Finland, in Europe’s far northeast, is a land of extremes. From the 24-hour sunshine and hiking trails of summer to the eerie darkness and deep snow drifts of winter, what to do in Finland very much depends on the season. The great outdoors are a big feature of the country and, with around 188,000 lakes, the word ‘great’ barely begins to describe it. The further north you get, the wilder the countryside gets and, as Finland reaches into the Arctic Circle, you also get the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Finland isn’t just for adventurous travelers, though. The capital city, Helsinki, is quite a cultural hub and home to beautiful historical buildings and very striking modern ones, while Tampere is packed with museums, music and art and Rauma is home to a very large wooden old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Finns remember and are proud of their heritage, it’s a high-technology country with very forward-thinking people.

Top destinations in Finland

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  • Helsinki

    Helsinki, the super-cool Finnish capital, is an intoxicating blend of forward-thinking innovation and revered tradition. Many visitors flock straight to Suomenlinna, a jaw-dropping, UNESCO-protected island fortress, which dates back to the 1700s. Once you’ve explored its imposing battlements and winding tunnels, stick around for a picnic and take in the sweeping city views. Back in town, check out the neo-classical splendor...

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  • Turku

    Turku is a prominent city on the southwest coast of Finland. It's one of the country’s former capitals and previous European Capital of Culture. The city also earned the title of ‘Food Capital of Finland’ because it’s home to many of the country’s oldest and most highly rated restaurants. As you might expect of a coastal city, the local cuisine...

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What to see & do in Finland

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Where & what to eat in Finland

Where to shop & what to buy in Finland

  • 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Helsinki

    As far as Finnish cities go, Helsinki is the clear number one for its range of both goods and shops. You don’t even have to venture outside the city centre for an endless selection of malls, brick-and-mortar shops, shopping malls, luxury shops and flea markets. You’re always guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. We’ve made shopping easy for you...

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Where to go & what to do at night in Finland

  • 10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Helsinki

    Are you looking for a bit of fun in the evening? Helsinki won’t let you down. There’s a great selection of alternatives: sports and adventures for the whole family, world-class theater shows, opera and dance, a large casino, and lots of concert venues and clubs. Below, there are 10 options which will help you find a suitable location quickly. All...

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