š«š® Finland Off-the-Beaten Path Recommendation | Medieval Town: Porvo
š” Porvoo, known as the second oldest city in Finland, is located east of Helsinki, approximately 50 kilometers from the city center and the airport, and it takes about half an hour by car. šØ Porvoo is famous for its wooden old town, quaint cafes, and artisan boutiques, as well as the reddish-brown riverside warehouses. The cobblestone streets are lined with groups of wooden houses painted in different colors, and along the way, you'll find restaurants, handicraft and home goods stores, and galleries. āļø While Porvoo is beautiful in the winter, I personally recommend visiting in the summer. During this season, the ancient town comes alive with art exhibitions, markets, music festivals, flea markets, concerts, and riverside attractions. š² This medieval site includes the wooden old town, stretching about 10 kilometers south along the river, encompassing forest reserves, nature trails, city parks, scenic spots, and a world-renowned bird sanctuary. š§āš³ Porvoo is also a paradise for local food enthusiasts. Sicapelle is one of the most popular restaurants, combining Italian flavors with local ingredients. Bistro Sinne offers local delicacies with a strong artistic ambiance. Ranta-aitta is a Finnish-style nikkei cuisine restaurant with a fantastic riverside terrace for dining. š« Don't forget to visit The Little Chocolate Factory to purchase locally crafted, specialty chocolates. ššā“ļø For transportation from Helsinki, in addition to buses or private car services, we also recommend taking the M/S J. L. Runeberg ferry in the summer. Built in 1912, this ship sails through the charming Finnish archipelago, offering a taste of early 20th-century Nordic elegance. Allocate half a day or a full day to explore Porvoo. #Finland #FinlandTravel #NordicTravel #NatureSceneryShare #CulturalLandscapeShare #HelsinkiTourism #FinlandTravelGuide