Best Day Trips from Helsinki for Tourists

Helsinki is one of those cities that feels like it has its life together: clean, organized, calm, and somehow cool without even trying. But spend a few days in town, and you’ll start to feel that classic Nordic itch: the need to escape, to see what’s beyond the city, or get even more in-depth with what it has to offer (and Helsinki already has plenty of attractions!).

Thankfully, Finland can deliver much more than expected, and I’ve got you covered in case you’re looking for something new. Check out these day trips from Helsinki to get some inspiring ideas on what to do next.

Here’s a quick summary, in case you don’t want to go through all the details:

At a Glance: Best Day Trips and Tours from Helsinki

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, if you’re still not convinced – or if you want more details about each experience I recommended above, check out all the details below.

Start be exploring Helsinki itself

If you haven’t had time to explore every nook and cranny, or if you want to make sure that you’ve covered all the important sights AND learned their stories, you should start by exploring the town with a local.

I recommend booking this tour for the matter, choose between 2 to 8-hour tours and get local insights you won’t find in any brochure. (HINT: The longer, the better, as you will cover more ground).

You’ll explore the city at your own pace with a guide who tailors the walk around what you actually care about, from hidden restaurants to the best photography spots. You’ll love it!

Porvoo: Where Everybody Goes

Just 50km away from Helsinki (a.k.a. around 31 miles), it is no wonder that people always go to Porvoo when they have a day off.

Porvoo is the second-oldest town in Finland, established back in the 14th century and it’s famous for the red ochre buildings and the gorgeous Lutheran cathedral. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear the bells ring while you’re sampling a cinnamon bun at one of the town’s 1700s cafés.

Porvoo is small, walkable, and feels frozen in time. The streets smell faintly of chocolate (thanks to a local factory that’s been running for 150 years), and the souvenir shops are full of handmade crafts instead of the usual tourist clutter.

If you want to take the experience up a notch – and skip the hassle of buses or Google Maps – join my recommended Private Medieval Porvoo by Car tour. You’ll get picked up from your hotel, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive, and spend a few hours exploring Porvoo’s historic center with a guide who knows the stories behind those colorful houses. You’ll visit the main attractions (including the cathedral), taste the traditional Runeberg pastry, and stroll past landmarks painted by Albert Edelfelt – all before heading back to Helsinki in comfort.

Day Trip From Helsinki for Nature Lovers

Finnish people love to leave the city every once in a while. Since this is the South, the weather is more or less favorable throughout the year. You would still need warm clothes if you plan on hiking, though. Other than that, there isn’t a “hiking level” you can’t cover near Helsinki.

Even complete beginners can enjoy the Nuuksio National Park’s unspoiled beauty. With miles upon miles of forest and some great options for additional activities (Nordic walking, kayaking, berry picking), you could easily spend a few days here.

Alternately, if you want to spend a bit less time and you prefer an organized tour, this half-day Nuuksio tour from Helsinki is a great choice.

However, if you want to do it yourself and spend more time there, bear in mind that your only accommodation option is a tent. It’s best to bring one if you travel from abroad – everything seems crazy expensive in Finland.

If you stick it out long enough, you might get to spot the flying squirrel. This curious little mammal is more common here than it is anywhere else in Finland. It’s a nocturnal animal, though, so don’t expect to spot it during a simple walk in the forest.

Turku, The Majestic City

Turku is Finland’s former capital and it still has that vintage regal vibe to it. On that note, don’t miss the artsy cafés along the riverfront. They are the perfect place to enjoy the sun and to feel the true vibe of the city.

If you are coming in summer, you can’t miss the Aura Fest. Aura usually happens in August, and it is one of Turku’s biggest event. Most of the artists are local – this is the place to enjoy Finland’s best performers in hip-hop and pop, and electronic music. There is the occasional foreign artist as well.

If you’d like to see Turku in comfort and skip the planning entirely, book this private tour with a local guide. You’ll have a professional driver, a VIP-class car, and a knowledgeable local guide showing you everything from the Cathedral to the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova Museum, where medieval ruins meet contemporary art.

You’ll explore the riverfront, taste Finnish dishes, and enjoy the full experience. No schedules to worry about, no navigation drama, just you and Turku at its best.

Down By The River In Turku

The River Aura has always been at the very heart of the city. After all, Turku was first established because of its proximity to the Baltic Sea, plus the availability of drinkable water from the river. In all of those centuries, Turku still hasn’t lost its significance.

There are organized tours that you can be part of, and my recommendation is this one.

This is actually a three-day tour that focuses on the water-part, meaning that you will do some kayaking and discover the world’s largest archipelago this way. But there are shorter day trips available as well.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to get into the water, you will still have to be near it if you plan to explore by yourself. The best route to take in Turku is to follow the river – from the Cathedral all the way down to the Turku Castle.

You start at Turku Cathedral. Stand on the steps and follow the river with your eyes, you will soon spot the Castle to the left. Head over to the Great Old Square and check out Brinkkala Mansion, which houses the Vartiovuori Observatory (check their opening times, you might get to visit).

Right next to it is the Luostarnimäki Handicraft Museum where you can see traditional crafts from the area. Walk back to the river and you will see Pinella. This is Turku’s oldest restaurant, overlooking the Vähätori square. If you plan on staying the night, remember this area. Not only is it home to the best restaurants in town, it’s also a nightlife hotspot.

The City Library building nearby is where you will find plenty of free cultural events, ranging from vintage movie nights to modern art installations. Check out their social media or their website to see what they have on the day of your visit.

At Låna, which is right by the square, you can hire an electric picnic boat to cruise up the river. The price might be a bit steep but it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. Cross the river at the city’s favorite Library Bridge, which, unlike most things in this town, is a modern work of art.

It brings you straight in front of the old library. In this area, you will find Kaskis, a local gourmet favorite, owned by a Finland Master Chef winner. Whether you love reality TV or not, Kasiks food is one of the best things Turku has to offer. Just remember to make a reservation.

Cross the river again and you will see the large Turku Art Museum standing over the city. While this is not a must, art lovers will definitely enjoy exploring it. You are now near the restaurant riverboats, another Turku speciality, as well as the Pharmacy Museum, housed in Qwensel House from the 18th century. Cross back to the eastern shore on the Theatre bridge.

The Samppalinna Open Air Theatre is a must if you stay the night. Housed in an old windmill, this is the ultimate “history meets modern art” experience. Of course, you do need some Finnish unless you’re going to a dance performance.

Martinsilta Bridge is the last bridge over the river. This way large sea vessels can enter and you can go out into the sea on a tourist boat. It is fairly affordable and a fun way to see Turku’s seashore.

But there is something better than cheap: free stuff. In that case, I am talking about the little orange ferry Föri that has linked the riversides for more than a hundred years.

Climb up the hill in front of you. You can sip some coffee in what used to be a prison, which is an experience in itself. The Café Kakola is a prime spot to observe the city lights, it really doesn’t get more Instagrammable than this.

Finally, walk through the squares to the Turku Castle – there is a permanent exposition here but the guest artwork is also worth checking out. The Turku castle is a symbol of the city so it really shouldn’t be missed.

Bonus Day Trip to Tallinn, Estonia

If you’re craving an international twist, hop on a ferry and head to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital – it’s one of the easiest international day trips in Europe.

Ferries leave daily from Länsisatama, and the trip takes about two hours each way. Once you’re there, it’s a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the terminal to the Old Town.

Book a Return Day Trip Ferry Ticket to Tallinn and enjoy up to 9.5 hours to explore independently. Tickets include a seat on board, access to restaurants and shops, and plenty of Baltic Sea scenery along the way.

In Tallinn, spend your day wandering through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, visiting Toompea Hill, and checking out the Kadriorg Palace or KUMU Art Museum if you have time. It’s compact, walkable, and loaded with history, cafés, and medieval towers that look like they were built for Instagram.

And if you go there, do your homework by learning everything about Estonian women or Estonian men – depending on your preferences.

And the best part? You’ll be back in Helsinki for dinner, with another country checked off your list!

Not a Day Trip, But Worth It: Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Technically, it’s still in Helsinki – but Linnanmäki deserves a spot here because it’s that good. Plus, we started with a walking tour in Finland’s capital, it only makes sense to end our trip here as well.

This is Finland’s oldest and most popular amusement park, with over 40 rides, games, and food stalls spread across the Alppila district. You can choose between two wristbands when visiting:

• Isohupi for access to all rides.
• Pikkuhupi for 18 family-friendly rides.

The entrance is free if you just want to walk around, but rides require a wristband or individual tickets (and it’s cheaper to get the band).

The wooden Roller Coaster, built in 1951, is still the star of the park, but starting 2025, two new rides, Huristin and Keikutin, are joining the lineup. Everything is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and public transport makes getting there simple: trams 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 10 all stop nearby.

Parking is limited, but there’s a convenient Park & Walk option just 15 minutes away for €4/day.

What’s even cooler? Linnanmäki is run by the Children’s Day Foundation, which has donated over €130 million to child welfare projects since 1950. So while you’re screaming your lungs out on a roller coaster, you’re technically doing charity work.

Book your Linnanmäki visit here and support a great cause while having fun.

Day trips from Helsinki prove that you don’t need to go far for variety. You can sip coffee by a medieval river, hike through a national park, ride a 70-year-old roller coaster, or even step into another country – all in a single weekend.