Helsinki local tours
Feb 18th, 2011, 04:50 PM
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Helsinki local tours
I will be on a cruise in June, stopping in Helsinki on a Saturday from 10:00 to 6:00. I am wondering which of the local tours would be best: (1) the Open-top Tours for hop on/hop off sightseeing with 11 stops; (2) the Audio City Tour for 1 1 /2 hours with stops at Sibelius Monument and the Rock Church, or (3) the City Tour on a tram which is sightseeing without a guide for a 45 min. trip. I would like to know what I am looking at so I would like the driver telling us or at least a tape playing to explain the sights. I can't seem to get into the web site for the Open-top Tours to find out if it is narrated. Or is the Helsinki card for one day a better bet? It seems like you could walk to many of the interesting sights other than the 2 mentioned above. Thanks for any suggestions.
Feb 22nd, 2011, 09:12 AM
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Helsinki was our biggest pleasant surprise on our cruise last summer. We were there on a lovely Sunday afternoon and really enjoyed walking around with no particular agenda.
The Celebrity cruise line shuttle dropped us off few short blocks from the park near Market Square. If on a smaller ship, I believe they dock next to Market Square.
The Helsinki Cathedral is a few blocks away as is the Russian Orthodox Church.
For lunch we stopped at one of numerous food stalls in market square and tried a few local dishes. (We didn't tell our kids the meatballs were made of reindeer until after they tried them.)
We started at the park, walked through Market Square, up the hill at the Russian Orthodox church, down a side street towards where some small boats were docked, stopped for refreshments at the old tug boat anchored there, walked up the hill towards the Catherdral, past the government buildings and the university, through the nearby park, to the rail station which was our "end" destination. From there we once again headed towards market square and some shops that my wife had looked at earlier. Effectively, we just walked towards things we saw that were interesting with the station as our destination.
We were traveling with an 8 and 7 year old and neither of them seemed overwhelmed by the walk.
The one thing we did not do that I wish we had was the Fortress at Suomenlinna (sp?). A family we met on the boat did visit there with a guide and thought it was really interesting.
By chance you're doing a broader Baltic Cruise, you might find that excursions in many of the typical cities aren't worth the cost if you're comfortable navigating on your own.
St. Petersburg was going to be about $1,800 for the two days using DenRus as our guide. We made the decision, which we don't regret, to pay up for a private guide in St. Petersburg and explore the other locations on our own.
Tallinn, for example, is extremely easy to explore with a decent map and a sense of "what's over there?"
The Celebrity cruise line shuttle dropped us off few short blocks from the park near Market Square. If on a smaller ship, I believe they dock next to Market Square.
The Helsinki Cathedral is a few blocks away as is the Russian Orthodox Church.
For lunch we stopped at one of numerous food stalls in market square and tried a few local dishes. (We didn't tell our kids the meatballs were made of reindeer until after they tried them.)
We started at the park, walked through Market Square, up the hill at the Russian Orthodox church, down a side street towards where some small boats were docked, stopped for refreshments at the old tug boat anchored there, walked up the hill towards the Catherdral, past the government buildings and the university, through the nearby park, to the rail station which was our "end" destination. From there we once again headed towards market square and some shops that my wife had looked at earlier. Effectively, we just walked towards things we saw that were interesting with the station as our destination.
We were traveling with an 8 and 7 year old and neither of them seemed overwhelmed by the walk.
The one thing we did not do that I wish we had was the Fortress at Suomenlinna (sp?). A family we met on the boat did visit there with a guide and thought it was really interesting.
By chance you're doing a broader Baltic Cruise, you might find that excursions in many of the typical cities aren't worth the cost if you're comfortable navigating on your own.
St. Petersburg was going to be about $1,800 for the two days using DenRus as our guide. We made the decision, which we don't regret, to pay up for a private guide in St. Petersburg and explore the other locations on our own.
Tallinn, for example, is extremely easy to explore with a decent map and a sense of "what's over there?"
Feb 22nd, 2011, 03:41 PM
#4
Bettyann
Are you travelling in a small group or just two of you , or alone.
Are you doing any research on places to see in Helsinki.?
Where is your Baltic Cruise starting from and what are your Ports of Call.?
Are you travelling in a small group or just two of you , or alone.
Are you doing any research on places to see in Helsinki.?
Where is your Baltic Cruise starting from and what are your Ports of Call.?
Feb 22nd, 2011, 06:28 PM
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We were in Helsinki last summer and took the hop on/hop off tour, which was narrated. It was very crowded, so we didn't hop off that much, since there were lines at every stop. It rained most of the time we were there. We took the cruise ship shuttle to town and the tour dropped us off at the ship. Some of our group rented bicycles (found it online), close to the ship, and rode all over Helsinki.
Mar 12th, 2011, 07:13 AM
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Percy and jmvp: I left for Arizona on Feb. 23 for a week and am just now getting back into thinking about the June cruise. My husband and I (age 67) are traveling alone on the Princess cruise for Scandinavia/Russia. Percy, I have printed out your trip report from your August, 2007 cruise and consider it invaluable information as to what to see and do. That is why I don't have very many other questions about the other stops. Our trip begins and ends in Copenhagen, plus Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Berlin, Aarhus, and Oslo. I have read Fromer's Scandinavia and read online for my research. I also called the Scan. tourist board in New York and they sent me maps of all the cities in Scan. For St. Pete., we have booked a 2-day tour with Alla Tours. We don't think we will make the trip into Berlin, so I need suggestions for what else to do at that stop (Warnemunde). Looks like at most of the stops we can take a ship's shuttle to town and walk around on our own or take a local tour bus. We can't do endless walking at our age, and appreciate narrated bus rides, but not at the prices Princess charges for their tours! All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.
Mar 12th, 2011, 09:22 AM
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Warnemunde has a wonderful little beach area, a bit cold at times but rent a covered chair.
We enjoyed just strolling along the main avenue bordering the canal.
I would suggest that you consider being outside on the port side of ship when leaving Warnemunde. The port has the ship depart to German popular and folk music. I just happened to walk on our veranda when we were leaving and really enjoyed it.
When at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, I would strongly suggest you pay the extra cost for the Gold Room. The opulence of the Tsar's is most on display there.
I did post a trip report after our cruise last summer. Much was geared towards things with our children, but perhaps you can find a few useful pieces of information.
It's a great trip, enjoy.
We enjoyed just strolling along the main avenue bordering the canal.
I would suggest that you consider being outside on the port side of ship when leaving Warnemunde. The port has the ship depart to German popular and folk music. I just happened to walk on our veranda when we were leaving and really enjoyed it.
When at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, I would strongly suggest you pay the extra cost for the Gold Room. The opulence of the Tsar's is most on display there.
I did post a trip report after our cruise last summer. Much was geared towards things with our children, but perhaps you can find a few useful pieces of information.
It's a great trip, enjoy.
Mar 12th, 2011, 02:02 PM
#9
Bettyann:
I am glad you are starting out in Copenhagen and ending there also.
Are you planning to come a day earlier to Copenhagen?
In Helsinki ( I am assuming you are docking at Hernesaari Port).
The shuttle will drop you off on Mannerheimintie Street right by the Swedish Theatre ( White building).
I think if you do not want to do a lot of walking then taking a narrated bus tour will be best.
I am sure the bus will take you as far as the Olympic Stadium and also the "Rock Church".
( You do not want to miss this Rock Church),the Train Station area,the Parliament,Kiasma,National Museum Builing( President Clinton was here for a meeting).
The Finlandia Hall ( Concert),and the Opera House.
All of these I am sure will be on your narrated tour.
After the bus tour/ride ,most of your time will be spent around the Market Square ( which is your best and cheapest place to have something to eat at lunch time.
The Senate Square is only a block from here. It is here where the Cathedral is.. the most photographed church in Finland!
Go inside this White ( Wedding Cake ) Church..it is free.
You have to climb the stair up to the Church,you will huff and puff when you reach the top!!... but before you go inside the Church..
turn around and look down at this lovely Senate Square.
In the centre of the square is a large statue of Alexander II of Russia.....
Finland was under Russian control then.
The reason his statue is here is because he was Chancellor of the University at the time ,which is right here also.
I would really try to go to Suomelinna Island. The boat ride there is right at the Market Square.
The return trip is every 15-20 minutes.
Even if you just spent a little time here, the boat ride there is short and the views back to Helsinki are terrific.
In St. Petersburg you have a tour booked with Alla, that is whoI had also.
I do not know about the other tour companies but I did not have to pay extra to visit the Gold Room, Alla's tour guide took us there as part of our Hermitage tour.
But check with Alla to make sure.
How long are you in Tallinn ?
I am glad you are starting out in Copenhagen and ending there also.
Are you planning to come a day earlier to Copenhagen?
In Helsinki ( I am assuming you are docking at Hernesaari Port).
The shuttle will drop you off on Mannerheimintie Street right by the Swedish Theatre ( White building).
I think if you do not want to do a lot of walking then taking a narrated bus tour will be best.
I am sure the bus will take you as far as the Olympic Stadium and also the "Rock Church".
( You do not want to miss this Rock Church),the Train Station area,the Parliament,Kiasma,National Museum Builing( President Clinton was here for a meeting).
The Finlandia Hall ( Concert),and the Opera House.
All of these I am sure will be on your narrated tour.
After the bus tour/ride ,most of your time will be spent around the Market Square ( which is your best and cheapest place to have something to eat at lunch time.
The Senate Square is only a block from here. It is here where the Cathedral is.. the most photographed church in Finland!
Go inside this White ( Wedding Cake ) Church..it is free.
You have to climb the stair up to the Church,you will huff and puff when you reach the top!!... but before you go inside the Church..
turn around and look down at this lovely Senate Square.
In the centre of the square is a large statue of Alexander II of Russia.....
Finland was under Russian control then.
The reason his statue is here is because he was Chancellor of the University at the time ,which is right here also.
I would really try to go to Suomelinna Island. The boat ride there is right at the Market Square.
The return trip is every 15-20 minutes.
Even if you just spent a little time here, the boat ride there is short and the views back to Helsinki are terrific.
In St. Petersburg you have a tour booked with Alla, that is whoI had also.
I do not know about the other tour companies but I did not have to pay extra to visit the Gold Room, Alla's tour guide took us there as part of our Hermitage tour.
But check with Alla to make sure.
How long are you in Tallinn ?
Mar 14th, 2011, 05:44 AM
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Thanks Percy and Ryan. Helpful info. Percy, we will be in Tallinn a full day, 8:00 to 5:00, and I printed your trip report on touring the town. We will be in Copenhagen 3 days before the cruise. I am wondering if it would be unwise to stay in a hotel near Tivoli Gardens because of potential noise from the amusement park keeping us awake at night (we turn in earlyish). We have reservations at The Strand on the water, but I am wondering if we should stay at the Radison Blu Royal Hotel through Princess, and then Princess might provide us a ride from airport to hotel and from hotel to ship. The Radison is next to Tivoli. Might already be too late to book their hotel, though. What do you think?
Mar 14th, 2011, 06:31 AM
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In terms of Copenhagen, our ship used the Langelinie Cruise Port which is next to where the Little Mermaind Statue was. It is a fairly narrow entry road in front of the dock which caused a bit of a traffic mess when the tour buses were jammed up.
BTW, the Gold Room does require an extra fee for entry as it requires and advance reservation and is not included in the standard entry fee. We used DenRus Tours which offers it as an optional add on for the Hermitage. It sounds like Alla includes it as part of their package cost.
Regardless, you're visiting the Gold Room which is a highlight.
BTW, the Gold Room does require an extra fee for entry as it requires and advance reservation and is not included in the standard entry fee. We used DenRus Tours which offers it as an optional add on for the Hermitage. It sounds like Alla includes it as part of their package cost.
Regardless, you're visiting the Gold Room which is a highlight.
Mar 14th, 2011, 07:13 AM
#12
I agree with Ryan, that you should visit the Gold Room at the Hermitage...even if you have to pay extra.
1. The thing about staying at a hotel near the Tivoli is that yes, it is an "active " place.
But also the Town Hall Square across the street is also a gathering place during the summer months.
( You never know what could be going on there.. nothing when I was there, just the usual evening crowd mingling about.
2. The Radisson Blu is along a very busy street....it is right across from the entrance to the Tivoli.
It might not be that noisey because I am sure the windows would prevent much noise.
A plus point is that if you got a street view toward the Tivoli and were about on the 10-15 floor , you would sure have great views over the Tivoli from your room.
3. The Strand: Nothing wrong with this location.
You are facing the canal.
From your canal facing room you for sure will see that lovely Church of the of Our Saviour, ..it is unique because it has an external staircase around the Steeple.
Can you believe I climbed that stair case to the very top !!!!
From The Strand you are only a few blocks away from Nyhavn ,where you for sure will take a 1 hour canal ride to see all the lovely sites ,that you will see later again walking.
To go to Nyhavn just turn left out the front door of the Strand.
You cannot muiss Nyhavn , just walk down 2 block left, stand on the corner and here you are.
Now turn LEFT ...you are now walking along the canal...the water is on your right.
As you walk along here you will see nice painted old buildings.
You have my Trip Report so look at the numbers on the builings to see where Hans Christian Andersen lived.
You know if you stayed at the Radisson Blu, you would still have to walk down to where you are at the Strand and vice versa.!!
At the Strand you are also close to Christianborg Palace( Parliament is here now )
From your Hotel whenyou exit...this time turn RIGHT.
Walk about 3-4 blocks...the Canal water is on your RIGHT .
Walk until you get to Holmens Canal,,, right beside the Holmen Church...now cross the short Holmens Canal Bridge and here you are...
at the Christianborg Palace...lots to see around here.
So you see being at the Strand is not bad at all.
Of course being at the Radisson Blu is okay also.
I stayed at the Marriott along the water down Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard...so I just walk from there.
If you are in Copenhagen for 3 days
...have you thought of a tour guide like Grethe ,
she would take you out to Fredersborg Castle at Holyrood , Fredenborg Castle, home of the Royal Family ,Kronborg Castle at Helsingor,then to her house for a Danish lunch and then backdown the Danish Riveria back to Copenhagen.
It is a lovely tour doing this.
Anyway , you can decide.
1. The thing about staying at a hotel near the Tivoli is that yes, it is an "active " place.
But also the Town Hall Square across the street is also a gathering place during the summer months.
( You never know what could be going on there.. nothing when I was there, just the usual evening crowd mingling about.
2. The Radisson Blu is along a very busy street....it is right across from the entrance to the Tivoli.
It might not be that noisey because I am sure the windows would prevent much noise.
A plus point is that if you got a street view toward the Tivoli and were about on the 10-15 floor , you would sure have great views over the Tivoli from your room.
3. The Strand: Nothing wrong with this location.
You are facing the canal.
From your canal facing room you for sure will see that lovely Church of the of Our Saviour, ..it is unique because it has an external staircase around the Steeple.
Can you believe I climbed that stair case to the very top !!!!
From The Strand you are only a few blocks away from Nyhavn ,where you for sure will take a 1 hour canal ride to see all the lovely sites ,that you will see later again walking.
To go to Nyhavn just turn left out the front door of the Strand.
You cannot muiss Nyhavn , just walk down 2 block left, stand on the corner and here you are.
Now turn LEFT ...you are now walking along the canal...the water is on your right.
As you walk along here you will see nice painted old buildings.
You have my Trip Report so look at the numbers on the builings to see where Hans Christian Andersen lived.
You know if you stayed at the Radisson Blu, you would still have to walk down to where you are at the Strand and vice versa.!!
At the Strand you are also close to Christianborg Palace( Parliament is here now )
From your Hotel whenyou exit...this time turn RIGHT.
Walk about 3-4 blocks...the Canal water is on your RIGHT .
Walk until you get to Holmens Canal,,, right beside the Holmen Church...now cross the short Holmens Canal Bridge and here you are...
at the Christianborg Palace...lots to see around here.
So you see being at the Strand is not bad at all.
Of course being at the Radisson Blu is okay also.
I stayed at the Marriott along the water down Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard...so I just walk from there.
If you are in Copenhagen for 3 days
...have you thought of a tour guide like Grethe ,
she would take you out to Fredersborg Castle at Holyrood , Fredenborg Castle, home of the Royal Family ,Kronborg Castle at Helsingor,then to her house for a Danish lunch and then backdown the Danish Riveria back to Copenhagen.
It is a lovely tour doing this.
Anyway , you can decide.
Mar 14th, 2011, 07:44 AM
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Just realized I never closed my thought on the ship terminal in Copenhagen. Meant to say if your ship uses that pier that is is a fairly narrow road. When returning home ahead of your flight, just keep that in mind when planning your travel time to the airport. Hopefully, it will not be an issue. But, we were there the same day as another ship and it did cause some delays.
Also, when arriving and departing the canal heading towards St. Petersburg, there is an old navy yard with multiple old Soviet warships about 1/2 an hour from the cruise terminal. Quite a site for anyone old enough to remember the Cold War.
Also, when arriving and departing the canal heading towards St. Petersburg, there is an old navy yard with multiple old Soviet warships about 1/2 an hour from the cruise terminal. Quite a site for anyone old enough to remember the Cold War.
Mar 14th, 2011, 01:34 PM
#14
Good points Ryan.
When I ended my cruise back in Copenhagen , my flight out of Copenhagen was at about 8:30 AM.
I did not want to chance missing the flight ,so I just stayed another full day in Copenhagen ( even though I came 3 full days earlier) , and saw all those "extra" places ..
Touring the Carlsberg Brewery
Spending extra time at the Tivoli, it is nice to go both in the daytime and again in the evening when all those lights are on.
Going to the Ice Bar.
Amber Museum , visiting more Churches etc.
Did the Stroyet again.
Those Soviet warships.... I wonder if any of them were the one President Kennedy forced to retreat !!!!
Hopefully Bettyann's flight time will not be a nail biter to make.
If you are taking a taxi to the airport Bettyann, then make sure the driver points out the Oresund Bridge to you.
It is on the way to the airport...you really want to at least see this bridge.
Not only does this bridge now connect Copenhagen to Sweden ( at Malmo) but it finally provided a link from Europe to the Scandinavian Countries .
I hired a taxi and went over the bridge to Malmo Sweden.
Had a beer and sandwich,then turned around and came back.
But like I said,I came 3 full days before the cruise and a full day after the cruise.
I read your trip reeport Ryan and enjoyed it,as I was in Amsterdam last year.
When I ended my cruise back in Copenhagen , my flight out of Copenhagen was at about 8:30 AM.
I did not want to chance missing the flight ,so I just stayed another full day in Copenhagen ( even though I came 3 full days earlier) , and saw all those "extra" places ..
Touring the Carlsberg Brewery
Spending extra time at the Tivoli, it is nice to go both in the daytime and again in the evening when all those lights are on.
Going to the Ice Bar.
Amber Museum , visiting more Churches etc.
Did the Stroyet again.
Those Soviet warships.... I wonder if any of them were the one President Kennedy forced to retreat !!!!
Hopefully Bettyann's flight time will not be a nail biter to make.
If you are taking a taxi to the airport Bettyann, then make sure the driver points out the Oresund Bridge to you.
It is on the way to the airport...you really want to at least see this bridge.
Not only does this bridge now connect Copenhagen to Sweden ( at Malmo) but it finally provided a link from Europe to the Scandinavian Countries .
I hired a taxi and went over the bridge to Malmo Sweden.
Had a beer and sandwich,then turned around and came back.
But like I said,I came 3 full days before the cruise and a full day after the cruise.
I read your trip reeport Ryan and enjoyed it,as I was in Amsterdam last year.
