Things to do in Turku, 'Paris on the Aura River' - 20 best tips
Turku is a unique combination of culture and nature. Experience the history of Turku Castle, island cruises, museums and city life.
City articles
18.11.2024
Turku is the oldest city in Finland and has a rich and varied history. It has been a major centre of administrative, religious and commercial activity.
The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Here you can enjoy history, culture and nature. The River Aura, which flows through the heart of the city, creates a unique atmosphere and offers opportunities for a variety of experiences.
Turku has something for everyone, from medieval sights to modern art galleries and charming boutiques. You can explore the city's rich past, enjoy local delicacies or relax in the parks.
Explore with us the best places in Turku!
The Turku Biological Museum is a special and interesting destination that presents Finnish nature and fauna. The museum has dozens of dioramas, or exhibits, which present different types of Finnish nature and their inhabitants - such as moose, bears and birds - in a realistic setting.
The museum building itself is unique, as it is a wooden National Romanesque building from 1907. This museum is a great place to visit for families with children and all nature lovers.
Turku's stunning archipelago offers the opportunity to enjoy a maritime atmosphere and beautiful scenery. On an island cruise you can explore the fascinating environment of thousands of islands and islets.
Cruises usually depart from the banks of the Aura River, and you can choose a shorter day cruise or a longer excursion deeper into the archipelago. During the trip you will see historical sites, idyllic archipelago villages and some of Finland's most beautiful nature.
Many cruises stop on the islands, where you can discover local life, visit small boutiques or enjoy island delicacies. The cruises are organised in different seasons, so you can experience the atmosphere of the archipelago on the light nights of summer or in the crisp autumn colours.
Book early, especially during the popular summer months, and get ready for an unforgettable sea experience.
Ruissalo is one of Turku's best-known and best-loved outdoor areas. The trails through the archipelago landscape are full of historic villas and impressive oak forests that make the area special. Ruissalo has many marked nature trails for walking, running or cycling. Ruissalo Botanical Garden is also a popular place to visit, where you can admire a wide variety of plant species all year round.
Ruissalo Folk Park is a lush oasis on the island of Ruissalo off the coast of Turku. The area offers a wonderful setting for relaxation, outdoor activities and enjoying nature.
During the summer, you can easily reach the park by water bus directly from the centre of Turku. The journey itself is an experience, as the water bus takes you along the beautiful Aura River and through the archipelago's scenery.
In the park, you can admire historic lace houses, stroll along the promenade or enjoy a picnic by the sea. There are also several beaches in the area, including the popular Saaronniemi, where you can refresh yourself with a dip in the sea.
Ruissalo Folk Park is also a hub of events. It hosts the legendary Ruisrock festival and other cultural and sporting events throughout the year.
Samppalinnanmäki is a lush park area near the centre of Turku, which offers spectacular views over the city. As you climb the hill, you can admire the panorama, including Turku Cathedral, the River Aura and the city landscape all the way to Turku Castle.
The park is a popular place for relaxation and outdoor activities. In summer you can have a picnic under the trees or just sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery. There is also a playground for children and fitness equipment for those who like to exercise.
Samppalinnanmäki is also home to the Samppalinna Summer Theatre, which presents entertaining plays and musicals during the summer season. In the evenings, the hill is particularly charming when the city lights come on, creating a romantic atmosphere.
The Aura River waterfront is the heart of Turku and the city's most popular pedestrian destination. Along the river you can admire historic buildings and modern architectural gems.
During your walk you will see Turku's oldest houses and most important landmarks. Turku Castle and the Cathedral are impressive sights to see along the way.
In summer, the riverside is a lively place to be. Stop for refreshments or a snack at one of the many riverside restaurants and terraces.
There are also interesting sculptures and monuments on the banks of the Aura River that tell the story of the city's history.
Your walk can go all the way to Turku Castle. Along the way you can admire the river boats and enjoy the atmosphere of Turku.
The University of Turku Botanical Garden is located on the beautiful island of Ruissalo and offers plant enthusiasts and nature lovers a unique opportunity to discover the diversity of plants. The garden has thousands of plant species, some of which are found in the outdoor areas and some in the green rooms. The conservatory's tropical and subtropical plants are particularly popular in the colder months. The garden is a great place for relaxation and refreshing walks all year round.
The Hansakortteli shopping centre is Turku's largest shopping centre, and its central location makes it easily accessible by foot, public transport or car. It is an ideal place for shopping or a pleasant stay.
In the Hansa Quarter you will find around 130 shops offering a wide range of fashion, accessories, home furnishings and much more. In addition to speciality shops, the centre is home to large chain stores and the popular Stockmann department store.
While you shop, you can relax in the many cafés and restaurants, which offer something for every taste. The modern and welcoming environment of the shopping centre makes shopping a pleasant experience.
Turku's Market Square is the beating heart of the city and a meeting point for locals. Renovated in autumn 2022, the market now offers even more space and services for Turku residents and visitors alike.
At the market you can shop at local producers' stalls. You can buy fresh vegetables, fruit, berries, baked goods and handicrafts.
The Market Square is also a hub for events. It regularly hosts markets, festivals and other events that bring life to the city centre.
You can sit down with a cup of coffee in the cafés on the edge of the square or just enjoy the lively atmosphere. The renovation has added cosy seating areas and greenery to the square, making it a pleasant place to spend time.
Restaurant Kaskis is Turku's gastronomic gem and one of the most prestigious food restaurants in Finland. This Michelin-starred restaurant offers an unforgettable taste experience in the heart of the city.
At Kaskis, you can enjoy an eight-course tasting menu, also available in vegetarian or vegan versions. The restaurant does not have an à la carte menu, but the menu is seasonal, using fresh, local ingredients. The dishes are innovative and visually striking, and the intimate dining room creates a cosy atmosphere for your dinner.
Although Kaskis has been awarded a Michelin star, prices have remained reasonable. Be sure to book well in advance, as the restaurant is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Dinner at Kaskis is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your visit to Turku.
Turku Castle is one of the city's most famous landmarks, offering a journey through Finnish history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
You can explore the castle's magnificent halls, towers and exhibitions. Guided tours reveal the interesting stories and history of the castle. Various events and themed tours are regularly organised in the castle. In summer, you can also enjoy the atmosphere and café services in the castle courtyard.
Turku Castle is an excellent way to explore the past of Turku and Finland.
The Turku Art Trail is a route along the Aura River that combines urban art and outdoor activities. This trail offers the opportunity to enjoy art outdoors in nature. The artworks are the work of local and international artists and are located along the river and throughout the city. The art trail is free and open to all, and is particularly popular in spring and summer when new exhibitions and works are brought to the city.
Forum Marinum is Turku's major maritime museum and naval museum, located on the banks of the Aura River. It offers a broad overview of Finnish maritime history and present-day maritime history.
In the museum's exhibitions you can learn about the history of the navy and merchant shipping, as well as the traditions of shipbuilding in Turku. Historical ships, boats and maritime artefacts are on display.
During the summer, you can visit the museum's own museum ships, such as the legendary training ship Suomen Joutsene and the minesweeper Keihässalmi. These ships give a tangible insight into maritime history.
Forum Marinum also has a cosy restaurant where you can enjoy lunch or coffee in a maritime setting. The museum has a large courtyard area where events and exhibitions are organised.
Guided tours deepen the visitor experience and provide more information about the importance of shipping in Finland.
Turku Art Museum is one of the most important art museums in Finland and is open several days a week. It offers diverse and high-quality exhibitions that showcase the world of art, from the classics to contemporary art.
You can enjoy the museum's varied exhibitions and rich supporting programme. The museum's collections and exhibitions offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in visual culture.
Turku Art Museum is located in a beautiful setting, which makes a visit a pleasant experience. The museum also has a café where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of art.
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a museum in the heart of Turku that fascinatingly combines history and contemporary art. Here you can explore the ruins of medieval Turku while enjoying contemporary art exhibitions.
In Aboa Vetus, you step back in time by walking along the paving stones of ancient streets and exploring the remains of medieval stone houses. Archaeological finds tell the stories of the city's early inhabitants and their lives.
Ars Nova presents contemporary art in rotating exhibitions. You can admire works by both national and international artists and explore the museum's own art collection.
The museum is housed in the historic Rettig Palace, itself a stunning combination of old and new architecture. A visit to the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova is a journey through the centuries, where past meets present.
Luostarinmäki Crafts Museum offers the chance to immerse yourself in 19th century Turku life. The area is the only continuous quarter of wooden houses that survived the great fire of 1827 and is now a charming open-air museum.
In the museum you can visit the homes and workshops of the craftsmen of the past, decorated in the spirit of the times. A stroll through the narrow alleys and courtyards will take you straight into the atmosphere of the past.
During the summer, the museum hosts craftspeople who demonstrate their traditional skills. You can watch demonstrations by a shoemaker or a blacksmith, for example, and learn more about old craft traditions.
There is also a café and a museum shop where you can buy traditional handicrafts or souvenirs. The Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum is an experience for the whole family and offers an interesting insight into Turku's history.
Turku Cathedral is Finland's national shrine and an important historical site. It is located on the banks of the Aura River in the centre of Turku.
The church was mainly built in the Middle Ages and represents a rare example of Gothic architecture in Finland. Its cultural and historical value is unparalleled.
The church is also home to the Cathedral Museum, which is accessible for a small entrance fee. In the museum you can deepen your knowledge of the history of the church.
The Cathedral offers a chance to discover Finnish history and architecture. It is definitely worth a visit in Turku.
The Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House offer a glimpse into life in Turku in the 1700s and 1800s. The museum complex is located in the oldest preserved wooden building in the city, creating an authentic atmosphere.
At Qwensel House, you can experience everyday life in a stately home. The rooms are decorated in a Rococo and Custavian style, reflecting the life of surgeon Joseph Pipping's family. A walk through the house will take you back in time and give you an idea of what it was like to live in Turku in the late 17th century.
On the pharmacy museum side, you can see the oldest surviving pharmacy interior from 1858. On display are old medicine jars, tools and other objects related to pharmacy work. The museum gives you an insight into the work of a pharmacist and the development of medicine at that time.
The museum is located near Turku's market square in the Fortuna district. After your visit, you can relax in the museum's own café, which continues the historical theme by serving delicacies in a traditional setting.
A short distance from Turku is the old town of Naantali, which charms visitors with its idyllic atmosphere. Narrow cobbled streets, colourful wooden houses and beautiful gardens create the setting for a relaxing day trip.
A stroll through the alleys of the old town offers the chance to explore local boutiques, art galleries and crafts workshops. You can stop off at one of the area's cosy cafés or restaurants to enjoy local delicacies.
The Naantali harbour area offers a magnificent view of the sea and the archipelago. From the cliffs of Kuparivuori you can admire the sunset or just enjoy a peaceful moment in the lap of nature.
Turku's Old Great Market Square is the historical centre of the city and one of the most important medieval squares in Finland. In the area you can feel the atmosphere of bygone times as you walk along the cobbled streets and admire the old buildings.
At the edge of the square is the Brinkkala House, famous for its traditional declaration of Christmas peace. The building is one of the oldest in Turku and plays an important role in the city's history.
There are also several other historic buildings, galleries and small boutiques around the Old Market Square. At the Turku Arts and Crafts Centre, you can learn about local craft traditions and perhaps find unique souvenirs.
The area regularly hosts events such as markets and festivals that enliven the atmosphere of the market. The Old Market Square is a must-visit for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Turku's rich history.
