Helsinki stands out as a city where culinary traditions blend seamlessly with innovative drinking experiences. With its lively markets, cozy cafes, and iconic rooftop bars, Helsinki offers plenty of ways to enjoy a drink while soaking in the local atmosphere. We particularly like how many of these tours combine food tastings with scenic views or craft beer, making for memorable outings. One standout experience is the Food Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki, which combines exploring historic markets with tasting Finnish delicacies in style at an architecturally stunning rooftop spot. Whether you’re into regional seafood, reindeer, or Finnish chocolates, Helsinki’s drinking tours deliver authentic flavors along with a good dose of city charm.
Quick Overview
This guide covers a range of drinking and food tours in Helsinki, from comprehensive culinary walks with rooftop bar visits to specialized brewery tours. Each offers a different glimpse into Helsinki’s food scene and drinking culture. The list includes:
- Two foodie tours that emphasize local cuisine and scenic rooftops
- A brewery tour focusing on craft beers from Mad Hopper Brewing Company
- A private tour that combines a personalized food experience with stunning views
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these experiences worth booking.
1. FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki
At number 1, we have the Food Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki. This is more than just a tasting; it’s a cultural dive into Finnish cuisine. Over roughly two hours, you’ll visit the grand Jugend Hall, the bustling Old Market Hall, and Market Square, sampling Arctic seafood, wild ingredients, seasonal flavors, and trying local bread, pastries, chocolates, and coffee. The highlight is ending your day at Monkey Rooftop Bar, which offers breathtaking views of the city, sea, and beyond.
The tour is praised for its variety, covering major Helsinki sights while indulging in Finnish culinary staples. Guests rave about trying traditional meats and sweets and enjoying the spectacular rooftop vista. The guide, Lara, gets high marks for her knowledge and enthusiasm. For nearly $117, the tour offers a rich experience that combines city sights, food, and scenery. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Helsinki’s flavors in a compact, enjoyable package.
Bottom line: This tour blends Helsinki’s culinary heritage with scenic views, making it ideal for food lovers who also want a taste of the city’s best vantage points.
2. FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki
Coming in at number 2, the Food Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki offers a similar focus on Finnish cuisine paired with a spectacular rooftop experience. This tour lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours and emphasizes local specialities like salmon caviar and reindeer meat. Your local guide will take you through Helsinki’s culinary highlights, including the Jugend Hall and Old Market Hall, both steeped in history and flavor.
What sets this tour apart is its intimate group size, allowing for personalized attention and more in-depth tasting. The tour ends at a rooftop bar where the views are astonishing, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet lively. Price-wise, it’s comparable to the first tour, making it an excellent choice for those who want a thorough taste of Finnish food while enjoying city vistas.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a small-group experience that highlights Helsinki’s delicacies and scenic bar.
3. Helsinki: Brewery Tour at Mad Hopper Brewing Company
If craft beer is your passion, the Helsinki: Brewery Tour at Mad Hopper Brewing Company hits the spot. For just around $40, this 1.5-hour private brewery tour takes you behind the scenes at Mad Hopper, a small but innovative brewery known for its 4 x 150 ml tasting flights. This tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts who want an up-close look at brewing and a chance to sample carefully selected beers.
What makes this tour stand out is the personalized guide who explains the brewing process, discusses the flavor profiles, and offers the opportunity to shop in the Mad Hopper shop — with special can prices. The reviews mention how the owner’s passion makes the experience engaging, even for those not typically into beer. It’s a great value for those interested in the local craft scene and looking for a relaxed, informative experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for beer fans wanting an intimate, hands-on brewery visit and tasting in Helsinki.
4. PRIVATE Helsinki Food Tour & Rooftop Bar Visit and transfers
For those seeking a customized, all-inclusive experience, the Private Helsinki Food Tour & Rooftop Bar Visit offers a personal guide, private transfers, and a tailored itinerary. At around 2.5 hours, it combines the best of Helsinki’s culinary hotspots with a scenic rooftop bar finale. Highlights include tasting salmon caviar, reindeer, and other local delights, all while uncovering the city’s cultural flavors.
The tour is rated highly, with some reviews noting a “wonderful time” exploring Helsinki through its food. The private setup means you can customize stops to your preferences, making this ideal for foodies wanting an exclusive experience. Its higher price reflects its luxury level and personalized service, but for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free gourmet tour, it’s worth considering.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking a premium, private, and flexible way to enjoy Helsinki’s food and views.
$339 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Helsinki
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re really into Finnish cuisine and scenic rooftops, Tours 1 and 2 deliver a balanced mix of food, city sights, and views. For craft beer enthusiasts, the Mad Hopper brewery tour provides an in-depth look at local brewing. If you prefer a personalized, all-in-one experience, the private tour offers tailored stops with transfers included.
Consider your budget: Tours 1 and 2 are similarly priced, offering great value for their comprehensive experience. The brewery tour is budget-friendly but more focused on beer. If luxury and exclusivity matter, the private tour is the best bet. Also, think about timing — these tours run during the day, so plan accordingly to maximize Helsinki’s daylight hours and avoid busy weekends if possible.
Finally, book early—especially in summer—since these tours tend to fill up fast. Check availability beforehand, and remember that many tours include tastings, so pace yourself and bring comfortable shoes.
In summary, Helsinki offers a variety of drink and food tours that cater to diverse tastes. For an engaging mix of local flavors and scenic views, the Food Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki stands out. Beer lovers should consider the Mad Hopper Brewery Tour, while those after a personalized, private experience can opt for the comprehensive Private Helsinki Food Tour & Rooftop Bar.
No matter which you choose, Helsinki’s vibrant drinking scene promises a memorable taste of Finnish life. Be sure to plan ahead, book early, and enjoy your flavorful adventure in Finland’s capital.