Finland
What you need to know before you go
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, 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...
Read moreTurku 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
Featured stories & fun stuff10 Best Things to Do in Helsinki
Helsinki delights travellers with its sea-facing landscape, diverse architecture, world-famous design, and Nordic cuisine. Finland’s capital is compact enough to explore on foot, and many reputable hotels are in the centre of the action. Among its many sights...10 Best Views of Helsinki
Helsinki has countless beautiful views to share. Some of these lookout spots have existed forever -- others are relatively new. Below...10 Most Instagrammable Places in Helsinki
Helsinki is full of magnificent sights, but only some of them are truly Instagram-worthy. Such places must be dazzling...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...10 Best Things to Do in Finland
The best things to do in Finland encompass the country's world-famous nature scenes of lakes and forests, as well...10 Best Saunas in Helsinki
The famous Finnish sauna culture may have been born deep in the countryside, but nowadays, Helsinki is where it thrives...10 Best Music Festivals in Finland
Music festivals in Finland celebrate the country’s love for alternative music, especially black and heavy metal, rock, and indie. Summertime...Top 10 Lakefront Destinations to Visit in Finland
Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes, where the closest shore is never very far. But what...10 Best Islands Near Helsinki
There are countless islands near Helsinki. Their attractions include untrammelled nature, magnificent beaches, historical sights and a wide variety of...
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. Little...
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...
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...
Useful information
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 has a colourful history and is full of culture. The country has some laws that are considered quirky, and...Helsinki Travel Essentials
Our Helsinki Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Finland. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather...