Tours in Helsinki

Helsinki may be relatively small, but it is significant regarding attractions and experiences. With a vibrant culture and rich history, Helsinki offers an array of stunning sights and exciting activities for visitors to explore. Whether you are a solo traveller or a quality-conscious tourist, there are plenty of ways to discover Helsinki’s top attractions.

Public transport is a convenient and budget-friendly option for independent travellers. Those who prefer a more curated and immersive experience may opt for tour services.

Self-touring the Helsinki Centre by Public Transport

A tram in the Helsinki Centre — Many regular tram routes pass the famous Helsinki attractions.

Public transport is one of the best ways to explore the city. Helsinki has an excellent public transport system that includes buses, trams, ferries and trains. In Helsinki City Centre, trams are practical and fast to reach many attractions. Since many sights are near each other, you can often walk from one to another.

Trams

We recommend using trams in Helsinki Centre to reach the city’s main attractions. For example, you can easily visit the following sights by tram.

Helsinki Cathedral
Rock Church
Uspenski Cathedral
Market Square
Parliament House
National Museum of Finland
Opera House
Kaivopuisto Park

Koff Tram in Helsinki — There is also a special sightseeing tram and a bar in Helsinki. You can enjoy a pint of beer while enjoying the views.

Travelling by tram is comfortable. The trams are quiet and clean, and the schedules are frequent. Having a ticket for Zones AB is enough. Exiting the trams is unnecessary; you can enjoy the views of the waterfront and Helsinki’s multiple attractions. Trams are like inexpensive tourist buses.

Check the real-time tram schedules on the HSL route planner.

Ferries

Helsinki is next to the sea, so you can take a ferry and visit one of the many islands. Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) has a regular ferry route to Suomenlinna. It would be best if you took a private ferry to reach the other islands, but they are affordable, too. The majority of the ferries depart from Market Square.

Taking a public ferry or another Suomenlinna ferry is one of the travellers’ favourite activities in Helsinki.

Other Modes of Transport

Apart from trams, Helsinki also has an extensive bus and train network. The buses are a great way to explore the suburbs of Helsinki, while the trains are perfect for travelling to nearby towns and cities such as Espoo and Vantaa. If you are heading further, the HSL route Planner is again an ideal tool for finding the best route.

Buses, metros, and trains are the best ways to reach an attraction if it is far away and there is no tram connection. The same HSL ticket is valid, and Zones AB is usually enough. We advise finding the best route using the HSL Route Planner. Trains depart naturally from the central railway station, and buses depart from the Kamppi bus station or the central railway station. There are many metro stations in the centre from which you can head to East Helsinki or Espoo.

Tour Services

Commercial tours offer visitors a chance to explore Helsinki’s architecture and landmarks. Helsinki is known for beautiful and unique architecture, with buildings ranging from traditional Finnish designs to modern, contemporary structures. By booking a tour, you can visit the city’s landmarks, such as the Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, and Finlandia Hall, while learning about their historical significance.

Bus Tours

Bus sightseeing tours are a great way to explore the beautiful city of Helsinki. You can customise your tour with numerous routes and options available to suit your interests and preferences. Some popular stops on these tours include the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, the bustling Market Square, and the picturesque Esplanade Park. Other notable sites include the impressive Rock Church, Sibelius Monument, and the historic Olympic Stadium. You can learn about the city’s rich history and culture with informative audio guides in multiple languages as you take in the sights.

A tourist bus in Helsinki — Sightseeing by bus is a traditional but simple way to get familiar with a new city like Helsinki.

Tours buses usually follow the hop-on, hop-off style, so you can board and deboard a bus as many times as you wish during the validity period. The schedules are frequent.

Cruises

Helsinki is a city of stunning waterfronts and beautiful islands. One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking a sightseeing cruise. Helsinki offers a variety of cruises that take you around the archipelago, showcasing charming island communities and picturesque landscapes. Some cruises even take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna Fortress, a must-visit attraction in Helsinki.

Emma Party Boat at Helsinki — The party boat Emma is arriving at Market Square.

During a sightseeing cruise, you can relax while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city skyline and the surrounding nature. Most cruises have recorded audio guides, providing interesting facts and historical information about the landmarks and attractions you pass by. You can also enjoy refreshments on board, as many cruises offer a variety of snacks and drinks. Some companies arrange dinner and lunch cruises, which include meals.

Royal Line sightseeing cruise — Royal Line arranges sightseeing cruises to the Helsinki archipelago.

Sighseeing boat at Helsinki centre — The sea is a significant element in Helsinki. We recommend everyone take a cruise from Market Square to see the city’s beautiful coastline.

Almost all sightseeing cruises depart from Market Square.

Tickets to Attractions

Because the attractions in Helsinki Centre are nearby, you can walk from one to another. This is a recommended option when the weather is sunny.

Tickets can be bought on the spot, but sometimes, they are more expensive. Why not buy the Helsinki Card, which includes more than 50 benefits, including free or discounted entrance to top attractions?