One-Week Finland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Helsinki to Kotka, Tampere, and Turku and surrounding area

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Helsinki has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Helsinki by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Helsinki. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Uspenski Cathedral is the perfect place to start. This church is one of the most often recommended places to visit in Helsinki.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Senate Square. This culturally significant public square is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Helsinki Cathedral and Kaivopuisto. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Finland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Helsinki by securing a table at Palace. An esteemed 2-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Finnjävel Salonki, famous for its scrumptious contemporary dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Olo, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern cuisine in Helsinki. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Kaisla, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Beaver Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Praha provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Finland!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will explore Helsinki, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Kotka. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. Start at the curiosity-inducing Ateneum, an eye-catching museum in Helsinki. Next, go to Finnish Museum Of Natural History.

After visiting Ateneum and Finnish Museum Of Natural History, have a stroll along Helsinki's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Temppeliaukio Church. This breathtaking church offers a unique experience.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Vausti, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Canttiini? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Keisarinsatama as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Kotka.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Players Sports Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Kotka. You’ll stay in Kotka for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

A blend of family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Kotka on today’s itinerary. First up is the up-and-coming park, Katariina Seaside Park‎. Afterward, continue to Sapokka, a botanical garden every traveler should visit.

As you explore Kotka’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city. Next, make your way to Sibeliuksenpuisto. This frequently visited park is an essential stop. Following that, head to Maritime Centre Vellamo, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stop by Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge, an increasingly popular museum in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Finland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Kotka. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Maritime Centre Vellamo, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Ravintola India Palace beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Tai Hing. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Kotka tonight.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Finland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Anjala and Raikku. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Tampere. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Kotka. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Susikoski is the perfect place to start. This waterfall is one of the most often recommended places to visit in Kotka. Next, head to Vehoniemi Automobile Museum, an up-and-coming museum, known for its breathtaking features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Vehoniemi Observation Tower. This enchanting observation deck is a highly recommended experience. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Tampere. Tampere offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Tampere's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Vaakon Nakki, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Sailor's Bar & Grill is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Zeytuun. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Tampere tonight.

Keep the evening going at Thrasherie Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Huurupiilo, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Moro Sky Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Say good night to Tampere and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Finland!

On day 6 of your road trip in Finland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Tampere. In the evening, you’ll end up in Turku, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Tampere. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a historical landmark, a park, a museum, an observation deck, a botanical garden and much more! Begin your adventure at Finlayson Area. This is a beloved historical landmark you should not miss. Another must-see is Koskipuisto, an intriguing park in Tampere.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Museum Centre Vapriikki. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower, another of the city’s curiosity-inducing attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Hatanpää Park Arboretum, a masterful place of interest in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Turku. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Start your culinary exploration in Turku by securing a reservation at Kaskis. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Ravintola Masala, a popular restaurant in Turku. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Bar Edison after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Rento for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Pikku Havanna is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Finland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Finland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Turku. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Helsinki, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Turku, including a church, a public square, a park, a castle and much more! Start your adventure at Turku Cathedral. This intriguing church is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Old Great Square located in Turku for another exciting encounter.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Kupittaa. Its majestic features will captivate you. After the park, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Turku Castle. Visitors usually appreciate the picture-perfect features of this castle.

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

As you explore more of Helsinki, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Don’t miss out on dining at Löyly Helsinki, a top-rated dining destination in Helsinki. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ravintola Nokka, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Hotel Kämp. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Helsinki this evening.

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Riff, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Roasberg, a bar catering to every mood and preference.

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.