Porvoo Old Town guided tour: Medieval streets heritage

Walk Porvoo's 18th-century streets and discover the stories behind its medieval roots

This guided walking tour departs Helsinki for Porvoo, Finland's second oldest city, 50 kilometers away. You'll spend three hours on foot through the Old Town with a local guide who shares the town's history and culture, then have free time to browse cafés and shops before returning to Helsinki by intercity bus. The tour includes round-trip bus tickets and an English or Spanish-speaking guide, and wraps up around 4pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour of Porvoo Old Town

• Meet guide at Kamppi Shopping Centre
• Travel by bus to Porvoo
• Guided walk through Porvoo Old Town
• Visit Porvoo Cathedral
• See art exhibitions in 18th century building
• Visit Devil’s Stairs and hear legends
• Free time to explore Porvoo
• Return to bus station with guide
• Bus ride back to Helsinki
• Tour ends at Kamppi Shopping Centre

The experience

The day starts at Kamppi Shopping Centre at 8:50am, where you'll meet your guide before boarding an intercity bus for the 50-minute ride to Porvoo. The route takes you through the Finnish countryside, and once you arrive, the guided portion begins: a three-hour walk through the Old Town that moves past the famous landmarks but also down the quieter side streets where the town's character actually lives. Your guide will point out the 15th-century Porvoo Cathedral, the Devil's Stairs with their local legends, and art exhibitions housed in preserved 18th-century buildings, weaving together the medieval roots and the present-day culture as you go.

After the guided tour ends, the time is yours. Some travelers stop at a café overlooking the Porvoonjoki River Valley, others browse the local shops for souvenirs, and some simply wander the cobblestone streets at their own pace. There's no fixed schedule for this part. You decide when you're ready to leave. When you are, your guide will walk you back to the bus station for the return journey to Helsinki, arriving at Kamppi around 4pm.

What’s included

• Round-trip intercity bus tickets from Helsinki to Porvoo.
• three-hour guided walking tour with a local guide who speaks English or Spanish.
• access to Porvoo Old Town, Porvoo Cathedral, the Devil's Stairs, and art exhibitions in historic buildings.
• free time to explore cafés, shops, and galleries at your own pace.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 16 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Helsinki & Porvoo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a structured introduction to Porvoo's history and layout with a knowledgeable guide, followed by time to wander and discover your own favorite corners. The fixed three-hour walk keeps the day manageable while the free time afterward means you're not rushed. You explore what interests you most before heading back to Helsinki.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How long is the actual walking portion of the Porvoo tour?

The guided walk through Porvoo Old Town lasts three hours, covering the main attractions and side streets with your local guide. After that, you have free time to explore on your own before heading back to the bus station.

What is the Porvoo Cathedral and why is it significant?

Porvoo Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral built mainly in the 15th century, with some parts dating to the 13th century. It serves as the seat of the Swedish-speaking diocese and is a symbol of Finland's rich heritage, having survived fires and wars to remain an active place of worship and a key landmark in the town's history.

Do I have to stay with the group the whole time in Porvoo?

No. After the three-hour guided tour, you have free time to explore Porvoo at your own pace: visit cafés, shops, galleries, or walk around the Old Town on your own. Your guide will meet you back at the bus station when you're ready to return to Helsinki.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes round-trip intercity bus tickets between Helsinki and Porvoo, a three-hour guided walk with an English or Spanish-speaking local guide, and free time to explore the town. Food, drinks, and any personal expenses are not included.

How much time do I have for free exploration in Porvoo?

After the three-hour guided walk, you have flexible free time before the return bus departs. The exact amount depends on when you finish exploring and decide to head back to the bus station, but the tour is scheduled to return to Helsinki around 4pm.

What should I pack for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the three-hour guided portion. In summer, bring a light jacket and umbrella since Finnish weather changes quickly. In winter, temperatures can drop to -25°C, so pack warm coats, scarves, hats, and gloves. Travel insurance is also recommended.