A guided tour of Helsinki’s oldest food halls reveals the city’s gastronomic traditions.
From tangy rye bread to cold-smoked salmon and tart lingonberries, this tour sees you sampling the defining ingredients and dishes of Finland’s capital. With a private guide who’ll introduce you to Finnish culinary traditions and heritage, you'll explore some of Helsinki’s characterful districts and markets, tasting everything from local cheeses to freshly caught seafood.
You can opt to take this two-hour walking tour in the morning or afternoon, first meeting your guide at your hotel before accompanying them to Old Market Hall, the oldest indoor market in Helsinki. This 19th-century, red-brick landmark is a living institution, offering a step back in time with its individual wooden stalls selling local delicacies. While here and at other traditional markets, you’ll try seasonal produce, which could include smoked reindeer meat, salmiakki (salt liquorice), and lightly roasted Finnish-style filter coffee with pastries. Along the way, you’ll also stroll down some of the city’s best-known streets and districts, such as Esplanadi Park, the Design District, and the Art-Nouveau-inspired Punavuori.
The tour concludes at Hietalahti Market Hall, where you can choose to continue browsing local produce or stop for lunch. Your guide can also escort you back to your hotel.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Finland specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Exploring Tallinn from Helsinki with a private guide
Take the ferry across the Baltic Sea to spend a day exploring Estonia’s historic capital, Tallinn. With a private guide, you’ll take in castles, cathedrals, and palatial parks, wander the well-preserved old town, and gain insight into the city’s past.
