Things To Do
in Porvoo
Porvoo is a picturesque town located on the southern coast of Finland. It is known for its well-preserved old town with charming cobblestone streets and colorful wooden houses. The town is also famous for its iconic red shorehouses along the river, which are a popular tourist attraction.
Porvoo has a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, museums, and traditional Finnish restaurants offering local specialties.
- "Moikka" - Hi
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Ole hyvä" - You're welcome
- "Yhteystiedot" - Contact information
- "Näkemiin" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Porvoo’s Old Town, lined with colorful wooden houses. Stop by the Porvoo Museum to learn about the city's history.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local cafes, trying traditional Finnish pastries. Afterward, visit the Porvoo Cathedral, remarkable for its historical significance and beautiful architecture.
Find a cozy restaurant along the riverbank for dinner with a view. Wrap up the day with a peaceful sunset walk by the Porvoo River.
Start your day with a hike in the nearby Sipoonkorpi National Park. Enjoy the serene surroundings and the fresh Finnish air.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic viewpoints in the park. Spend some time birdwatching or taking photos of the lush landscapes.
Return to Porvoo and dine at a local bistro. Consider taking an evening boat ride to see the sunset over the archipelago.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful historic architecture and charming old town
- Rich cultural heritage with museums and galleries
- Stunning riverside views and nature trails
- Vibrant local events and festivals throughout the year
- Proximity to Helsinki, making it a great day trip destination
- Safety and low crime rates, offering a peaceful living environment
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities
- Harsh winters with cold temperatures and snow
- Cost of living can be high, especially in the tourist areas
- Public transportation options may be limited
- Not as many shopping and entertainment options as larger urban areas
- Fewer international dining options compared to cosmopolitan cities
Best Activities in Porvoo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful natural landscapes and trails in places like Pikkukoski and Sipoonkorpi National Park.
Paddle along the Porvoonjoki River or explore the archipelago on a guided kayak tour.
Rent a bike and pedal around the charming old town or venture further out to discover scenic routes through the Finnish countryside.
Tours
Uncover the best of Porvoo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Porvoo
Visit one of these nice places.
The picturesque old town of Porvoo with its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets offers stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities.
Climb the steps to Porvoo Cathedral for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
Stroll along the riverside promenade for beautiful views of the waterfront, historic buildings, and scenic bridges, ideal for photo enthusiasts.
Food in Porvoo
Porvoo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Finnish fish and pork pastry, best enjoyed at Runeberg Bakery and Cafe.
Must-Try!
Fresh crayfish, a local specialty best savored during the August Porvoo Crayfish Festival or at local restaurants like SicaPelle.
Creamy salmon soup, a comforting Finnish classic available at Zum Beispiel Restaurant or Haikaranpesä.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Porvoo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant hub for fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food vendors offering traditional Finnish treats like grilled sausages and crepes.
Stroll through the charming cobbled streets to discover food stalls offering reindeer burgers, vendace (local fish) bites, and mouthwatering cinnamon buns.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Finns value personal space, so it's important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others. Avoid standing too close or touching someone without their permission.
Punctuality is highly valued in Finnish culture, so it's important to be on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
It's customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home in Finland as a sign of respect for their living space.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Porvoo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Porvoo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Finland, including Porvoo. It is not expected or required to tip at restaurants, hotels, or for other services. However, if you receive exceptional service, you may leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation, but it is not obligatory.
In Porvoo, Finland, electronic payment methods such as credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash is also widely used, but it's essential to have the exact amount as many places may not provide change. Contactless payments and mobile payment apps are increasingly popular, offering convenience and security for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Porvoo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Porvoo is during the summer, from June to August, when the weather is warm, and you can enjoy outdoor activities such as walking tours, boat rides, and exploring the charming old town.
In winter, from December to February, Porvoo transforms into a winter wonderland with snowy landscapes and the opportunity to experience traditional Finnish winter activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, and visiting the Christmas market.
During spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), Porvoo experiences milder weather and fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore the area in a more relaxed atmosphere and take in the beautiful changing landscapes.
Porvoo at Night
Hiking in Porvoo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area that features a mix of urban and natural landscapes, perfect for leisurely hikes.
A prominent hill in Porvoo offering walking paths and beautiful views of the old town and river.
A nature reserve with well-marked trails through lush forests and by the lakes, ideal for nature lovers.
A lovely coastal route that provides stunning views of the archipelago and is great for hiking or walking.
Located a short drive from Porvoo, it offers a variety of trails through diverse ecosystems, suitable for hikers of all levels.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Porvoo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Porvoo by plane.
The main international airport serving the capital of Finland, Helsinki, located approximately 50 kilometers from Porvoo.
The largest airport in Estonia, located in Tallinn, approximately 90 kilometers from Porvoo across the Gulf of Finland.
An international airport in Tampere, Finland, approximately 180 kilometers from Porvoo.
An international airport in Oulu, Finland, located roughly 600 kilometers from Porvoo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, primarily consisting of native Finnish speakers.
A notable minority in Porvoo, as Swedish is one of the official languages in Finland.
A growing demographic group that includes individuals from various countries, contributing to the multicultural landscape.
An indigenous group that has a historical presence in Finland, though their numbers are relatively small in Porvoo.
Includes smaller demographic groups, such as Estonians and Russians, among others.
The Soul of Porvoo
Discover the essence of Porvoo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Porvoo, with local teams competing in various leagues and a strong following among residents.
Football is widely played in Porvoo, with several clubs and leagues that engage players of all ages from the community.
Basketball enjoys popularity in Porvoo, with numerous youth teams and recreational leagues promoting the sport.
During the winter months, cross-country skiing is a favored activity in Porvoo, taking advantage of the local natural landscapes.
Running is a popular recreational activity in Porvoo, with many locals participating in organized races and community runs throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Porvoo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Porvoo caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many eateries offering creative plant-based options, ensuring a delightful dining experience for non-meat eaters.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can explore various gluten-free menu items at local restaurants and cafes, allowing them to savor Finnish cuisine without any dietary concerns.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Porvoo with these cultural adventures.
