Helsinki is a city that combines cosmopolitan flair with deeply rooted Finnish culinary traditions. Its food scene is both innovative and authentic, making it a perfect place for food tours that showcase local flavors and culture. We particularly appreciate tours like the Nuuksio National Park Hiking Tour with Food, which blends outdoor adventure with tasting Finnish delights, and the City Food Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki, that offers a rich mix of city sights and local flavors. These experiences give travelers an immersive way to enjoy Helsinki beyond the usual tourist spots.
Helsinki’s food tours span a variety of formats: scenic city walks, outdoor excursions on islands and lakes, luxurious private experiences, and even traditional sauna and food combos. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s historic markets, sampling Arctic seafood, or hiking in pristine forests with homemade bites, Helsinki’s food tours deliver authentic, memorable moments. Below, you’ll find the complete list of the 12 best tours, each offering something unique.
1. From Helsinki: Nuuksio National Park Hiking Tour with Food
At number 1, this guided hike in Nuuksio National Park offers an excellent way to combine outdoor activity with local food — a true Finnish experience. The adventure lasts about 4.5 hours, including transportation, and takes you across lakes and forest landscapes just a stone’s throw from Helsinki. The highlight is walking in snowshoes, just like a Finnish explorer, which adds a fun and authentic touch.
You’ll enjoy tasting homemade local foods and drinks while immersed in nature, making this a perfect trip for nature lovers who want a taste of Finnish wilderness and cuisine. The guide, David, is praised for his knowledge of edible plants and sharing stories about the forest’s flora. The itinerary includes stops at the starting point at Museokatu 8, and the hike itself lasts 3.33 hours, with short drives in between. Reviewers consistently praise the expert guidance and delicious treats like mushroom soup and berry juice.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and food for those wanting an active day outside Helsinki with authentic Finnish flavors. It’s especially good for beginners or families seeking a gentle hike.
2. CITY Tour with Food Tasting in Helsinki
Ranking second, this city-focused tour explores Helsinki’s iconic sights like Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and Katajanokka’s Art Nouveau architecture. What makes it stand out is the seamless blend of sightseeing and local culinary tastings — a true introduction to Helsinki’s culture and cuisine in just 2 to 3 hours.
The tour includes stops at the historic Old Market Hall for cheese, fish, and delicacies, as well as Esplanadi Park and the Market Square. The guide leads you through Helsinki’s neighborhoods, sharing stories about the city’s history and food traditions. Guests love the personalized approach, with reviews mentioning Lara’s informative and friendly style. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to see the highlights while sampling Finnish specialties.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those short on time but eager to experience Helsinki’s main sights and flavors, this tour offers great value — especially if you’re keen on cultural insights and tasty bites.
3. FOOD Tour with Roof Top Bar in Helsinki
At number 3, this 2-hour tour focuses on Helsinki’s culinary gems, including visits to the Old Market Hall and the market square. What sets it apart is the visit to the Monkey Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city while sipping a drink.
You’ll sample traditional Finnish foods like Arctic seafood, wild ingredients, and seasonal flavors, plus enjoy local bread, pastry, chocolate, and coffee. The guide takes you through Helsinki’s food scene, sharing stories about the ingredients and traditions behind each dish. Guests rave about the breathtaking rooftop views and the variety of tastings packed into a short time. The tour’s intimate size and focus on local cuisine make it a favorite among foodies.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a culinary overview combined with stunning city vistas in a relaxed setting, this tour offers excellent value and memorable flavors.
4. FOOD Tour with Rooftop Bar Visit in Helsinki
Number 4 on our list, this 2-hour tour showcases Helsinki’s food and drink culture, emphasizing salmon caviar and reindeer — iconic Finnish ingredients. Starting at the Jugend Hall and moving through local markets, you’ll sample seasonal flavors and learn about traditional and modern Finnish cuisine.
The tour culminates at the Rooftop Bar, where the panoramic view adds a special touch to the tasting experience. Reviewers praise the cultural insights and delicious food, noting it’s a great way to combine culinary exploration with city sightseeing. It’s suitable for those who want a short but flavorful introduction to Finnish food traditions paired with a spectacular view.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a short, engaging food experience with a stunning skyline backdrop, this tour delivers excellent value and a taste of Finnish culinary heritage.
5. TASTE HELSINKI FOOD TOUR CLASSIC – Private Food Tour
Number 5 offers a private, personalized 3.5-hour experience, perfect for couples, families, or small groups. This tour dives deep into Finnish flavors, with stops at the Old Market Hall and Senate Square, and explores local stories behind each dish.
The guide shares insights about wild berries, mushrooms, fish, and hearty bread, reflecting the purity of Finnish cuisine. Guests appreciate the customized approach and the opportunity to ask questions about Finnish design, architecture, and history. The tour’s value lies in its intimate setting and the chance to enjoy multiple tastings in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a luxury, in-depth culinary experience with a flexible itinerary, this private tour is suited for food connoisseurs who want more personalized attention.
6. From Helsinki: Bodom Lake Ice Fishing with Food & Drinks
Number 6 takes you 25 minutes from Helsinki to Bodom Lake for ice fishing — an authentic Finnish winter activity. Using Pilkki, a traditional Nordic fishing rod, you’ll learn how to fish on the frozen lake with expert guidance.
After fishing, enjoy glögi, grilled sausage, and traditional foods around the campfire, creating a cozy outdoor feast. The guide, David, receives praise for his friendly, knowledgeable approach, and guests love the unique experience of fishing in Finland’s snow-covered landscape. Even if you don’t catch fish, the atmosphere and food make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A standout for travelers wanting to try ice fishing and enjoy authentic Finnish snacks in winter, with the added bonus of transportation and expert guidance.
7. Baltic Bites Tour of Nature and Food on a Helsinki Summer Island
This 3-hour 15-minute tour takes you by waterbus to Pihlajasaari, one of Helsinki’s most beloved summer islands. You’ll explore coastal scenery, relax in nature, and taste Finnish delicacies like reindeer, salmon, and berries.
The experience combines a scenic boat ride with a gentle walk around the island, culminating in a Finnish-style picnic lunch with organic blueberry juice and desserts. The guide emphasizes local ingredients and the natural beauty of the island, making it perfect for outdoor lovers who want a culinary adventure in nature.
Guests love the peaceful setting and the chance to unwind with good food away from city noise.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for summer travelers who want to combine nature, culture, and food in a relaxed, scenic setting.
8. Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings
Number 8 offers a compact 2-hour tour exploring Helsinki’s top culinary locations like the Old Market Hall, Bulevardi Street, and the Fazer shop. Guided by an expert, you’ll sample local delicacies like smoked reindeer, Finnish candies, and traditional bread.
The tour emphasizes local food history and the cultural stories behind each dish, making it a great introduction for first-time visitors. The reviews highlight the diverse tastings and knowledgeable guide as key strengths, especially for those short on time but eager to get a taste of Helsinki’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want a quick, rich introduction to Finnish cuisine within a short city walk.
9. VIP SERVICE Traditional Finnish Log Sauna and Food Experience
This luxurious 4-hour private experience combines the Finnish sauna tradition with a gourmet food experience. The tour includes private transportation to a lakeside log cabin near Nuuksio, where you enjoy a traditional sauna and optional plunge into the icy lake — a true Finnish rite.
While the focus is on relaxation and culture, the experience also features local foods and drinks. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a premium, authentic Finnish experience that combines wellness, culture, and cuisine.
Guests say it’s a “wonderful excursion,” especially if you want a private, pampered experience away from crowds.
Bottom Line: Best suited for luxury travelers or special occasions, this tour delivers a deep cultural experience with excellent value for those seeking exclusivity.
10. Helsinki: Food Walking Tour with Tastings
Number 10 is a 2-hour guided walk focusing on local gastronomy and Finnish traditions. It includes a visit to the Old Market Hall and other eateries, tasting local delights along the way.
One reviewer appreciated that even when the market hall was closed, the guide arranged tastings in advance, showing great flexibility. It’s a good choice for those who want to learn about Finnish food while seeing the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want a short, customizable experience that combines culture, food, and city sights.
11. PRIVATE Helsinki Food Tour & Rooftop Bar Visit and transfers
This 2.5-hour private tour offers an intimate exploration of Helsinki’s culinary scene, ending with a visit to a stunning rooftop bar. The itinerary includes tasting salmon caviar and reindeer, visiting local markets, and discovering cultural highlights.
The personalized approach makes it ideal for those who prefer a customized experience and want to see the city’s culinary and architectural treasures in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for small groups or couples looking for a bespoke food adventure culminating in a memorable skyline view.
12. Helsinki: A Food Lover’s Guided Walk with a Local
Finally, this 2-hour walk introduces you to local markets like the Old Market Hall, plus stops at Fazer Café and Kappeli Café. While reviews aren’t available, the focus on authentic food spots and local treats makes it perfect for those who want a relaxed food-centric stroll.
How to Choose the Right Helsinki Food Tour
Picking the best tour depends on your interests and schedule. If you love outdoor adventures, the Nuuksio National Park Hiking Tour with Food offers a fantastic mix of nature and cuisine. For a city focus, the City Tour with Food Tasting is ideal, especially if you want to combine landmarks with local flavors. Those seeking luxury or private experiences will appreciate the VIP Finnish Sauna and Food.
Budget-conscious travelers may prefer shorter tours like the Helsinki Food Tour Including Tastings, which still offers a solid introduction to Finnish cuisine. Meanwhile, outdoor winter enthusiasts should consider the Bodom Lake Ice Fishing for a memorable ice-fishing adventure paired with traditional foods.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private or high-demand tours, and consider the season — summer island trips and outdoor hikes are best in warm weather, while winter tours like ice fishing are perfect for snow-covered landscapes.
To sum it up, Helsinki offers a diverse range of food experiences, from urban walks and market visits to outdoor adventures and luxury private outings. Whether you’re a culinary novice, a food connoisseur, or simply looking for a fun and authentic way to explore Helsinki, these tours have something for you. For best results, plan ahead and book early — these experiences fill up fast, especially in peak seasons.