4 Best Helsinki Food Tours That Are Worth Doing (2024)
Looking for the best Helsinki food tours to take?
Helsinki is the beloved capital city of Finland, and whether you’re in town for a single day or a longer period, embarking on a food tour in Helsinki is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the local culture.
And while I’ll be the first to admit that the city is not as internationally famous for its cuisine as some other European cities, such as San Sebastian or Nice, France, Helsinki still offers a variety of delicious foods and dishes worth trying.
Thus, if you want to gain insider knowledge of the traditional flavors and get a behind-the-scenes look at the unique culinary trends that reflect its Nordic influences, I highly recommend taking one of the top 4 Helsinki food tours below!
PRO TIP: If you’re short on time and would rather look at a quick overview of the tours covered in this post, jump to the recap section. I created a table that summarizes the 3 best Helsinki food tours.
4 Best Helsinki Food Tours (2024)
1. City Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – 35+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2-3 hours
The City Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki includes:
- City tour of Helsinki’s most iconic locations and landmarks
- Learning the history and culture of the city from a local
- Indulging in traditional Finnish cuisine & desserts
- Insider information on the local hot spots
- Private tour available for request
- Flexible starting times
This is the most popular that allows you to indulge in authentic Finnish cuisine and discover iconic sights around the city.
Over 2-3 hours, you’ll pass some of the main attractions, such as the famous Senate Square and Market Square, along with the lesser-known areas that most tourists would miss.
Plus, you’ll visit bustling markets (one of which dates back to 1889), which was my favorite part! Here, you’ll get to meet local vendors and experience Helsinki from the eyes of a local.
So, if you’re looking to embark on an immersive adventure that also helps you understand the city, people, and local culture better, I highly recommend taking this highly-rated Helsinki food tour!
“Larisa led a informative walking tour of Helsinki. She discussed history, architecture, and culture. It then ended with some exposure to local food at several spots. She was easy going and knowledgeable. It was a great way to learn more about the city.”
– gARTH (See More Reviews)
2. FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: ~2 hours
The FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar includes:
- Visiting Robert’s Coffee Jugend, which features beautiful architecture
- Walking around Helsinki’s most famous Market
- Visiting the bustling Old Market Hall
- Passing through Esplanadi Park
- Enjoying the view from Helsinki’s best rooftop bar
If you’re on a tight budget, this culinary journey is the most affordable food tour in Helsinki! Much like the other tours, you’ll visit several tourist hotspots, such as the famous Old Market Hall and 100+ vendor booths near Helsinki’s waterfront.
But, unlike the other tours, you’ll treated with an incredible view of the city from one of Helsinki’s most iconic rooftop bars! And let me tell you, the view is mighty fine from the top! 🤩
So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly foodie experience led by a lovely local guide, I’d highly recommend checking out Larisa’s food tour!
“The guide far exceeded my expectations for our tour. She weaved the most interesting stories about the food history of Finland into each stop and gave great general advice as well about what to see in the city. She took an interest in getting to know all the tour participants. I would recommend this experience 200%, we loved it!”
– Jane L. (See More Reviews)
3. TASTE Helsinki Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars – only 5-star reviews | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
The TASTE Helsinki Food Tour includes:
- Walking tour of Helsinki’s bustling downtown area
- Exploring the Kansalaistori area, full of museums & the new central library
- Stopping at a 19th-century Villa
- Food stop at Hakaniemi Market, a local market hall
- Touring one of the best libraries in the world!
For those looking for a private food tour through Helsinki, Maddalena’s tour is a great choice as she has only received 5-star reviews from her tour guests!
During the 3.5-hour tour, she takes you through the heart of Helsinki, explaining some of the tourist hotspots and their fascinating history. Afterward, you’ll travel on foot to the Kansalaistori area, which contains architectural marvels and more locally known spots.
You’ll even have the chance to visit Töölö Bay, which is home to Helsinki’s Winter Garden, Opera house, and a beautiful 19th-century villa.
Finally, you’ll participate in a series of food tastings at the recently renovated Hakaniemi Market, a 2-storied local food market hall! Thus, if you’re keen on an exclusive experience with a passionate guide, consider Maddalena’s fabulous food tour through Helsinki!
“Maddalena was an amazing tour guide! She gave us so much interesting information about Finland and the food we were trying without being overwhelming. Maddalena brought us to great restaurants we never would have found on our own. She made sure to connect with everyone in our group and was extremely friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend!!”
– Tour Guest (See More Reviews)
4. Private Helsinki Food and Beer Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: ~2.5 hours
The Private Helsinki Food and Beer Tour includes:
- Walking tour of the city with background knowledge from your local guide
- Enjoying a traditional dish & dessert at an authentic Finnish restaurant
- Sampling vegetables and berries at the Helsinki Market Square
- Stopping by the Old Market Hall to try seasonal specialties
- Sampling some local beers at a brewery
- Private tour with up to 2 guests
If you happen to be traveling solo or with one other person and are looking for a private Helsinki food tour, this is another tour worth considering. Compared to the tour above, this experience is more affordable and allows you to delve even deeper into Helsinki’s culinary scene.
For instance, with your local guide, you’ll get to taste vegetables and berries at Helsinki Market Square, savor fresh offerings at the Old Market Hall, and even get to enjoy local beers at a small brewery!
But what truly sets this tour apart is that you’ll get to try a traditional dish with dessert at a local Finnish restaurant.
Therefore, if you’re after a private tasting experience, full of regional goods and seasonal delights, that can be tailored to your preferences and schedule, check out this food tour!
“We had a great food (and culture) tour with Ed. He was knowledgeable about the history of Helsinki and the various food and beverage items we sampled. He added in great tidbits about the city and the country along the way including language, customs and what it is like to relocate to Helsinki.”
– Sandi (See More Reviews)
🍷 BONUS TOUR OPTION: If you’re more of a wine person, there’s a great 1.5-hour private wine-tasting experience available in Helsinki. You’ll get to taste 5 different wines made in Finland with the guidance of a local sommelier.
Helsinki Food Tours Comparison
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinki City Tour with Food Tasting | 2-3 hrs | > Visit several of the city’s main attractions > Indulge in traditional Finnish food > Explore a couple of food markets, including Market Square and the historic, but popular Old Market Hall |
| FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar | 2 hrs | > Super friendly and knowledgeable guide on Finnish food > Personalized advice on places to stop post-tour > Stopping at a rooftop bar with an amazing view of the city |
| TASTE Helsinki Food Tour | 3.5 hrs | > Discover a wide range of city sights, including lots of off-the-beaten-path areas, such as Töölö Bay > Enjoy authentic food tastings at the Hakaniemi Market > This is a private tour with only your group! |
| Private Helsinki Food and Beer Tour | 2.5 hrs | > Walk around Helsinki Market Square & Old Market Hall > Sample different beers at a local brewery > Eat a traditional dish & dessert at a local restaurant > Flexible, private tour for up to two people |
| Wine Tasting: Made in Finland | 1.5 hrs | > Sip on 5 different wines made in Finland > Learn about the ingredients, aromas, and flavors in each wine from a local sommelier > Understand the wine production process |
Tips for Planning Your Food Tour in Helsinki
Here are a few reminders and things you’ll want to keep in mind as you plan your Helsinki food tour…or really any experience during your visit! 😉
✅ Try to book ahead: I recommend booking in advance because these tours don’t always have availability at the last minute. The best chance of securing your preferred time and experience is planning ahead!
🌞 Be mindful of the weather: Since you’ll be strolling through the city while savoring local flavors, check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. It can be pretty chilly, and the weather changes on a dime. Also, even if it’s cloudy out in Helsinki, you’ll want to wear sunscreen!
💧 Stay hydrated: While some food tours may provide water, I recommend bringing a water bottle to ensure you have enough. It’s also just a good way to cleanse your palate between tastings.
⏰ Verify meeting locations and times: You’ll want to double-check the meeting point and scheduled time the night before to ensure you arrive on time! I even recommend sending a quick message the night before asking if you should bring anything specific.
😅 Approach with an open mind and savor the experience: Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time explorer of Helsinki’s culinary delights, come to the food tour with an open mind.
I know when my tour guide talked about trying reindeer, I was definitely apprehensive. since it’s something I’ve never thought about consuming. Despite this, I reminded myself that it’s important to try to embrace whatever the local culture and customs are 🙂
But, if you are truly uncomfortable or have any food restrictions, don’t hesitate to share your preferences with your food guide. They are there to enhance your experience and make this gastronomic adventure a positive one!
Where to Stay in Helsinki
If you’re in the process of creating your travel plans and perhaps don’t have your housing accommodations booked yet, here are some places you can check out.
These recommendations are based on my personal experience in Helsinki as well as research I conducted while planning my trip 🙂
🚨 PRO TIP: Housing accommodations in Helsinki are much more affordable compared to everywhere else in the Nordic region (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland). So if want to stay somewhere fancy — This is the time to do it! 👀
My friend took FULL advantage of this and LOVED it 😌
Low-Cost Stay
- The Yard Hotel — Boutique hostel w/ friendly atmosphere | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Centrally located & has private rooms & dorms available
- Hotel Indigo Helsinki — Bright 4-star hotel w/ spacious rooms | ⭐️ 9.2 /10
- Easy walking distance of most attractions & near several tram lines
Mid-Range Stay
- Hotel Mestari — A tasteful 4-star hotel that I loved staying at | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
- Amazing breakfast and is centrally located downtown
- Hotel Katajanokka — Lovely 4-star hotel in a historic building | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Located near the city center & harbor, has a great breakfast selection
Fancy Stays
- Hotel Kämp — Beautiful 5-star hotel that exudes elegance | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
- Located in the heart of the city next to Esplanadi Park
- Hotel St. George Helsinki — Full-service luxury 5-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Includes spa, restaurant, bar, Wintergarden room, & workspaces
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Don’t see something you like? Use the interactive map below to explore other housing options in the area based on price. And if you enter your travel dates and/or party size, you’ll see even more accurate prices.
Other Things to Do in Helsinki
Aside from doing a food tour, here are some other activities I recommend doing if you have extra space in your Helsinki itinerary!
Visit Suomenlinna
A trip to Helsinki wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sea fortress made up of 8 islands. You can stroll through its ancient walls and tunnels, explore the museums, and see what life is like for some of the residents of Suomenlinna.
To reach the historical gem, you simply need to take a short ferry ride from the city center! Tickets can be purchased online or at the docks.
But for a more in-depth learning experience, there’s also a fantastic walking tour that goes all over Helsinki as well as Suomenlinna. Round-trip transport via the ferry is included.
✅ ⛴️ Check rates & availability for this fantastic walking tour of Helsinki and Suomenlinna
Discover Helsinki’s Architecture
Helsinki’s architecture is a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary styles. From the neoclassical architecture of Helsinki Cathedral to the Temppeliaukio Church, which is carved out of surrounding rock, be sure to admire the mixture of architectural styles.
And if you don’t know where to begin, take a walking tour like I did! Because I would’ve never covered as much ground and learned so much about Helsinki as I did independently… 😅
✅ 🇫🇮 Check rates & availability for this awesome walking tour of Helsinki!
People Watch in Esplanadi Park
Located in the heart of Helsinki, this is the perfect place to unwind and one of my personal favorite spots in the city. This tree-lined park, adorned with beautiful flowerbeds, is often a venue for outdoor events and concerts during the summer.
For a relaxing time, I recommend you grab a coffee at a nearby shop and purchase some delicious homemade fudge! There’s a local stand operated by a lovely gentleman. Afterward, you can take a leisurely walk along its charming paths 😌.
Helsinki’s Saunas
It’s no secret that saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture. And since it’s almost criminal to say you’ve truly experienced Helsinki without trying one, consider making your way over to one!
There are numerous options, including probably right in your hotel! But, for a public sauna that’s quite popular, check out Somposauna. You’ll find lots of tourists and locals alike relaxing and mingling.
Plus, you can jump into the rejuvenating waters of the sea between your sessions in the sauna. Just be respectful of others and consider making a small financial contribution before you go since it’s run by volunteers!
Do a Day Trip to Tallinn or Porvoo
Want to check off another county? I highly recommend day-tripping to Tallinn, Estonia! The two capital cities are just a short 2-hour ferry ride away from each other, making it an easy excursion.
And, speaking from my personal experience, I thoroughly enjoyed the change of pace and getting to wander around the charming medieval town of Tallinn.
Right: Kristin enjoying the view from one of the observation points!
✅ 🇫🇮 Check rates & availability for this popular tour to Tallinn
or
Check out the details for this highly-rated tour that goes to Porvoo
Or, if you want to explore one of the six medieval towns within Finland, head to Porvoo for the day! This quaint town beckons with its picturesque old town and signature red wooden houses and provides a glimpse of Finland’s rich cultural heritage and small-town charm.
Helsinki Food Tours: FAQ
Shared Helsinki food tour prices begin at ~ USD 145, while private tours cost upwards of USD 480 per person!
As a certified foodie, I wholeheartedly believe doing a food tour during your stay in Helsinki is worth it. They’re the perfect cultural immersion experience and you can often glean great local advice! Plus, these special experiences, like paragliding in Switzerland or a wine tour in Lyon, always make my trips more memorable!
Some popular foods in Helsinki are creamy salmon soup, sautéed reindeer, and classic Finnish rye bread! That said, a couple of items I highly recommend seeking out are Karjalanpiirakka and Pulla.
Karjalanpiirakka are traditional Finnish pastries made of thin rye crust. They are filled with rice porridge, mashed potatoes, or carrots and rice and typically served with egg butter.
Meanwhile, Pulla is a sweet, cardamom-flavored bread roll or bun that is often enjoyed with coffee. You’ll find both at almost all the cafes and bakeries around the city!
Yes, Helsinki is a walkable city! Compared to places like Paris, where everything is spread out or Andorra, a small mountainous country, Helsinki is fairly flat. Most of the main attractions are near one another. As a result, Helsinki is the perfect place to take a sightseeing walking food tour!
That said, you can also use their public transportation system. For instance, when I did a day trip to Estonia’s capital city, I used the local trams to get from my hotel in downtown Helsinki to the boat terminal.
Wrap-Up: 4 Best Helsinki Food Tours (2024)
Helsinki is a rich city that has a diverse and delectable gastronomic scene full of everything from hand-picked berries and mushrooms to game animals and fresh fish sourced from the sprawling network of lakes and the Baltic Sea.
And if you want to make the most of your time and taste the best regional and seasonal specialties that Helsinki has to offer, going with a local guide is your best bet.
They can not only guide you through your culinary journey but also provide you with insider tips on the best-kept secrets and must-visit spots that only the locals know.
So, if you have the opportunity to do so, I highly recommend taking a Helsinki food tour or even a walking tour. Because even though they can be on the pricey side, it’s not every day you’re immersing yourself in a new city, country, or culture!
Read More About the Nordic Region
- 🇸🇪 Sweden: Planning on visiting Stockholm, the Swedish capital for a few days? Find out if visiting the popular Vasa Museum and this massive open-air museum is worth your time.
- 🇳🇴 Norway: Passing through Oslo, Norway? Learn how to save money on housing and the best-guided walking tours of the city!
