Porvoo

One of Finland's oldest cities lies on a river to the east of Helsinki. The old town is made up of cobbled streets, wooden houses painted in pastel shades, and red riverside warehouses, above which a medieval cathedral rises. The city is known for its cafés, small shops, and the Runeberg torte, a pastry named after the poet who lived here. Porvoo makes a lovely half-day or full-day trip from the capital.