If you are a fancier of austere urbanism surrounded by northern nature and embroidered by historical and cultural heritage, don’t miss a chance to visit Helsinki, a capital of Finland. Boulevards and backstreets overflow with magnificent architecture represented by different styles from Byzantine-Russian and Neo-Renaissance, through Romanticism and Modernism, to Functionalism and Art-nouveau. Admire pieces of wooden architecture, beautiful islands and green nationals parks. Enjoy typical Finnish food and get acquainted with local folk traditions. Handmade souvenirs and innovative homewares could be reachable in the best shops of Design District.
Monument to Jean Sibelius in Helsinki
Helsinki is the youngest of the European capitals, founded in 1550 and located on a cape surrounded by sea. Nowadays it is one of the most modern and culturally progressive cities in the world. Here, you will have the chance to visit: the Senate Square and Lutheran cathedral, the elegant Uspenski Cathedral, the famous fish market, the monuments to Havis Amanda and composer Jean Sibelius, the famous church in the Temppeliaukio rock, and much more. During this 3-hours excursion, you will also visit Seurasaari (known as “Squirrel island”), an open-air museum located on a beautiful green island just a few kilometers from the heart of Helsinki. The island is an oasis in the middle of the city and the museum, open in summer, displays the traditional Finnish way of life with its cottages, farm houses and manors from the past four centuries that have been brought here from all over Finland. The tame birds and squirrels provide a warm welcome to all visitors.
Old Market Hall in Helsinki
Your guide will meet you at the Old Market Hall (next to the Market Square) to begin a 2-hour walking tour for food enthusiasts. Prepare to see many of the city center’s main sights on this tour, including the Esplanadi Park, Bulevardi Street, Fazer Sweet Shop, the liquor store Alko and the traditional Finnish restaurant Kappeli.
You will have a chance to enjoy local gastronomy at a restaurant and market hall. Our guide will tell you about Finnish food history and culture, the influence of Russian and Swedish traditions, the celebration of local holidays, and Finnish alcohol and drinking culture.
During the tour you can taste various specialities from Helsinki, including:
You will also have a chance to purchase souvenirs at the Old Market Hall, Fazer Shop and Alko store.
If you have any special food requirements or diet restrictions, please inform in advance.
Suomenlinna Fortress
Continue your trip with a visit to one of the Northern Europe’s most famous fortresses. Suomenlinna is a historical maritime fortress and one of Finland’s most popular sights, attracting more than 700,000 visitors every year. Suomenlinna has preserved historical walls, cannons, tunnels, a submarine, museums, cafés, restaurants and even an own brewery! Many find the 15-minute ferry crossing to the fortress one of the most enjoyable parts of the visit. It offers you a unique chance to see and take pictures of Helsinki from the sea. The fortress is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Finland.
Traditional Finnish wooden beer cups
Helsinki is famous for its design clothes and tableware so the experienced guide with show you the best shops and will recommend what to buy as a souvenirs and what would be useful in everyday life.