2 Best Sights in Southwestern Coast and the Ålands, Finland

Some of Finland's most famous paintings, including works by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, as well as a broad selection of turn-of-the-20th-century Finnish art and contemporary works, are housed in this imposing granite building. Situated on a hill above the city, the building was completed in 1904 and in itself is worth the visit. Call ahead for information on guided tours.

This museum of history and contemporary art in Turku displays a unique combination of the two elements. Begun as a straightforward extension of the Villa von Rettig collection, the museum's concept changed when workers discovered archaeological remains, which were excavated and incorporated into the museum. Modern art in the old villa, part of the Matti Koivuranta Foundation Collection, includes works by Auguste Herbin (1882–1960) and Max Ernst (1891–1976), as well as works by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney, although not all works are always on display. The preserved excavations, revealing the sunken former street level of the city, in the Aboa Vetus section date to as early as the 13th century.