Helsinki Essentials Walking Tour: Sights, History and Culture

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Join us on a guided walking tour through the city’s heart, where you'll uncover must-see sights, local legends, and Finnish traditions.

Find out curious info of Finnish culture and history:

- Which parts of the Helsinki Cathedral are improvised?

- Are Finns truly the happiest people in the world?

- How did Finland gain its independence?

- What are Finland's most popular foods and drinks?

- What do Finns love and what do they dislike?

Your adventure begins at Senate Square, surrounded by landmarks like the White Church, the University of Helsinki, and the Government Palace. Explore Old Helsinki, influenced by Russia and Sweden, then stroll through Market Square, a cultural hub with the Uspensky Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy a 20-minute break to sample local foods and shop for souvenirs.

Continue along Esplanadi Boulevard, then visit Central Station Square. End at Citizen’s Square, where you’ll explore modern Finnish landmarks, including Oodi, the library of the future.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please were proper shoes as we will walk around 3,5 kilometers.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Live professional guide

Foods and drinks

What To Expect

Senate Square

Senate Square in Helsinki is a grand, neoclassical plaza that serves as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by striking architecture, the square is dominated by the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, with its white facade and green dome standing tall above the square. The square also features the Government Palace, the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland, all of which contribute to its historical and architectural significance.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Helsinki Cathedral

The White Cathedral featured in the postcards. It is a Majestic church, with its white facade and green domes standing tall above the square.

5 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Helsinki Essentials Walking Tour: Sights, History and Culture

Reviews

4.67

36 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Ruslan was awesome!
jonahb628,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ruslan was awesome! He taught us a lot about Finnish history and culture. I loved learning about the history behind the statue of Alexander II and the various industries that Finland prospers from
A great tour!
sashafekula,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ruslan was an amazing and extremely knowledgeable tour guide. I learned a lot of new information from him and it was clear that he is an expert on Helsinki and Finland as a whole. He was funny, interesting, and kept the whole group engaged. It was probably the most interactive tour I’ve ever been a part of with questions and participation nearly all around. I would recommend this tour, and Ruslan, to anyone visiting Helsinki to get a comprehensive overview of key sites as well as recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Prompt refund issued
juvi246810,
Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The tour was cancelled due to guide being sick. However when I contacted the operator, a refund was promptly issued. They gave us enough time to rebook with another tour.
Tour cancelled and no refund provided
Juvibird,
Jun 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
Tour operator cancelled tour and has not responded to our request for a refund. No response has been received to our request
Total rip-off
Paul D,
Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
I had booked this tour for June 5, 2025. That morning, Green Cap Tours sent an email canceling the tour as the guide was ill and looking to reschedule to a different day. I replied that was impossible as we were in Helsinki for that day only. I have requested reimbursement of the charge twice but they did not respond. Do not use them is my best advice.
Helsinki essentials: a must-do experience!
52lutv,
Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a good over view of top sights in Helsinki. Also the history part was very interesting. The guide was guiding interactive which is great and sharpens your interest. He was also caring about the group to stay together and not feeling cold! Ruslan was a top guide!
Great walking tour of Helsinki
Andrew T,
May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Enjoyed this walking tour through Helsinki. Jouko was fun and very knowledgeable when asked any questions. Was fortunate we didn't have a large group like some of the other tours which made it more personal. Would recommend it.
Great!
MateuszS1835,
Oct 25, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I highly recommend the tour with Ed. Initially I was the only one who came and we actually started the tour - I was very positively surprised because sometimes in other cities if only one or two people come, they cancel the tour. The tour was very informative and Ed was keen to answer all of my numerous questions. He is a very interesting person with rich knowledge about history, traveling and culture (not only Finnish one).
Great walking tour with Sara C.
Katriina U,
Jul 29, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the Spanish Free Walking Tour in Helsinki. Sara C. was an amazing guide with great spirit. She had a lot of knowledge about the history and the culture of Finland. Very recommended!!
Good tour
CaptainCookieDaddy,
Mar 19, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the main free walking tour. It showed us all of the main sights and provided good information about the area and the way of life in the city. Overall it was a good tour.