Shore Excursion Best of Helsinki Group Tour: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you going on a cruise that stops in Helsinki? Don’t miss the chance to explore the Finnish capital’s highlights and the enchanting town of Porvoo on a 5-hour shore excursion. With a professional English-speaking tour guide and convenient transport, you will have the opportunity to see top Helsinki attractions, from landmarks such as Finlandia Hall to the Sibelius Monument and Senate Square. And, after the Helsinki panoramic bus tour, you will visit Porvoo Cathedral and admire the wooden buildings and red-colored shore houses of the Old Town. Here’s what you need to know to plan your perfect tour:

Overview of the Best of Helsinki Group Tour

This 5-hour Helsinki highlights and Porvoo shore excursion will enable you to see the capital of Finland and its old town. The tour starts with a panoramic bus tour of Helsinki, where you will see the city’s famous landmarks such as Finlandia Hall, the National Museum of Finland, and the Sibelius Monument. You will also stop at Senate Square, where you can take pictures of the Helsinki Cathedral and the Government Palace. After visiting Helsinki, the tour takes you to Porvoo, a charming medieval town with narrow streets, wooden cottages, and the famous red shore houses. You will have the opportunity to walk around the town with your guide and visit the Porvoo Cathedral. You will also get some free time to shop or walk around the old town before returning to your cruise ship.

Highlights of the Best of Helsinki Group Tour

Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect to see on this tour:

Helsinki Panoramic Bus Tour

During the Helsinki panoramic bus tour, your guide will take you to see the capital’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll have the chance to take photos of the Sibelius Monument, a tribute to the famous Finnish composer, and visit Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral.

Porvoo

After the bus tour, the Best of Helsinki Group Tour will take you to the charming town of Porvoo. The highlight of this part of the tour is the walking tour of the Old Town, where you will see the Porvoo Cathedral (a classic example of Finnish medieval architecture) and many of the town’s red shore houses. You will also have some free time to shop, walk around, or relax at one of the town’s cafes.

Professional Tour Guide

Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking tour guide who will provide you with in-depth knowledge and insights into Helsinki and Porvoo’s history and culture.

Convenience of Transport

The Best of Helsinki Group Tour will pick you up and drop you off at your cruise port, making the process of getting around Helsinki and Porvoo hassle-free and convenient.

What’s included in the Best of Helsinki Group Tour:

• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Port pickup and drop-off for round-trip shared transfer
• Helsinki panoramic bus tour

Additional Information about the Best of Helsinki Group Tour:

Price

The Best of Helsinki Group Tour costs approximately EUR 95 per person, which is worth paying for the views and experiences you’ll have throughout the tour.

Departure Time

The tour departs at 9:00 AM from your cruise port.

Duration

This tour lasts for approximately 5 hours, including transportation time.

What to Wear

The tour involves moderate walking (approximately 1.5/2 hours) on uneven surfaces, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.

Booking Information

You can book the Best of Helsinki Group Tour through Viator.com or the Viator app.

Book Your Tour Now

The Best of Helsinki Group Tour is a perfect shore excursion that provides a comprehensive overview of Helsinki’s most beautiful sights and the charming medieval town of Porvoo. With a professional tour guide, convenient transport, and plenty of time to explore, you will have a memorable experience that you will never forget. Don’t miss the opportunity to join this tour when your cruise stops in Helsinki!

Helsinki: Everything you Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, this FAQ guide is here to help you navigate your way around the city. Helsinki is the capital of Finland and is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums, visiting traditional Finnish saunas or indulging in Nordic cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

General Information

1. Where is Helsinki located?

Helsinki is located in the southern region of Finland, on the Gulf of Finland.

2. What is the population of Helsinki?

As of 2021, Helsinki’s population is approximately 648,650 people.

3. What language is spoken in Helsinki?

The official languages of Helsinki are Finnish and Swedish. However, many Finns also speak English fluently.

4. What is the currency used in Helsinki?

The currency used in Helsinki is the Euro.

Tourist Attractions

1. What are some must-see tourist attractions in Helsinki?

Some of the must-see tourist attractions in Helsinki include:

• The Helsinki Cathedral
• The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
• The Market Square (Kauppatori)
• The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church)
• The Sibelius Monument

2. What is the best way to get around Helsinki?

Helsinki has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. Visitors can purchase a Helsinki Card or a Travel Card to access unlimited public transportation within the city. Bicycles are also available for rent throughout the city.

3. What traditional Finnish activities can I take part in when visiting Helsinki?

When visiting Helsinki, there are several traditional Finnish activities that you can take part in, including:

• Visiting a Finnish sauna
• Tasting traditional Finnish cuisine, such as reindeer meat
• Participating in winter sports, such as ice-skating or cross-country skiing
• Exploring Finnish design and architecture, such as the work of Alvar Aalto

Food and Drink

1. What is traditional Finnish cuisine like?

Traditional Finnish cuisine is known for its use of fresh, local ingredients and its simple preparation. Some classic Finnish dishes include:

• Kalakukko (fish filled pastry)
• Kaalikääryleet (cabbage rolls)
• Karjalanpaisti (Karelian stew)
• Lihapullat (meatballs)
• Riisipuuro (rice pudding)

2. What drinks are popular in Helsinki?

When in Helsinki, be sure to try:

• Koskenkorva (traditional Finnish vodka)
• Kalja (Finnish beer)
• Glogg (a spiced mulled wine)
• Lonkero (a mixed drink made with grapefruit soda and gin)

Accommodation

1. What are the best areas to stay in Helsinki?

Some of the best areas to stay in Helsinki include:

• The city center, where many of the main tourist attractions are located
• Kallio, a trendy neighborhood with many restaurants and bars
• The Design District, known for its boutique hotels and unique shops

2. What types of accommodation are available in Helsinki?

Helsinki offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Visitors can also stay in apartments or homestays to get a more authentic experience of living like a local in Helsinki.

Book Your Tour Now

Helsinki is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s architecture and history, indulging in traditional Finnish cuisine, or simply taking in the stunning landscapes, Helsinki is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. We hope that this FAQ guide has been helpful in planning your visit to the city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Helsinki

Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, is a beautiful blend of history, culture, and modernity. If you’re planning to visit Helsinki, you might be overwhelmed with the number of options available to you. Where to start? What should you see first? Worry not, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Helsinki.

1. Visit Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sea fortress built on six islands just outside of Helsinki’s city centre. This fortress was built in the 18th century and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Helsinki. You can take a ferry from the Market Square to reach Suomenlinna and explore the fortifications, tunnels, and museums within the site.

Best Time to Visit Suomenlinna

The best time to visit Suomenlinna is during summer when the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy a picnic on the grassy areas inside the fortress. However, if you’re interested in photography, visiting Suomenlinna during autumn or winter can be equally stunning.

2. Discover Helsinki’s Design District

Helsinki’s Design District is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates art, architecture, and design. This district is home to over 200 boutiques, galleries, and museums showcasing Finnish design at its best. You can find everything from clothing and jewelry to furniture and household items in the Design District.

Top Places to Explore in Helsinki’s Design District

Some popular places to explore in the Design District include the Finnish Design Shop, which sells a variety of Finnish design products, and the Design Museum, which showcases Finnish design history. Another interesting spot is the Arabia Factory, which sells ceramics, glassware, and textiles made in Finland.

3. Visit Helsinki’s Iconic Churches

Helsinki has some beautiful churches that showcase the city’s historical and cultural roots. Two of the most visited churches in Helsinki include the Helsinki Cathedral and the Temppeliaukio Church.

Helsinki Cathedral

The Helsinki Cathedral is an impressive neoclassical church that sits prominently in the heart of Helsinki’s city centre. It was built in the early 19th century and is famous for its stunning white dome and green statues. You can visit the cathedral for free and admire its architecture on a sunny afternoon.

Temppeliaukio Church

The Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church, is carved out of solid rock and designed by two Finnish architects in the mid-20th century. This church is unique because of its natural lighting and excellent acoustics, making it an ideal place for concerts and other cultural events.

4. Experience the Finnish Sauna Culture

Finland is known for its sauna culture, and Helsinki has some of the best saunas in the world. The Finnish saunas are often heated by wood and are seen as a place to relax and bond with friends and family. This is a great way to experience Finnish culture and also rejuvenate your body and mind.

Top Places to Enjoy Finnish Sauna in Helsinki

Two of the most popular public saunas in Helsinki include the Löyly Sauna and the Kotiharjun Sauna. Both places offer an authentic Finnish sauna experience and are frequented by locals and tourists alike. If you’re on a budget, you can also find some affordable saunas in Helsinki, such as the Kaurilan Sauna.

5. Satisfy Your Taste Buds with Finnish Cuisine

Finnish cuisine is known for its freshness, simplicity, and unique ingredients. If you’re a foodie, you won’t be disappointed in Helsinki. With its fresh ingredients sourced from the local farms and sea, Helsinki has a thriving culinary scene that is often underrated.

Top Finnish Dishes to Try in Helsinki

Some of the top Finnish dishes to try in Helsinki include the salmon soup, the reindeer meatballs, the Karelian pie, and the rye bread. Helsinki also has a variety of food markets, such as the Old Market Hall, where you can find fresh Finnish produce and delicacies.

Final Thoughts

Helsinki is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. With so many things to do and see in Helsinki, it’s essential to have a plan in place to make the most of your time. We hope this guide has given you some ideas on how to spend your time as a tourist in Helsinki. Whether you’re interested in exploring the art and culture scene, trying out Finnish cuisine, or relaxing in the sauna, Helsinki has something for everyone.