Your traveling guidebook for Turku x 4

What are the things that make Turku…well, Turku? It’s an old medieval city but it’s impossible to overlook the spectacular archipelago or the vibrant museums, galleries, and events. There’s so much to explore, so we’ve put together these four itineraries to help you experience a broad range of what Turku has to offer!

Even if you’ve only got 24 hours, you’ll have time to sample the best of turkulainen culture and venture into the archipelago. Follow this itinerary to take in some classic Turku sights. 

Turku Market Hall – First on the agenda is a shrine for foodies: the Turku Market Hall. The market hall first opened its doors at the end of the 19th century, and it’s been delighting taste buds ever since. Grab something to go and head to the riverside for a picnic.  

The riverside – The banks of the Aura River and its perfectly placed benches are ideal for a picnic, so do as the locals do, and grab a seat. It doesn’t matter which side of the river you choose, there’s no better place to savour your slice of cake and the beauty of Turku. 

Old Great Square and Monastery Avenue – The next stop on this itinerary is Turku at its oldest. The Old Great Square, in all its medieval splendour, was once a lively market square and traffic has been bustling here since ancient times. Take it all in as you wander over the cobblestones and through the alleyways of its sunset-coloured buildings.

Kakolanmäki Hill – once was a home to the most notorious prison in Finland, but now it’s a popular place for tourists and locals alike. On the other side of the hill there is a funicular that will take you up the hill, if you prefer to not walk.

Exaples of what Kakolanmäki Hill offers:

• Frukt Coffee Roasters (coffee)
• Kakolanruusu
• Hotel Kakola
• Bageri Å (pastries)
• KBC Taproom (Food and local beer)

Turku is rightly proud of its cultural and restaurant offerings, and you’ll be able to enjoy both when you follow this itinerary. You’ll encounter medieval and modern culture, plus you’ll get to visit museums and galleries while eating as much (and as often) as possible.

Shopping Centre Hansa – Let’s kick-start the day at Hansa, the perfect place to pick up a coffee in preparation for the day ahead. Don’t forget to try a korvapuusti, a beloved Finnish-style bun, at Kosken Leipomo!

Vähätori Square – Of course, your body won’t survive on the power of culture alone. Head to Vähätori Square, which is like something straight from Central Europe, and take your pick from the multitude of restaurants found here:

• Gustavo
• Tiirikkala
• Mami
• Tårget
• E.Ekblom
• Smör
• Tintå
• Brasserie Amelie
• Oobu

Are you ready for a taste of culture again? Want to know more about Sibelius’ masterpieces or perhaps different types of instruments found around the globe? Maybe you’re interested in Ruisrock, the oldest music festival in Finland? You’re sure to find out the answers to your questions and plenty more about music inside.  

Sibelius Museum – Make your way to the Sibelius Museum. It’s named in honour of Jean Sibelius, the legendary Finnish composer, and it’s a must for music fans. Tip! Standing in the museum’s backyard is an oak tree known as the Kalmin tammi. It’s the oldest oak in Turku, and it’s a great place to digest everything you’ve seen so far before the next stop.

For more comprehensive lists, check out our articles: Museums in Turku and Restaurants in Turku.

Rent a bike –  Either stay on foot or rent an electric bike from 10bikes, and head upstream to see the place where Turku began in the 1100s. From here, you’ll also get a great view of the Aura River. If you’ve got the energy, why not explore the surrounding areas a bit more, find a suitable route for you here: "Cycling routes in turku x 4".

Ruissalo Boatyard – How about heading to the archipelago for dinner? Make your way to Martinsilta Bridge, hop aboard the water bus, and set sail to Ruissalo Boatyard. You’ll sample a small slice of the sea on your journey and take in plenty of iconic Turku sights, like the Aura River, Suomen Joutsen, and Turku Castle.

Once you get to the boatyard, you can take your pick from a couple of delicious options: perhaps pizza at Zaké Pizzeria & Wine Bar or what about some smoked delicacies at Tenlén BBQ & Smokery?

Tip! If the night drags on (and there are no more water buses), Föli bus #28 will take you back to the hotel.

Roster – Looking for a vegetarian place to have dinner? Take a seat at Roster, which you’ll find just a few steps from Makasiini Contemporary. See what top-class chefs can conjure up from the best ingredients.