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Helsinki Architecture Tour: Explore Architectural Wonders with a City Planner
5.0
37 Ratings
Helsinki
Discover the architectural wonders of Helsinki on a guided tour with a city planner. Explore neoclassical, Art Nouveau, modernist, and contemporary styles in a compact city center.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Senate Square - .
- Helsinki Cathedral - .
- The National Library of Finland - .
- Jugendsali - .
- Pohjola Insurance Building - .
- The Esplanadi Park - .
- Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa) - .
- Rautatalo - .
- Helsinki Central Railway Station - .
- Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma - .
- Helsinki Music Centre - .
- Central Library Oodi - .
- Finlandia - Talo - .
What's Included
- Local expert guide
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Helsinki is a treasure trove for those passionate about architecture. It’s a rare urban landscape that boasts such an abundance of architectural styles as Helsinki does; from neoclassical and gothic revival, through its unparalleled collection of Art Nouveau and Jugendstil, to Nordic classicism, modernism, functionalism, and even contemporary styles all within its compact city centre. The city is rich with the marks of different eras, but these extraordinary works by celebrated architects - from Engel and Saarinen, Aalto through to Siren and Revell - can often be overlooked on a regular city tour. Join us on a dedicated architectural tour in a small group setting to truly appreciate Helsinki’s architectural delights, including the National Library of Finland, Central Railway Station, the newly opened public library Oodi, Chapel of Silence, the Kiasma modern art museum, The Rock Church, the Finlandia Hall and others.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
Aleksanterinkatu 9
Aleksanterinkatu
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(37 Ratings)
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Kap245
Aug 21, 2024
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gary_f
Aug 20, 2024
Helsinki’s glorious architectural legacy - Emek tranced Helsinki’s architectural history in vivid detail. We walked from the historic past into the world of contemporary design. He used so many examples of styles along with historical content. We gain such an appreciation of Finland’s contribution to the built environment.
Review provided by Viator
Beats519
Jul 26, 2024
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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U7067vzjanetc
Jul 22, 2024
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar42449757156
Jul 7, 2024
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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnak5190od
Jun 29, 2024
Exceptional Helsinki Experience - This was one of the most pleasant, interesting and fun tours I have ever done. Emek is an excellent guide who is eminently qualified to lead this tour. He tells the story of the building of Helsinki while also telling the story of the founding of Finland. It was a great introduction to Finland, and it was so fun to see the architecture. Best of all our guide just made it so enjoyable. Thank you for a lovely tour. I give this my highest recommendation. I’m so glad we did this on our first day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robbiesing
Jun 8, 2024
A must do in Helsinki - This tour was the best thing we did while in Helsinki. Out tour leader was so knowledgable and professional, as well as being a very nice person. He couldn't have been more helpful. He really gave us a terrific overview of the history and conditions leading up to the establishment of the city, as well as a good understanding of contemporary Finland. We enjoyed our time immensely and would recommend this tour unreservedly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erinp1471
May 19, 2024
Fantastic experience! - We wanted to do something different for a city tour and this experience did not disappoint! Even with challenging February weather, this tour was delightful and gave a unique perspective of the main city highlights. Emek was a wonderful, knowledgeable, and fun guide. All in all, a great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_b
May 16, 2024
Knowledgeable and engaging - We’ve taken history and architecture walking tours all over Western Europe. Emek is one of the most knowledgeable and engaging guides we’ve ever had. He revealed the city’s history through his deep knowledge of political and societal impacts on art and architecture in Helsinki. He could easily teach a university course on the subject. And as an immigrant to Finland, he is a passionate ambassador for his city, its heritage, and values. We can’t recommend this tour highly enough.
Review provided by Viator
Polly_d
May 10, 2024
Take a tour with an urban planner! - The tour guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a great deal. It was very, very interesting. We loved all the history and details.
Review provided by Viator
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