Overview
DISCOVER HELSINKI on our FREE TO JOIN walking tour
Multiple tours every day - check our booking times
RUNNING SINCE 2017, this 2.5 hour shared group tour is the best introduction to this mysterious Nordic city of Helsinki. We will take you on a tour of the best places here, and show you a few out of the way places too - places that only locals know.
Along the way, we will tell you about modern Helsinki and how our society functions - and our Architecture, Design, Culture, and the history of Finland.
We will also give insider tips on where to visit after the tour, including the best places to eat, drink and visit - so that you can best optimize your stay. You are welcome to ask questions throughout the tour.
The 3 euros that you pay are covering the platforms booking fee.
Please show your appreciation through voluntary tips to the guide at the end of the tour - in Euros or by card. These tips help us to continue offering Free Tours in future.
BOOK YOUR PLACE and see you soon!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Our experienced and knowledgeable guides
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
2024 Tours:
The meeting place will be the Alexander II Statue, Senate Square. Just look for the Red Umbrella!
End point
The tour ends outside our most modern and beautiful Library, Oodi Library.
Good to know
Look for our guides holding the Red Umbrellas, at Tsar Alexander II Statue in the Senate square - at your chosen tour tour time. Please arrive a few minutes early, to make the start of the tour :)
What to expect
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Senate Square
15 min
The statue of Tsar Alexander the 2nd in the center of the Senate Square, marks the start point of the tour. This is the most historical part of Helsinki, and some say the most beautiful - with it's Russian Neoclassic architecture. Here we can see the Helsinki Cathedral, the University of Helsinki, and a great viewpoint of the Senate Square for photos.
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Helsinki Cathedral
15 min
Following our visit to the Senate Square, our next stop is the White Helsinki Cathedral. Perhaps one of the most impressive buildings in Helsinki, it is also the most visited building. We will allow a little time to visit inside (providing there are no services or weddings), and we will allow time to take photos of this building so you have a souvenir to take home.
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The National Library of Finland
10 min
National Library of Finland is nestled in the very heart of the Senate Square, and has an impressive interior. This treasure trove of knowledge and culture, houses manuscripts, rare books and exhibitions. We will allow time to visit inside, if the groups aren't too big, and if the library is open (on week days). Otherwise we have photos of the magnificent interior to show you!
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15 min
Our next stop is the Bank of Finland - where all central monetary deposits in Finland are held. From here, we have a connection that links us to World War 2, where we will discuss Finlands relationship with its military neighbours, friends and adversaries - both old and new.
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5 min
Our next stop is the magnificent Relandersgrund Boat. This stop is more than just a boat, it has important historic connections to Helsinki's past. Great photo stop with views of Uspenski Cathedral, so get your cameras ready!
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15 min
One of the most beautiful hidden districts of Helsinki, Katajonokka is the home of Art Nouveau buildings, in true Finnish National Romantic style. In fact, here we have the 2nd largest collection of Art Nouveau Buildings in Europe (after Riga in Latvia)
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Kauppatori
10 min
This Sauna stop has a great view of Kauppatori market stalls, our most central Sauna, and you can also take the boat to Suomenlinna from here. Follow our guides recommendations on places to visit after the tour.
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Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali)
15 min
Completed in 1868, the grand Uspenski cathedral towers over Helsinki with it's beautiful golden domes, and ornate interior. (subject to opening times) we will visit the cathedral, and take you inside to see what this beautiful architecture has to offer.
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Esplanadi Park
10 min
Our next stop takes us through Esplanadi park - also known as the "living room of Helsinki". This park is at its best in the summer where you will find locals sitting and enjoying the sun, but even outside of summer we can show you some great cafe recommendations, and also give advice on where to see some of the best Finnish Design.
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Rautatientori
10 min
From here will see the Central Railway Station - the place where you can take international trains around Finland, and the very heart of Helsinki. We can also take a stop next to the Ateneum National Art Gallery, which has beautiful Neoclassical Architecture.
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Central Library Oodi
15 min
Our final and End Point of the tour will show you several buildings, one of which we can go inside. We won't tell you what this building is yet, as it is a surprise! This district houses our Modern Architecture, which started from the early 1990s, through to 2017. The end point of the tour has a very special Library, "Oodi", which is the perfect place to visit immediately after the tour. You will find here a cafe, toilets, and lots of fun things to explore.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Helsinki).
Additional Information
- Please note that a moderate level of fitness is required for walking tours - as there are steps to climb, and cobble stone sidewalks. We will be on our feet for around 2-2.5 hours in total.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
FAQs about Tip-based Free Walking Tour of Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS
Can I cancel Tip-based Free Walking Tour of Helsinki - RED UMBRELLA TOURS for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 15 min.
Where does it start?
2024 Tours: The meeting place will be the Alexander II Statue, Senate Square. Just look for the Red Umbrella!
What's included?
- Our experienced and knowledgeable guides
Which places does it visit?
It visits Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, The National Library of Finland, Kauppatori, Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), Esplanadi Park, Rautatientori, Central Library Oodi.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Red Umbrella Tours Helsinki
