Esplanadii

Discover the Best of Finland

Your Ultimate Travel Guide

4-Day Finland Itinerary: The Best Things to Do on a Short Trip

Planning a trip to Finland? Whether you're coming for a long weekend or a quick Nordic escape, this 4-day Finland itinerary covers the top places to visit, from urban culture in Helsinki to stunning Finnish nature and traditions. Here's how to spend four unforgettable days in Finland.

Day1

Day 1: Discover Helsinki - Finland's Capital

Top attractions: Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square, Design District Start your Finnish adventure in Helsinki, a vibrant city full of Nordic design, history, and coastal charm.

  • Begin at Senate Square and visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral.
  • Wander through the Old Market Hall and try local snacks like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies)
  • Take a seaside walk along Esplanadi Park to the bustling Market Square
  • Explore the Design District for cool boutiques, Finnish fashion, and local crafts
  • End your day with dinner at Löyly, a modern seaside restaurant and sauna complex

Day 2: Suomenlinna & Sauna Culture

Top attractions: Suomenlinna Fortress, Sea Fortress Museum, Public Saunas Explore Helsinki's maritime history and unwind like a local.

  • Take a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Walk the island's scenic trails, tunnels, and museums
  • Head back to the mainland and relax in a traditional Finnish sauna. Try Allas Sea Pool or Kulttuurisauna for a true local experience
  • Dont miss the Kunsthistorisches Museum, especially if you're into royal treasures and classical art
  • Evening tip: Try local reindeer or salmon dishes at Savotta, a rustic Finnish restaurant
Day2
Day3

Day 3: Day Trip to Finnish Nature

Option 1: Nuuksio National Park (40 min from Helsinki)

  • Hike among lakes, forests, and rocky cliffs
  • Visit the Haltia Nature Center for interactive exhibits and panoramic views
  • Great for families, photographers, and anyone wanting a taste of Lapland without going north

Option 2: Porvoo - Finland's Most Charming Town

  • Explore the colorful wooden houses of this medieval town
  • Visit Porvoo Cathedral and stroll along the cobbled streets
  • Enjoy riverside cafes and pick up some Finnish chocolate from Brunberg Factory Store

Day 4: Finnish Culture & Farewell

Top attractions: Oodi Library, Temppeliaukio Rock Church, Finnish Sauna or Design Museum

  • Visit the architectural marvel Oodi Central Library, a hub of modern Finnish culture
  • See the stunning Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), carved directly into solid stone
  • Optional: Dive into Finnish art at the Ateneum Museum or explore Nordic style at the Design Museum
  • Before heading home, grab a final fika (coffee and cinnamon bun) at Café Regatta, a cozy lakeside favorite
Day4