9-Day Finland Road Trip from Tampere traveling south to Turku, Helsinki, and Kotka

Say hello to Tampere! 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 Tampere for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!

Tampere is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Tampere. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Finland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Tampere. 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.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Brewery Restaurant Plevna, an acclaimed dining establishment in Tampere. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 3,975 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Restaurant Harald while experiencing the best of Tampere. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,504 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Pella’s cafe, an elegant culinary destination in Tampere. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,555 previous guests.

One of the best bars in Tampere you could visit tonight after your dinner is Moro Sky Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,550 customers.

Another popular bar in the city is Beer Restaurant Konttori. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,208 customers.

Locals also enjoy Save File - Pelaajan Olohuone. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 272 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Finland!

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Tampere. You’ll stay in Tampere for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Tampere on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

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

Don't miss out on experiencing Ravintola Coussicca, a renowned dining spot in Tampere. This restaurant's rich flavors have left a lasting impression on diners. Its dedication to culinary perfection is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,225 satisfied guests.

Make a reservation at Restaurant Tampella while immersing yourself in Tampere. This distinguished restaurant offers imaginative dishes, with a remarkable rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,192 guests.

Discover the culinary treasures of Ravintola Borneo, a beloved dining establishment within Tampere. Its exquisite menu promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to culinary bliss. Renowned for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 708 satisfied customers.

After dinner, visit Café Europa to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Tampere, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 758 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular place like Pub Simon. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Pub Simon has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 542 customers.

Bar K is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 508 customers.

Head back to your accommodation in Tampere and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Finland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Finland, where you’ll be making 3 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Tampere, Rauma, and Turku. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Turku. Turku will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you're ready to see some sights, Finlayson Factory Area is a great place to start with. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 4,941 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Museum Centre Vapriikki. This museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,742 travelers. Every year, 185,000 travelers come to experience this site to make the most of their time in Tampere.

We also recommend a stop at Moomin Museum. The museum has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,381 visitors.

Set your GPS to Rauma and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 1 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rauma beckons with new experiences!

When you’ve had your share of Rauma, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Turku. Your travel time is around 1 hour 14 min.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Turku, 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 Turku. 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.

Make your stay in Turku one for the books by indulging in an unforgettable culinary experience at Kaskis, a 1 Michelin star-rated gem acclaimed by food experts. Its delightful modern cuisine and the praise from satisfied patrons speak of its outstanding quality. Kaskis, which has a Bib Gourmand award, gives you the best value for your money, and ensures your dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Turku is Restaurant Kuori. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 644 happy diners.

Pippurimylly stands out as a local favorite in Turku. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,851 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Panimoravintola Koulu is a popular option with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,279 customers.

Another top option is Walo Rooftop Bar. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 864 customers.

Uusi Apteekki Pub is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 770 customers.

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.

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Finland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Turku and Helsinki. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Helsinki, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

Start your day with a visit to Turku Cathedral. This extraordinary lutheran cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,745 visitors.

Next, make your way to Old Great Square. This top attraction is a square with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,995 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to Kupittaa. This district is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 4,520 travelers.

If you’re keen to keep exploring, visit Adventure Park Seikkailupuisto. This highly recommended sightseeing destination has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,819 travelers.

Today is also your chance to spend some time at Turku Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 8,724 travelers.

Helsinki’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Turku behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 58 min. Helsinki welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Helsinki, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

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

Palace is the Bib Gourmand restaurant to visit if you’re craving culinary excellence. This 2-star Michelin restaurant has a diverse and enticing menu selection, which includes its delicious and signature modern meals.

Elevate your dining experience at a 1-star Michelin restaurant in Helsinki, Finnjävel Salonki. At this Bib Gourmand awardee, savor a combination of exceptional flavors with a memorable dining experience. This renowned restaurant’s meal selection includes its signature contemporary dishes, which are sure to tickle your taste buds.

Another culinary gem in Helsinki you shouldn’t miss is Olo. Enjoy a menu that has earned it a prestigious 1-star Michelin rating. Delivering a food experience like no other, this Bib Gourmand restaurant’s modern menu and exceptional service make it a must-visit destination for those seeking exceptional dining in the area.

When you’ve finished your meal, Kaisla is one of the best bars in Helsinki for an after-dinner drink. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

Roasberg is another of the most popular bars in the city. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,256 customers.

Alternatively, check out One Pint Pub. This popular place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, as rated by 796 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Finland!

Day 5 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Helsinki has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in Helsinki by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Helsinki.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Restaurant Kuu while you’re in Helsinki. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 977 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Helsinki is Ravintola Ragu. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 924 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

While in Helsinki, enjoy Restaurant Farang’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 1,081 satisfied guests.

If you feel like having a drink or two after your meal, an awesome bar you can go to is Liberty or Death. This place has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 685 customers.

To enjoy a great atmosphere, continue your evening at Restaurant Vltava. This bar is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 5,124 customers.

Hotel Kämp is another great place where you can celebrate your adventures in Helsinki. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,508 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Finland!

Day 6 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.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Finland that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Helsinki has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in Finland by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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.

Make a reservation at Restaurant HOKU, a popular dining spot in Helsinki. Its reputation for being a popular dining spot shines through its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 966 satisfied diners.

Make a reservation at Restaurant Savotta while indulging in the charm of Helsinki. This restaurant offers a delicious menu reflected with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, cherished by 1,076 discerning connoisseurs.

Indulge in the flavors of Ravintola Nerone, a treasured establishment in Helsinki. Its diverse menu promises to tantalize your palate and elevate your dining experience. Known for its exceptional service, it has earned a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 951 satisfied guests.

We recommend Ravintola Teerenpeli for many reasons. But most importantly, this bar serves a variety of food and beverages and has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,025 reviews.

You can also visit a popular bar like Restaurant Teatteri to have refreshing drinks and interact with locals and other travelers. This bar has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 1,757 bar-goers.

When you would rather go somewhere else, try The Riff. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,017 customers, this bar is one of Helsinki’s best places to relax after a long day.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Finland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Helsinki and Kotka. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Kotka. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Esplanadi park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 12,022 reviews.

Continue your journey at Finnish Museum of Natural History. This natural history museum is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,155 travelers from near and far.

Helsinki is also the home of Temppeliaukio Church. This cave church has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 11,662 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Sibelius Park. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 5,509 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Sibelius Monument. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,019 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this sculpture.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kotka. This car ride takes around 1 hour 32 min.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Kotka. Kotka 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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Kotka.

Make sure to reserve a table at Erkan Bistro & Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Kotka. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Its dedication to culinary innovation is evident in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 998 satisfied guests.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy culinary excellence at Tai Hing while in Kotka. This renowned dining destination showcases an exquisite menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, treasured by 816 previous guests.

Delight in the culinary creations of Maritime Centre Vellamo, a favorite in Kotka. Its innovative menu offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a reputation for excellence, it has earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,802 discerning guests.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Players Sports Bar, one of the top bars you could visit in the city. Players Sports Bar is an excellent place for a refreshing evening drink and is rated an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 572 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at Frans & Rosalie, Kotka. Around 480 customers have rated their experience at Frans & Rosalie, Kotka an average of 4 out of 5 stars.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Finland!

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Finland. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Kotka, Riihimäki, and Tampere, 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 Tampere. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Sapokka, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,810 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Katariina Seaside Park‎. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,357 travelers.

Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge is another must-visit attraction. This renowned museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,703 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Kotka, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Riihimäki may take around 1 hour 56 min. Upon your arrival in Riihimäki, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Tampere, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Riihimäki to Tampere may take around 1 hour 19 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Tampere, 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 Tampere's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at Tallipihan kahvila while you’re in Tampere. Famous for its lovely menu and mouthwatering dishes, it has captivated around 831 diners, earning it an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Another favorite dining locale in Tampere is Ravintola Näsinneula. Have a satisfying meal from the menu that has charmed its way to the hearts of around 631 happy customers, who gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

While in Tampere, enjoy Malabadi Tammela’s appetizing dishes. This dining establishment has earned a positive reputation and a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, thanks to the endorsements and reviews of around 756 satisfied guests.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in Tampere. Thrasherie Bar is a fantastic option, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 269 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, don't forget to check out Kievari Kahdet Kasvot. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 317 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Sailor's Bar & Grill. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 183 customers.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Finland.

Day 9 of your road trip in Finland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Tampere before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As you approach the end of your journey in Finland, take a moment for some retail therapy in Tampere’s celebrated shopping district. Thanks to your stay’s premier location, you can easily visit the city’s commercial hubs and wander through its diverse range of local shops without rushing.

Whether you’re on a hunt for an ideal present to give to your friends or family, or looking for a personal memento to remind you of Finland, a variety of items are waiting for you.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Tampere. 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!