Things to do in the idyllic city of Porvoo - 20 tips
Explore Porvoo's charming old town, experience historical attractions such as the Albert Edelfelt Studio Museum and enjoy a river cruise.
City articles
24.11.2024
Porvoo is a charming city that offers a variety of experiences for those interested in history and nature. This idyllic destination in Uusimaa attracts visitors with its beautiful old town, red beach fences and narrow alleys.
Whether you're on a day trip or a longer holiday, there's plenty to see and do in Porvoo. The city has a wide range of attractions, from historical sights to art exhibitions and outdoor activities. You can visit J.L. Runeberg's home museum, admire the scenery from the church hill or enjoy the sea breeze on a cruise on the Porvoo River.
Discover with us the best places in Porvoo!
Porvoo's Old Town is a charming destination that attracts visitors all year round. Stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the beautiful wooden houses that create a unique atmosphere.
Stop by local shops and cafés. Enjoy a cup of coffee in a cosy old café and sample local delicacies.
Walk along the banks of the Porvoo River and admire the famous red beach huts. They are one of the city's most famous landmarks and provide a stunning landscape for photography.
In summer, the Old Town comes to life. The terraces fill up and the atmosphere of the city is particularly charming. It is a great holiday destination in the warmer months.
At the Albert Edelfelt Studio Museum, you can discover the life and work of one of Finland's most important painters.
The museum is located in Haiko, where Edelfelt spent 26 summers painting more than 220 works. The studio offers a fascinating insight into the artist's working methods and sources of inspiration.
During your visit you will see Edelfelt's original paintings, sketches and tools. The museum also houses a large collection of the artist's personal material.
In the studio you can feel the atmosphere of the Porvoo archipelago, which inspired Edelfelt. The artist often depicted local people and landscapes in his works.
The museum organises exhibitions and events to deepen your understanding of Edelfelt's art and life. A visit to the studio museum is an excellent way to learn about the history of Finnish art.
Porvoo City Library is an impressive architectural building that combines modern design and functionality. When you visit the library, you can admire its spacious rooms and bright reading areas.
The library's façade is an impressive combination of glass and concrete, which gives the building an interesting look. Inside, you'll find that the wooden elements bring warmth and cosiness to a modern environment.
As you wander around the library, you can enjoy the cleverly designed reading rooms and work spaces. The different floors of the building offer a variety of views and atmospheres.
The architecture of the library is designed to support learning and enjoyment. You'll notice how light and space create a pleasant environment for reading and studying.
Porvoo Theatre offers exciting performances in the heart of the city. The theatre is located in the "Achille House" at Vänrikinkatu 4.
In the theatre, you can see plays produced by both professionals and amateurs. The repertoire is diverse, ranging from classics to contemporary productions.
The atmosphere in the theatre is intimate and warm. In addition to the performances, you can enjoy snacks in the theatre's café.
Porvoo Theatre has been operating since 1996. It is an important part of the city's cultural life and provides entertaining moments for locals and visitors alike.
Check the theatre's website for the current programme and book your tickets. A theatre experience is a great way to spend an evening in Porvoo.
Porvoo hosts a number of international festivals that bring vibrancy and culture to the city. You can enjoy music, art and performances all year round.
In summer, Porvoo's Old Town is filled with the sounds of the Avanti! music festival. The event brings together top names in classical music from around the world.
In the autumn, you can take part in the Porvoo Film Festival. The festival showcases international films and gives you the chance to meet filmmakers.
In the run-up to Christmas, Porvoo's Christmas market attracts visitors from home and abroad. You can enjoy the international atmosphere and make all kinds of bargains.
Check the Porvoo events calendar for current festivals and book your tickets early. By participating in international events, you will gain new experiences and get to know different cultures.
Porvoo Cathedral is one of the city's main attractions. Built in the 15th century, this church is full of history and architectural beauty.
In the church you can admire the magnificent ceiling paintings and old altarpieces. During the summer, you can take part in guided tours, which last about 15-20 minutes.
Tours are usually held at regular intervals from June to August. However, please check the Porvoo parish website for up-to-date information before your visit.
The surroundings of the church also offer beautiful scenery. You can walk on the church hill and enjoy the views over the old town.
Porvoo Museum offers a fascinating journey through the ages and an in-depth look at the city's unique history. The museum's exhibitions present a broad view of Porvoo's past, from the Middle Ages to the present day, offering the opportunity to learn how the city has become what it is today. Historical artefacts, works of art and photographs bring Porvoo's colourful story to life for every visitor.
The museum invites you to dive deep into the shared memories and cultural heritage of the Porvoo region. Its extensive collections include local folklore, architecture and art, making it an excellent destination for history buffs and casual visitors alike.
Porvoo Cathedral offers interesting guided tours. During the summer season, a guide is available every weekday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tours last about 15-20 minutes and take place on an hourly basis.
If you want to explore the church at your own pace, you can use the Citynomadi service. It allows you to take a virtual tour of the church and its grounds. You can use the service online or download a free app on your phone.
Porvoo Guides organises a wide range of guided tours of the city. You can book a tour directly with a guide or through Porvoo Tours. During the summer, there are also scheduled tours, which do not require advance booking.
Guided tours are a great way to discover the history and sights of Porvoo. They provide a deeper insight into the city's significant sites and stories.
Porvoo Art Factory is a cultural centre offering a wide range of experiences. Here you can enjoy concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions.
The Art Factory Gallery features temporary exhibitions of works by both local and international artists. You can discover contemporary art and be inspired by new ideas.
The building also houses a cinema where you can watch the latest films. The Art Factory also hosts a variety of events and workshops for you to take part in.
At the Art Factory café you can enjoy refreshments and snacks while enjoying the cultural experiences. A visit to the Art Factory is a great way to discover the vibrant cultural life of Porvoo.
A river cruise in Porvoo offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the city. Hop on board and enjoy a peaceful trip along the Porvoo River.
During the cruise, you'll see the city's historic buildings and picturesque coastal landscapes from a new perspective. Admire the wooden houses of Old Porvoo and the church tower from the river.
In summer, cruises are organised regularly. You can choose a shorter tour or a longer one that goes all the way to the estuary.
River cruising is suitable for everyone and is a great way to relax during a visit to Porvoo. Be sure to book in advance for the most popular departures.
Porvoo's riverside is a charming place for a relaxing walk. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and historic atmosphere while walking along the water.
Various boats are often moored along the shore, bringing the landscape to life. You can admire them and wave to passing ships.
The southwest side of the river offers a magnificent view of Old Porvoo. You can stop for a moment to admire the city's historic buildings and atmospheric streets.
A small path along the beach is ideal for a relaxing walk. You can enjoy the fresh air and the closeness to nature in the middle of the city.
You can also take a walk to discover local sights and interesting details. Keep your eyes open and let the Porvoo riverside enchant you.
The Linnamäki nature trail is a great way to discover the history and nature of Porvoo. The trail circles around Iso Linnamäki, one of the most impressive ancient sites in Uusimaa.
Along the route you can admire beautiful views of Porvoo's old town and the Porvoo River. The path is easy to follow and suitable for all walkers.
The nature trail has information panels about the history and nature of the area. You can learn more about the past of the castle hill and its importance for the development of Porvoo.
The route is part of Porvoo's National Urban Park. It offers a peaceful moment in the middle of nature, even if you are close to the city centre.
Remember to respect the environment and the heritage site during your visit. Do not damage or excavate the site, as it is protected by the law on antiquities.
Cycling in the Porvoo countryside is a great way to explore the area's nature and landscapes. You can enjoy quiet roads and beautiful rural landscapes.
The South by Cycle cycling route runs through the coastal landscapes of southern Finland. It combines natural experiences and cultural history in a unique way. You can choose your own pace and stop at interesting destinations along the way.
The cycle route to the island of Emäsalo offers varied views. Along the way you can admire colourful wooden houses and the scenery of Porvoo's National Urban Park. On the island, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a cup of cheese in the middle of nature.
Cycling is a great way to explore Porvoo's idyllic countryside and beautiful archipelago. You can combine nature, sightseeing and local delicacies.
Holm Park is a charming oasis in the centre of Porvoo. It offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
In the park you can admire the beautiful flower beds and lush green lawns. In summer, it is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike.
Holm Park also has a playground. You can sit on a bench and enjoy the peace and quiet of the park.
A fountain in the middle of the park creates a pleasant background sound. It is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a summer's day.
Holm Park is also a good meeting place. You can arrange to meet friends in the park before continuing your exploration of Porvoo.
Porvoo's coastline has picturesque sandy beaches that offer the perfect place to relax. Try the Furuholmen beach, located in a beautiful archipelago setting.
Bring a towel and a packed lunch, and enjoy the sun and the fresh sea air. You can go for a swim or just sit on the sand and admire the scenery.
If you're looking for something more active, try sup-boating or kayaking. Many beaches offer equipment hire for these activities.
Remember to protect yourself from the sun and respect the environment. Keep the beach clean and take your rubbish with you. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy Porvoo's beautiful beaches.
The Kokonniemi ski resort offers exciting experiences for skiers. The centre is located in the heart of Porvoo, just a short walk from the city centre and the bus station.
The ski resort has an altitude difference of around 60 metres and a varied ski area. You can enjoy skiing or boarding on a wide variety of slopes. The centre is putting particular emphasis on building street-style slopes.
In Kokonniemi you can rent ski equipment and get expert service. In addition to the slopes, the area offers the possibility of skiing on floodlit slopes.
In the summer season, Kokonniemi offers new adventures. You can try climbing in the Kokon Adventure Park, where there are activities for a variety of adventurers.
Runeberg tart is a famous Porvoo delicacy named after the national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg. This sweet pastry is particularly popular at the beginning of February on Runeberg Day.
In Porvoo, you can taste authentic Runebergtorte in many cafés and bakeries all year round. You can also visit J.L. Runeberg's home museum, where you can buy Fredrika's recipe book and try baking these delicacies yourself.
Tasting Runebergintorte is an integral part of the cultural experience of Porvoo. It is certainly the sweetest way to discover the history and traditions of the city.
The Lundi shopping centre is located right in the centre of Porvoo, offering a wide range of shops and services. In Lundi you will find well-known clothing and speciality stores, as well as shops selling household goods, cosmetics and electronics.
Lund Shopping Centre has several restaurants and cafés where you can relax while you shop. Lundi also offers grocery shopping, making it a convenient place for both larger purchases and quick stops. The modern surroundings and central location make Lundi a great place for shopping, along with delightful boutiques.
Porvoo offers delicious opportunities to enjoy local fish dishes. The city's location on the shores of the Gulf of Finland ensures the availability of fresh fish all year round.
Try traditional salmon soup or grilled whitefish in one of Old Porvoo's charming restaurants. In summer, you can enjoy smoked fish straight from the beach fences.
In local fish restaurants you can also taste other Finnish specialities such as perch, pike perch or herring. Find out what the catch of the day is and let it guide your choice.
You can buy fresh fish from fishermen's direct sales outlets and prepare a delicious meal yourself. Ask locals for tips on the best places to shop and recipes.
For some of Porvoo's best-known sweet treats, visit Brunberg's Chocolate Shop. The company has been making popular sweets since 1871.
Brunberg's range includes the famous kisses, truffles and Alku toffees. There are also jams, liquorice and a variety of chocolates.
Try vegan and gluten-free options or try sugar-free chocolate. Brunberg dark chocolate is also perfect for baking.
Buy some traditional delicacies to take home with you or enjoy them on the spot with a coffee. At Brunberg Confectionery, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to quality, local delicacies.
