Incredible Places to Visit and Things to Do in Turku for Tourist

November 22, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 2560 Views

Turku is a city in Finland situated at the mouth of river Aura. The city opens up into an archipelago, this unique geography combined with rich history has resulted in wonderful things to do in Turku, Finland for tourists. The amazing geography of the city was developed during the ice age. There are more than 20,000 islands and islets which extend from the mainland near the city. Many of these islands have been developed as tourist places to visit in Turku. The islands such as Vepsa, Maisaari and Pahkinainen are well known for outdoor activities and beach leisure. One can enjoy hiking, trekking, sauna, beach barbeque, fishing, and several other things on these islands. If you plan to stay overnight, you can even rent a cabin on the island.

There are some incredible things to see in Turku archipelago which require you to take a boat, but fortunately you have a variety of boats you can choose from. You may take a cruise boat, a speedboat or a sailing boat. If you plan to have some fun close to the land, the city offers numerous water sports you can enjoy near the beaches in Turku. The bicycle tours of the archipelago are also quite popular among tourists.

Another major aspect of Turku travel is its history. It is the oldest city in Finland, after all and used to be the country’s capital before Helsinki. It was also the most important city on the eastern side of the Kingdom of Sweden. There are numerous historical buildings and museums among Turku tourist attractions. You can begin exploring history with Turku Castle and then move on to the various museums dedicated to different people and aspects of the city’s history and culture. The city has earned many names for its food as well including “Food Capital of Finland” and “Paris of Finland”. So you should not miss out on exploring the culinary delights. You can get a Food Walk Card to enjoy some of the most popular restaurants in the city when you visit Turku.

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Table of Contents

Top 15 Tourist Places to Visit in Turku

1. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

This museum is dedicated to art and archeology. You get to explore ruins of the Middle Ages and several historical artifacts. All in all, the museum contains more than 35,000 items. The art museum exhibits an incredible collection of 600 artworks by giants like Picasso, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Max Ernst and many more. You will need about 2 hours for this museum.

2. Turku Castle (Turun linna)

This castle is one of the oldest buildings in the country and one of the most important historical places to visit in Turku. The castle was built during 1280s when Finland was under Swedish rule. The castle was damaged heavily during the second world war and by a fire in 1614 before that. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.

3. Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (Luostarinmäen käsityöläismuseo)

This open air museum houses old fashioned handicraft workshops and recreations of workers’ home form 18th and 19th century. This district was heavily damaged during the great fire of 1827. This area is among the most fascinating things to see in Turku. You can also buy handicraft items and traditional Finnish delicacies at this museum. You will need 2 hours to explore this place.

4. Turku Market Hall (Turun kauppahalli) & Turku Market Square

These 2 places are among the best Turku tourist attractions for shopping and street food. These traditional markets have a very different vibe. You should not miss out on the great variety of cuisines at these markets. You will need about an hour or so to explore these places.

5. Turku Cathedral (Turun tuomiokirkko)

This cathedral is an important historical and cultural landmarks in the city. It is considered the mother of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The west tower of this cathedral rises to 102 meters and is one of the best places for Turku sightseeing. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to spend at this cathedral.

6. Cycling the Archipelago Trail

Turku has a beautiful coastline and you can explore the archipelago on a bicycle. There are several places from where you can rent a bike and a free map from tourism office. The map is also digitally available online. The path goes along the Aura river and continues along the coastline of the city. It is one of the most fun things to do in Turku, Finland. It will take about 3 to 4 hours for this trail.

7. Kuralan Kylämäki

This museum is a recreation of a 1950s Finnish village. The village has actors performing as people would have been during that period. It gives great insight into the nation’s culture and traditions. You can also take part in many of the activities like butter churning, hay making, farming and so on. It is one of the most unique Turku attractions and will require about 2 hours of time.

8. Forum Marinum Maritime Center

This museum is dedicated to seafaring history of Finland. The museum contains several naval vessels of varying sizes. You can see a 3 masted merchant ship, military ship, police boats and more. You will need about an hour for this museum.

9. Ekvalla Beach

This is arguably the most popular beaches in Turku. It is located on the Satava island and is a well facilitated. You can enjoy water sports, swimming, beach sports, gyms and so on. It is also a great place to just hangout and chill. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this beach.

10. Sibelius Museum (Sibelius-museo)

This museum is completely dedicated to music with a room specially dedicated to Jean Sibelius, one of the most renowned Finnish musician and composer. The museum exhibits more than two thousand instruments from around the world. You will need at least an hour to explore this museum during Turku travel.

11. Pharmacy Museum & Qwensel House

The Qwensel house is the oldest wooden building in the city. It was built during 1700s and is known for its bourgeois style of architecture. The interior decor features a blend of Gustavian and Rococo elements. This house also has a pharmacy museum which focuses on the history of medicines over several centuries. You would need about an hour for this Turku tourist attraction.

12. Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art (Wäinö Aaltosen museo)

This modern art museum was built to commemorate Wäinö Aaltonen, a renowned Finnish sculptor. The museum exhibits artworks by numerous artists alongside sculptors, paintings, graphics and sketches by Aaltonen. You will nee about 2 hours to explore this art museum.

13. Island Trip

There are several islands to explore in the archipelago and many of them have gained fame as popular Turku attractions for day trips. Some islands like Kailo have been developed as theme parks, while some such as Vepsa and Ruissalo have become well known of outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. There are several small islands which do not have any human construction and can be enjoyed in their pure natural state. You would need at least a day to go on island exploration trip when you visit Turku.

14. Kurjenrahka National Park (Kurjenrahkan kansallispuisto)

This patch of nature and wilderness is among the most popular places to visit in Turku. The national park features a combination of forests, bogs and wetlands. There are several guided hike trails to explore in the national park. People also visit for forest safari to spot animals including Brown Bears, Gray Wolves, Eurasian Lynx, Chiffchaff bird, Eurasian Wryneck, Osprey and so on. You would need a day to explore this national park.

15. Boat Cruise

You can’t be so close to the mouth of a river and the ocean without getting on a boat to explore it. There are several types of boat trips you can enjoy like a river cruise, island trips, sailing trips, speedboat rides, kayaking, row boating and so on. It is one of the experiences you should not miss out during Turku travel.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Turku, check out the section below. We have gathered an exhaustive list of attractions and activities in and around the city which you can enjoy.

Things to do in Turku

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Turku

Turku Castle
Aboa Vetus Ars Nova
Turku Cathedral
Turku Art Museum
Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art
Luostarinmaki Open Air Museum
Forum Marinum
Sibelius Museum
Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House
Kuralan Kylamaki
Ett Hem Museum
Kultaranta
Vanhalina Museum
Turku Biological Museum
Brinkhallin Kartano Manor
Michael’s Church
St. Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel
The Soumen Jousten Ship
Nautelankosken Museum
Casa Haartman
Luostarinmaen Museum
Pargas Local History Museum
Naantali Museum
Reso Museum
Naantali Church
Turku Waterworks Museum
Naantali Art Room
Parainen Industrial Museum
Finish Scouting Museum
Tuorla Observatory and Planetarium
Ylosnousemuskappeli Chapel
Cathedral School
Artbank Finland
Holy Cross Chapel
Zoological Museum of the University of Turku
Turku Monastery of Birgit
Kakolanmaki Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Turku

Kurjenrahka National Park
Littoistenjarvi Lake
Maarian Allas
Kakskerranjarvi Lake
Rhododendron Park
Luolalanjarvi Lake
Kuva Udde
Timetrek
Katariinanlaakso Nature Park
Kuninkoja River
Rauvonlanlahti Nature Preserve
Harmalan Rotko

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Turku

Moomin World
Flow Park
Juku Park
Botanic Garden of Turku
Zoolandia
Kupittaa Park
Adventure Park
Hirvensalo Ski Resort
Kailo Park
Linnanpuisto Park
Silliperinnenkeskus Dikseli

Shopping in Turku

Turku Market Square
Skanssi Shopping Center
Mylly Shopping Center
Turku Market Hall
Hansa Shopping Center
PUF Design Market
Forum Shopping Center

Beaches & Islands in Turku

Vepsa Island
Runsala Folkpark
Saaronniemi
Ekvalla Beach
Loistokari Island
Nunnalahti Badstrand
Brinkhall Beach
Saaronniemen Uimaranta Beach
Ispoinen Beach
Taimon Uimaranta Beach
Airisama Island
Maaria Beach
Ruissalo Island
Seili Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Turku

Sailing
Swimming
Boat Cruise
Hiking
Water Sports
Fishing
Skiing
Kayaking
Seaside Sauna
Rowboating
Bicycle tours

Sightseeing in Turku

Kiss My Turku
The Old Great Square
Turku Market Square
Posankka Statue
Kakola Funicular
Vartiovuori Park
Vartiovuorenpuisto Park
Per Brahe Statue
Mill Bridge
Logoman Silta Walkway
Ravsund Bridge
Kultaranta Park
Samppalina Park
Porthan Park
Brahe Park
Aurajoekald Canal
Library Bridge
Mannerheim Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Turku

Bryggman’s
Kakola Brewing Company
Kakolanruusu
Sergio’s
Gustavo
Goran
Mkitchen & Cafe
Nick’s Food Design
Kiinanmuuri
Nooa
Pinella
Kauppahalli
Rico
Grill It Marina
Svarte Rudolf
E Ekblom
Tinta
Smor

Where to Stay in Turku?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Turku. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Turku.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Turku

How to Reach Turku?

By Air

The city has its own airport which receives flights from several cities for Turku travel from Helsinki, Mariehamn, Riga, Gdansk, Stockholm and Alicante. You can get a bus or a cab to reach places in the city from the airport.

By Road

You can get train to visit Turku from Helsinki, Tampere, Pieksamaki, Kuopio and Rovaniemi. The bus network is quite widespread in Finland. You can get a direct or connecting bus to Turku from almost any town and city in the country.

If you are planning to reach the city by road, you should pick between routes E18, E8 or E63. All these roads converge in Turku.

By Water

You can ferries for Turku trip from Stockholm, Aland Islands, Naantali, Ruissalo Island and Vespa Island.

Image Reference

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova – Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova / Wikimedia Commons
Turku Castle (Turun linna) – Nord-bei-Nordost / PixaBay
Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (Luostarinmäen käsityöläismuseo) – Kevin Oliver / Flickr
Turku Market Hall (Turun kauppahalli) & Turku Market Square – Zache / Wikimedia Commons
Turku Cathedral (Turun tuomiokirkko) – Reijo Telaranta / PixaBay
Cycling the Archipelago Trail – Kim Allen-Mersh / Visit Turku
Kuralan Kylämäki – J. Albert Vallunen / Wikimedia Commons
Forum Marinum – Oriol Salvador / Flickr
Ekvalla Beach – Magnus Franklin / Flickr
Sibelius Museum (Sibelius-museo) – Miro.rein / Wikimedia Commons
Pharmacy Museum & Qwensel House – Ilkka Jukarainen / Flickr
Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art (Wäinö Aaltosen museo) – Markus Koljonen / Wikimedia Commons
Island Trip – Grzegorz Jereczek / Flickr
Kurjenrahka National Park (Kurjenrahkan kansallispuisto) – Urjanhai / Wikimedia Commons
Boat Cruise – Fredrik Rubensson / Flickr