What to do in Turku
If you’re after a city break filled with culture, riverside charm, and easy access to nature, Turku is the perfect choice. Check out our tips and start planning your trip today.
Ferry to turkuTurku, Finland’s oldest city
Imagine starting your day with a riverside walk as the city slowly comes to life. A castle rises in the mist, a church bell rings, and a museum door opens nearby. In Turku, every corner holds a small adventure.
3 reasons why Turku is always a good idea
Life by the Aura River
The Aura River runs through the city like a living postcard. Stroll along its banks, stop at cafés, or visit historic sights like Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral – all just steps from the water.The islands are close by
The nearby islands bring a breath of sea air into city life. Ruissalo, just 10 minutes from the centre, offers lush nature, charming wooden villas, and summer water buses from the city harbour.Culture all year round
Turku is buzzing with cultural events, from major festivals to local weekend happenings. Whether it’s music, food, or art, there’s always something new to discover.
Culture, museums and sightseeing in Turku
Turku is rich in history and full of character. With around 25 museums to discover, the city offers everything from contemporary art to maritime heritage.
Turku Castle
Step into one of Finland’s most iconic landmarks and discover 700 years of history. Turku Castle has served as a fortress, palace, and prison. Its exhibitions feature jewellery, costumes, furniture, and textiles that tell the story of life within its stone walls.
Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral offers a glimpse into centuries of devotion, tradition, and craftsmanship. Step inside to see medieval sculptures, altarpieces, church textiles, and silverware. The museum reveals the cathedral’s rich past, with roots stretching back to the early 14th century.
Photo: Heikki Räisänen / City of Turku
The Old Town of Turku
Turku has deep historical roots dating back to the 13th century. Though much was lost in the Great Fire of 1827, the old town still holds its charm. Landmarks like Turku Cathedral, the Old Main Square, and Klosterbacken offer a glimpse into the city’s past.
Turku Art Museum
Since 1904, the museum has showcased one of Finland’s most notable art collections. Explore golden age painting, surrealism, and pop art in a striking hilltop setting with over 7,000 works on display.
Aboa Vetus Ars Nova
Explore authentic ruins, artefacts, and medieval streets, and enjoy contemporary art across three floors – from fascinating archaeological treasures to bold and inspiring modern installations.
Ett Hem Museum
Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson wanted their home to be preserved just as it was. The museum presents their original furniture, artworks, and personal items, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century life.
Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel house
See how medicines were prepared and stored in Finland’s oldest preserved pharmacy interior. The 18th-century home offers a rare look into the everyday life of an upper-class family of the time.
Forum Marinum
See impressive ships like Suomen Joutsen and Sigyn up close and explore life at sea through engaging exhibitions. Forum Marinum offers a unique look into maritime history through real vessels and stories.
Luostarinmäki Open-Air Museum
Wander through original 19th-century wooden houses that survived the Great Fire of Turku and see how craftsmen and working-class families once lived and worked. This open-air museum reopens in April.
Sibeliusmuseum
Discover the life and music of Jean Sibelius in a striking modernist building. See rare instruments from around the world and enjoy live music evenings in this one-of-a-kind museum experience.
Åbo Svenska Teater
Catch a performance in Finland’s oldest theatre building, where stories come to life on three unique stages. The mix of musicals, new works, and classics creates a rich and varied theatre experience.
Turku City Theatre
Turku City Theatre offers a diverse programme ranging from bold new writing to beloved classics, all under one roof. With multiple stages and over 400 performances a year, there’s always something worth seeing.
Turku Concert Hall
Hear world-class music in Finland’s first purpose-built concert hall. Home to one of the oldest orchestras in Europe, the hall hosts everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary concerts and school performances.
Things to do with kids
Looking for a fun-filled day with the kids? Whether it’s splashing down water slides, meeting animals, exploring nature, or stepping into a storybook world, Turku has plenty to keep little adventurers smiling.
Jukupark
Splash into summer fun at JukuPark, opening in June! With water slides, pools, play areas, and plenty of space to relax, it’s the perfect place for a sunny day out with children of all ages.
SuperPark
This indoor activity park is full of fun and excitement. Kids and teens can jump, climb, and play for hours – no matter what the weather is like outside, it’s always a good time to visit.
Photo: Rosa Eerikäinen / City of Turku
Kuralan Kylämäki
Kylämäki Village in Kurala offers a glimpse into 1950s farm life. Families can meet animals, enjoy a picnic, and take part in workshops or summer activities led by a woman farmer. Open year-round.
Photo: Mäkilä Ville / City of Turku
Turku Biological Museum
The museum features detailed dioramas that showcase Finnish nature across the seasons. Visitors can see native animals in lifelike settings and learn about local wildlife, forests, and habitats.
Moomin World
Just a short trip from Turku, in Naantali, you’ll find Moominworld – a place where the beloved Moomin stories come to life. It’s a fun and magical spot for families and fans. Opens in June.
Where to eat
From riverside dinners to quick bites in lively market halls, there’s something delicious around every corner. Once the capital, Turku has always been a gathering place for people – and good food.
Turku Market Hall
Turku Market Hall, opened in 1896, is one of Finland’s oldest and best-preserved. Its charming red-brick setting is home to fresh fish, cheeses, baked goods, and the flavours of local life.
Café Qwensel
A hidden gem in the historic Qwensel House, this cosy café offers traditional coffee, homemade cakes and buns. Set in an authentic 18th-century atmosphere, it’s a peaceful spot that feels like stepping back in time.
Dinner on M/S Rudolfina
Enjoy the beauty of Turku’s archipelago over lunch or dinner aboard M/S Rudolfina. From May to September, the ship offers several day and evening cruises with a fresh buffet served on board (drinks not included).
Sauna, spa and seaside moments
Turun Caribia
Enjoy a fun and relaxing day at the Caribbean-style water park and spa. With water slides, evening swims, saunas, and massages, there’s something for both kids and adults to enjoy.
Forum Sauna
Turku’s oldest and only public sauna. Alongside the traditional Finnish sauna, it offers infrared sauna, leech therapy, peat and cupping treatments, and massage. Many treatments can be enjoyed in groups.
Saaronniemi Beach
During winter, brave visitors can take a dip in the ice-cold sea and enjoy the tradition of ice bathing. In summer, the beach at the tip of Ruissalo is a local favourite, offering a true archipelago feel.
Airiston Lumous
Enjoy a luxurious spa-like experience with a sauna cabin and outdoor hot tub overlooking the sea. Perfect for weddings, conferences, or gatherings with friends, with delicious food and drinks available.