5-day city break in Helsinki and Porvoo

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki

You’ll fly to Helsinki. Once you arrive, you’ll head to your hotel in the centre of Helsinki. You’ll check in and enjoy your first free evening in the city.

Day 2: Guided city tour

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel to get the day off to a good start. Together with your guide, you’ll explore the city. Among other things, you’ll discover the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium, the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square and Temppeliaukio Church. Later, enjoy a ride in the VIP cabin of the Finnair Ferris wheel, offering a panoramic view of the city. After a day of exploring the city with your guide, you are free to explore the city on your own in the evening.

Day 3: Porvoo tour

Today you’ll continue on to Porvoo. Porvoo is located about 48 km east of Helsinki and is one of Finland’s six medieval towns. In Porvoo, you’ll start with a leisurely stroll. The whole town exudes history, as Porvoo is Finland’s second-oldest town. Discover the medieval town and wander through the picturesque cobbled streets lined with bright red wooden buildings. Stop at Porvoo’s Old Bridge, which spans the River Porvoo, for a stunning view of the old town. Visit the former home of the famous poet J.L. Runeberg and sample the famous Runeberg cake. Afterwards, you’ll have some time to admire the impressive gardens or browse through craft shops and antique shops.

Day 4: Relaxing in nature

Porvoo is an ideal place for cyclists, as the cycle paths here are very well maintained. Explore the beautiful sights, such as the famous waterfront of the old town, by bike. The well-known South by Cycle route passes through Porvoo and takes in various natural and cultural gems along the south coast. Walkers can opt for a stroll on Castle Hill or Pig Island, which boast the most beautiful paths and views. Those who prefer to head for the water can go kayaking or paddleboarding on the Porvoo River. In winter, you can go ice walking on the river. Other winter activities include snowmobile rides, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Day 5: Return home

After breakfast, you’ll head to the airport for your return flight. Would you prefer to stay a little longer? Let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.

Frequently asked questions about this Helsinki city break

When is the best time to visit Helsinki and Porvoo?

Helsinki is a city of contrasts. The period from June to August is magical because of the ‘white nights’ when the sun barely sets; ideal for boat trips and terraces at the market. For an authentic Finnish experience, winter (January to March) is also wonderful; the archipelago often freezes over then, making unique activities such as ice walking or snowmobile tours in Porvoo possible.

What is the best way to travel between Helsinki and Porvoo?

Porvoo is just 50 kilometres from Helsinki. During this trip, transport to the medieval town is included in the tour. Would you like to spend extra time there on your own? There are very regular and comfortable bus services that take you from the centre of Helsinki to the heart of Porvoo in about an hour. In summer, there is even a nostalgic steamboat that connects the two cities via the archipelago.

Is visiting Porvoo physically challenging?

The old town of Porvoo is known for its picturesque cobbled streets. These are beautiful, but can be uneven. Good walking shoes are therefore highly recommended. However, the walks to sights such as Castle Hill or along the famous red warehouses by the river are short and manageable for anyone of average fitness. For the cycle rides on day 4, the paths are excellently maintained and mostly flat.