Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Boat Tours

Most major boat tours depart from Kauppatori Market Square. The easiest way to choose one is to go to the square in the morning and read the information boards describing the tours. Most tours run in summer only. You can go as far afield as Porvoo or take a short jaunt to the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasaari.

Bus Tours

Bus tours are a good way to get oriented in Helsinki. The Helsinki Expert 1 1/2-hour Audio City Tour of central Helsinki sites is EUR 8 with the Helsinki Card; otherwise the cost is EUR 20. The recorded commentary, which you listen to on a headset as you traverse the city, is available in 11 languages. Tours leave from Esplanade Park and the Katajanoka Terminal. Guided city tours, with live commentary in English and Swedish, are also available; they depart from the Katajanokka and Olympia Ferry terminals and last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. For more information, contact Helsinki Expert.

Helsinki Expert (09/2288-1600. www.helsinkiexpert.fi).

Walking Tours

The Helsinki City Tourist Office employs "Helsinki Helpers," dressed in green and white. Daily, June to August, 8 to 8, they walk the streets in the city center and harbor area, freely answering questions and giving directions. Helsinki Expert is a multipurpose travel agent and guide-booking center that will arrange personal tour guides. The City Tourist Office also has an excellent brochure, Helsinki on Foot, with six walks covering most points of interest.