Finland

Finland, in Europe’s far northeast, is a land of extremes. From the 24-hour sunshine and hiking trails of summer to the eerie darkness and deep snow drifts of winter, what to do in Finland very much depends on the season. The great outdoors are a big feature of the country and, with around 188,000 lakes, the word ‘great’ barely begins to describe it. The further north you get, the wilder the countryside gets and, as Finland reaches into the Arctic Circle, you also get the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Finland isn’t just for adventurous travellers, though. The capital city, Helsinki, is quite a cultural hub and home to beautiful historical buildings and very striking modern ones, while Tampere is packed with museums, music and art and Rauma is home to a very large wooden old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Finns remember and are proud of their heritage, it’s a high-technology country with very forward-thinking people.

Top destinations in Finland

Where will you go next?

Helsinki
Helsinki, the super-cool Finnish capital, is an intoxicating blend of forward-thinking innovation and revered tradition. Many visitors flock straight to Suomenlinna, a jaw-dropping, UNESCO-protected island fortress, which dates back to the 1700s. Once you’ve explored its imposing battlements and winding tunnels, stick around for a picnic and take in the sweeping city views. Back in town, check out the neo-classical splendor...
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Turku
Turku is a prominent city on the southwest coast of Finland. It's one of the country’s former capitals and previous European Capital of Culture. The city also earned the title of ‘Food Capital of Finland’ because it’s home to many of the country’s oldest and most highly rated restaurants. As you might expect of a coastal city, the local cuisine...
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What to see & do in Finland

Where & what to eat in Finland

10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Helsinki
There’s something for every appetite in Helsinki restaurants, from fast food to luxury dining. But whether you prefer gourmet dishes by top cooks, hamburgers or vegan food, here’s a good rule of thumb: pick a restaurant the locals also love....
10 Most Popular Cafés in Helsinki
All kinds of coffee shop fans visit Helsinki. For some, the most important thing is coffee itself, some are interested in the décor, whilst others are there for the food, too. Nowadays, it’s not a problem – it really isn’t....

Where to shop & what to buy in Finland

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Helsinki
As far as Finnish cities go, Helsinki is the clear number one for its range of both goods and shops. You don’t even have to venture outside the city centre for an endless selection of malls, brick-and-mortar shops, shopping centres, luxury shops and flea markets. You’re always guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. We’ve made shopping easy for you...
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Where to go & what to do at night in Finland

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Helsinki
Are you looking for a bit of fun in the evening? Helsinki won’t let you down. There’s a great selection of alternatives: sports and adventures for the whole family, world-class theatre shows, opera and dance, a large casino, and lots of concert venues and clubs. Below, there are 10 options which will help you find a suitable location quickly. All...
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Useful information

10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Helsinki
Helsinki is full of different areas – there’s a neighbourhood for everybody. It’s only natural the city’s modern centre already offers everything you might expect from a metropolitan city. Plenty of other neighbourhoods offer a variety of moods and landscapes,...
14 Things You Didn't Know about Finland
Finland is a Nordic country found in Northern Europe. It is not as well-known as its Scandinavian neighbours, but it...
Helsinki Travel Essentials
Our Helsinki Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the...