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Helsinki Tour: Top Free Experience
Helsinki
Explore Helsinki’s top sights and hidden gems with expert local guides. Perfect for first-time visitors. Book your free tour now!
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Senate Square - The statue of Tsar Alexander II in the center of Senate Square marks the beginning of our tour. This is the oldest part of Helsinki and is often considered the most beautiful, featuring Russian Neoclassical architecture. Here, we can see the Helsinki Cathedral, the University of Helsinki, and a great vantage point for photos of Senate Square.
- Helsinki Cathedral - After visiting Senate Square, our next stop is the White Helsinki Cathedral. This is perhaps one of the most impressive and most visited buildings in Helsinki. We’ll share the history of this magnificent structure and allow time for photos, so you have a keepsake to take home.
- The National Library of Finland - Located in the heart of Senate Square, the National Library of Finland boasts an impressive interior. This cultural treasure trove houses manuscripts, rare books, and exhibitions. If the group size permits and the library is open (on weekdays), we’ll have time to visit inside. Otherwise, we have photos of the stunning interior to show you!
- Bank of Finland Museum - Our next stop is the Bank of Finland, where all central monetary deposits in Finland are held. Here, we’ll discuss Finland’s connections to World War II and its relationships with military neighbors, friends, and adversaries, both old and new.
- Restaurant Lightvessel Relandersgrund - Our next stop is the Relandersgrund Boat. This stop is more than just a boat; it has significant historical connections to Helsinki’s past. It’s a great photo opportunity with views of Uspenski Cathedral, so have your cameras ready!
- The Aalto House - Alvar Aalto is one of Finland’s most famous architects, and many visitors to Finland are already familiar with his work. This excellent example of his architecture, also known as “the sugar cube,” was ahead of its time and has a significant presence in central Helsinki.
- Uspenski Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali) - One of the most impressive stops on the tour, this is an opportunity to visit the largest Orthodox Church in Western Europe. On certain days, it’s even possible to go inside, which we highly recommend. From here, you’ll also have a fantastic view of Helsinki on a clear day.
- Katajanokka - Once the slums of Helsinki, Katajanokka is now the most expensive area to live in the city and features the second-largest collection of beautiful Art Nouveau architecture in Western Europe. Learn how Finland broke free from Russia’s russification policies in the late 19th century and see where the locals of Helsinki live today.
- Kauppatori - This stop offers a great view of the Kauppatori market stalls and our most central sauna. You can also take a boat to Suomenlinna from here. Follow our guide’s recommendations on places to visit after the tour.
- The Esplanadi Park - Our next stop takes us through Esplanadi Park, also known as the “living room of Helsinki.” This park is at its best in the summer when locals sit and enjoy the sun, but even outside of summer, we can recommend some great cafes and advise on where to see some of the best Finnish design.
- Rautatientori - From here, we’ll see the Central Railway Station, where you can take international trains around Finland and the very heart of Helsinki. We can also stop next to the Ateneum National Art Gallery, which features beautiful Neoclassical architecture.
- Central Library Oodi - Our final stop and endpoint of the tour will showcase several buildings, one of which we can go inside. We won’t reveal what this building is yet, as it’s a surprise! This district features modern architecture from the early 1990s to 2017. The endpoint of the tour includes the special “Oodi” library, a perfect place to visit immediately after the tour. Here, you’ll find a cafe, restrooms, and plenty of fun things to explore.
What's Included
- Knowledgeable tour guides
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Entry fees to Helsinki Cathedral are not included
Additional Information
HELSINKI’S MOST BOOKED FREE TOUR!
Our DISCOVER HELSINKI Free Tour is the PERFECT way to explore and understand this modern Nordic City. Knowledgeable guides will take you on a tour that visits all of the most famous places in Helsinki - and also explore some lesser known places and routes, that only our local guides can tell you.
We will also show you many more hidden gems and recommendations, with explanations about each place we visit. The tour is perfect for those who are visiting the city of Helsinki for the first time, or for those who want to learn more.
Don’t miss this chance to get your introduction to Helsinki, and book now!
Location
Alexander II Statue
Hallituskatu
Our guides will be carrying a Red Umbrella - look out for us at the meeting point of Alexander II at the scheduled time that you booked for. We will be there!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.