Turku, Finland Travel Guide

Discover Turku, Finland's oldest city, where medieval history meets vibrant modern culture along the picturesque Aura River.

Turku, Finland's oldest city, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Nestled on the southwest coast, it offers a unique blend of medieval architecture and modern urban life. The Aura River runs through the heart of the city, providing a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and boat cruises. Explore the Turku Castle, a grand structure dating back to the 13th century. It has witnessed many pivotal moments in Finnish history. Nearby, the Turku Cathedral stands as another testament to the city's rich past. It's the oldest church in Finland and a must-see for history buffs. For a taste of local life, visit the bustling Market Square. Here, you can sample traditional Finnish foods and buy handmade crafts. The nearby Turku Art Museum showcases Finnish art in a beautiful hilltop setting. If you're visiting in summer, don't miss the Turku Archipelago. With over 20,000 islands, it offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and exploring. Turku is also a city of festivals. The Medieval Market and the Turku Music Festival are just two of the many events that draw crowds from all over the world. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Turku has something to offer every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Turku.

Visit during summer to experience the Turku Archipelago at its best.
Take a boat cruise along the Aura River for a unique view of the city.
Explore the local markets for traditional Finnish foods and crafts.
Check out the city's festival calendar to catch a local event.
Wear comfortable shoes; Turku's cobblestone streets are best explored on foot.

Neighbourhoods in Turku

Naantali

Ruissalo

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Turku

Explore Turku: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Turku

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Turku Castle

Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Turku Castle, a majestic symbol of Finland's heritage and a must-visit tourist attraction.

4.5

Turku Market Square

Experience the lively atmosphere and rich culture of Turku Market Square, where local vendors, delicious Finnish cuisine, and vibrant events await.

3.8

Kupittaa Park

Discover the beauty of Kupittaa Park in Turku, a sprawling green space filled with recreational activities, scenic walks, and family-friendly attractions.

4.4

Turku Cathedral

Explore the historic Turku Cathedral, Finland's oldest stone church, blending stunning architecture with rich cultural heritage in the heart of Turku.

4.6

Best landmarks in Turku

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Turku Castle

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Turku Castle, a must-visit attraction in the heart of Finland's oldest city.

4.5

Hansakortteli

Visit Hansakortteli in Turku for an unforgettable shopping experience blending local culture with contemporary retail and cuisine.

4.0

Turku Market Square

Discover the vibrant culture and delicious flavors at Turku Market Square, the bustling heart of Turku, Finland, rich in history and local charm.

3.8

Kupittaa Park

Discover the natural beauty and recreational charm of Kupittaa Park, an urban oasis in Turku, Finland, perfect for relaxation and family fun.

4.4

Best restaurants in Turku

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Pippurimylly

Experience exquisite steaks and gourmet pizzas at Pippurimylly in Turku, Finland - a culinary haven for food lovers.

4.4

Pub Niska

Savor delicious pizzas at Pub Niska in Turku - where every bite tells a story of local flavors and culinary excellence.

4.4

Blanko

Discover the culinary delights of Blanko in Turku—where European flavors meet local ingredients in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

4.3

Ristorante Pizzeria Dennis

Experience authentic Italian flavors at Ristorante Pizzeria Dennis in Turku, where delicious pizzas and pasta await you.

4.1

Best bars in Turku

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Rento

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Turku at Rento, a stylish bar offering a diverse drink selection and a lively atmosphere.

4.1

Ravintola Trappi

Discover the flavors of Finland at Ravintola Trappi, Naantali's culinary treasure featuring fresh, local ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.

3.9

Walo Rooftop Bar

Discover Walo Rooftop Bar in Turku: a blend of stunning views, exquisite cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

4.3

Uusi Apteekki Pub

Experience the unique blend of history and modernity at Uusi Apteekki Pub in Turku, where every drink tells a story in a former pharmacy.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Turku

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Dynamo

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Dynamo Night Club in Turku, where electrifying music and an energetic crowd create unforgettable experiences.

4.0

Night Club Marilyn

Discover the pulse of Turku's nightlife at Night Club Marilyn, where music and dancing come alive in an unforgettable atmosphere.

3.1

Apollo A Live Club

Experience the pulsating energy of Turku's nightlife at Apollo A Live Club, where live music meets vibrant ambiance for an unforgettable night.

3.2

Rabalder Bar Turku

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Turku at Rabalder Bar, where great drinks and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.

4.4

Best shops in Turku

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Hansakortteli

Explore Hansakortteli, Turku's vibrant shopping mall with diverse shops, cozy cafes, and a lively atmosphere perfect for tourists.

4.0

Shopping center Skanssi

Explore the vibrant Shopping Center Skanssi in Turku for a unique blend of shopping, dining, and a serene memorial park experience.

4.1

H&M

Discover the latest fashion trends and stylish essentials for the entire family at H&M in Turku, your go-to clothing store.

4.0

Zara

Explore the latest fashion trends at Zara in Turku, offering stylish clothing and accessories for the modern traveler.

3.9

Explore Turku on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Turku, mapped for you.

Turku Essentials

Turku is easily accessible by air, sea, and land. The nearest airport is Turku Airport (TKU), located about 8 kilometers from the city center. It offers direct flights to several European destinations. For those traveling by sea, Turku has a busy port with daily ferry connections to Stockholm, Sweden, and other Baltic Sea destinations. By land, Turku is well-connected by train and bus services from Helsinki and other major Finnish cities. The train journey from Helsinki to Turku takes approximately two hours.
Turku has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and ferries. The local bus network, operated by Föli, covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Single tickets and day passes are available for purchase via mobile apps, ticket machines, or directly from the bus driver. Taxis are also readily available and can be booked via phone or mobile apps. For those who prefer cycling, Turku offers a bike-sharing system called Föli Bikes, with several docking stations throughout the city.
The official currency in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turku, including in taxis, restaurants, and shops. Contactless payments and mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also common. ATMs are available throughout the city, and most banks offer currency exchange services. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in markets or smaller establishments.
Turku is considered one of the safest cities in Finland. However, like any city, it is wise to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as the Market Square and during events. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific areas in Turku known for high crime rates targeting tourists, but always exercise caution and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Turku has several hospitals and medical centers, including Turku University Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are widely available, and many offer 24-hour service. Carry a copy of your travel insurance and identification at all times. The local tourist information center can also assist with emergency contacts and support.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and according to the weather. Layers are recommended as the weather can change quickly. Avoid overly flashy attire. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting religious sites. Remove hats and remain silent inside churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when boarding public transport. Don't eat or drink on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Moi' (Hello) or 'Hei' (Hi). A firm handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Turku's archipelago bread and fish dishes. Don't leave food on your plate, as it is considered wasteful.
To experience Turku like a local, explore the Aura River's banks, which are lined with cafes, restaurants, and historic sites. Visit the Turku Market Hall for fresh produce and local delicacies. Participate in local events such as the Medieval Market or Ruisrock Festival. Take a ferry to the nearby islands in the Turku Archipelago for a peaceful retreat. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their city.

When is the best time to visit Turku?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Turku

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Turku. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloMoikka
  [moy-kah]
- GoodbyeNäkemiin
  [nah-keh-meen]
- YesKyllä
  [kuu-laa]
- NoEi
  [ay]
- Please/You're welcomeOle hyvä
  [oh-leh huu-vaa]
- Thank youKiitos
  [kee-tohss]
- Excuse me/SorryAnteeksi
  [ahn-teh-ehk-see]
- How are you?Mitä kuuluu?
  [mee-taa ku-loo-oo]
- Fine. And you?Hyvin. Entä sinä?
  [hoo-veen. en-taah see-naah]
- Do you speak English?Puhutko englantia?
  [poo-hoot-koh eng-lahn-tee-ah]
- I don't understandEn ymmärrä
  [ayn uum-maar-raah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaisinko ruokalistan, kiitos
  [sai-sin-koh roo-kah-lee-stahn, kee-tohss]
- I don't eat meatEn syö lihaa
  [ayn syo lee-haa]
- Cheers!Kippis!
  [keep-pees]
- I would like to pay, pleaseHaluan maksaa, kiitos
  [hah-loo-ahn mahk-saa, kee-tohss]
- Help!Apua!
  [ah-poo-ah]
- Go away!Mene pois!
  [meh-neh poys]
- Call the Police!Soita poliisille!
  [soy-tah poh-lee-see-leh]
- Call a doctor!Soita lääkärille!
  [soy-tah laa-kar-ree-leh]
- I'm lostOlen eksynyt
  [oh-lehn eks-oo-nuut]
- I'm illOlen sairas
  [oh-lehn saa-ee-rahs]
- I'd like to buy...Haluan ostaa...
  [hah-loo-ahn oh-staa]
- I'm just lookingKatson vain
  [kaat-sohn vain]
- How much is it?Paljonko se maksaa?
  [pahl-yon-koh seh mahk-saa]
- That's too expensiveSe on liian kallis
  [seh ohn lee-ahn kahl-lease]
- Can you lower the price?Voitteko laskea hintaa?
  [voy-teh-koh lah-skeh-ah hin-taa]
- What time is it?Paljonko kello on?
  [pahl-yon-koh kehl-lo ohn]
- It's one o'clockKello on yksi
  [kehl-lo ohn uuk-see]
- Half past (10)Puoli (kymmenen)
  [poo-oh-lee kuum-meh-nehn]
- MorningAamu
  [ah-moo]
- AfternoonIltapäivä
  [eel-tah-pai-vaa]
- EveningIlta
  [eel-tah]
- YesterdayEilen
  [ay-lenn]
- TodayTänään
  [taa-naan]
- TomorrowHuomenna
  [hoo-oh-men-nah]
- 1Yksi
  [uuk-see]
- 2Kaksi
  [kahk-see]
- 3Kolme
  [kohl-meh]
- 4Neljä
  [nell-yaa]
- 5Viisi
  [vee-see]
- 6Kuusi
  [koo-see]
- 7Seitsemän
  [site-seh-maan]
- 8Kahdeksan
  [kah-dehk-saan]
- 9Yhdeksän
  [uh-dehk-saan]
- 10Kymmenen
  [kuum-meh-nehn]
- Where's a/the...?Missä on...
  [mees-saa ohn]
- What's the address?Mikä on osoite?
  [mee-kah ohn oh-soy-teh]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Voitteko näyttää minulle (kartalla)?
  [voy-teh-koh nay-staah min-ooh-leh (kahr-tahl-lah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Milloin seuraava (bussi)?
  [meel-loin seuh-rah-vaa (boos-see)]
- A ticket (to ....)Lippu (....)
  [leep-poo]

History of Turku

Turku, known as Åbo in Swedish, is the oldest city in Finland, founded around the end of the 13th century. It quickly grew into an important trading hub due to its strategic location at the mouth of the Aura River, facilitating trade between Finland and other parts of Europe.
During the medieval period, Turku became the administrative center of Finland under Swedish rule. Turku Castle, built in the late 13th century, stands as a monumental relic of this era. The castle served both as a defensive fortress and a luxurious residence for Swedish nobility.
Consecrated in 1300, Turku Cathedral is one of Finland's most significant religious buildings. It has witnessed numerous historical events, including royal coronations and state funerals. The cathedral has undergone several expansions and renovations, reflecting various architectural styles.
On September 4, 1827, Turku was devastated by the largest urban fire in Finland's history. The Great Fire destroyed approximately 75% of the city, including many historical buildings. This event led to significant urban planning changes and the relocation of the Finnish capital to Helsinki.
In recent times, Turku has embraced its rich cultural heritage. It was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2011, showcasing its vibrant arts scene, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural festivals. This recognition has helped boost tourism and cultural initiatives in the city.
Founded in 1918, Åbo Akademi University is an important institution in Turku, contributing to the city's academic and cultural life. It offers education in Swedish and has played a significant role in preserving Swedish-speaking culture in Finland.
Turku is the gateway to the stunning Archipelago Sea, a vast network of over 20,000 islands. The city's maritime traditions are deeply rooted in its history, from ancient Viking routes to modern-day sailing. The Archipelago Trail is a popular route that allows visitors to explore this unique maritime landscape.