Helsinki highlights with HELtours

Although we've been nomads for 1,5 years now, we still love Finland in the summer so much, that we just need to come back for a month or two. And in Finland, Helsinki (the capital) is one of my favorite places. This time we have 3 weeks in the city, and I'm taking in the best!

When given a chance to join a HELtours bicycle tour around Helsinki with some fellow travel bloggers, I didn't hesitate. Who would? 

HELtours

It turned out we visited many of the spots I love in this town, so I decided to share some of those with you. Places not to miss, when you come to Helsinki!


Kaivopuisto park

HELtours

Everybody, and I mean everybody, gathers here for a picnic on the 1st of May. If you ever are in Helsinki for that day, this is the place to be! The park is also popular on sunny summer days, you can see families walking and playing, friends enjoying some sparkling wine, and plenty of people jogging. The hill in the middle is worth a climb, the views over the sea are beautiful.

HELtours


Old Eira

HELtours

Perfect place to walk around and admire the charming old houses. This is where the most expensive houses in Helsinki are found, and I need to admit I wouldn't mind living in one of them! It's so peaceful and idyllic.


Café Sininen Huvila at Linnunlaulu

HELtours

This outdoor café is one of my favorites in Helsinki. The views are great, the pastries homemade (try the cinnamon bun!), and the setting charming. If you're not riding a bike, no worries, it's walking distance from the center. And if you feel like walking some more, the path around the whole Töölö Bay is a great choice.

HELtours

HELtours


The Linnunlaulu railway bridge

HELtours

I know, it's weird to list a bridge as one of my favorite spots, but I just love how on one side you can see central Helsinki and on the other side the rails just keep on going to the distance.

HELtours

HELtours


Hakaniemi market square

HELtours

I used to live a couple of blocks away from this market, and loved buying fresh berries here in the summer. It's much less touristy than the main market square, and the prices are also better. It's a great spot to get a cup of coffee and spy on locals going on with their daily lives. 

HELtours

HELtours


Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral

HELtours

"The white church" and the square in front of it is one of the main tourist attractions in the city, but also locals like to hang out on the steps of the cathedral. Just take a break, sit down and watch the life swarm on the square. 

HELtours


The Tour

We also saw many other parts of Helsinki, including the incredible Rock Church and seaside Hietalahti (a home of an excellent flea market). With a bike you are closer to the city than in a bus, and you can cover more ground than by foot. So, perfect!

The tour was organised by HELtours, who aim "to give English-speaking travellers an opportunity to experience the real Helsinki on a bike." The ~3 hour tour costs 35€, and includes a bike (a Finnish made Jopo, the trendy but comfy choice) and a helmet. The guides are knowledgeable and relaxed, and you can see they really love this city :)

HELtours

Thank you for a great day HELtours, and fellow bloggers Nella (Kaukokaipuu) and Mirka (Reason for a Season)!

Antti and Mirje

We are Mirje and Antti, a 30+ digital nomad couple, entrepreneurs with restless feet and passion for experiencing the world. more »