Historical Old Porvoo

Like stepping into a storybook! In Old Porvoo, you’ll find charming courtyards, small boutiques, idyllic cafés, and near-hidden gardens tucked between the buildings. Most of the structures in Old Porvoo date from 1760 to 1820.

Take time to visit the galleries and museums, and explore the city’s rich 800-year history – Porvoo is Finland’s second-oldest city.

See at least these:

On top of the hill: Porvoo Cathedral
This striking late-Gothic cathedral crowns the hill in Old Porvoo. Various events and concerts are held here. Construction began in the 15th century.

A leap into history: Porvoo museum 

One of Finland’s oldest museums, Porvoo Museum offers exhibitions that trace the city’s and the country’s history through the ages.

Art in the heart of Old Porvoo: Gallery Vanha Kappalaisentalo
Housed in an 18th-century building on the edge of Town Hall Square, this gallery hosts changing exhibitions in a beautifully tranquil setting.

Shopping in Porvoo: from boutiques to flea markets

In Porvoo you’ll find the most wonderful boutiques, stoneware shops, second-hand shops, summer markets and flea markets. For example, Bohemia, on the outskirts of Old Porvoo, has great second-hand clothes and accessories to go with new furnishings. In the centre of the Old Town, in a light pink wooden building, Riimikko toy shop with its old-fashioned toys is a real treat for children and adults alike.

Just outside the city centre, in the so-called ‘industrial area’, you will find interesting flea markets and antique shops. Tavara Kammari is a locals’ favourite for its quality antique furniture and curiosities. Nearby you’ll also find the legendary Porvoon Wanha Rautakauppa – a hardware store where time stands still and where you can find just about anything you need to renovate an old house!

Flavours of Porvoo: From Michelin stars to Runeberg tortes 

Porvoo is considered one of Finland’s culinary capitals. For a town of its size, it boasts an impressively broad selection of restaurants offering both traditional Finnish and international cuisine. Many focus on local and organic ingredients.

Top-rated restaurants include Sinne, Sicapelle, and the Michelin-starred Vår, housed in a building over 140 years old. You’ll also find many charming lunch spots and cosy cafés in Old Porvoo and the city centre area.

Try the plant-based menus at Aatos Café or Ani’s Café. Aatos, located in a former cinema, is a wellbeing, cultural and events hub serving vegetarian meals, smoothies, and homemade raw cakes. Ani’s Café, located between the old town and the new centre, offers fresh salads, soups, hot vegetarian dishes, and organic coffee and tea on weekdays.

Did you know that in Porvoo you can enjoy the famous Runeberg tortes – named after Finland’s national poet J. L. Runeberg – all year round, not just in February? To accompany the tortes, just follow the scent of fresh coffee to Porvoon Paahtimo, the town’s artisanal coffee roastery!

From riverside views to the archipelago and abandoned railways

Nature is always close in Porvoo. The National Urban Park – a vast network of parks, forests, waterfronts, and historical landmarks – begins right next to Old Porvoo and extends through the river landscape all the way to the outer archipelago. This active archipelago, Pellinge island, is an active village community, surrounded by sparkling straits and rugged cliffs.

Other highlights include Linnamäki, Finland’s largest ancient hillfort; the rugged charm of Näsi Forest Park; and the romantic old train station with its vintage locomotives.

Many of these sites have been immortalised in the works of renowned painter Albert Edelfelt.

Let Porvoo’s bohemian spirit inspire you

Porvoo has long been a magnet for artists. Its natural beauty and atmospheric old town have inspired many creatives – from Edelfelt and fellow painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela to poet J. L. Runeberg. Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomins, spent all her summers in Pellinge archipelago, drawing endless inspiration to her art work.

This small city radiates bohemian charm, with countless galleries, artisan shops, and cultural events happening year-round. Runeberg’s Home Museum – Finland’s oldest home museum – is a must-see. And if your visit coincides with one of Porvoo’s festivals, these include the amazing Porvoo Jazz Festival, the bold and experimental Avanti! Summer Sounds, the Porvoo Lights light art festival, the spooky Ghost Night, and the vibrant happenings at the old factory building Taidetehdas (Art Factory).

Read more about Porvoo and its events : https://www.visitporvoo.fi/en

Old Porvoo: https://www.vanhaporvoo.org/