual tickets and transport will cost compared with the cost of the Helsinki Card.

>>> CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO BUY YOUR CARD

How to get from Helsinki Cruise Port to the City Centre

Helsinki’s main cruise terminals are South Harbour, West Harbour and Hernesaari. South Harbour is within a 15 – 20 minute walk of the market square. Larger cruise ships tend to berth at  West Harbour or Hernesaari cruise terminals , 3 – 4 km from the centre of town. To reach Helsinki city centre from these ports you can walk, catch a public bus, use the cruise shuttle service or jump on a hop-on-hop-off bus.

Walking from Hernesaari cruise terminal to Helsinki city centre

I walked from the Hernesaari cruise terminal into the centre of town. At an easy pace, this took me around 45 minutes.

It was a lovely walk along the waterfront and was one of the highlights of my day in Helsinki.

Public bus between West Harbour & Hernesaari cruise terminals to Helsinki city centre

Bus #14  will bring you to the centre of town in 15 minutes. There’s information about getting around Helsinki by bus here .

To return to the cruise terminal, pick up the bus near Temppeliaukio Church, at the end of my walking tour, or Kamppi metro station. Buses are frequent (every 10 – 15 minutes).

Cruise shuttle service

When I visited, a local tour operator provided a multi-stop shuttle service, departing every 20 minutes.

hop-on-hop-off bus

A red hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus covering 22 stops runs every 20 minutes in peak season. An audio guide in nine languages is included.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR HELSINKI HOHO BUS TICKET

Enjoy your Helsinki cruise stop

If you have found this itinerary helpful, take a look at my guides to the other ports of call on this cruise:

• One Day in Rostock & Warnemünde, Germany: A Perfect DIY Cruise Excursion
• One Day in Stockholm: Visiting Sweden on a Cruise
• Visiting St. Petersburg on a Cruise Ship: The Ultimate Guide
• One Day in Tallinn: A Cruise to Estonia
• One Day in Copenhagen: 6 Best Things to Do On a Cruise Stop

Packing a good guidebook to allow you to explore the ports of call on a Baltic Sea cruise independently is a wise move. I can recommend this  excellent  Lonely Planet  guide  which I used when I was visiting these ports.

Finally, if you are a cruise rookie, I also have advice on  arranging your first cruise  and  choosing cruise cabins , including  single cabins  for  solo cruisers .

Happy travels!

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

One thought on “ Visiting Helsinki on a Cruise: A Free Self-Guided Walking Tour ”

Pingback: Helsinki | Pearltrees

Comments are closed.

FREE WALKING TOURS

Tours running throughout 2024, @free_tours_helsinki.

SINCE 2017 Red Umbrella Tours Helsinki  have been showcasing our beautiful Nordic city to many tourists from all over the world. We offer FREE WALKING TOURS to those who are visiting Helsinki for the first time, or for those who want to get a deeper understanding of the city.

Our top-rated FREE TOUR   is the best way to explore Helsinki if you are short o f time, or to make the most of your visit. 

BOOK YOUR PLACE BELOW!  

Where will we visit on the tour? 

Our guides have an itinerary which mostly stays the same, but can change a little depending on if places are open, the weather, and the size and pace of the tour.

You can find out more about our itinerary:

How long does the tour take?  ​

The Tours take around 2-2.5 hours, and are suitable for those who are visiting Helsinki for the first time, or who want a better understanding of the city. 

What is a free tour, who can join?

We believe that EVERYONE should be able to have a quality tour, regardless of who they are and what their budget is.

On our FREE walking tour of Helsinki, we will show you ALL THE BEST SITES to visit in Helsinki, along with some hidden places that only locals know.

Throughout the tour, we will tell you stories, anecdotes, and our personal experiences of what it is like to live in Helsinki. Explore our beautiful architecture, learn about our fascinating (and unusual!) history and culture, and find out what it's like to live in a country that has been voted the happiest country in the world 2024!

Is the tour REALLY free?  ​

Yes! Our Tour guides work entirely on a tip-based basis, which means that the tour is COMPL ETELY FREE TO JOIN - and you are able to leave a tip at the end of the tour based on your own personal experience and budget, if you wish to do so. Tips can be left in CASH, or our guides carry mobile card readers for your convenience. 

Sounds great! How can I book?  ​

We run the Free Tours Several times a day, and we meet at the ALEXANDER II STATUE, IN THE SENATE SQUARE .  Check our tour times for your chosen day by clicking BOOK NOW.  

See you soon on the tour!