Things To Do
in Turku
Turku is a historic city located on the southwest coast of Finland, known for its beautiful archipelago and medieval castle. The city is a hub of culture and education, with a university dating back to the 1920s. Turku's lively riverfront market square offers a variety of local foods and goods, while the Aura River flowing through the city provides a picturesque setting for leisurely walks.
Overall, Turku combines a rich history with modern amenities, making it a charming destination for visitors.
- "Moikka" - Hi
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Ole hyvä" - You're welcome
- "Yhteystiedot" - Contact information
- "Näkemiin" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a walk along the Aura River, taking in the picturesque views. Enjoy a breakfast at one of the cafes by the river.
Visit the Turku Castle to learn about the city's history. Spend some time exploring the surrounding park and gardens.
Dine at a local restaurant offering traditional Finnish cuisine. Stroll along the river to enjoy the evening ambiance.
Head to the Turku Museum of Art to appreciate Finnish art collections. Spend time walking through the museum’s beautiful gardens.
Visit the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum to see contemporary and archaeological exhibits. Enjoy a light lunch at the museum cafe.
Catch a performance at the Turku City Theatre. After the show, grab a coffee at a cozy cafe nearby.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural history, with numerous museums and historical sites.
- Beautiful surroundings with access to nature, including archipelagos and parks.
- Strong educational institutions, including Turku University and Åbo Akademi University.
- Vibrant student life, with a large population of university students.
- Good quality of life and safety, with low crime rates.
- Cold winters with long periods of snow and subzero temperatures.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger Finnish cities.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other destinations in Finland.
- Can be less vibrant than larger cities like Helsinki or Tampere in terms of nightlife.
- Public transportation options may be less extensive than in bigger cities.
Best Activities in Turku
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning Turku Archipelago by boat, kayak, or bicycle.
Enjoy hiking, cycling, or picnicking in the beautiful nature of Ruissalo Island.
Take a relaxing river cruise along the Aura River to see the city from a different perspective.
Spend time outdoors in Vartiovuori Park while enjoying the panoramic views of Turku.
Tours
Uncover the best of Turku with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Turku
Visit one of these nice places.
Located by the Aura River, Turku Castle offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area, as well as a chance to explore the historic fortress itself.
The archipelago off the coast of Turku provides endless photo opportunities with its picturesque islands, lighthouses, and beautiful sea views.
With its impressive architecture and location in the heart of Turku, the cathedral offers great views both inside and out, including panoramic vistas from the tower.
Food in Turku
Turku Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Finnish fish pie made with fish, pork, and bacon, encased in rye crust pastry. Must-try at Turku Market Hall or Brahen Kellari.
Must-Try!
Creamy salmon soup, a Finnish staple. Best enjoyed at Pikkuveli or Svarte Rudolf.
Blueberry pie, a popular Finnish dessert. Head to Café Art for a delightful serving.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Turku better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant indoor market offering a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food. Don't miss the grilled muikku (vendace) by the riverside.
A bustling outdoor market featuring food stalls with delectable offerings such as vendace, grilled sausages, and traditional crepes (letut).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Turku, Finland, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation. Maintaining a comfortable distance is considered respectful.
It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone's home in Turku. This is a sign of respect for the cleanliness of the home, and it is important to follow this cultural norm when visiting a Finnish household.
Being punctual is highly valued in Finnish culture, including in Turku. Arriving on time for social gatherings, meetings, and appointments demonstrates respect for others and their time.
Safety
Tipping in Turku
Ensure a smooth experience
In Turku, Finland, tipping is not a customary practice. It is not expected or required to tip in restaurants, taxis, or hotels. Service charges are usually included in the bill, and any extra gratuity is optional and based on personal discretion.
Payment in Turku, Finland is commonly done using credit or debit cards. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and public transportation, accept card payments. Cash is also accepted, but it's becoming less common. Contactless payments and mobile payment apps are widely used and preferred for their convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The spring season in Turku brings milder temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the city's parks and gardens.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Turku, with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and a lively atmosphere. It's a great time for water activities and exploring the archipelago.
Autumn in Turku offers beautiful foliage as the leaves change color. The city becomes quieter, and visitors can enjoy the crisp air and seasonal produce at local markets.
Winter in Turku brings snow and cold temperatures, creating a winter wonderland scene. Visitors can experience traditional Finnish winter activities like ice skating, sledding, and sauna visits.
Turku at Night
Hiking in Turku
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful island with various hiking trails surrounded by nature, offering stunning views of the archipelago.
Located close to the city center, this park has well-maintained trails that are perfect for short hikes and enjoying nature.
A scenic trail that winds through historical areas and natural landscapes, providing an engaging hiking experience.
Offers tranquil hiking paths through forests and along the coastline, ideal for nature lovers.
A series of trails that connect the islands, providing fantastic views and diverse landscapes, suitable for a longer hiking excursion.
Aiports
How to reach Turku by plane.
The main international airport in Finland, located about 170 kilometers from Turku, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
An international airport located in Sweden, approximately 400 kilometers from Turku, serving as a major hub for flights to various destinations.
The main international airport in Estonia, located around 250 kilometers from Turku, offering a number of international flights.
International airport located in Oulu, Finland, about 600 kilometers from Turku, serving both domestic and European flights.
One of the largest international airports in Scandinavia, located in Denmark, about 900 kilometers from Turku, with numerous global connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Turku, representing the largest demographic segment.
A significant minority in Turku, particularly given the city's history and proximity to Sweden.
A notable demographic, consisting of expatriates and historical communities.
An immigrant community that has grown in recent years, contributing to Turku's cultural diversity.
Includes various other groups such as Estonians, Arabs, and other immigrant populations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Turku, with a strong fan base and competitive teams like Turun Palloseura (TPS).
Football is widely played in Turku, with clubs such as FC Inter Turku and FC TPS representing the city in various leagues.
Floorball is a popular indoor sport in Turku, with numerous clubs and leagues that engage players of all ages.
Basketball has a growing following in Turku, with local teams often competing at high levels in Finnish leagues.
Running is a favored recreational activity in Turku, with many local events, trails, and paths that attract both casual and competitive runners.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Turku.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Turku caters very well to vegetarians with numerous restaurants offering creative vegetarian dishes. Notable options include Kivikukkaro and Mami.
Vegans can enjoy delicious plant-based meals at places like Tårget and Tiirikkala.
Several eateries in Turku are accommodating to gluten-free diners, such as Ravintola Mami and Panimoravintola Koulu.