The best tourist attractions and amazing spots to discover in Turku

How do you recognize a medieval European town? Some say it is the riverfront, the market square, the castle and the cathedral. Sounds familiar – in fact, it sounds like Turku!

 

The main attractions of Turku

Turku Castle, Linnankatu 80

Turku Castle is a more than 700 year old historical monument. It has stood guard over the river Aura estuary since the 1280’s. Its granite stone walls hold within them the history of Finland, Sweden and the other Nordic countries.

www.turunlinna.fi/en/

 

Turku Cathedral, Tuomiokirkonkatu 1

Turku Cathedral is the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland, and the country’s national shrine. It was consecrated as a cathedral (as the main church in the diocese) in 17th June 1300. Its history spreads thus over more than 7 centuries.

https://www.turuntuomiokirkko.fi/english

 

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, Itäinen Rantakatu 4-6

Museum of Archaeology and Contemporary Art Aboa Vetus Ars Nova is situated in the center of Turku, Finland. Aboa Vetus’ archaeological site and exhibitions tell a story of the city. Ars Nova exhibitions are concentrated on contemporary art and on presenting the museum’s art collection.

www.avan.fi/en

 

Luostarinmäki 1827, Vartiovuorenkatu 2

A historical open air museum, where you get to see Turku how it was before the Great Fire of 1827.  The homes and workshops tell the stories of lives and work in Luostarinmäki and Turku in different times. In summer, you will meet craftsmen in the workshops and hosts in their daily chores.

https://www.turku.fi/en/luostarinmaki

 

Turku Art Museum, Aurakatu 26

The Museum exhibitions provide a fascinating panorama of art, from iconic pieces to the very latest contemporary artworks. The granite museum building is one of the most prominent landmarks in Turku and an attraction in its own right. The museum also hosts an atmospheric cafe.

https://turuntaidemuseo.fi/en

 

Forum Marinum Maritime Centre, Linnankatu 72

The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a National specialist museum for Maritime History, and the Finnish Navy Museum.

https://www.forum-marinum.fi/en/

 

Archipelago cruise on the steamship Ukkopekka

A summertime day cruise sails from Turku to sunny Naantali, the Old Town Marina, next to Moomin World and back again. The route passes the lace villas of Ruissalo towards the north shore of the Airisto and Naantali.

https://www.ukkopekka.fi/en-gb/home

 

Things to do

Kurjenrahka nationalpark

luontoon.fi/kurjenrahka

 

Järvelän avantouinti, Järveläntie 133

Public sauna and winter swimming

jarvela.fi

More info: Home – Visitturku.fi

Shops in Turku

Shopping Centre Hansa, Yliopistonkatu 20

https://hansakortteli.fi/en/in-english/

At Hansa, you can find the Marimekko store, where you will find large selection of clothes, bags and interior decoration: porcelain, table cloths, glassware, towels and many more from the world famous Finnish textile company. www.marimekko.com

 

Stockmann department store, Yliopistonkatu 22

stockmann.com/fi

Stockmann is a Finnish department store, where everything from clothes, cosmetics, home design items to food and alcohol reside under the same roof. Their home section on the 3rd floor houses many famous Finnish brands such as the Moomins, Iittala, Aarikka, Marimekko and ARABIA FINLAND.

 

Turku Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16

www.kauppahalli.fi/en/

Turku Market Hall is the perfect place to try some local food and enjoy eating in a cozy restaurant or in a special café – the old train carriage.

 

Kui Design, Kristiinankatu 6, 20100 Turku

kuidesign.fi/

Design from Turku! Kui Design offer their customers home textiles and accessories. All the products are produced in Turku in individual batches and handcrafted from start to finish. Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design.

 

Maanantaimarket, Kristiinankatu 6, 20100 Turku

maanantaimarket.fi/

Great second hand products and cool playlists, a relaxed atmosphere and a collection of carefully selected resale items. You can pick up coffee from Frukt Coffee Roaster, Blomma’s beautifully crafted bouquets, natural cosmetics and our own brand, Maanantaimall jewellery.

 

Puutorin kirppis, Brahenkatu 14, 20100 Turku

puutorinkirppis.fi

A modern and diverse shopping experience for anyone interested in recycling and affordable shopping.

 

Cafes in Turku

Café Art, Lantinen Rantakatu 5

www.cafeart.fi/

 

Fontana Café, Aurakatu 1

https://fontana.fi/en/

 

Gaggui Kaffela, Humalistonkatu 15a

gaggui.com

 

Cafe Qwensel, Läntinen Rantakatu 13B, 20100 Turku

cafeqwensel.fi/en

 

Bokacha, Brahenkatu 5, 20100 Turku

instagram.com/bokacha.fi/

 

Restaurants in Turku

Kuori, Hämeenkatu 8

https://www.ravintolakuori.fi/

 

Karu, Aurakatu 3

ravintolakaru.fi

 

Rantakerttu, Läntinen rantakatu 55

rantakerttu.fi

 

Hugge, Linnankatu 3

hugge.fi

 

Niska, Kristiinankatu 1

niska.fi

 

Panini, Linnankatu 3

www.ravintolapanini.fi/fi/

 

Restaurant Dennis, Linnankatu 17

www.dennis.fi/

 

 ENJOY YOUR TIME IN TURKU!