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Helsinki Tours
Helsinki walking tour with a city planner
5

Helsinki walking tour with a city planner

By Ataman Tours
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 4-99, max of 6 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Local guide
What's not included
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Gratuities
  • Entry/Admission - Helsinki Cathedral


Start:
  • Aleksanterinkatu 9, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
    Meeting point address: Aleksanterinkatu 9B, 00100, Helsinki. The meeting point is the corner of Aleksanterinkatu street and Kluuvikatu street, in front of Aleksanterinkatu no 9B, Nanso Clothing Store (outside). Guide will be waiting for you at this point.
End:
  • Asema-aukio 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Pushchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 105445P2

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travellers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 105445P2

From
£41.34
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
  • Aleksanterinkatu 9, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
    Meeting point address: Aleksanterinkatu 9B, 00100, Helsinki. The meeting point is the corner of Aleksanterinkatu street and Kluuvikatu street, in front of Aleksanterinkatu no 9B, Nanso Clothing Store (outside). Guide will be waiting for you at this point.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
    Pass by
    Helsinki Music Centre
  • 10
    Pass by
    Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
    Finlandia - Talo
    Parliament of Finland
    Amos Rex
    Mannerheimintie
    Ateneum Art Museum
    Finnish National Theater (Suomen Kansallisteatteri)
  • Asema-aukio 3, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
  • Ataman Tours
    248
    Helsinki, Finland
    Joined in May 2019
  • Celia L
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great tour with really interesting guide
    Thoroughly enjoyed our architecture tour of Helsinki with Emek. He knew loads about Helsinki in general as well as the buildings, structure and development of the city. He was helpful, informative, entertaining and a great host to this wonderful city.
    Written 23 January 2025
  • Janet C
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Architecture walking tour that went from buildings built in the 1800’s to the new contemporary public library.
    Amek was very knowledgeable about Helsinki and Finnish history. The buildings he toured/discussed were different styles and from different eras. He had extensive knowledge of the architecture and the architects. It was all very fascinating. These were not buildings we would have discovered or toured on our own. We shared a wonderful afternoon with Amek exploring and hearing about Helsinki architecture.
    Written 7 November 2024
  • David S
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great guide
    Emek was an extremely knowledgeable and interesting guide who answered all of our questions well and brought Helsinki to life. He had a great sense of humour and covered a wide range of areas about the history of Helsinki.
    Written 5 October 2024
  • Canadian2USA
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great experience.
    Emek was fabulous! The entire tour was entertaining and informative. I can't recommend his tours enough. It was a highlight of our time in Helsinki.
    Written 2 October 2024
  • G8901NYmaureenb
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Extraordinarily informative and entertaining tour!
    Outstanding tour! Information on the architecture of the selected buildings was placed in the context of both their historical and design timeframes. Emek was also very open and responsive to questions about modern Finland.
    Written 12 September 2024
  • 138JanetH
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An enjoyable, informative architectural walk through Helsinki
    Emek is an excellent guide with expertise who gave us a thoughtful overview of architecture, history and life in Helsinki. As we walked through the city we were shown interesting buildings from the 1800s to now. Several times we entered buildings and learnt about the interior design which was often innovative. We appreciated his city planning expertise and depth of knowledge.
    Written 11 September 2024
  • ElandTi
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highlight of our Helsinki trip!
    I cannot praise this walking tour with Emek highly enough. His extensive knowledge of the city and of Finland, both past and present, provided a depth to our visit that we would never have had otherwise. Emek's open and engaging personality, and the small size of the group, made the experience not only incredibly informative but also really fun. The three-plus hours just flew by. Very highly recommended!
    Written 25 August 2024
  • KAP245
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Architecture & Culture Walk
    My husband and I just returned from Helsinki and Walk with Emek, former City Planner- the tour was excellent. We only had 4 travelers- so had lots of opportunities for questions and explanations. We did the tour after 4 days in the city and learned so much about the history, the Classical architecture of Senate Plaza and University, the Art Nouveau- Finn adaption in early 1900’s, the impact of Swedish, Russian and German movements and architects on the the layout and building styles that now characterize Finland’s capital. Emek is friendly, professional and full of knowledge of history as well as the contemporary issues facing the city.
    Written 21 August 2024
  • whitekey
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dive into the Beauty of Helsinki with a Great Guide
    We had the real pleasure to join the tram tour with Emek this August. The tour was definitive one of our highlights during visiting Finland, Sweden, and other countries of the Baltic Sea. Emek gave us remarkably interesting insights into life, culture, and history of Finland and Helsinki. Emek will guide you to remarkable places and show you also the beauty of the buildings and places that Helsinki can provide to you. And we will never forget the visit of the central library in Helsinki - not only because of its architecture, but also because of the wise concept behind it (be surprised, what Emek can tell you about it). Also because of the wonderful experience made with the tram tour we fell in love with Finland and Helsinki. We plan to return to Helsinki in near future. And if we arrive, we will surely book Emek for another tour! So, join Emek and let hin guide you through Helsinki. Helsinki and Finland are far more than (the great band) "Nightwish" (this is an insider for Emek :-) ).
    Written 20 August 2024
  • Traveler27351471929
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Finland is not Scandinavian. Finland is different. Finland is fun and you know because of this tour
    The gentleman hosting the tour is super funny, nerdy and ensures every query of how Finnish people live their life in and all about Finland gets resolved. My trip to Helsinki honestly couldn't have been more memorable without him because he goes above and beyond to make sure you have the most of your trip. To be precise, I asked him about nature soaked spots which are noteworthy truly and not just touristy spots. He texted me all the cool spots along with restaurants where I can experience the Nordic spirit. In addition, the day trip pass is an extra bonus which you can utilize for travelling throughout the city whether it be ferry to island or tram to your accomodation. I would definitely recommend to join the tour which he gives at a competitive price.
    Written 14 August 2024
  • Ashley A
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Private Tour
    Emek was a fantastic tour guide. He took us across the key areas of “downtown” Helsinki and spent plenty of time pointing out key landmarks and explaining the city’s history. He also answered all of our many questions about the city and life in Finland. Would highly recommend that you book him for small, personalized groups tours.
    Written 10 August 2024
  • mary a
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tram rides
    Very easy access. You have to purchase a day ticket which is available from the blue ticket machines then hop on hop off any tram. They are very frequent and very clean.
    Written 4 August 2024
  • beats519
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Important background information on urban planning, architecture and Helsinki
    The four of us booked a private tour and learned a lot of background information about urban planning, architecture and the history of Helsinki. Our guide Emek was very personable and spoke very good English. The tour is highly recommended. Beat from Switzerland
    Written 26 July 2024
  • U7067VZjanetc
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Helsinki's architectural history and more: a great tour
    Our guide, Emek Ataman, led my husband and me on a rewarding and very informative three-hour visit to sites representing the history of Helsinki and its architecture. His insights supplemented basic facts about Helsinki's principal tourist sites and others less well-known, such as the bank-turned café and the academic bookstore. There were examples of architectural periods including the classical, romantic, art nouveau and contemporary. We also learned about the effects of the closure of Finland's long border with Russia, an echo of the often-fraught relations of the two countries. Our tour finished at the Oodi library/activity center, a lively example of what centers of learning and communication can ideally become.
    Written 22 July 2024
  • NorthStar42449757156
    0 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very good tour made outstanding by the guide's ability to answer all sorts of questions.
    It goes without saying that the tour guide must be pleasant, enthusiastic, responsive, informative, and an effective communicator. Our guide-- Emek-- was all of these things. But what one really wants from a tour like this is a guide who can answer all of one's questions satisfactorily. That is not so common, in my experience. Emek did so. And then some. Highly recommended.
    Written 7 July 2024
See all 248 reviews
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles136 reviews
Excellent
135
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0
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1
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kalisilat
Jackson, NJ329 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
I was fortunate enough to travel to Helsinki, Finland and spend two days in the sprawling city. There is so much to see and do but by far the greatest experience of the entire stay was the walking tour with Emek. There was not much detail about the walking tour and my girlfriend had signed us up on-line so we were unsure what to expect.

Not only is Emek a true pleasure to be around, his wealth of knowledge regarding Helsinki and the Finnish culture is impressive. It was a dreary March day with persistent drizzle, but Emek’s demeanor and personality quickly made us forget we were wet. I came away with much more knowledge of Helsinki than I could have thought possible in the short few hours of the tour. He imparted more tidbits of information from historic events and occupation, to modern preferences and practices, building and architectural styles to fashion, language, politics and religion. He answered all questions asked thoroughly and often elaborated to provide deeper context.

As Ross said, the groups are small (two couples in our tour) making discussion and questions easier and the whole experience more personal.

I would highly recommend taking Emek’s tour if you find yourself fortunate enough to be in Helsinki.

Thank you Emek!!
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MinnGirl2010
Edina, MN322 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
I highly recommend this experience. We wanted to see and learn as much as we could in our short time in Helsinki and Emek did a great job of this. The weather was terrible for our tour with rain and strong winds but Emek still managed to give us a great tour, hitting all the main sights while keeping is out of the elements where it made sense. He was full of history and story-telling the while time. We were surprised by much of the information he imparted. Finland is an amazing country with a very interesting and unique history. We came aware with such respect and admiration for the people and the culture. Thank you Emek!!
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mikkiol
United Kingdom2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I'm really glad I joined Emek's tour of Helsinki - it was the perfect morning and it gave me a good insight into the history of the city using some of its key spaces as prompts. I though the tour was very well organised and Emek himself was not only knowledgeable but also very personable and created a welcoming atmosphere to the tour. I think it's one of the best guided tours I have attended in the last years and highly recommend it!
Written 28 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ross
Atlanta, GA1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Emek is knowledgeable and we learned so much in a relatively short amount of time. His education and background make him the perfect guide to host this tour. He only books smaller groups, which makes it comfortable and allows for a discussion within the learning experience. I would recommended his tour for anyone interested in learning about Helsinki and the Finnish culture!
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Corinna
18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Couples
We booked the tour with Emek in November 2021 and it was worth every penny. His knowledge about the city is broad, multifaceted, and humorous. He not only explains the cultural melange between Russia and Scandinavia but can tell you about religious and architectural details of the most important monuments. He’s an relaxed, very warm and funny guide, we would also book again!
Best greeting from Bavaria (GER), and all the best, Emek!
Written 1 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RBNZNEST
Birmingham, AL16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
This was our first trip to Helsinki so we booked this tour for our first day with the idea it would help us get our bearings for the rest of our weeks vacation here. It surpassed expectation! Emek was a fantastic host, navigating us through town not only pointing out interesting buildings, architecture and the rich history behind them but offering fascinating glimpses into what life is like for Finnish people now. He is very personable and a great resource for getting to know the area and culture. An interesting three hours went by quickly seeing most all of the landmark buildings from the Lutheran church down to the library (and the library will astound you!) walking by some, going into some-just the right amount of time spent on each. The group was small so we could manage what we wanted to see or talk about easily. Thank you Emek for the memories you helped us make in your wonderful city!
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elizabeth G
Seoul, South Korea16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
I understand Helsinki and Finland in a new light after Emek's tour. Emek knows his history very well and was able to answer all our questions in perfect English. He shared with us many stories both historical and personal. We visited the major sites but also took time to look as the smaller things like a road sign written in three languages. Sometimes it's the details that really provide insight into a place. I highly recommend this tour if you want to truly understand this beautiful city and country.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nis N
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
Emek is a fantastic guide. He is able to give a context to Finnish history, culture, architecture and city planning that is both entertaining, thorough and easily understandable. And he clearly enjoys telling about it and answering all possible questions. If only do one thing in Helsinki this is the tour to do.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JLG
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
In view of the fact that we only had a very short time in Helsinki, we were keen to see, and find out as much as possible within our time restraints.
The Walking Tour was meant to be a Small Group, but there was only Dan and myself, so we were very lucky to have very personal tour, which made it even more special.
Emek was a really friendly , personable and incredibly passionate guide.
His knowledge about the history of Helsinki was phenomenal, and we learnt so much in 2.5 hrs that you could not hope to bring alive in a book.
He gave invaluable insight into The Finnish way of life , and a clearer understanding of how as a country they work together to create a functioning society and culture looking out for everyone.
Highly recommend this tour.
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Misha
London, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Solo
Had a fantastic tour with Emek His knowledge of the city, country, and history were a job to aboard. He made the tour feel personal and answered every single question with enthusiasm and energy. He is a great story teller who knows his facts and history. I learned so much in the tour that I would definitely book again. Thank you!
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Helsinki walking tour with a city planner provided by Ataman Tours

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