13 days in Finland Itinerary

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Visiting Kivinokka and Uutelan luontopolku will get you outdoors. Step off the beaten path and head to Hakaniemi Market and Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa). Pack the 12th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, head outdoors with Vermon Ravirata, tour the pleasant surroundings at Baana, and admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip itinerary builder site.

If you are flying in from United Arab Emirates, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. August in Helsinki sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Vantaa.

Though technically its own city, Vantaa is considered by many to be a Helsinki suburb, and it is where most visitors land when they fly to Finland.

On the 17th (Sat), browse the different shops at Jumbo Shopping Center, buy something for everyone on your list at Flamingo Entertainment Center, then get answers to all your questions at Fazer Experience Visitor Centre, and finally engage your brain at Heureka.

For photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Vantaa trip itinerary maker site.

Getting from Helsinki to Vantaa by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In August in Vantaa, expect temperatures between 23°C during the day and 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Sun) to allow time for the car ride to Porvoo.

Porvoo, one of Finland's oldest and prettiest towns, boasts cobbled streets, famous red-brick warehouses, and a charming river.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Sun): enjoy the sea views from Söderskärin majakka and then revel in the low prices at Brunberg Candy Factory Shop. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Hiidenvuori, appreciate the extensive heritage of Castle Hill, go for a walk through The Devil's Stairs, then stop by Pieni Suklaatehdas, and finally don't miss a visit to Porvoo Old Town.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Porvoo trip planning website.

Drive from Vantaa to Porvoo in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In August, daily temperatures in Porvoo can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to drive to Espoo.

Espoo is the second largest city and municipality in Finland. On the 21st (Wed), head outdoors with King's Road, then get answers to all your questions at Haltia, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Kirkkonummen kirkko. Here are some ideas for day two: head off the coast to Stora Herro Island, engage your brain at The Finnish Museum of Horology, then explore the engaging exhibits at Finnish Toy Museum Hevosenkenka, and finally identify plant and animal life at Laajalahti Nature Reserve.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read Espoo road trip tool.

Traveling by car from Porvoo to Espoo takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. August in Espoo sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C at night. On the 23rd (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive back home.