Helsinki Architecture Tour: Explore Architectural Wonders with a City Planner
5.0
29 Ratings
Helsinki
Discover the architectural wonders of Helsinki on a guided tour with a city planner. Explore neoclassical, Art Nouveau, modernist, and contemporary styles in a compact city center.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Senate Square - .
  • Helsinki Cathedral - .
  • The National Library of Finland - .
  • Jugendsali - .
  • Pohjola Insurance Building - .
  • The Esplanadi Park - .
  • Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa) - .
  • Rautatalo - .
  • Helsinki Central Railway Station - .
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma - .
  • Helsinki Music Centre - .
  • Central Library Oodi - .
  • Finlandia - Talo - .
What's Included
  • Local expert guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Helsinki is a treasure trove for those passionate about architecture. It’s a rare urban landscape that boasts such an abundance of architectural styles as Helsinki does; from neoclassical and gothic revival, through its unparalleled collection of Art Nouveau and Jugendstil, to Nordic classicism, modernism, functionalism, and even contemporary styles all within its compact city centre. The city is rich with the marks of different eras, but these extraordinary works by celebrated architects - from Engel and Saarinen, Aalto through to Siren and Revell - can often be overlooked on a regular city tour. Join us on a dedicated architectural tour in a small group setting to truly appreciate Helsinki’s architectural delights, including the National Library of Finland, Central Railway Station, the newly opened public library Oodi, Chapel of Silence, the Kiasma modern art museum, The Rock Church, the Finlandia Hall and others.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
Aleksanterinkatu 9
Aleksanterinkatu
Meeting point address: Aleksanterinkatu 9B, 00100, Helsinki. The meeting point is the corner of Aleksanterinkatu street and Kluuvikatu street, in front of Aleksanterinkatu no 9B, Nanso Clothing Store (outside). Guide will be waiting for you at this point.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(29 Ratings)
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Robbiesing
Jun 8, 2024
A must do in Helsinki - This tour was the best thing we did while in Helsinki. Out tour leader was so knowledgable and professional, as well as being a very nice person. He couldn't have been more helpful. He really gave us a terrific overview of the history and conditions leading up to the establishment of the city, as well as a good understanding of contemporary Finland. We enjoyed our time immensely and would recommend this tour unreservedly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erinp1471
May 19, 2024
Fantastic experience! - We wanted to do something different for a city tour and this experience did not disappoint! Even with challenging February weather, this tour was delightful and gave a unique perspective of the main city highlights. Emek was a wonderful, knowledgeable, and fun guide. All in all, a great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_b
May 16, 2024
Knowledgeable and engaging - We’ve taken history and architecture walking tours all over Western Europe. Emek is one of the most knowledgeable and engaging guides we’ve ever had. He revealed the city’s history through his deep knowledge of political and societal impacts on art and architecture in Helsinki. He could easily teach a university course on the subject. And as an immigrant to Finland, he is a passionate ambassador for his city, its heritage, and values. We can’t recommend this tour highly enough.
Review provided by Viator
Polly_d
May 10, 2024
Take a tour with an urban planner! - The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a great deal. It was very, very interesting. We loved all the history and details.
Review provided by Viator
880wadej
Apr 17, 2024
Exceptional Guide and Tour! - Emek was a great tour guide of Helsinki! Emek has great insight to the architecture, the city history and key places to show us that we would not have found on our own. He is funny and good spirited and answered our many questions not only about architecture but also about city life and the interesting history of Helsinki with the many Russian, Swedish and German influences along the way. We had very bad weather on our actual tour date and we were able to postpone one day and avoid the cold rain. Emek was easy to correspond with and timely! We highly recommend a tour led by Emek!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ziyuej2024
Apr 11, 2024
wonderful viewtrip with Emek - Emek is an absolutely professional tour guide with broad and profound knowledge that greatly enriched our entire journey. The entire trip is very well designed, so we didn't feel tired at all, even though it's a three-hour journey in freezing winter conditions. If we were to explore on our own, Helsinki might have left us with the impression of a seemingly unremarkable city, lacking clear points of interest. However, Emek skillfully weaved together historical insights and architectural highlights, making the tour both informative and engaging. That’s very fascinating! And I truly enjoy his humor hahahahah! For anyone seeking a quick but comprehensive overview, this trip is definitely the best choice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity14424374155
Oct 31, 2023
Do yourself a favour and book yourself on a tour - This tour was excellent. It was inspiring, interesting and covered architecture, planning and social issues. I would defiantly recommend it. I was travelling by myself and totally enjoyed the interaction with Emek and my group. We were able to have some great conversations about architecture and planning and construction methods too while walking the streets of Helsinki looking at some amazing buildings and urban spaces! Do yourself a favour and book yourself in for one of the tours. Emek is fabulous and very welcoming and informative.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Compass45735157220
Oct 12, 2023
Great overview if history with architecture - The tour was very informative and our guide was quite knowledgeable. He did a great job describing how politics, society and history influenced the architecture of Helsinki. We really gained an appreciation of the details, and the forward thinking city planning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mlcpt
Sep 4, 2023
Don’t miss this!! - Emek great! I posed a few questions non-architectural and he knew just as much as he did as a city planner. Highly personable too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
201deepakp
Aug 31, 2023
Helsinki - Architecture Haven - We are a group of 12 tourists who booked a private tour with Emek Ataman. It is the best decision we made to learn about Helsinki. Emek is knowledgeable, articulate and experienced guide. We have the most amazing 3-hours with him. For anyone visiting Helsinki, I would highly recommend booking a tour with Ataman Tours to get an excellent understanding of this city and country
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
June 2024
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