Porvoo Day Trip from Helsinki – Complete Itinerary
Old Town charm, riverside walks, and sweet treats—your perfect Porvoo day trip starts here. After 48 hours of travelling, we finally landed in Helsinki. We were eager to stretch our legs, reconnect with old friends, and discover Finland’s charm. We dropped Jaimie off with her old roommate, Lidia, while Sarah and I set out to explore the spots on Lidia’s must-see Helsinki list.
Our first adventure? A Porvoo day trip. Just an hour from Helsinki, Porvoo welcomed us with cobblestone streets and pastel-painted wooden houses. The iconic red warehouses lined the riverbank. It looked like a page from a storybook—one ready for us to write the first chapter of our Finnish journey.
Getting to Porvoo
One of the best parts of a Porvoo day trip is how easy it is to reach from Helsinki—it’s only 50 km (31 miles) away. You can get there by car or public transit, making it accessible for travellers with or without a vehicle.
By Car
We chose to drive because we love the freedom of setting our own agenda and the ability to plan for the unexpected without lugging heavy bags — picnic lunch ✅, rain jacket ✅, extra snacks ✅. When the skies opened up, our park picnic easily became a cozy car picnic.
Plus the metro station near us was closed for renovations, so that added another layer of complication and extra time.
If you want complete flexibility without any fuss, renting a car is a great option. It can be surprisingly affordable if booked in advance. Find the best car rental deals here.
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As an added bonus, we were able to find free parking all day. Just the confirmation we needed that driving was indeed the right choice for us.
📌 Pro Tip- Free parking spots will usually have a specified amount of time. To use these free parking spaces, you will need a parking disc, which is a blue plastic sign that shows the time you parked. You can purchase one for about €2–€3 at service stations, stores, or kiosks (most car rentals will include one with the car). It’s essential for parking in areas with time limits.
Public Transportation
If you’re looking for a more budget conscious choice, it’s pretty easy to get to Porvoo using public transportation.
- Departure point – Buses to Porvoo leave from Helsinki’s Kamppi bus terminal (in the city center, right by the metro and lots of tram stops).
- Travel time – About 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Frequency – Multiple departures per hour during the day, so you don’t have to plan far in advance.
- Operator – Several companies run the route, but OnniBus and Helsingin seudun liikenne (HSL) are the most common.
- Cost – Around €6–€8 one way if you book in advance; a bit more if purchased last-minute from the driver.
- Tickets – You can buy online (cheaper) or directly at the terminal. For HSL-operated buses, you can also use the HSL app or card.
Once you arrive in Porvoo, the bus station is just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, so you can start exploring right away without needing a taxi.
Arrival & Old Town Exploration
Without knowing what to expect, we headed straight for Old Town—the heart of Porvoo. Steeped in history that dates back to the 14th century, every corner seems to invite you to step back in time. Cobblestone streets, weathered riverside warehouses, and quaint boutiques create an atmosphere brimming with charm and nostalgia.
First Stop: Devil’s Stairs (Pirunportaat)
We were intrigued by the name and the invitation to see the city from above. Local folklore suggests the devil carved these steps to climb up to the cathedral and claim it for himself. Fortunately, his plans to steal the people’s faith were thwarted, leaving the stairs rugged and unfinished.
In reality, Devil’s Stairs sits on Koulukuja (School Alley), historically serving as a natural route connecting two parts of Old Town. It provides a link between the higher hill areas and the riverside. Though steep and uneven, it’s a whimsical passage winding between wooden houses. At the top, a small lookout offers charming views of Porvoo’s rooftops and the cathedral.
If you’re down for a short uphill stroll through an old-fashioned alley, it’s a quick and quirky stop. We actually walked right past it at first, looking for something a little more obvious. It’s not exactly a must-see on your Porvoo itinerary. Still, it was all part of the adventure and a fun way to start our morning.
Porvoo Cathedral
Next, we visited the very cathedral the devil was unable to steal. Despite escaping that fate, the church has endured its own share of hardships. It stands as a powerful symbol of endurance and perseverance, having survived multiple devastating fires and the ravages of wars over the centuries.
Through careful reconstructions, Porvoo Cathedral has preserved both its authenticity and structural integrity. One of the oldest stone buildings in Finland- it has remained an active house of worship, offering sanctuary and inspiration to generations for over 700 years.
This was another relatively quick stop, brimming with charm, history, and spiritual resonance. As a bonus, we found free two-hour parking conveniently located right beside the church.
📌 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to display your parking disc on the dashboard. Mark the time you arrived, rounded up to the nearest half hour. If you arrive at 2:10, set the disc to 2:30.
Old Town Market
Our next stop was the Old Town Market Square. It was a short downhill stroll to the historic heart of Porvoo’s trade and community life since the Middle Ages.
Once a bustling meeting point for farmers, fishermen, and merchants, it was the place to hear the latest town gossip and exchange news. Many of the surrounding wooden buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. They were rebuilt after devastating fires.
Today, the square still hums with life. It’s now filled with boutique shops, inviting cafés, and tempting bakeries—perfect for window shopping or a leisurely coffee while soaking up the old-world atmosphere.
We enjoyed our wander through town, window shopping everything from souvenirs, to clothes, to quirky oddities.
If you want to turn back the pages of history to days gone by without the crowds and commercialism of Tallinn or Helsinki, Porvoo Old Town is the answer.
River Walk Along the Red Warehouse Shore
Our last stop in Old Town was a walk along the river with views of the iconic red warehouses. I had seen pictures of them while window shopping, but didn’t catch a glimpse until we crossed the bridge to the other side of the Porvoonjoki River.
The warehouses were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to store goods like coffee, salt, wine, and spices brought by merchant ships. Their distinctive red paint combined traditional pigments with linseed oil and animal blood, helping protect the wood from harsh weather. Over time, they became a symbol of Porvoo’s trade prosperity and the town’s lifeline to the Baltic Sea.
Today, the warehouses are one of the most photographed spots in Porvoo. Bring your camera to snap a shot or pick up a professional print by a local artist from one of the shops.
Iso Linnamäki (Castle Hill)
Across the river is a natural ridge with medieval earthworks and panoramic views of Old Porvoo. It summits at Iso Linnamäki, or “Great Castle Hill,” where Porvoo’s medieval fortress once stood watch over the river. Built back in the 13th or 14th century—most likely by the Swedes—it was the town’s main defense point, with wooden and stone ramparts and a sweeping view that let you spot trouble coming from miles away.
It saw its share of battles; however, with the introduction of cannons and other artillery, it became obsolete and fell into ruin during the 1500s. Today, the buildings are long gone, but the grassy hill and old earthworks are still there. All that remains is a quiet spot in a natural setting with views overlooking the city.
Porvoo Museum
If you have extra time in Porvoo, you can also visit the Porvoo Museum, located in the town’s former town hall on the main square. The exhibits highlight the area’s history, culture, and art, offering insight into Porvoo’s past beyond its charming streets and waterfront. While we skipped it on our visit, it’s a worthwhile stop for travelers interested in diving deeper into local heritage.
Check here for hours and pricing to the museum.
Cafe Fanny’s
If you’re craving a sweet treat before leaving Old Town, Café Fanny is a must-stop. This family-run gem bakes up fresh desserts each morning, pairs them with specialty coffees, and even has a full liquor license for something stronger. In summer, you can enjoy your slice of heaven on their welcoming patio — and yes, your dog is welcome too.
📌 Fun Fact: The traditional Finnish Runeberg cake — named after Finland’s national poet — is a year-round treat in Porvoo, his hometown. Elsewhere in Finland, you’ll usually only spot it in cafés during the month leading up to his birthday on February 5th. And yes, Cafe Fanny carries it.
Beyond Old Town
Walk along the Harbour
After Old Town, we drove down to the harbour and had a picnic in the car while we waited for the downpour to end. Once the skies cleared, we strolled along the waterfront, taking in the views of the boats and the lively promenade. Cafés and summer patios line the street, offering plenty of options for lunch, ice cream, or a quick snack. The atmosphere is relaxed with an invitation to linger and soak up the harbourfront setting.
J.L. Runeberg’s Home (Runebergin koti)
Just a block from the harbour, you can step into another piece of Finnish history at J. L. Runeberg’s home, where Finland’s national poet lived with his wife, Fredrika. This is Finland’s oldest home museum, and inside you’ll find rooms preserved with their original 19th-century furniture, art, and even Fredrika’s cherished houseplants. Outside, the garden she planted still blooms each summer with roses, fruit trees, and fragrant shrubs.
While there’s a small fee to tour the interior, the gardens and outbuildings are free to explore, and one of the barns even has a small play area for children. We skipped the house tour on our visit, but we enjoyed our walk through the yard.
Check here for current hours and pricing
Brunberg’s Chocolate Shop
Our last stop before heading back to Helsinki was Brunberg’s Chocolate Shop. Known as Porvoo’s sweetest institution, the shop has been delighting visitors since the late 1800s with handmade truffles, pralines, and chocolate bars. The shelves are lined with everything from classic milk chocolates to modern creations infused with caramel, berries, or licorice. Free samples are available that will satisfy any sweet tooth and just might tempt you to leave with a box or two. Whether you’re a serious chocolate lover or just looking for a little treat, Brunberg’s was the perfect way to end our day in Porvoo.
Porvoo Day Trip Wrap Up
Our Porvoo day trip was the perfect introduction to Finland. We discovered history, charm, and scenic beauty. From wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Town to admiring colorful riverside houses and sampling local treats, there was plenty to keep us busy. Whether you’re drawn to art, architecture, or simply soaking up a peaceful riverside atmosphere, Porvoo is an easy and rewarding escape from Helsinki. Take your time, follow your curiosity, and leave space to linger at a café—after all, part of the magic is simply being in this charming Finnish town.
After Porvoo, a Porkkalanniemi day trip was next on our Helsinki agenda.
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