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 take a stroll through Katajanokka.

To find more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Helsinki trip itinerary app .

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Helsinki is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry; or drive. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Dubai to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Dubai in July, with highs in Helsinki at 25°C and lows at 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can drive to Turku.

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

Get in touch with nature at Kurjenrahka National Park and Tulliniemi Nature Path. Get some cultural insight at Turku Castle and Old Rauma. Get out of town with these interesting Turku side-trips: Rosala (Rosala Viking Centre & Bengtskar Lighthouse), The Church of the Holy Cross (in Rauma) and Bellevue Beach (in Hanko). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Turku Cathedral, let little ones run wild at Adventure Park, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Archangel Michael's church, and buy something for everyone on your list at Kauppakeskus Mylly.

To see photos and other tourist information, you can read our Turku trip builder site .

Drive from Helsinki to Turku in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to drive to Espoo.

Espoo is the second largest city and municipality in Finland. Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): explore the striking landscape of Nuuksio National Park.

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read our Espoo vacation website .

Traveling by car from Turku to Espoo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. July in Espoo sees daily highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to catcht the bus to Helsinki.

Explore hidden gems such as Stromforsin ruukki and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Get some cultural insight at Fortress of Suomenlinna and Design Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Helsinki: Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki), Porvoo Old Town (in Porvoo) and Kotka (Linden Esplanade & Santalahti Nature Trail). Pack the 1st (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. See even more of Helsinki: browse the eclectic array of goods at Hakaniemi Market, take in the spiritual surroundings of Rock Church, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, and get a taste of the local shopping with Market Square Kauppatori.

To find other places to visit, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip itinerary builder tool .

Helsinki is just a stone's throw from Espoo. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.