16 days in Helsinki, Turku & Espoo 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.

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Thu): get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo) and then wander the streets of Katajanokka.

For maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Helsinki online route planner.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Helsinki is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also drive. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Dubai to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Dubai in July, expect Helsinki to be colder, temps between °C and °C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can go by car to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Get in touch with nature at Kurjenrahka National Park and The Archipelago Trail. Venture out of the city with trips to Rauma (The Church of the Holy Cross & Old Rauma), Rosala (Rosala Viking Centre & Bengtskar Lighthouse) and Hanko (Bellevue Beach & Tulliniemi Nature Path). There's still lots to do: browse the collection at Turku City Library, buy something for everyone on your list at Kauppakeskus Mylly, let the kids burn off some steam at Adventure Park, and don't miss a visit to Abo Akademi.

For maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Turku travel site.

Drive from Helsinki to Turku in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. In July, daily temperatures in Turku can reach °C, while at night they dip to °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can drive to Espoo.

Espoo is the second largest city and municipality in Finland. On the 26th (Thu), explore the striking landscape of Nuuksio National Park.

For maps, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Espoo visit planner.

You can drive from Turku to Espoo in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Espoo are °C, while nighttime lows are °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to drive to Helsinki.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Arboretum Mustila. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Porvoo Old Town (in Porvoo), Stromforsin Ruukki (in Ruotsinpyhtaa) and Kotka (Linden Esplanade & Santalahti Nature Trail). Pack the 1st (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. Enjoy Helsinki some more: glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, explore the world behind art at Design Museum, hunt for treasures at Market Square Kauppatori, and enjoy the sand and surf at Hietaranta Beach.

To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki attractions planning tool.

Helsinki is just a stone's throw from Espoo. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can travel back home.