Free Walking Tours in Helsinki

As Finland’s capital and most populous city, Helsinki has become a popular international destination for tourists from around the world. What started out as a small fishing village in the Middle Ages has now expanded to an innovative and well-respected metropolis— filled with art, culture and architecture.

Join a free walking tour in Helsinki to experience the very best of what the Finnish capital has to offer. Stroll through Helsinki’s pristine streets with your expert guide and familiarize yourself with historically important landmarks and other local attractions.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the best options for sightseeing tours in Helsinki.

How do free walking tours in Helsinki work?

Free walking tours in Helsinki have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Helsinki?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Helsinki?

Green caps free walking tour in Helsinki

Named after the iconic green caps that its tour guides wear, this tour is one of the most popular free walking tours in Helsinki. After this tour, you’ll have gained an understanding of Finland’s rich history and culture.

Itinerary

Meet your green-capped tour guide in Senate Square, where you’ll get acquainted with your tour group before setting off at a leisurely pace. As you walk through the city you’ll be told tales of Helsinki’s Russian and Swedish past.

Some of the highlights of this tour include Market Square, President’s Castle, Helsinki University and much more. You’ll also be given local insight into the best places to eat and shop so that the rest of your stay in the city is optimized.

Take the opportunity to ask your tour guide all your burning questions about Helsinki as you learn why Finland is often called the "happiest country in the world" and how studying at its university is completely free!

Introductory free walking tour in Helsinki

This tour is ideal for newcomers to the city who are hoping to get acquainted with Helsinki’s most famous structures and establishments. Gain a solid introduction to the Finnish capital with an experienced guide leading the way.

Itinerary

Meet at the steps of the unmissable neoclassical cathedral located in the center of Senate Square. Here you’ll meet your guide and other tour participants before embarking on your free walking tour.

The first stop on the tour is the Uspenski Cathedral — one of the largest orthodox churches in all of Western Europe. From here you’ll make your way to Market Square where you’ll witness the everyday hustle and bustle of Helsinki residents.

In addition, you’ll also visit various monuments and learn about Helsinki’s history, culture and traditions.

Essential free walking tour in Helsinki

Learn about all of Helsinki’s essential landmarks and attractions as you embark on this popular walking tour led by some of the best tour guides in Finland. In addition to popular landmarks, you’ll also visit some hidden gems!

Itinerary

Start your tour in Senate Square, where you’ll visit the Helsinki Cathedral and the University of Helsinki before you head out of the square and towards some of the most iconic parts of the city. You’ll visit the National Bank of Finland and the Estates House among other establishments.

As you stroll through the city streets, your guide will give you in-depth information about the city’s history. You’ll also gain insight into the popular karaoke scene and learn what makes the Finnish some of the happiest people in the world.

Before your tour ends you’ll also visit the largest orthodox cathedral in Western Europe, Market Square, Esplanadi Park and various statues.

In which languages is it operated?

Most people living in Helsinki speak English, and all free walking tours in the city are operated in English. There are a couple of walking tours that also offer tour time slots in Spanish, for those who would prefer a Spanish-speaking tour guide.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Helsinki start at easy-to-find meeting points in the city, such as Senate Square.

Tour guides provide brief descriptions of themselves so that you can locate them easily.

Remember to aim to meet at the starting point at least 5 minutes before your tour starts. If you arrive late, your tour guide could leave without you.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a free walking tour in Helsinki is 2 hours, but there are a few tours that last 1.75 hours. There is also one slightly longer tour, lasting 2.5 hours, for those who want to make the most of their time in the city.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Helsinki?

Helsinki experiences relatively cold air temperatures throughout the year, so most people choose to book a midday walking tour when the temperatures are slightly warmer. There are also morning and afternoon tours available for those who prefer those time slots.

Book your free walking tour in Helsinki for the beginning of your stay in the city so that you’ll gain an understanding of the city’s orientation and get familiar with the top-rated attractions on offer.

Should it be booked online?

Free walking tours are some of the most popular tours that Helsinki has to offer, and they tend to get booked up very quickly. These tours also have limited spots available to ensure the quality of the tour— with some maximum capacities being limited to as few as 10 people.

It is recommended that you book your spot on your preferred walking tour as soon as you know which dates you’ll be in Helsinki to avoid disappointment. Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform.

Arrive in the city with your tour already booked and make the most out of your time in Helsinki.