6. Helsinki Half-Day City Tour
Start your walking tour from the Railway Station Square, right next to one of the most beautiful Romantic buildings in Helsinki, the National Theater. From there, continue your walk through central Helsinki to get a feel for its vibrant streets, mostly built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Then, follow the main shopping street, Aleksanterinkatu, towards the city's main square, Senate Square. At the central point of the square is the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral, built in 1852 when Finland was part of the Russian Empire. Stop at the nearby seat of the Finnish Government and the main building of Helsinki University. Continue on towards the Katajanokka Peninsula, stopping at the Uspenskii Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox cathedral atop a hill. Go up the hill and to the terrace of the cathedral for pretty views over Helsinki. Explore Market Square (Kauppatori), where you can find souvenirs and taste local specialties. Walk along the Esplanade Park and Helsinki’s main street, Mannerheimintie, before stopping by the parliament building, National Museum, and Finlandia Hall, a concert and congress hall designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. After a walk through the district of Töölö, visit the unique Rock Church, carved within a rocky hill, and afterwards a have a short city bus trip to the park and monument dedicated to the most famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. End the tour at the impressive granite Central Railway Station, where nearly a quarter of a million passengers pass through every day. This private walking tour allows variations in pick-up point, starting time and the route. Agree your most convenient timing and meet the guide from the port, railway station or a hotel.