Helsinki is a city that offers more than just beautiful architecture and lakeside scenery. It’s a foodie’s paradise where traditional flavors meet modern innovation. From tasting fresh Arctic seafood at bustling markets to exploring pristine national parks with homemade snacks, Helsinki’s food tours make it easy to see the city through its stomach. We especially love the Nuuksio National Park Hiking Tour with Food for combining outdoor adventure with Finnish delicacies, and the City Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki for a blend of history, architecture, and local flavors. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Helsinki offers options that are as authentic as they are tasty.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of Helsinki food experiences, from scenic hikes with homemade snacks to city walking tours through markets and historic sites. You’ll find options like guided hikes in Nuuksio National Park, urban culinary walks around Helsinki’s key landmarks, specialized rooftop bar visits, private tasting tours, and even seasonal activities like ice fishing and island explorations. Each offers a chance to enjoy Finnish cuisine in a setting that highlights local culture, scenery, or history. Now, let’s get into the details of each tour.
1. From Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park Hiking Tour with Food
At number 1, this guided hike combines nature, adventure, and food. Just a short drive from Helsinki, Nuuksio National Park offers lakes, forests, and a gentle terrain perfect for beginners. The tour includes crossing lakes on wooden bridges, walking in snowshoes if you’re visiting in winter, and sampling delicious homemade local foods like mushroom soup and berry juice. The guide, David, shares insights into edible plants and Finnish wilderness traditions, making it both educational and tasty.
The highlight is the balance between outdoor activity and tasty treats. The hike lasts about 3.33 hours, with breaks for snacks and drinks. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want to escape the city but still enjoy Finnish food in its natural setting. The reviews consistently praise David’s knowledge and the quality of the homemade food.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers who want to experience Finland’s wild side without roughing it, and enjoy a hearty, authentic picnic in the woods.
2. CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki
Number 2 on our list offers a compact city walk blending Helsinki’s main sights with a taste of local cuisine. Starting at Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral, the tour continues through Katajanokka’s Art Nouveau architecture, then heads to the Old Market Hall. Here, you’ll sample cheeses, fish, shellfish, and traditional Finnish snacks while learning about the city’s history and design.
The tour’s strength lies in its well-rounded approach: seeing landmarks like the President’s Palace and Market Square while also soaking up Helsinki’s culinary scene. The 2-3 hour experience is highly praised for its balance of sightseeing and tasting, with guides like Larisa providing rich historical context. Guests appreciate the personal touch, including walking off the main streets into neighborhoods and markets.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, insightful city overview paired with authentic Finnish bites.
3. FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki
Number 3 combines Finnish cuisine with spectacular city views. It kicks off at Robert’s Coffee Jugend, a beautifully preserved Jugend-style café, then moves to the lively Market Square. From there, you’ll visit the Old Market Hall and finish at Helsinki’s most iconic rooftop bar, Monkey Rooftop Bar, where you can toast the city skyline with local drinks.
This tour offers a mix of cultural sights and epicurean delights, focusing on traditional Arctic seafood, wild ingredients, and seasonal flavors. The visit to the rooftop bar is a real highlight, giving you a panoramic view of Helsinki. Guests love the combination of food and scenery, especially the chance to try Arctic seafood and local desserts.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for those who want a short but flavorful city stroll culminating with a memorable drink and view.
4. FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki
Number 4 offers a delicious exploration of Finnish cuisine combined with city sights. Over approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, you’ll visit key culinary spots like the Market Square and the Old Market Hall, sampling reindeer, salmon caviar, and seasonal bakery treats. The tour concludes at the Monkey Rooftop Bar, famous for its spectacular city and sea views.
The tour emphasizes authentic flavors—not just typical tourist bites but Finnish ingredients like wild berries, Arctic seafood, and reindeer meat. Guests comment on the approachable pace and the variety of tastes sampled. This makes it perfect for food-curious travelers eager to enjoy city highlights while tasting classic Finnish dishes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a compact, flavorful experience with a stunning view to end the day.
5. TASTE HELSINKI FOOD TOUR CLASSIC – Private Food Tour
Number 5 is a more personalized, in-depth tour lasting around 3.5 hours. It takes you through the Old Market Hall, Market Square, and central Helsinki, with stops at design shops and neo-renaissance architecture. The focus is on local flavors like reindeer, fish, and Finnish bread, paired with stories about Helsinki’s cultural past.
This private experience lets you explore Helsinki’s culinary heritage in depth, with a guide sharing fascinating stories about the food and city’s past. Guests often mention how the guide’s deep knowledge enhances the experience, making it more than just tasting. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking a tailored, relaxed exploration.
Bottom Line: Best suited for culinary enthusiasts who appreciate a private, detailed experience and want to learn the stories behind Finnish flavors.
6. From Helsinki: Bodom Lake Ice Fishing with Food & Drinks
Number 6 combines outdoor adventure with traditional Finnish cuisine. Near Helsinki, Bodom Lake becomes a winter wonderland with ice fishing using the Nordic Pilkki rod. After fishing, you’ll warm up around a campfire, enjoying glögi (Finnish mulled wine), grilled sausage, and other local foods.
The main draw is the authentic ice fishing experience—drilling holes on the frozen lake, trying your luck catching fish, and then sharing food in a cozy setting. The guide, David, is praised for his friendliness and knowledge, making the day both fun and educational. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a unique, seasonal experience.
Bottom Line: Great for adventurous travelers looking to combine outdoor activity with hearty Finnish food in a stunning setting.
7. Baltic Bites Tour of Nature and Food on a Helsinki Summer Island
Number 7 invites you on a scenic boat ride to Pihlajasaari, a summer island near Helsinki. The tour features a gentle walk exploring beaches and natural beauty, with tastings of reindeer, salmon, and local organic blueberries. The guide will prepare a picnic-style Finnish lunch with fish, reindeer mousse, Finnish breads, and desserts.
This tour combines nature, island scenery, and authentic flavors. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed day outside the city with delicious food in a scenic setting. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the island atmosphere adds a touch of summer magic.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine a boat ride, nature, and a traditional Finnish picnic in one relaxing outing.
8. Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings
Number 8 offers a short but flavorful 2-hour walk through Helsinki’s culinary hotspots. Visiting the Old Market Hall, Bulevardi Street, and the Fazer shop, you’ll sample local cheeses, fish, sausages, and candies while hearing about Helsinki’s food traditions. It’s a lively, fast-paced taste of the city.
Guests love the focus on traditional Finnish products and the stories behind each, especially the chance to try “squeaky” cheese and artisanal chocolates. It’s a good value for those with limited time who want a quick, tasty introduction.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a rapid immersion into Helsinki’s food scene without sacrificing local authenticity.
9. Helsinki: Food Walking Tour with Tastings
Number 9 is a short, intimate tour designed for those who want a personalized experience, with only two reviews but high praise. It includes visits to the Old Market Hall and other eateries, focusing on Finnish delicacies and their origins. The guide ensures a relaxed pace, perfect for food lovers.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to learn about Finnish food in a small-group setting, with direct insights and plenty of tastings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those after a cozy, insider look at Helsinki’s culinary scene with minimal crowds.
10. VIP SERVICE Traditional Finnish Log Sauna and Food Experience
Number 10 takes you beyond food into Finnish sauna culture, with a luxurious private experience. It includes a 4-hour visit starting at Nuuksio National Park, with a traditional sauna, optional plunge in icy water, and Finnish foods. It’s tailored for those wanting a full sensory experience—scenery, relaxation, and local flavors.
Guests rave about the “relaxing sauna and the beautiful setting,” making it ideal for travelers seeking a deeper culture. The experience is exclusive and quite costly but well-reviewed.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting to combine Finnish wellness rituals with culinary delights in a private, upscale setting.
11. Helsinki: A Food Lover’s Guided Walk with a Local
Number 11 offers a personalized 2-hour walk through markets and food spots like Kappeli Café. While reviews don’t specify details, the focus is on local culinary heritage and vibrant markets, perfect for casual food lovers wanting a quick taste of Helsinki’s flavors.
Great for travelers looking for a relaxed, less structured experience with local insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a quick, authentic taste of Helsinki’s culinary culture with a personal touch.
$271 per person
12. PRIVATE Helsinki Food Tour & Rooftop Bar Visit and transfers
Last but not least, this private tour offers a customized culinary walk combined with stunning city views. It lasts about 2.5 hours and includes visits to the Old Market Hall, the Jugend Hall, and the rooftop bar, with a focus on local delights like salmon caviar and reindeer.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the flexibility of a private guide, making it suitable for special occasions or those who prefer tailored itineraries.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting an exclusive, customizable experience with excellent food and panoramic views.
$339 per person
How to Choose Your Helsinki Food Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. If you love outdoor adventures, the Nuuksio National Park Hike provides a unique blend of nature and food. For city highlights paired with tastings, the City Tour with Food offers a balanced mix. If panoramic views matter, both the Rooftop Bar Tours and Private Helsinki Tour with Rooftop deliver that stunning cityscape experience.
Budget-wise, tours range from about $111 for outdoor hikes to over $300 for private, full-length experiences. Think about whether you want a small-group, private, or seasonal adventure. Booking early is advised, especially in summer or winter peak times when Helsinki’s outdoor activities fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
Helsinki’s diverse food tours offer something for every traveler — whether you want to walk through history, hike through forests with snacks in hand, or sip cocktails on a rooftop with views. For a full city introduction, the City Tour with Food is a solid pick, while outdoor enthusiasts should consider the Nuuksio hike. For a luxurious, private experience, the VIP sauna and food offers a true taste of Finnish indulgence.
No matter your style, Helsinki’s food scene invites you to explore its flavors and traditions—so book early and prepare for a delicious journey through Finland’s capital.