How to Make the Most of Your Time in Helsinki with the Best of Helsinki Group Tour

If you only have a short time in Helsinki during a shore excursion, you may worry about how you can fit in all the fantastic sights and experiences the city has to offer. Fortunately, the Best of Helsinki Group Tour allows you to explore the highlights of the city’s rich culture, history, and architecture in just three hours. In this ultimate guide, we will cover everything you need to know about this tour, how to organize it, what to expect, and what you can see, do, and learn.

Overview

The Best of Helsinki Group Tour provides you with a personalized city highlights tour that is entirely customizable. Whether you start from your Helsinki hotel or port, this three-hour private walking tour will take you to some of the must-see attractions in the city, including Helsinki Cathedral, Temppeliaukion Church (Rock Church), the Parliament House, and Uspenski Cathedral. You will also discover some of the city’s hidden gems, such as the charming neighborhood of Kaivopuisto, the National Opera House, and the Sibelius Monument. The tour’s flexible itinerary and personalized attention from a private expert guide allow you to make the most of your time in Helsinki and tailor the tour to your interests and preferences.

What’s Included

The Best of Helsinki Group Tour includes a professional tour guide for 3.5 hours, a private tourist-class vehicle for 3.5 hours, gratuities, and entrance fees to the Rock Church (Temppeliaukion Kirkko). However, food and drinks are not included, and you are responsible for any other admissions not covered in the tour.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour offers both pickup and drop-off from your Helsinki hotel, cruise or ferry port, making it incredibly convenient and hassle-free. You get to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about transportation logistics.

The Itinerary

Here we will discuss the Best of Helsinki Group Tour’s highlights and what you can expect to see and do.

Start the Tour from the Helsinki Port

The tour starts by picking you up from the Helsinki port, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your expert guide. From there, you can begin your journey to explore the city’s most famous landmarks while learning about its history, culture, and lifestyle.

Visit Helsinki Cathedral

One of the first stops on this tour is the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, known for its beautiful neoclassical architecture, white domes, and stunning views of the city. Built-in 1852, it is one of the most prominent landmarks in Helsinki and a must-see attraction.

See Helsinki’s Senate Square and the University of Helsinki

Next, you’ll walk through the picturesque Senate Square, surrounded by neoclassical buildings and the impressive statue of Emperor Alexander II. You’ll also visit the nearby University of Helsinki, founded in 1829.

Discover Helsinki’s Rock Church

The unique and striking Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is a famous attraction and a real architectural marvel. The Church is built directly inside a massive rock, with its copper dome supported by natural light entering through the windows. It is not just a place of worship but also a popular concert hall.

Get a Taste of Finnish Lifestyle

Along the tour, you can also get an insight into Finnish lifestyle by visiting a typical Finnish Market Hall, where you can taste some local foods, sweets, and drinks. It’s a great opportunity to explore Finnish culture and witness the locals chatting about their day over a coffee break or lunch.

Drive by some of the Most beautiful Neighbourhoods in Helsinki

Driving around beautiful neighborhoods in Helsinki such as Kruununhaka, Eira, and Ullanlinna, you will see beautiful historical houses and buildings that were once the homes of the famous people.

Visit The Unique Design District

The Design District in Helsinki is a must-see on this tour, offering an array of beautiful and unique products from over 250 different designers. You’ll get to know more about Finnish design and admire some beautiful artifacts from local designers.

End Your Tour by Strolling Around The Popular Market Square

Located in the heart of Helsinki’s South Harbor, Market Square is a bustling place with various vendors selling local products, while some are incredibly original souvenirs. You can buy some souvenirs or refreshments or spend your free time at leisure before returning independently to your hotel or ship.

Book Your Tour Now

Helsinki is a beautiful city with a rich culture that deserves to be explored in-depth. With the Best of Helsinki Group Tour, you can make the most of your time in Helsinki and see and experience some of the city’s most beautiful attractions. With the personalized attention from a private guide, a flexible itinerary, and pickup and drop-off services from your hotel or port, you don’t have to worry about logistics, transportation, or planning. If you’re looking for a way to explore Helsinki’s highlights efficiently, the Best of Helsinki Group Tour is an excellent choice. Book the tour by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Helsinki

If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, you’re probably going to have a few questions. In this post, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Helsinki:

1. What is Helsinki known for?

Helsinki is known for many things, including its vibrant design scene, beautiful parks and waterways, rich history, excellent cuisine, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Helsinki is also known for its unique architecture, particularly the Helsinki Cathedral and the Temppeliaukion Church, which is built into solid rock.

2. What language is spoken in Helsinki?

The official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish, and both languages are spoken in Helsinki. However, English is also widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

3. When is the best time to visit Helsinki?

The best time to visit Helsinki depends on what you’re interested in. For warm weather and long days, June through August is the best time to visit. For winter sports and the Northern Lights, December through February is ideal. If you’re interested in experiencing the unique darkness of the polar night, which occurs from November to January, that may be a good time to plan your visit as well.

4. Is Helsinki expensive?

Compared to some other European cities, Helsinki can be quite expensive. However, there are ways to save money, such as eating at local markets instead of restaurants, taking public transportation instead of taxis, and staying in hostels or Airbnbs instead of hotels.

5. What is the public transportation like in Helsinki?

Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro system that runs from east to west. You can purchase single tickets or multi-day passes that include unlimited rides on all modes of transportation. The city is also relatively compact, so it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike.

6. What are some must-see attractions in Helsinki?

Some must-see attractions in Helsinki include the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square, the Rock Church, and the Design District. If you’re interested in art, the Ateneum Art Museum and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art are both excellent choices.

7. What is the food like in Helsinki?

Helsinki is known for its excellent cuisine, which features fresh, local ingredients and a mix of traditional Finnish dishes and international flavors. Some must-try foods in Helsinki include reindeer meat, smoked fish, Karelian pasties, and cinnamon buns.

8. What outdoor activities are available in Helsinki?

Helsinki is surrounded by water and forests, so there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the sea, hike in the nearby national parks, or take a ferry to one of the nearby islands. In the winter, you can go ice skating, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing.

9. What festivals and events take place in Helsinki?

Helsinki hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the Helsinki Festival, which features music and cultural events throughout the city, the Flow Festival, which is a music festival that takes place in August, and the Lux Helsinki light festival, which takes place in January and features stunning light installations throughout the city.

10. What are some day trips from Helsinki?

There are several day trips you can take from Helsinki, including: – Tallinn, Estonia: You can take a ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn in just a few hours and explore the beautiful old town and nearby attractions. – Porvoo: This charming town is just an hour’s drive from Helsinki and features beautiful cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a lovely riverfront area. – Nuuksio National Park: This national park is located just outside of Helsinki and features beautiful forests, lakes, and hiking trails.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Helsinki

If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, you’re in for a treat. The Finnish capital is a vibrant and modern city with plenty to see and do for visitors. From world-class museums to beautiful parks, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your time in Helsinki.

1. Explore Helsinki’s Beautiful Parks

Helsinki has plenty of green space to explore, and the best way to do so is by visiting the city’s parks. The most popular park is Esplanadi, located in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, take in live music, or enjoy a coffee at one of the many outdoor cafes. Another popular park is Sibelius Park, which is home to a monument dedicated to Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The park is also a popular spot for picnicking.

2. Visit Helsinki’s Museums

Helsinki is home to some of the best museums in Europe. One of the most popular is the National Museum of Finland, which traces the history of the country from its prehistoric days to the present. Another must-see museum is the Helsinki Art Museum, which features works by both Finnish and international artists. If you’re interested in contemporary art, make sure to visit Kiasma, the modern art museum of Finland.

3. Take a Cruiseship Tour

One of the best ways to see the city is by taking a cruise ship tour. There are a variety of options available, from short city tours to longer excursions that take you to nearby islands. On the tour, you’ll see Helsinki from a unique perspective and learn about the city’s history and culture.

4. Visit Helsinki’s Iconic Buildings

Helsinki is home to some stunning architecture, including several buildings designed by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. One of the most famous of these is the Finlandia Hall, which is a concert and conference venue. You can also visit the Temppeliaukio Church, a unique church built into a rock formation. For history lovers, the Suomenlinna Fortress is a must-see. The fortress is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into Helsinki’s past.

5. Try the Local Food and Drink

Lastly, you can’t visit Helsinki without trying the local food and drink. Finnish cuisine is known for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some dishes to try include Finnish salmon soup and Karelian pasties. If you’re looking for something sweet, try a Finnish cinnamon roll, which is called “korvapuusti.” For drinks, make sure to try Finnish beer and the classic Finnish drink “glögi,” which is a warm mulled wine.

Book Your Tour Now

Helsinki is a perfect destination for tourists who love to explore new places. With its vibrant culture, beautiful parks, amazing museums, stunning architecture, and delicious local food and drink, Helsinki truly has something for everyone. Follow this guide to make the most out of your time in Finland’s capital.