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Tip-based Free Walking Tour of Helsinki
4.7
131 Ratings
Helsinki
Discover the historic charm of Helsinki on a free walking tour with local guides. Explore the city’s iconic sights, beautiful buildings, and scenic viewpoints while learning about its history and culinary delights. Limited spots available, book now!
Duration:
2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Senate Square - The statue of Tsar Alexander II at the center of Senate Square marks the beginning of our tour. This area is the most historic 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 will have some time to explore the interior (if there are no services or weddings) and take photos so you have a souvenir 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. We will allow time to visit inside if the group size permits and if the library is open (on weekdays). Otherwise, we have photos of the magnificent interior to show you!
- The Bank of Finland - Our next stop is the Bank of Finland, where all central monetary deposits in Finland are held. Here, we will discuss Finland’s relationship with its military neighbors, friends, and adversaries, both old and new, with a connection to World War II.
- Restaurant Lightvessel Relandersgrund - Our next stop is the magnificent Relandersgrund Boat. This stop is more than just a boat; it has important historical connections to Helsinki’s past. It’s a great photo stop with views of Uspenski Cathedral, so get your cameras ready!
- Katajanokka - One of Helsinki’s most beautiful hidden districts, Katajanokka is home to Art Nouveau buildings in true Finnish National Romantic style. In fact, it has the second-largest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, after Riga in Latvia.
- Kauppatori - This sauna stop offers a great view of Kauppatori market stalls, our most central sauna, and you can also take a boat to Suomenlinna from here. Follow our guide’s recommendations on places to visit after the tour.
- Uspenski Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali) - Completed in 1868, the grand Uspenski Cathedral towers over Helsinki with its beautiful golden domes and ornate interior. Subject to opening times, we will visit the cathedral and take you inside to see its stunning architecture.
- 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 show you some great cafe recommendations and advise on where to see some of the best Finnish design.
- Rautatientori - From here, we will see the Central Railway Station, the hub for 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 a very special library, “Oodi,” which is the perfect place to visit immediately after the tour. Here, you’ll find a cafe, toilets, and lots of fun things to explore.
What's Included
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides
Additional Information
DISCOVER HELSINKI on our FREE TO JOIN walking tour
Multiple tours every day - check our booking times
RUNNING SINCE 2017, this 2.5 hour shared group tour is the best introduction to this mysterious Nordic city of Helsinki. We will take you on a tour of the best places here, and show you a few out of the way places too - places that only locals know.
Along the way, we will tell you about modern Helsinki and how our society functions - and our Architecture, Design, Culture, and the history of Finland.
We will also give insider tips on where to visit after the tour, including the best places to eat, drink and visit - so that you can best optimize your stay. You are welcome to ask questions throughout the tour.
The 3 euros that you pay are covering the platforms booking fee.
Please show your appreciation through voluntary tips to the guide at the end of the tour - in Euros or by card. These tips help us to continue offering Free Tours in future.
BOOK YOUR PLACE and see you soon!
- Please note that a moderate level of fitness is required for walking tours - as there are steps to climb, and cobble stone sidewalks. We will be on our feet for around 2-2.5 hours in total.
Location
Hallituskatu 7
Hallituskatu
2024 Tours:
The meeting place will be the Alexander II Statue, Senate Square. Just look for the Red Umbrella!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(131 Ratings)
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Clarelt3184hi
Aug 31, 2024
Fabulous tour. Would recommend! - Excellent tour. Very interesting, informative and lots of variety. Our guide was also very kind giving lots of advice about exploring the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dr650man
Aug 31, 2024
Wonderful guide. - Excellent walking tour! Our guide was polite charming and very friendly, always open to answering questions, and had a wealth or knowledge to share with us.
Very enjoyable tour, and as we only had six hours in Helsinki, we feel we know so much more about this beautiful city's past.
Highly recommend!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_b
Aug 31, 2024
Great walking tour - Spoke excellent English (plus she spoke several other languages)
Very informative, and showed us many interesting sites.
A great way to learn about the city and country.
Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Laura_g
Aug 30, 2024
Fantastic - Our guide was very informative and personable. I would recommend the red umbrella tour 100%
We spent 2.5 hrs walking this beautiful city
Review provided by Viator
Annemaree2018
Aug 29, 2024
Free Tour Tip Based Excellent! - Thank you Val, an amazing 3 hours of information with a fun walk around your city. Highly recommend! Lots of local information about life as well as history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rileyg857
Aug 28, 2024
Great tour - Silja was an amazing guide, and was very knowledgeable, I don’t think we could have every learnt as much as we did on this tour by ourselves
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Merriah_h
Aug 24, 2024
Beautiful Helsinki with wonderful Valeria... - Valeria was wonderful. The weather was cold and rainy for August but her warm laughter and knowledgeable education made us feel blessed to have taken this tour to see beautiful Helsinki with her!
Review provided by Viator
Jeltjer2016
Aug 23, 2024
Super Guide & Happy Tour - Guide Silja was the perfect Guide for us: enthusiastic, social, she involved everyone and was also clear in what to expect. The tour went smoothly and was very informative. I would highly recommend Silja. Thank you very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C1218wllorip
Aug 20, 2024
Beautiful Helsinki! - We only had one day in Helsinki and this tour was so informative and we got to see so much. We loved it! Birte was so knowledgeable and approachable! She answered all our questions and we learned a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Friedrich-nissler
Aug 19, 2024
Highly recommended - top Guide - Very detailed yet entertaining explanation of the history of Finland and Helsinki with current reference in excellent English.
Review provided by Tripadvisor