Turku Cathedral is a landmark of this Finnish city.
Like other Nordic regions, Finland is known for its amazing natural beauty. Most of Finland is covered in lakes and forests, but the majority of Finland’s 5.5 million inhabitants live in cities.
These urban centers are not just residential hubs, but also a treasure trove of cultural and historical experiences waiting for travelers to discover. Visitors can immerse themselves in Finnish culture, including the national pastime of the sauna, window shop for classic Scandinavian design, and explore historic and modern architecture, often seen side by side. You can
From the bustling streets of Helsinki to the historic charm of Turku and the arctic spirit of Oulu, Finland’s cities are the perfect place to start planning your next Scandinavian trip.
Helsinki: capital of Finland
There is no doubt that Helsinki is Finland’s main city. Although the capital’s downtown district is very compact, almost half of Finland’s 5.5 million residents live in and around the wider Helsinki metropolitan area.
Internationally, Helsinki is perhaps best known for its Scandinavian design heritage. In recognition of this, Helsinki became the first Nordic city to be designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2014. The city is home to design schools, design-led creative industries, and people-first architecture and urban planning.
Audi Library’s impressive wooden facade and charming building TemppeliaukioKnown as the Stone Church, this church is a particular highlight, and for shoppers, the Design District, which encompasses several blocks in the city center, is a must-see.
The capital, Helsinki, is Finland’s largest and most vibrant city.
Here you’ll find Finnish design items, from Marimekko’s iconic fabrics to Iittala’s timeless glassware.
Although this city is by far Finland’s largest, visitors don’t have to miss out on the best of Finland’s natural beauty. Helsinki’s location on the Baltic Sea gives it a maritime appeal, and the archipelago of hundreds of islands offers a variety of recreational options, from boat trips to days at the beach.
Espoo: playground in the capital region
Located just west of Helsinki, Espoo is Finland’s second largest city and boasts several notable tourist attractions. Espoo is known for being home to numerous technology companies and innovation centers, but it is also the outdoor playground of Greater Helsinki.
Nuuksio National Park is a big draw, offering hiking, bird watching and overnight stays in traditional Finnish huts.
Tampere: From industrial heritage to academia
Sandwiched between two lakes, Tampere is a city that has marked the transition from its industrial roots to a thriving center of modern education and culture.
Once known for its textile mills, the city has been transformed into a vibrant center of technology and academia, home to two major universities and other associated research institutions.
Tampere Hall, one of the largest conference halls in Scandinavia, hosts large-scale events that draw many international visitors to the city. Even if you’re busy with conference activities, make time to visit the Moomin Museum located inside the venue.
Tampere has repurposed many of its former industrial buildings along its waterfront.
The last Moomin story was written by author Tove Jansson over 50 years ago, but the quirky characters are still popular around the world. In 1986, Jansson donated a large collection of Moomin-related art to the Tampere Museum, which subsequently spun off the collection and established its own museum.
A visit to the impressive riverside, lined with the buildings of the Vapriiki Museum Center, is also a worthwhile time, where visitors can delve into the city’s industrial history and explore exhibits ranging from natural history to video games. This is how to use it.
Turku: A glimpse into Finland’s past
Turku is Finland’s oldest city and is steeped in history as its first capital. Turku Castle, a medieval fortress, now serves as a museum, and Turku Cathedral is his 13th-century national shrine.
Visit the riverside area for a glimpse of where old meets new. Here, old warehouses have been converted into trendy restaurants and cafes. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with events such as the Turku Music Festival and the Medieval Market.
Art lovers will love the Turku Art Museum and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova (Museum of Archeology and Contemporary Art). The latter invites visitors to explore the ruins of the medieval town at its feet.
Porvoo: a charming old town near Helsinki
If you’re in Helsinki and want to experience something different, Porvoo is just an hour by car or bus from Finland’s capital and is perfect for a day trip.
Another of Finland’s oldest cities, Porvoo is best known for its picturesque old town, with its storybook cobbled streets and colorful wooden houses. Porvoo Cathedral, built in the 13th century, is a must-see.
Colorful buildings along the river in the old town of Porvoo.
The town’s riverfront is lined with charming boutiques and cafes, perfect for a leisurely stroll. There are also galleries and local artisan shops.
Oulu: discovering arctic culture
Known for innovation, Oulu has a vibrant tech community and a young, dynamic population. The city’s appeal lies in its combination of modern urban experience and close proximity to arctic nature.
This culture has been recognized by European leaders who awarded the city the title of European Capital of Culture in 2026. Offbeat events like the Oulu Music Video Festival and the Air Guitar World Championships fill the calendar, and the Oulu Museum of Art showcases contemporary works. .
Rovaniemi: Christmas city
North of the Arctic Circle lies Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village, a destination that will delight both well-behaved children and curious adults. Contrary to what you might expect from its festive theme, this charming village welcomes visitors every day of the year.
The attractions reach their peak even in summer. Santa Claus himself will be in his office listening to your gift requests. Outside, reindeer and huskies await attention. In autumn, winter and early spring, Rovaniemi is a popular Northern Lights tourist destination.