Helsinki and Porvoo: Historical Combo of Finland
Joined 2025
This is my favourite tour, as it allows walking through 2 cities in 1 day. In Helsinki we see the 19th century capital with wide streets, classical architecture and also modern vibe. Porvoo, in contrast, is old, wooden, cozy, empty, cobblestone and silent. Let yourself feel the difference, have the blend of old new, big and small, noisy and silent. Experience the richness of Finnish culture!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hotel, port, airport or another address in Helsinki, Espoo or Vantaa.
- Competely up to you. I will be at the spot 5 min prior the tour.
Senate square
The must-see square, where Helsinki began....
Here you will know the story of the lost-Helsinki.
Swedish, Russian and Finnish square, an allegory from German architect built into yellow architectural ansamble. Here we will enter the Cathedral and National library (should opening hours allow), admire the beauty of the 19th century and see the dream of independent Finland.
Market square
Finnish gulf is the reason why Helsinki is in this spot - a port! We will enter the Market hall and see what Finns prefer to have for lunch and how big is the variety of salted salmon. We will stroll through the market, seeing what local souvenirs are like, sneak peak on a sauna, see the Presidential palace and Uspenski cathedral. Market square is full of significance and surprises.
Esplanade
This park starts at Havis Amanda, the symbol of the capital, has a monument to Johan Runeberg, first Finnish national poet who never wrote in Finnish, has an old and charming restaurant from 1867 that survived WW2 bombings and welcomes its visitors with traditional Salmon soup. Esplanade, a place to walk, eat, enjoy beautiful houses and see how 19-20-21 century houses are neighbours with different souls.
Eira
This is the best district for Jugend of Finnish Romantic Architecture. A picturesque drive by the shore to the most expensive private houses in Helsinki built in 1910s will show you another face of Helsinki.
Sibelius monument
Helsinki gratitude to the best composer in Finland! It is a combination of what inspired Jean Sibelius: granite, water and trees. This monument is for walking under, for touching, but not putting head into steel pipes.
Porvoo
At last, after 50 min drive we are in Porvoo. This is wooden treasure city with the oldest cityhall in the country, medieval Cathedral, best Runebergin cake, ups and downs streets. Here we spend 2.5 hours enjoying the tranquility and sneaking at the Finnish no-rush lifestyle. Locally made souvenirs are sold in tiny shops, so be ready for rare finds. In Porvoo we walk, no car in the oldest city part.
Cafe/Lunch appr. 15-30 min.
Rock church / Oodi library
After return drive to Helsinki, appr. 45 min., we either visit Rock church or Oodi library, depending on your wishes, or even both, should the time allow.
Rock church: Granite walls, copper dome and natural light - a church created by 2 brothers in 1969 is still surprising its visitors by the natural simplicity and beauty.
Oodi library: a new concept of a library that astonishes you by architectural ideas and what you can find indoors. This is place for everyone, from a toddler to a pensioner.
Ending Point
The place of your choosing: hotel, restaurant, museum...
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Helsinki Cathedral, Rock church entrance tickets
Pick up, drop off - your choosing
Guide fee, private Nissan Qashqai
Gasoline, parking fee
Water bottle
List of tips for your personal Helsinki after-tour adventures
Food and drinks
Tour Important Information
Walking: 1.5h Helsinki + 2h Porvoo --> comfortable shoes
Weather could be unpredictable --> please dress warmly
Cobble streets --> no heels, not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
Important message from the supplier
The preferrable time for the tours is mornings, as we have the biggest chance to see what you like, however please contact and tell about your preferences and I will make my best to make your wishes come true.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Tatiana M.
Welcome to my short bio! Finland is the country that is now my home and inspiration. Over the past decade I have had the privilege of sharing history and culture of this country with hundreds of visitors from all over the world. I moved to Finland in 2010, graduated from Helsinki University, enjoyed a year in Germany and understood that Finland with its granite and infinite sea is the happiest country in the world for a reason.
I specialize in Helsinki and Porvoo and it would be my pleasure to show you the most significant and beautiful places of this capital region! As a local I have tips and ideas from grilling to gardens and museums! Write a message and let's make your time in Helsinki memorable and to your taste.
$620/ per group
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