Planning a city break in Finland? Excellent idea! While Helsinki is the big star, many of Finland’s smaller cities are full of charm, surprises, and that irresistible local vibe. Here’s our top 10 – a mix of classics and hidden gems worth discovering. These aren’t ranked in a specific order.
1. Helsinki – Culture, Coast, and City Buzz
Finland’s only true metropolis, Helsinki, has everything a city traveller could wish for: top museums, a vibrant arts scene, and trendsetting restaurants. Getting around the capital is easy with the efficient metro and trams – no car (or compass) required.
Must-sees? The neoclassical Senate Square, the iconic white Cathedral, and the island fortress of Suomenlinna. But don’t stop there – dive into the Design District, explore indie bars in Kallio, and sunbathe like a local at Hietaniemi beach.
Where to stay: Hotel Kämp is the go-to for luxury lovers. The rooftop pool at Clarion Hotel offers panoramic city views – and yes, it’s heated even in winter. For something unforgettable, spend the night in a former prison at Hotel Katajanokka. Cell block chic.
2. Porvoo – Finland’s Cutest Town for a Pampering Getaway
Just an hour from Helsinki, Porvoo is the stuff of storybooks. Cobbled medieval lanes, colourful wooden houses, riverside cafés, and old-world charm await. It’s the perfect place to slow down and indulge in artisan chocolate, boutique shopping, and lazy brunches.
The town’s food scene punches well above its weight, and the spa at the historic Haikko Manor is ideal for royal-level relaxation.
Where to stay: Hotel Pariisin Ville is a stylish boutique stay with just ten uniquely decorated rooms in a heritage building. Also charming: Hotel Onni and Old Town B&B Ida-Maria, both tucked into the heart of the old town.
3. Turku – The Medieval Capital
Turku is Finland’s oldest city – and arguably its most European. The riverside buzz along the Aura River is full of cafés, galleries, and floating bars.
History buffs, rejoice! The Turku Cathedral is the country’s most important medieval building, and the mighty Turku Castle looks like it walked straight out of a fantasy novel. Kids love the knight stories. Adults do too – they just pretend not to.
Where to stay: Park Hotel offers romantic vibes in a gorgeous Art Nouveau mansion. For a quirkier night, sleep behind bars (by choice!) at Hotel Kakola, a former prison.
4. Tampere – Sauna Capital of the World
Tampere is Finland’s rebel with a soft heart – an old factory town turned culture capital. Red-brick industrial buildings now house galleries, theatres, and gastropubs.
The city takes saunas seriously. Visit Rajaportti, Finland’s oldest public sauna, for a truly steamy slice of history. Or go contemporary at Kuuma, where you can sauna and cold-plunge in the city centre. Another memorable sauna is the Sauna Temple, located by a lake inside a Mongolian yurt.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Tammer is old-school elegance with a touch of working-class swagger. Design lovers will feel at home in the sleek and stylish Dream Hostel & Hotel, praised in international design mags.
5. Rovaniemi – The Arctic Gateway and Lapland’s Reykjavík
Yes, this is the official hometown of Santa Claus. But Rovaniemi is far from a gimmick. In winter, the skies dance with northern lights, and husky safaris and snowshoe hikes are just part of the fun.
Rovaniemi is surprisingly lively, too. Valtakatu street is packed with good restaurants, and in summer, life spills out onto terrace bars. Mökki Roof Terrace – perched above a design hostel – is pure Arctic hipster heaven.
In summer, hike to the top of Ounasvaara hill for views of the midnight sun. For a wilder adventure, the national parks of Pyhä and Luosto are just 90 minutes away (a short hop by Lapland standards). Just maybe avoid July – that’s when the mosquitos launch their invasion.
Where to stay: From igloos to design hotels, Rovaniemi has it all. The most famous Rovaniemi resident is Santa Claus, and of course one of the hotels in the center is Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus. Nearby, Haawe Boutique Apart Hotel features Northern exoticism combined with modern design. For smaller budget a great option is Hostel Café Koti, a modern design hostel with a fun rooftop bar and at street level restaurant that serves northern flavors.
Arrive by overnight train or fly straight into town.
6. Rauma – A Fairytale of Wooden Houses
Rauma is Finland’s prettiest town – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its old town is the largest preserved wooden town in the Nordics, with beautifully carved façades and narrow alleyways that whisper old secrets.
For ancient contrast, visit the Sammallahdenmäki Bronze Age burial cairns nearby – another UNESCO site with serious prehistoric vibes.
Where to stay: Hotel Vanha Rauma mixes 1930s funkis style with top-notch breakfast. Rent a bike from the hotel to explore the charming streets on two wheels.
7. Jyväskylä – For Architecture Lovers
Located in the heart of Finland’s lake country, Jyväskylä is an Alvar Aalto fan’s paradise. The town boasts more buildings designed by the legendary architect than anywhere else – plus an excellent Aalto Museum to boot.
The city’s youthful energy comes from its thriving university. Expect vibrant cafés, galleries, and a surprising nightlife scene.
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Yöpuu oozes elegance and atmosphere. For something sleek and modern, go for Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki.
8. Savonlinna – Castles, Lakes, and Opera Nights
Come summer, Savonlinna shines. Its centrepiece is Olavinlinna, a rare medieval lakeside castle that hosts the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival each July.
Even when no arias echo off the stone walls, the setting is stunning.
The nearby Punkaharju ridge is one of Finland’s most photographed natural landscapes, and Kerimäki boasts the world’s largest wooden church.
Where to stay: Choose a cosy local B&B or unwind at Spahotel Casino after an evening of music and misty lake views.
9. Kotka – Sea, Sailors and Salty Air
Say “Kotka,” and every Finn instantly thinks: port city! But here’s the twist — instead of gritty docks and salty old sailors, Kotka surprises with lush parks, quirky museums, and way more charm than you’d expect from a town built on moving shipping containers around. The Maritime Centre Vellamo dives into the drama of Baltic Sea history, while the Maretarium aquarium reveals the world beneath Finland’s lakes and shores.
In summer, island-hopping is a must. Kaunissaari – literally “Beautiful Island” – is perfect for lazy beach days, while Ulko-Tammio near the Russian border is a remote nature paradise.
Only 1.5 hours from Helsinki, Kotka pairs perfectly with visits to Porvoo and the circular fortress town of Hamina.
Where to stay: Hotel Merikotka offers historic Art Nouveau flair. Down the street, pop into Kairo – an old sailor’s pub filled with old tales and new characters.
10. Hanko – Finland’s Summer Capital
Hanko is Finn’s favorite summer escape. Long beaches, art nouveau villas, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere make it a favourite with sun-seekers and slow travellers.
The town’s past as a spa resort still lingers in the air, along with the scent of salty sea and sunscreen. Old Russian-era villas line the coast, and sailboats dot the horizon.
It’s under two hours from Helsinki – perfect for a beachy day trip or long weekend.
Where to stay: Hotel Regatta is a summer legend. Or rent a historic villa and pretend you’re an aristocrat from 1905 – minus the corsets.
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