Day Trips from Helsinki: Best Helsinki Getaways
When visiting Helsinki for over a few days, you may want to explore other parts of Finland.
There are many day trips, just a short journey from Helsinki. From the historical streets of Porvoo to the breathtaking beauty of Nuuksio National Park, the opportunities for exploration are great.
Here is a list of trips that you can do from Helsinki.
1. Porvoo Old Town
Just under an hour’s drive from Helsinki, you can find the charming town of Porvoo. Its old town is the best and most popular day trip from Helsinki.
Walking along the cobblestone streets of the old Porvoo, you can feel a breeze from the past.
The red riverside warehouses are an iconic scene recognized by all Finns and one of the most photographed national landscapes.
Getting there is easy by bus from the Kamppi shopping center’s bus terminal, with several buses per hour and a ticket costing around 10 euros one way. The express bus gets you there in less than an hour.
For a unique journey, consider a boat cruise on m/s J.L. Runeberg, operating daily from spring to autumn. The boat leaves Helsinki’s Market Square and takes you close to Porvoo’s old town in 3.5 hours, allowing 2.5 hours to spend in Porvoo. You can even make the trip one way by boat and return by bus for a more flexible timetable.
Tea- and Coffeeroom Helmi is our favorite spot for a coffee break. For lunch, we usually go to Zum Beispiel or Gabriel 1763. Expect crowds during peak times, and be prepared for long waits. For a leisurely and peaceful dinner, our top choice is the cozy SicaPelle restaurant.
Distance from Helsinki:
- 55 kilometers, under an hour.
How to get there:
- Multiple buses run from Helsinki to Porvoo every hour, taking less than an hour.
- In the summer, you can cruise to Porvoo or travel one way on the m/s J.L. Runeberg, which takes 3.5 hours.
- There are also many guided tours from Helsinki to Porvoo, including transportation.
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2. Cruise Trip to Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn in Estonia is the most popular day trip destination for people from Helsinki. Many locals visit several times a year; we go two or three times ourselves. Especially during holidays, ferries can get packed.
Tallinn is cheaper than Helsinki and easy to get to with a 2-hour ferry ride. Multiple ferries run daily, offering affordable and comfortable trips.
The city center of Tallinn is compact, allowing you to walk from the harbor.
It’s worth exploring different areas if time permits:
- The Rotermann Quarter, known for its sleek architecture, is closest to the harbor.
- The old town is enchanting with its historic charm.
- The bohemian Telliskivi area offers a unique vibe.
Tourists mostly frequent the old town, where many restaurants cater heavily to visitors.
- In old town, Rataskaevu and Pikk streets are excellent options for good dining.
- One of our favorites is Rataskaevu 16 restaurant, where booking a table might be necessary.
- Maiasmokk, Tallinn’s oldest and most famous café, is a must-visit.
Our favorites in Rotermann are Platz for lunch or dinner, Stalker for drinks (it is also a restaurant), and wine at Time to Wine.
In Telliskivi, take advantage of the Fotografiska museum, a drink at its rooftop bar, and dining at the nearby Frenchy restaurant.
Tallinn has a good selection of hotels and Airbnbs. So, if you can, spending a night is worthwhile to experience fully what the city offers.
Distance from Helsinki:
- 85 kilometers.
How to get there:
- Tallink Silja, Viking Line, and Eckerö Line operate regular ferry services between Helsinki and Tallinn, with a journey time of 2 hours. Notably, Tallink Silja has the most modern vessels.
- Tallink Silja and Eckerö Line operate from West Harbour Terminal 2, while Viking Line uses the Katajanokka terminal.
- You have the option to book a day cruise that departs in the morning and returns in the evening, choose a hotel package deal, or arrange separate outbound and return trips for overnight or extended stays.
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3. Nuuksio Natural Park
Just 30 kilometers from the heart of Helsinki lies Nuuksio National Park, a favorite among locals and tourists alike for a nature escape.
You can start exploring Nuuksio at the Nature Centre Haltia, taking short walks into the nearby forest, and getting tips for other trails.
Nuuksio is vast, with entrances at various points. The Haukkalampi is the most popular area, with plenty of small lakes.
The marked trails from Haukkalampi include:
- Punarinnankierros (a relatively easy 2 km circle trail).
- Haukankierros (4 km circle trail, lots of height differences).
- Korpinkierros (a challenging 8 km circle trail).
There are a lot of ups and downs, but no big hills or mountains. Mostly easy-to-go gravel trails, but there are also rocks and roots on the trails and muddy spots after rain.
The easiest way to reach Nuuksio is by car, but public transport and guided tours are good options, too.
- If you take a rental car, aim for the Haukkalampi parking area.
- Be warned, it’s pretty minor and fills up quickly on popular weekends.
- We usually visit Haukkalampi during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
At the Haltia Nature Centre, there’s a restaurant, but otherwise, you are on your own, so bring your snacks and drinks, or choose a guided tour that includes meals outdoors.
For gear, regular running shoes work fine in the summer, but dress to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Distance from Helsinki:
- 30 kilometers.
How to get there:
- Taking public transport from the center of Helsinki, you’ll arrive in just over an hour, while driving there takes about 40 minutes.
- With public transport: Take a commuter train to Espoon Keskus and then get on bus 245 (you can read more about using public transport in our other article).
- Bus stop for Nature Center Haltia is E6938, Haltia, Nuuksiontie 65, Espoo.
- The closest bus stop to Haukkalampi is E6956, Haukkalammentie, Espoo (note that you still have a 2 km walk to Haukkalampi).
- There are also many guided tours, including transportation with hotel pick-up. And there are also environmentally friendly tours where you go with your guide on public transport.
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4. Fiskars Village: History and Design
The charming Fiskars Village, just over an hour’s drive from Helsinki, offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Former ironworks has transformed into a vibrant hub of art and culture.
For a comprehensive guide to planning your day trip, check out our detailed article on Fiskars Village.
You’ll find beautifully restored 19th-century industrial buildings, now home to artisan workshops, galleries, and boutiques.
The iconic orange-handled Fiskars scissors originated here, making it a must-visit for design enthusiasts.
The easiest way to reach Fiskars is by car, which allows you to explore the surrounding areas and attractions.
If you rely on public transport, take a bus or train to Karjaa and a local bus or taxi for the final stretch.
Try the riverside Ravintola Kuparipaja or the relaxed Gastro Café Lavanderia for a delightful lunch.
Visit local artisan shops and the Fiskars Museum to explore the village’s history.
In summer, you can cool off at the small Flacksjön beach in the middle of the forest. Nature lovers can enjoy marked hiking trails in the surrounding woods, and there is a network of trails for mountain bikers.
Distance from Helsinki:
- 100 kilometers, about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
How to get there:
- Driving is the most convenient option, offering flexibility to explore the area.
- Public transport involves taking a train or bus to Karjaa and then a local bus or taxi to Fiskars.
- Guided tours from Helsinki to Fiskars are also available, including transportation.
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5. Tampere City Break
Tampere, Finland’s third-largest city, was once the heart of the country’s industrial revolution. The river running through its center, flanked by old industrial buildings, forms one of Finland’s national landscapes.
There’s so much to see and do in Tampere that staying overnight rather than just making it a day trip is a good idea.
It’s easy to get there by train from Helsinki, with the train station conveniently located in the city center. You’ll find plenty of comfortable hotels just a short walk from the station.
There are many great places to eat in Tampere. Bistro C, near the train station, is one of my favorites.
For panoramic views of the city and the surrounding lakes, visit the Pyynikki observation tower or the rooftop bar at Hotel Torni. Pyynikki, the world’s largest gravel ridge, is one of the most popular local sights.
Tampere is also famous for its sauna culture. Right in the center, you’ll find the sauna restaurant Kuuma. The Rauhaniemi public sauna by the lake is just a short distance from the city.
Since 1929, Rauhaniemi has offered cozy saunas and stunning views, making it my top pick. It’s easily accessible by bus, city bike, or a 20-minute walk from the center. It is definitely worth a visit!
Distance from Helsinki:
- 180 kilometers.
How to get there:
- The easiest way to get to Tampere is by train.
- The train journey takes less than 2 hours.
- You can also rent a car, by car, it takes just over 2 hours.
- There are also many guided tours from Helsinki to Tampere, including transportation.
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6. Historic Turku City Visit
Turku is easy to reach by train or car, but it’s worth staying overnight instead of just making it a day trip.
Combining your trip to Turku with a visit to Naantali or Turku Archipelago, a cruise to Åland Island, or even Stockholm is a great idea.
The archipelago, one of Finland’s most beautiful areas, is best explored from Turku by car, allowing for a leisurely drive around the Archipelago Trail, ideally over two days.
Turku shines in the summer, and the Aura River and its banks with riverboats are synonymous with Turku.
Riverboats offer fantastic spots for evening fun, though beer enthusiasts might venture elsewhere for higher-quality experiences.
Riverside has many top-notch restaurants, Mami being our dinner favorite. Tintå is a great spot for lunch or a glass of wine. Head to Walo Rooftop Bar near the market square for a drink with a view.
As a former capital of Finland, Turku’s rich history is displayed at Turku Castle, Turku Cathedral, and the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum.
During popular summer events like the DBTL and Ruisrock music festivals, hotels can fill up quickly, and prices may surge.
Distance from Helsinki:
- 165 kilometers.
How to get there:
- The easiest way to get to Turku is by train.
- The train journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
- You can also rent a car, by car, it takes just less than 2 hours.
- Turku’s central railway station is under renovation in 2024, so you won’t be able to get to the city center by train during that time. Kupittaa station is the last station during the renovation, but there is a bus connection to the city center from there.
- There are also some guided tours from Helsinki to Turku.
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7. Picturesque Naantali at the Seaside
Naantali, a short drive from Turku, is a picturesque small seaside town celebrated as Finland’s best summer city.
Strolling the alleys of the town, admiring the wooden houses, and exploring the waterfront promenade filled with terrace bars and restaurants offer a delightful day.
Our favorite stop for drinks, Ravintola Merisali, is a legendary summer restaurant in a beautiful historic wooden house by the waterfront.
The restaurant Tavastin Kilta is definitely at the prime spot in the harbor. Our local friends always take us there for lunch or dinner.
Hasta la Pasta is a no-frills, family-run pasta restaurant in a charming green wooden house one block from the harbor.
In general, the culinary scene here mainly consists of basic fare at tourist prices, so it’s more for the atmosphere than gourmet experiences.
Moominworld, a theme park that brings Tove Jansson’s famous characters to life, is a must-visit for families. It is a favorite destination for families with children, and we have visited it many times in the past.
Naantali accommodates visitors with two major hotels, Naantali Spa & Hotel, and Kultaranta Resort, alongside many smaller hotels, B&Bs, farm stays, and private apartments.
Our favorite place to stay is Hotel Palo, a charming small hotel housed in a traditional wooden building.
Located just 15 kilometers from Turku, Naantali is easily accessible with bus connections, allowing for stays in Turku with its broader range of accommodations.
Distance from Helsinki:
- 180 kilometers.
- 15 kilometers from Turku
How to get there:
- Bus connections from Turku.
- You can also rent a car, drive from Helsinki takes 2 hours.
- Some guided tours are available from Helsinki that offer a combined visit to both Turku and Naantali.
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