Picture yourself walking down cobbled streets lined with old dollhouse-like wooden houses in pastel colours. Enter some of them, and come across quality restaurants, handcraft and homeware shops, or galleries.
Then, imagine you are in Finland, named the world’s happiest country for the eighth successive year by the World Happiness Report. Welcome to Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest city best known for its Wooden Old Town, charming cafes and riverside warehouses. The seaside city is just 22 miles from the capital Helsinki on the south coast of the country, and has approximately 52,000 residents.
The city has become a favourite destination for both tourists and locals, ideal for a short visit due to its blend of old-town charm and stunning natural surroundings.
For the most photographed spot in Porvoo, visit the picturesque Red Shore Houses. These iconic buildings have been painted red since the late 18th century to honour King Gustav III of Sweden during his visit to the city. But the town’s history goes all the way back to the Iron Age, with a burial site from that era discovered in 1965.
The city is also a paradise for foodies. A local favourite restaurant, Sicapelle, blends Italian flavours with fresh, regional ingredients. Bistro Sinne offers a local menu in an artistic atmosphere, and for a sweet treat, stop by The Little Chocolate Factory to enjoy rich hot cocoa and handcrafted chocolates.
An particularly famous dessert is Runeberg’s cake named after Finland’s national poet J. L. Runeberg who lived in Porvoo most of his life. The pastry is typically eaten close to the poet’s birthday in February, but can be found at local cafés all year around.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the elegant boutique hotel Runo provides a cosy retreat – perfect for an overnight stay or a brunch featuring Finnish specialities like foraged mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and freshly baked bread.
For culture lovers, the Art Factory is a new centre that houses exhibitions, concerts and working spaces for artists.
Porvoo’s centre also opens up to a national urban park. Designed in 2010, the park extends approximately 10 km south from Old Porvoo and boasts stunning natural attractions available for walking, biking and cross-country skiing.
