Start at the Senate Square, Helsinki’s neoclassical heart, dominated by the white-domed Helsinki Cathedral. Take a moment to admire the elegant square, flanked by the Government Palace and University of Helsinki. A quick visit inside the cathedral (free entry, 10 minutes) reveals its serene, minimalist interior.
Stroll 5 minutes south to the Market Square (Kauppatori), a lively waterfront market buzzing with vendors selling Finnish crafts and fresh produce. Pop into Café Kappeli (Eteläesplanadi 1, a 5-minute walk), a historic glass-walled café with views of the Esplanade Park. Grab a quick, affordable korvapuusti (cinnamon bun) or coffee, no reservations needed, but arrive early to secure a table and soak up the elegant ambience.
Head 10 minutes north to the Uspenski Cathedral (Kanavakatu 1), a striking red-brick Orthodox church with golden domes. Spend 15 minutes exploring its ornate interior and icons (free entry). The cathedral’s hilltop perch offers views over Helsinki’s harbour, evoking the city’s Russian-influenced past.
Walk 10 minutes west along the Esplanadi, a leafy boulevard lined with boutiques, to Stockmann Department Store (Aleksanterinkatu 52), Helsinki’s premier shopping destination. Browse briefly, then detour to Fazer Café (Kluuvikatu 3, a 5-minute walk), a beloved institution since 1891, for a rich hot chocolate or a slice of runebergintorttu (almond cake). No bookings needed, but be prompt to avoid queues.
Continue 15 minutes southwest to the Temppeliaukio Church (Lutherinkatu 3), a unique rock-hewn church with a copper dome, blending modernist design with natural beauty. Spend 20 minutes admiring its serene interior (small entry fee, check times). The surrounding Hietalahti area offers a glimpse of Helsinki’s laid-back residential charm.
End your tour at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma (Mannerheiminaukio 2, a 10-minute walk east), a sleek, curvilinear building showcasing cutting-edge Finnish and international art. Spend 45 minutes exploring its thought-provoking exhibitions (book tickets in advance if possible). For a final treat, grab a pulla (cardamom bun) or hot chocolate at Café Regatta (Merikannontie 8, a 15-minute walk or short tram ride, tram 2), a quirky seaside café with a cosy, Nordic vibe.
This four-hour tour weaves through Helsinki’s historic core, modern design, and culinary delights. Wear comfortable shoes, check attraction ticket requirements, and embrace the city’s cool, coastal spirit.
Ireland county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
