• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Want to see the best of Helsinki? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Helsinki!

Destination

Helsinki, Finland

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

3 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Español, Français, Português, Русский, Suomi, Svenska

Included

• Private guide
• 1 Local snack or drink
• All Withlocals tours are carbon neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 4 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at In front of the Stockmann Department Store main entrance, under the large clock - Helsinki to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. City Highlights

   See from Uspenski Cathedral, Design District, Senate Square, and other landmarks and must-sees of the city. Your local host will take you to the main spots in town so you can get the perfect overview of what makes Helsinki so unique

4. Hidden Gems

   Along the way, your local host will show you treasures hidden in plain sight that only the locals know about. Get to know the city through a different perspective, the local way, and discover places and stories that not many tourists experience

5. Magical Storytelling

   Behind every landmark and every stop, there’s a story, and your local host is ready to tell it all. Get ready to listen to incredible stories, one-of-a-kind insights, and fun facts only a knowledgeable local would know!

6. Special Treat

   Follow your host to one of their favorite eateries for a snack or a drink beloved by the locals. Take a break and catch up with your new local friend and get the answers to all your travel questions

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

George🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Anna)

26 August 2025

We had a 3 hour walking tour with Anna in Helsinki in English. She was wonderful. So knowledgeable about the city and history. She gave us unique perspectives about life in Finland. We saw many of the highlights and she suggested other things to explore on our own during the rest of our time. Fantastic day in Helsinki

Clint🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Anna)

26 July 2025

Anna was so very and flexible in accommodating our needs. She has great stories and is a lively and knowledgeable guide.A Lovely Guide

patricia.dair🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Tommy)

15 July 2025

Tommy met us on time and started out meeting with a brief , informative history about Finland . He had pictures and maps to hand which were helpful. We then started our tour. Due to my mobility disability he tailor made it to include the trams to reduce walking time and effort for me. It was really good to orientate ourselves early in our stay in Helsinki, and to get an insight into the external forces that shaped ( and still do) the nation of today . Fascinating and all with a delightful sense of humour , Would definitely recommend Tommy and yours. Knowledgeable and humorous

Steve🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

12 July 2025

We had such a a wonderful walking tour with Anna! She customized the tour since we had already seen some of the typical spots. We got deep lessons in the history of the region, the local culture, and got to hear about daily life in Helsinki. Anna was friendly and open and we appreciated her passion and knowledge for Helsinki and the tour. I loved being able to ask about and discuss questions about Finnish local daily life. We loved the tour and loved spending time with Anna. I highly recommend her specifically!An expert guide and so friendly and fun!

Fiona🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Anna)

20 June 2025

We had a great 3 hour tour with Anna. She was a fabulous guide with local cultural historical and political insights which enriched our visit to Helsinki. We visited some main and interesting sites and her recommendations for further exploration were spot on. Thank you Anna

Pierre🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Anna)

15 June 2025

Anna was really nice, we learnt a lot but we would suggest to have a tour more in the move and less static in one location. It would need to go see more hidden gem.First time in Helsinki

Margo🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Anna)

9 June 2025

Cornelia🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Tommy)

9 June 2025

We had a great time with Tommy. He showed us places we wouldn’t have gone to and we learned a lot about the 🇫🇮 mindset. Plus we had a very nice ice cream and I a bought two pairs of shoes the next day in the shop he recommended us🥳 So it was a success in every way. Thank you again! Connie and ThomasVery interesting and charming tour

Matt🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

22 May 2025

Solo traveler and had a great tour with Anna. The tour of the library of all things was the highlight as what a great investment in the community. Anna knows history, the city, culture and has great recommendations for you. Thanks for the city tour Anna.Amazing & helpful tour guide! Thank you.

bruk

(About local Anna)

3 May 2025

Anna knows her stuff and how to make it interesting. She gave us a great time, easy-going and fact-filled, not overwhelming at all. We were six in our group and we all loved it. Tor from Norway Like reconnecting with an old friend

Sonia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Timo)

1 May 2025

We had a long layover in Helsinki, so decided to go touring. Timo picked us up in a van so we could store our carry-on luggage and did a wonderful job showing us the highlights of Helsinki in the few hours that we had. He was knowledgeable, funny, warm, and welcoming. When I’m back in Helsinki, one day, he’ll be the first person I contact.Fabulous day with Timo

Loretta🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

27 April 2025

Anna was wonderful. Very informed about her adopted city. Anna also customized the tour around our interests. We would highly recommend her. A new friend!

Julie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

15 March 2025

Thank you Ann for such a wonderful afternoon in Helsinki! We stopped in this city on our way to Paris for an afternoon and an overnight and booked this tour to learn about the city. Ann was our guide and we are lucky for it. She is charming, warm, and taught us so much about this lovely, but cold, part of the world. I felt badly because although the locals thought the weather was particularly nice, I was absolutely freezing from the wind and not properly dressed, so I had to cut our tour short by about 30 minutes. If it hadn't been for that, we could have enjoyed Ann's company for much longer. We are hoping that American's are welcome again in the near future in Russia and hope to reach out to Ann to take us to St. Petersburg! Please book with this guide, she is fantastic and you will be so glad you did.Ann is Fantastic!!

Markus Wilhelm🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Anna)

7 March 2025

Anna provided a vast range of knowledge about the history, politics, culture, art, architecture and lifestyle of both Helsinki and Finland. Anna's tour's "USP" lies definitely in her personal biography: As she grew up in Russia (St. Petersburg) and later moved to Helsinki, she offers the different angles of views especially on the historical and political topics, which we thought was essential to get (at least a basic) understanding of Helsinki and Finland. On top of that Anna is lively, kind and tries to provide a very personal tour according to your interests. Highly recommendable!Interested in Helsinki? Let Ann take over!

Felix🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Tommy)

3 March 2025

Very good and informative

Heather🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

12 February 2025

Nadja

(About local Anna)

26 January 2025

Dear Anne, we had a lot of private tours during the last years all over the world. You are a fantastic woman. Warmhearted, open, sheerful, funny, bubbly and you know everything about Helsinki and Finnland. You really showed us hidden gems of Helsinki. I won't tell them. ;-) You brought Helsinki into our heart. Thank you for that. We come back and will defnetly book you for another day. Lovely Greetings NadjaYou are a finnish gem Anne!!!

Tone K🇳🇴 Norway

(About local Tommy)

27 November 2024

Tommy svarte raskt på henvendelser og var villig til å tilpasse ruten etter våre ønsker. Vi fikk sett mye av Helsinki og lærte en god del om finnene og deres levesett de 3,5 timene vi hadde sammen. Anbefales!Lærerik omvisning i Helsinki sentrum

Jill Nicola🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Anna)

25 October 2024

Anna showed us all the best bits of Helsinki and told us so many interesting things about Finland its peoples and history. She was smiley and engaging, kind, thoughtful and responsive and also gave us great recommendations for things to do in our own time. You could not go wrong with her. A real joy to spend time with herLovely lady and excellent tour

Deirdre🇮🇪 Ireland

(About local Anna)

19 October 2024

We had a fantastic tour of Helsinki with Anna and learned a lot about its history & culture. It was really enjoyable & well worth it. Anna is an excellent tour guide & I would highly recommend her. Helsinki in half a day

Dennis🇳🇱 Netherlands

(About local Anna)

18 October 2024

We had a very nice interesting tour with the guide. Great way to enjoy Helsinki for a few hrs during a business trip with customersGreat morning Helsinki Tour

Verle🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

14 August 2024

We had a wonderful time with Anna and learned much about the history of Finland and its relationship with Russia. Anna has the best personality and was an absolute joy to be around. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn more about Finland or Russia. A very sweet person!! Anna is the best

Anne-Marie

(About local Anna)

26 July 2024

It was great to start our stay in Helsinki with a 3 hour tour by Anna! We have seen a lot, learned so much about the history of Finland and could ask all our questions. We would recommend Anna to everyone who likes to learn more about Finland in a short time.Great tour, very informative!

james🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Tommy)

26 July 2024

Tommy met me on time near the train station and we began our tour. He speaks clear and substantive English so our conversations were very free flow. He understood that I was very tired as I had just come off a 13 hour flight and was on a layover. He paced the tour knowing this. He showed me things I would never have discovered on my own or in a big tour group. We discussed Finnish history, architecture, contemporary issues and other subjects. His ability to figure out what I wanted to see and hear about made it a terrific tour. I just wish I had more time that day. We ended up back at the train station on time and he made sure I caught the correct train back to the airport. All in all, the tour felt like a leisurely stroll with a new friend rather than a guide trying to rush. Kudos for Tommy. I recommend him highly.Perfect guide for me

Brian🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

10 July 2024

With many Withlocals tours, I strongly recommend Anna and her vast Helsinki experience. Her complete knowledge of Finnish, Swedish and Russian history made the tour a lasting memory. Additionally, she allowed and answered every question we had with a smile that never ended. Anna checks all the boxes for a wonderful day. Anna is the best guide ever!

Jan🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Anna)

11 June 2024

We had a wonderfull time with Anna! 3 hours full of very interesting stories! Very charming person! Would book that again! :) What a fantastic guide!!!

Loriann🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

2 June 2024

Our tour was wonderful. Anna knows so much about the history and culture of Helsinki. Anna was incredibly kind and gracious. She encourage questions and made sure to add a hint of humor to her responses and explanations. When our tour was over she made sure we knew how to make it to our next destination. Anna is the best! Our previous review incorrectly stated we were in Estonia. Correction to Previous Review

Andrea

(About local Tommy)

26 May 2024

Wir hatten einen netten, informativen Spaziergang durch die Stadt. Tommy hat viele Hintergrundinfos gehabt. Er hat uns das traditionelle und das moderne Helsinki nahegebracht. Zum Schluss hat er uns auch noch bei der Einrichtung der Fahrradapp geholfen. Vielen Dank, Tommy, für den schönen Nachmittag!Schöner Spaziergang durch Helsinki

Linda🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

4 May 2024

We are only in Helsinki for a shot time. Being shown the city by Anna served as a great orientation and history lesson. Her warm personality made us feel like we were shown around by a friend. I highly recommend Anna and this tour Anna made all the difference

Jennifer

(About local Tommy)

24 April 2024

My mom and I had a wonderful tour with Tommy! After giving us a brief introduction to Helsinki’s history, along with gifting us some traditional candy, we were off for a wonderful walk! Despite the rainy conditions, Tommy remained upbeat, full of life, and had so much knowledge to share with us. The tour consisted of both iconic and less well known sights of Helsinki! In addition, Tommy suggested several wonderful coffee shops/restaurants! Tommy was truly a breath of fresh air with an unparalleled sense of humor (we were laughing almost the whole time)! We highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to explore Helsinki and can handle the 3 hour duration! Thank you Tommy!Wonderful Walking Tour!

Jaun

(About local Tommy)

9 April 2024

Tommy is defnitely the best guide you could have on your visit to Helsinki, he is very educated and informative. He gave us a decent introduction and guidance in a short time to Helsinki, some history and understanding on Finland, the culture, customs and the wonderful people, food and much more. You should visit with Tommy before you start exploring Finland, for an introduction to Finland. I hope to see Finland again, and I hope that I will see Tommy in the future maybe. Tommy was essential.

liam🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Tommy)

13 February 2024

We had a great tour with tommy I would highly recommend him as a guide He was knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor Tommy is a legend

Arjun

(About local Anna)

28 January 2024

It was a wonderful time with Anna. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. She designed our tour as per our requirements and took us to less touristy places too. Overall a fantastic person to take along for a local experience. Amazing Experience

Lisa🇺🇸 United States

(About local Tommy)

20 May 2023

Tommy was such a nice man with extensive knowlede about Hilsinki! He led around town and showed us places we never would have gone in our own. Great tour with Tommy

Petra🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Tommy)

22 March 2023

Uns hat die Tour mit Tommy sehr gut gefallen. Er hat uns die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten Helsinkis vorgestellt, uns die Stadt und Finnland näher gebracht und hat uns darüber hinaus auch noch individuelle Tipps für unseren weiteren Aufenthalt gegeben. Wir können Tommy als Guide jederzeit empfehlen. Kurzweiliger und interessanter Rundgang

Lucia

(About local Tommy)

22 February 2023

We had a private guided tour of 4 hours with Tommy and he was very well-prepared, lively, with a good sense of humour, and friendly. We saw all the main monuments and it was very informative. Thank you Tommy for the good time together! Half Day in Helsinki with Tommy

shrink🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

1 September 2025

David🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Anna)

29 August 2025

The tour was very interesting and informative, providing numerous perspectives of the beautiful city of Helsinki, from artistic and architectural perceptions to historical and cultural outlooks. Anna was knowledgeable, personable and engaging and the time passed very quickly. Great experience.Helsinki Walking Tour

Laura🇺🇸 United States

(About local Tommy)

13 August 2025

We loved out tour of Helsinki with Tommy! We took a ferry from Tallinn and met Tommy at the cruise terminal. He showed us how to ride public transportation as we toured the highlights of Helsinki. Not only is he knowledgeable and professional in his guiding, but also offers personanl insights into his life in Helsinki. We especially enjoyed that he included the library and showed us all its offerings. It should be a model for all modern libraries! We would highly recommend this tour and Tommy!Great Tour with Tommy

Leonard🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

10 August 2025

Anna was exceptionally knowledgeable. She obviously loves her city and was anxious to share everything. We very much enjoyed her tour and learned an amazing amount about this beautiful city. Great tour!

Jean

(About local Anna)

7 August 2025

Anna was absolutely fantastic. She is very interesting and knowledgeable and did a great job with squeezing a lot into our very limited time. Fun and interesting!

Ian🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Anna)

6 August 2025

Anna was engaging and very knowledgeable. She gave us an insight of how food in the area evolved and we tasted some wonderful food. Well Worth doing.Helsinki food tour

Martina🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Anna)

17 July 2025

We had the great pleasure of taking a city tour of Helsinki with Anna – and we truly couldn't have asked for a better guide! Our request was to learn more about both the history and the present-day realities of Finland and Helsinki, as well as the complex historical and present relationship with Russia. Not only did Anna meet our expectations – she far exceeded them. Anna provided an impressively broad and deep overview, covering topics ranging from Finnish history, politics, architecture, and art to contemporary culture and everyday life in Helsinki. What made the tour especially outstanding was Anna’s personal perspective: having grown up in Russia (close to the Finish border), studied in St. Petersburg, Russia and later moved to Helsinki, she is uniquely positioned to offer insights from both sides. This dual perspective added incredible depth and nuance to our understanding of Finnish-Russian relations and their historical context. Anna's tour felt personal and thoughtfully tailored to our interests. She is engaging, warm, and full of life – making the experience both intellectually enriching and genuinely enjoyable. We came away with a much deeper appreciation for the city and the country than we ever expected. We can wholeheartedly recommend Anna’s tour to anyone who wants to explore Helsinki with a knowledgeable, passionate, and truly exceptional guide.Helsinki at its best

Virginia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Timo)

7 July 2025

Timo was a terrific guide. His knowledge of Helsinki was amazing. We had a combination walking/driving tour, which was perfect. Enthusiatic, knowledgeable guide

Betsy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ruth)

4 July 2025

We took a food tour with Ruth, expecting to visit a few local restaurants to eat some delicious local food. Yes, there was that but so much more. We learned about the history of Helsinki, who the important architects were with examples of their buildings and received an overview of the important sights of the city. I've been to Helsinki twice before and only now do I know the story of iitala or the story of Fazer Chocolate. I had salmon soup on my previous visits but the best was the restaurant Ruth picked out. Highly recommend. So much more!

Susanne

(About local Anna)

3 July 2025

Loved learning so much from Anna. This was not a typical tour of old history although that was included. We felt we really experienced current Helsinki and loved talking politics and culture with someone who has experience and knowledge that most guides lack. Absolutely wonderful

Rex🇺🇸 United States

(About local Anna)

1 July 2025

I highly recommend doing a tour with Anna. She is a very kind and interesting person, provided me a ton of insights about Helsinki and Porvoo. I really enjoyed getting to know her and what she shared with me along the way. Definitely don’t hesitate to go with her if you want to have a great experience!Awesome tour with Anna!

Bret

(About local Tommy)

24 June 2025

Tommi presents Helsinki both historically and culturally in grand fashion. His voluminous knowledge of the history of Helsinki and Finland really shines through. We let him determine the tour and were treated to an array of historical and cultural experiences. I can’t recommend Tommi enough for a small group walking tour. Excellent private guide

Normand🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Anna)

9 June 2025

Anna was very nice and very knowledgeable regarding the city and local food. She went out of her way to bring us to a reindeer pizza place, and answered all of our questions intelligently.Helsinki food and walking tour

Debra🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Tommy)

8 June 2025

Our group of 6 cruisers met Tommy for Highlight of Helsinki 3 Hour City Tour and were so glad we did. Tommy tailored our tour to start and finish at places convenient to us and to make for an easy walk back to our ship shuttle bus. We visited so many interesting places but the highlight was the library of all places - what a world class facility. Tommy was full of plenty of interesting facts all expressed with good humour and knowledge. He kept a pace that was comfortable for everyone. Absolutely recommend.Terrific Tommy!