5-Day Finland Road Trip from Helsinki traveling east to Kotka

Say hello to Helsinki! Your exciting road trip through Finland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Helsinki for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Helsinki is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Esplanadi park or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Helsinki. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Helsinki. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Start your culinary exploration in Helsinki by securing a reservation at Palace. This renowned restaurant holds 2 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Finnjävel Salonki, celebrated for its delectable contemporary menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Olo, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Base Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, One Pint Pub offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Liberty or Death, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Finland!

Day 2 of your road trip across Finland promises a magnificent time exploring Helsinki. You have 1 night left in Helsinki. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Journey into the unknown at Linnanmäki, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable amusement park has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 26,571 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Senate Square is a recommended place to visit. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 19,379 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Helsinki is Kauppatori. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 26,148 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Helsinki offers an experience you will remember.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else Helsinki has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences Helsinki offers and add your favorites to your Finland travel package below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Helsinki's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Lappi Ravintola, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Restaurant Vltava? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ravintola Karl-Johan Oy as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Helsinki.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Kaisla stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Beaver Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Praha is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Finland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Helsinki. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Kotka, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Ateneum. This art museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Helsinki, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 7,952 visitors. Around 400,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Temppeliaukio Church is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 12,801 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Sibelius Monument. Visitors have rated this sculpture an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 6,272 reviews.

Korkeasaari Zoo, boasting an annual visitor count of up to 498,266 people, is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a zoo rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 12,811 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Kotka, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Kotka. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at Vausti, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Canttiini is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Keisarinsatama. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Kotka tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Players Sports Bar, a top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Finland!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Kotka. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Helsinki, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see Maritime Centre Vellamo. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,890 visitors.

Sibeliuksenpuisto is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This park has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 603 travelers.

Kotka is also the home of Sapokka. Around 2,859 people have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Katariina Seaside Park‎. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 2,436 reviews, a visit to this park is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Kotka is also your chance to admire Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge. This must-visit museum enjoys an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,753 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Helsinki. Helsinki offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Helsinki. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Make sure to book a table at Löyly Helsinki, a popular restaurant in Helsinki. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Helsinki at Ravintola Nokka, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Hotel Kämp. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Helsinki tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Riff, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Roasberg offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Helsinki.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Finland.

Day 5 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Helsinki before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Finland, take time to indulge in shopping at Helsinki’s popular marketplace. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Kaivopuisto, a remarkable neighbourhood of helsinki where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 6,806 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Finland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Helsinki.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Restaurant Olo, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Ravintola Teerenpeli offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Restaurant Pompier.

You’ll then say farewell to Helsinki. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Finland!