Summer in Porvoo – Things to Do
Porvoo offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. Old Porvoo is known for its cobbled streets, small boutiques, and cafés and restaurants. In Porvoo, the urban environment meets nature and the archipelago begins close to the city centre. Located a little over an hour from Helsinki, Porvoo is a convenient destination for day trips and short stays.
Mini Vacation in Porvoo
Porvoo offers many activities and places to visit for longer stays as well. Below are some suggestions for spending time in the city.
1st Day
Spend a day exploring Old Porvoo. The area includes historic buildings, small shops selling local handicrafts, and several restaurants and cafés.
2nd Day
Visitors can rent a bike, kayak or canoe, go swimming, or visit Kokonniemi Bike Park where cyclists can take the ski lift up and ride down the slope. Walking routes in the National Urban Park provide views of the city and the riverbanks.
Porvoo also has several cultural sites. Gallery Vanha Kappalaisentalo is located in Old Porvoo’s Town Hall Square. The home museum of Finland’s national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg and his wife Fredrika Runeberg is located in the Empire-style district. Crossing the Aleksanterinkatu bridge leads to Porvoo Art Factory, which hosts exhibitions of modern art. The Näsi Manor gallery also offers beautiful views over the city.
Exploring Porvoo – ideas for longer stays of 3–6 days
Visitors will find many places to explore in the area around Porvoo. From Emäsalo Island, it is possible to explore the archipelago by Batmax boat or by fatbike. At Hotel Haikko Manor, visitors can experience cryotherapy treatments at temperatures as low as –120 °C.
For a different type of activity, Tukkila’s farm offers an opportunity to learn about Finnish farm life and meet farm animals in a rural setting. Visitors can also roast their own coffee at the Porvoo roastery or take part in the Metal Safari, where participants search for hidden objects using metal detectors.
Another way to explore Porvoo is through local experiences, where visitors can spend time with a local guide and discover some of the area’s everyday places and recommendations.
Activities & Things to do in Porvoo
Nature areas are located close to the city centre and it is easy to combine outdoor activities with visits to local attractions.
Porvoo’s riverside location and its connection to the surrounding sea create opportunities for different nature experiences. Nearby nature destinations can be reached on foot, by bicycle, by boat, or by car. Guided boat trips to the archipelago are also available.
The Island Riddles adventure is based on stories by Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomins, and includes puzzle-solving activities. At Bosgård Ranch visitors can learn about Charolais cattle breeding, and at Kråkö Bryggeri it is possible to sample locally produced beers. Overnight stays are also available in tentsile tents suspended between trees.
For food lovers
Porvoo has a variety of restaurants, cafés and food producers operating throughout the year. Options range from casual lunches to fine dining. Many restaurants use local ingredients and seasonal produce. Finnish and Scandinavian dishes are served alongside international cuisine.
Porvoo also has a local coffee roastery, brewery and chocolate producers. While walking through the streets of Old Porvoo visitors will find several cafés and small food shops.
Ice cream is a common summer treat in Finland, and locally produced artisan ice cream is available in Porvoo. The summer market also offers locally produced food, vegetables, berries and fish.
Events in Porvoo
Porvoo hosts a variety of cultural activities and events throughout the year.
Art Factory presents exhibitions, performances and cultural events by local and national artists. Midsummer celebrations are organised in the archipelago and around the city.
During the summer, music events such as the Avanti! Festival and the Summer Sounds programme take place in Porvoo. Seasonal events also include Late Night Shopping in Old Porvoo.
Food events such as the SMAKU Food Festival bring restaurants together to present tasting menus across the city. In autumn, the Porvoo Jazz Festival is held at the Vanha 123 and 123 Kellari venues.
