Finland 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Helsinki

  • Morning
    • Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
    • Take a bus or taxi from the airport to your accommodation in Helsinki
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Visit the Senate Square (Senaatintori), a historic square in the heart of Helsinki’s city center
    • Stop by the Helsinki Cathedral, a beautiful white church designed by Carl Engel
    • Explore the surrounding streets and admire the stunning architecture
  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Grab lunch at a traditional Finnish restaurant, such as Kahvin Kellar or Lappi
    • Try some classic Finnish dishes like kalakukko (fish pie), salmiakki (a sweet and salty cookie), or karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties)
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Visit the Ateneum Art Museum, which features a collection of Finnish art from the 19th century to the present
    • Explore the surrounding neighborhood, Eeriksin Kaupunki, and admire its beautiful architecture
  • Evening
    • Take a stroll along the Helsinki Waterfront (Lahdenranta) and enjoy the city’s scenic views
    • Visit the Market Square (Kauppatori) to see the local fish market and try some fresh seafood

Day 2: Espoo, Nuuksio National Park, and Helsinki

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Take a bus or drive to Espoo, a neighboring city to Helsinki (approximately 30 minutes)
    • Visit the Espoon Kaupunki Museum to learn about Espoo’s history and culture
    • Explore the nearby Espoon Keskus shopping center for some retail therapy
  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Grab lunch at a local restaurant in Espoo, such as Restaurant Kalaruu or Bistro Lumi
    • Try some traditional Finnish cuisine like reindeer stew (poronkäristö) or smoked salmon (lohi)
  • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Visit the Nuuksio National Park, which offers scenic hiking trails, beautiful forests, and picturesque lakes
    • Take a leisurely hike to the top of Iso-Tuomola, which offers stunning views of Helsinki and the surrounding area
  • Evening
    • Return to Helsinki for dinner and some evening activities

Day 3: Porvoo

  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Take a bus or drive to Porvoo (approximately 1 hour)
    • Visit the Old Town, which features beautiful wooden buildings, quaint shops, and historic sites
    • Explore the surrounding neighborhood and enjoy the scenic views of the nearby Porvoonjoki River
  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    • Grab lunch at a local restaurant in Porvoo, such as Restaurant Fiskari or Café Korppu
    • Try some traditional Finnish cuisine like fish soup (kalakukko) or Karelian pasties (karjalanpiirakka)
  • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • Visit the Porvoo Castle, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area
    • Explore the nearby Porvoon Puistotie, a scenic walking trail that features beautiful gardens and lakes

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Finland. Non-EU citizens should check with their local Finnish embassy or consulate for requirements.
  • Language: Finnish is the official language, but many Finns speak English fluently.
  • Currency: The Euro (€) is the official currency.
  • Weather: Helsinki’s climate is temperate maritime, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 22°C throughout the year. Be prepared for rain and wind.
  • Safety: Finland is a very safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Getting to Helsinki: The easiest way to get to Helsinki is by flying into Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL).
  • Public Transportation: Helsinki has an excellent public transportation system, with buses and trams connecting the city center to surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Renting a Car: If you plan to explore outside of Helsinki, consider renting a car for flexibility.

Additional Tips

  • Respect Nature: Finland is known for its stunning natural beauty. Be respectful of nature and wildlife when exploring national parks or forests.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Finnish cuisine may be unfamiliar to some visitors, but it’s definitely worth trying!
  • Learn Some Basic Finnish: While many Finns speak English fluently, learning a few basic phrases like “hei hei” (hello) or “kiitos” (thank you) can go a long way in showing respect for the local culture.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Finland! Enjoy your travels.