Highlights and Hidden Gems of Helsinki
Joined 2025
Is this your first time in Finland? Lets explore Helsinki and literally walk through different periods of Finnish history and architecture styles! We will see the most beautiful spots, talk about food, enter libraries, see how capital was changing over time and how comfortable it is now! Yellow and classical in its citycenter, Helsinki has many faces and hidden gems.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your preference
- We start where it is the most convenient to you: hotel, port, or another place in Helsinki. We can either walk to Senate square, take a tram (they are cool) or a taxi, if your location is not easily accessible by the public transport. We can discuss what option is the most suitable to your case.
Senate square
The birthplace of 2nd Helsinki, this is where the story starts... 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.
Central Railway Station and Aleksis Kivi
Grand granite Central Station with a tower and a bell that never rings... the marsterpiece by Eliel Saarinen: we enter the hall and try the echo. Next to the station is a monument to Aleksis Kivi, looking down, all crooked and sad. Let me tell you his story and how the one was not recognized before is cherished nowadays. Around his are several very beautiful buildings: Finnish National Theater and a Gallery that exhibits local artists.
Oodi and Finlandia talo
Newer Helsinki is in front of you: the Parliament, Finlandia hall designed by Alvar Aalto, and Oodi, our most beloved library. These buildings are grand, unusual and still so very Finnish! The variety of materials: marble, granite and wood; show how open Finns are to the new concepts and still how they admire and cherish their traditions.
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.
Ending Point
Kamppi chapel or 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
Private guide
A list of tips for your further independent Helsinki adventures
Helsinki cathedral (8 euros May-Sept)
Rock church (8 euros)
Drinks or food
Tour Important Information
* Comfortable shoes are always handy: cobble streets in historical Helsinki.
* Not easily accessible to wheelchairs or baby strollers
* Rain or shine, we walk and smile! But appropriate clothing helps ;)
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.
$290/ per group
More tours by Tatiana M.
Glorious Helsinki Highlights with Cafe Tour
Walking and driving combo: Helsinki history classics, Senate and Market squares, Esplanadi and Havis Amanda, a drive to Eira disctrict to enjoy Jugend architecture from 1910s, visit Sibelius monument and Rock church. On the way we savor a coffee break with local treats. Let's experience Finland and enjoy the beauty of the capital together!
Helsinki and Porvoo: Historical Combo of Finland
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!
Medieval Porvoo: Travel Back in Time Tour
45km from Helsinki is located the 2nd oldest city in Finland, Porvoo! Let's drive there together, walk cobble streets, enter Cathedral, have a look at local souvenirs, eat local pastry and breathe the lifestyle of Swedish Finland from 18th century. Peace, wooden houses, picturesque views and no cars... this is what a dream place in Finland is like.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Helsinki
Helsinki -Old and New- by walk
During this tour, you will get familiar with the Helsinki city center. By introducing you to Finnish history and culture, you will understand the Finnish lifestyle.
Helsinki Highlights with car/minivan - 5 hours
My tour will take you to the most interesting attractions in Helsinki and we will explore areas outside of the center and have some Finnish tastings. Helsinki offers a lot of nature and we will visit local areas along the beautiful seaside. You will hear about Finnish traditions, culture, and history, and of course about our daily lives. * If you are more than 3 people, please inquire for a customized tour and I will book a minivan with me driving it.
3 hour walking tour in Helsinki
Helsinki is a compact city and the most significant attractions are within a few quarters. Let me take you on a tour and tell you the stories about why Finland has been ranked 7 years in a row to be the happiest country in the world! During the visit to our attractions, you will get familiar with our Russian era, education, healthcare and not to mention some of our oddities. The tour is for max 6 people. For more people, please inquire about a customized tour. Tervetuloa!