Helsinki Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Terve! Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. On this walking tour, we’ll show you around the city while we share its historical ties to Sweden and Russia and fill you in on Finnish culture.
Our walk begins in the shadows of Helsinki Cathedral in Senate square, the city’s political, religious, scientific, and commercial center.
Along the way, you can look forward to:
• Decoding the symbolism hidden in the Alexander II sculpture
• Taking in the impressive Allas Sea Pool and SkyWheel
• Walking through the most famous park in Finland, Esplanade Park, which is also the green heart of Helsinki
• Hearing stories about the Swedish theatre, Svenska Teatern, and finding out about its current status
• Passing by Stockmann, the oldest department store in Finland
• Strolling down Alexander Street, one of the main shopping streets for locals
This 90-minute tour is perfect for anyone who wants a taste of Finnish history while enjoying a glorious stroll in the heart of Helsinki!
Available options
Helsinki Historical Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
What's included
App-Navigation-Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You can visit inside of the Helsinki Cathedral if it is open for a visit.
2
Stop 2
You can visit inside if it is open for public visit:)
3
Market Square is Helsinki's most international and famous market.
4
In 1888, work on the Old Market Hall, Helsinki's first indoor hall, began near Market Square.
5
The popular Esplanade Park, also known as "Espa" by locals, is Finland's most famous park and the green heart of Helsinki.
6
Johan Ludvig Runeberg is a Finland-Swedish author, national poet, and priest. His statue was designed and sculpted by his son Walter Runeberg.
7
Stop 7
The Svenska Teatern is the Swedish National Theatre. All of the performances are in Swedish, Finland's second official language;
8
The Three Smiths have been interpreted to represent a variety of things, including human labor and interpersonal cooperation.
9
Carl Ludvig Engel designed the university's Main Building, which was completed in 1832. It faces the Cathedral and the Government's Palace and is located next to Senate Square in Helsinki's neoclassical center.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
After you booked the tour, we will send you the detailed instruction to download the app and receive the tour.
Meeting point
The self-guided tour begins in Senate Square (Senaatintori, 00170 Helsinki) just off of Aleksanterinkatu Street in the city center. Start at the corner on Aleksanterinkatu Street with the University of Helsinki, Main Building on your left.
You can get there easily by car and tram.
Important notes
We will send you the code to download the self-guided tour APP.
About Helsinki
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a vibrant city where modern design meets historic charm. Known for its stunning architecture, lively cultural scene, and proximity to nature, it offers a unique blend of urban and outdoor experiences. The city's design-forward ethos and high quality of life make it a must-visit destination in Northern Europe.
Top Attractions
Suomenlinna
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is a sea fortress built in the 18th century. It offers a mix of history, nature, and cultural experiences.
Historical
Half a day to a full day
Free to explore, museums have entry fees
Helsinki Cathedral
An iconic landmark in the heart of Helsinki, the Helsinki Cathedral is known for its neoclassical architecture and white facade.
Architecture
30 minutes to an hour
Free to enter
Temppeliaukio Church
Also known as the Rock Church, this unique church is built directly into solid rock and is famous for its stunning interior and acoustic qualities.
Architecture
1 hour
Free entry, concerts may have tickets
Linnanmäki Amusement Park
One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Linnanmäki offers a variety of rides, attractions, and entertainment for all ages.
Entertainment
Half a day to a full day
Entry is free, tickets required for rides
Ateneum
One of the three major art museums in Helsinki, Ateneum houses a vast collection of Finnish and international art.
Museum
1-2 hours
€14 for adults, discounts available
Must-Try Local Dishes
Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
A creamy soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill. A comforting and flavorful dish.
Soup
Contains fish, can be made gluten-free
Finnish Meat Pie (Karjalanpiirakka)
A traditional rye pastry filled with rice or barley. Often served with butter and eggs.
Snack
Vegetarian, can be vegan without butter
Blood Sausage (Mustamakkara)
A traditional Finnish sausage made with pork blood, barley, and spices. Often served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.
Main course
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Pulla
A sweet cardamom-flavored bread, often served with coffee. A popular treat in Finnish cafes.
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains dairy and eggs
Popular Activities
Hiking in Nuuksio National Park
Kayaking in the Helsinki archipelago
Visiting spas and saunas
Enjoying coffee and pastries at a local café
Exploring museums and art galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Swimming in the Helsinki archipelago
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with long daylight hours, festivals, and outdoor activities. The weather is pleasant, and the city comes alive with events and cultural activities.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Finnish, Swedish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Helsinki is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Keep your valuables secure and out of sight
Getting there
By air
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport • 17 km (10.5 miles) from city center
By train
Helsinki Central Railway Station
By bus
Kamppi Bus Station, Helsinki Central Railway Station
Getting around
Public transport
Trams are a historic and scenic way to get around Helsinki. They are frequent and reliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Helsinki Taxi, Taksi Helsinki
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Kamppi
Design District
Kallio
Ullanlinna
Day trips
Nuuksio National Park
25 km (15.5 miles) from Helsinki • Half a day to a full day
A beautiful national park offering hiking trails, lakes, and wildlife. Perfect for outdoor activities and nature lovers.
Porvoo
50 km (31 miles) from Helsinki • Full day
A charming medieval town with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a beautiful riverside setting.
Tallinn, Estonia
85 km (53 miles) from Helsinki • Full day to overnight
A historic city with a well-preserved medieval old town, offering a mix of history, culture, and modern attractions.
Festivals
Helsinki Festival • August to September
Christmas Market • Late November to December
Pro tips
- Visit the local markets for a taste of Finnish culture and to buy fresh, local produce
- Try a traditional Finnish sauna for a unique and relaxing experience
- Explore the city's design district for a glimpse into Finland's innovative design scene
- Take a day trip to Nuuksio National Park for a dose of nature and outdoor activities
- Visit the Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square for a taste of the city's historic architecture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
