Top 30 Things To Do In Turku, Finland

1. Explore the magnificent Turku Castle

One of the oldest medieval structures and a must-visit attraction in Finland, Turku Castle is a sight to behold and it has served as many things throughout history. It has been a defensive structure, a courthouse, an administrative center, a prison, and more. Now, it serves as a historical museum where you’ll find many exhibits that feature the history of the castle up to the present day. You’ll find here rooms with periodic pieces of furniture as well as collections of costumes and treasures of the old castles. Also, they have a kid’s area where one can dress up as a princess and a prince, and a gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs.

Turku Castle

Address: Linnankatu 80, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Turku Castle

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 12 EUR or 13.19 USD

2. Check out the displays at Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

Another interesting museum that showcases the artistry of Turku is Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum. It is a former old quarter that was spared during the great fire in Turku in 1827, and it was turned into a handicraft museum. It features collections of works of local artisans, which will give you a glimpse of life in the city during the 1800s. They also have a celebration every August, which is called the Handicraft Days, wherein a lot of local artisans of the past will let you view their crafts. Additionally, there is a museum shop where you can buy souvenirs like handicrafts and sweets.

Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

Address: Vartiovuorenkatu 2, 20101 Turku, Finland

Website: Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 8 EUR or 8.79 USD

3. Take a tour of the Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House

A two in one museum, Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House is a must-visit attraction in Turku, which will transport you back in time. Qwensel House will let you take a peek into what it looks and feels like living in an 18th-century residence. You’ll find here antique furniture, decor, and appliances, which will tell you about its owners’ past life and living arrangements. As for the Pharmacy Museum, it will let you discover and learn about the history of medicine, illness, and health. Another great find here is Cafe Qwensel, where you can relax and dine after exploring the historic property. The cafe offers sweet and tasteful dishes as well as handcrafted drinks with 18th-century style.

Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel house

Address: Läntinen Rantakatu 13, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel house

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 6 EUR or 6.59 USD

4. Check out the historical ships at Forum Marinum

One of the many museums in Turku is Forum Marinum, which is a maritime museum. It features permanent as well as temporary exhibits about vessels, maritime fleets, and anything related to nautical life. Apart from the collections, it also has interactive features which will let you learn about how to start a motorboat and moor a vessel, while you’re in a marine’s uniform. Also, they have here a superb food establishment, Restaurant Goran, whose name comes from the sailboat. Apart from dining in, the restaurant also accepts birthday parties, meetings, and company events. Moreover, before leaving the place, you can buy souvenirs at the museum shop, for sure you’ll find something there for your loved ones back home.

Forum Marinum

Address: Linnankatu 72, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Forum Marinum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

5. Have an adventure in Flowpark

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you looking for outdoor activities, something that will challenge your physique? Then you have to visit Flowpark. It is a natural adventure park which features activities for brave individuals. It has many varieties of ropeway activities that are 20 meters (65.62 ft) high from the ground, such as liana jumps, swaying paths, cable slides, swings, and more. Another great thing about this ecological park is it is open for people of all ages, and it even has three low ropeway for kids.

Flowpark

Address: Skanssinkatu 10, 20730 Turku, Finland

Website: Flowpark

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 3pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 22 EUR or 24.17 USD

6. View exquisite artwork at Turku Art Museum

The most comprehensive museum in Turku, Turku Art Museum features collections ranging from classical works up to the latest contemporary artworks. It has more or less 7,000 pieces of art which include Finland’s Golden Age arts, self-portraits, Finnish surrealism, pop art, and more. Apart from the exhibits, the building itself is an attraction; the National Romantic Granite Building is one of the most prominent structures in the area. It was designed by Professor Gustaf Nyström and it is the second building built with an art museum in mind. Moreover, there is an on-site cafe and a museum shop here, where you can dine and buy souvenirs.

Turku Art Museum

Address: Aurakatu 26, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Turku Art Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 9 EUR or 9.89 USD

7. Sunbathe at Ispoinen Beach

If you’re done with museum hopping, then its time for you to get some sunlight and tan lines at the Ispoinen Beach. It is just a few minutes drive away from the city center, and if you’re taking public transport, you can ride bus number 9 or 13. It is a swimming lake that is often crowded with locals as well as tourists. It features changing rooms, a kiosk, a sauna, playing equipment for kids, and a lot more. You and your family will surely enjoy a trip here.

Ispoinen Beach

Address: 20880 Turku, Finland

Website: Ispoinen Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Pay your respects at Turku Cathedral

You should never leave the city without visiting Turku Cathedral, for it is the most valuable historical monument in Finland. It was consecrated in the year 1300 and it was dedicated to St. Henry, who was the first bishop of Finland, and the Virgin Mary. Another thing you must see here is what resides under its arches: the captains of wars, bishops, and a queen named Karin Månsdotter. Also, you’ll find the Cathedral’s Museum, which will take you back in time through its collection of church relics and artifacts. Moreover, there are numerous sculptures of saints and church silverware inside the museum.

Turku Cathedral

Address: Tuomiokirkonkatu 1, 20500 Turku, Finland

Website: Turku Cathedral

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

9. View historical artifacts at Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

Located in central Turku in a building named Rettig Palace, Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova are two museums in one place. Aboa Vetus consists of archeological finds that date back to medieval times, while Ars Nova features contemporary arts from both local and international artists. Examples of what you’ll see in Aboa Vetus is the ruins of stone houses. You’ll also have a glimpse of the life in Convent Quarter in Turku during Medieval times. As for Ars Nova, it has temporary exhibits that showcase the art collections of the museum. Also, they have an annual event here called Turku Biennial, where you can view numerous contemporary arts. Apart from the artworks and archaeological finds, you’ll find here a museum shop with an extensive selection of souvenirs, and a museum cafe, where you can relax and dine after hours of exploring the property.

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

Address: Itäinen Rantakatu 4-6, 20700 Turku, Finland

Website: Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)

Price: 5 EUR or 5.49 USD

10. Let your kids play at Kupittaa Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The largest and oldest park in Finland, Kupittaa Park is a famous spot for fitness enthusiasts for they offer numerous recreational activities that will keep them active, such as the gym and the bowling alley. The park is also popular among ice skaters during winter and inline skaters during summertime. As for families with little kids, they will surely love the Adventure Park, Traffic-City, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool, and picnic area of the park. There are numerous things to do in this sprawling park, so make sure to visit before heading back home.

Kupittaa Park

Address: 20520 Turku, Finland

Website: Kupittaa Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

11. Attend an exhibition at Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art

Another contemporary art museum in Turku that is in the east bank of the River of Aura, Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, or WAM for short, is famous for its changing collections. The collections here can be about the Civil War one month and who knows what the next month. Also, the museum is a venue for lectures, art projects, both new and experimental, art workshops, themed days for the family, concerts, and more. Make sure you keep yourself posted about the schedules of exhibits happening in the museum.

Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art

Address: Itäinen Rantakatu 38, 20101 Turku, Finland

Website: Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 4 EUR or 4.41 USD

12. Stroll through the Old Great Square

The former commercial and ecclesiastical hub of Turku, the Old Great Square is a scenic park that is surrounded by grand buildings like Turku Cathedral. Its streets will tell you stories about medieval times and modern times. Also, it is said to be a meeting, debate, and public execution place, where people gather to see gruesome events. Now, this place is packed with tourists admiring the many Imperial-style buildings as well as to watch cultural events.

The Old Great Square

Address: Vanha Suurtori 3, 20500 Turku, Finland

Website: The Old Great Square

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

13. Learn about different plant species at the Botanic Garden of Turku

If you’re interested in plants, then you better visit the Botanic Garden of Turku. It has an indoor and outdoor garden that features over 5,000 species of plants. The greenhouses contain succulent and tropical plants, while in the outdoor garden, there are meadow flowers, economic plants, peonies, and a lot more. There is also an added feature in the new landscape of the botanic garden, which is the three ponds that contain beautiful waterlilies and wetland plants. But apart from showcasing these wide varieties of plants, it is also a center for scientific research.

Botanic Garden of Turku

Address: Ruissalon puistotie 215, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Botanic Garden of Turku

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

14. Swim at Saaronniemi Beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A popular destination, among locals, Saaronniemi Beach is located in Ruissalo and it can be reached from the city center by riding the number eight bus. Many people come here to sunbathe and swim to their heart’s content. Also, you’ll find Ruissalo Camping area, where you can camp out during the night if you’re tired and don’t want to go back to your accommodation.

Saaronniemi Beach

Address: Saarontie 75, Turku 20100, Finland

15. Let your children learn about the arts at Erlebnispark

Located on the edge of Kupitta Park, Adventure Park is perfect for parents who are looking for a place to keep their kids active while learning. Here, you’ll find numerous activities and attractions that will encourage your child to imagine and to engage in a creative play. One of its many features is the summer studio, where your kids can do crafts and try other creative activities. Also, they have singing, dancing, music, and theater workshops for your little children to enjoy. Make sure to drop by and let your kids experience another way of having fun.

Erlebnispark

Address: Kupittaankatu 2, 20520 Turku, Finland

Website: Erlebnispark

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

16. Have fun at Jukupark

Just 3 kilometers (1.86 mi) away from downtown Turku, Jukupark is a waterpark that is great for the whole family. It is a must-visit water attraction in the city for it features many breathtaking waterslides and huge heated pools, as well as a sauna and large sunbathing areas. It also comes with many shower areas. As for little kids, they will surely have fun at the Pirate Island water sports. And when you get hungry, the waterpark has many concessionaires to keep your stomach from growling.

Jukupark

Address: Kurrapolku 1, 20320 Turku, Finland

Website: Jukupark

Price: 22 EUR or 24.24 USD

17. Have a fancy dinner at Restaurant Kaskis

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For fine dining options, Restaurant Kaskis is known to be the best in town. It is perfect for date night and a special family gathering or at any time you wish to eat fancy. If you visit the restaurant, there are only two options for you; the four-course meal or the six-course meal with wine pairing. A lot of locals say you choose the latter for it is great value of your money. As for the venue, the restaurant has a cozy ambiance with a 36-seater dining room. Also, just a heads up, the place is always full, so make sure you book a reservation ahead of time.

Restaurant Kaskis

Address: Kaskenkatu 6a, 20700 Turku, Finland

Website: Restaurant Kaskis

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm -11pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm -12am (closed on Sun & Mon)

18. Enjoy dancing at Dynamo

If you’re wondering what the nightlife looks like in Turku, you have to visit Dynamo. It is located in an old wooden house that seems to be a magnet for hipsters. It has good music, a dance floor, and cheap liquor, which will make your pocket happy, your feet dancing, and your ears clap in joy. Make sure you visit this place to have a taste of what it’s like to party in Turku.

Dynamo

Address: Linnankatu 7, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Dynamo

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10pm - 5am (closed on Sun & Mon)

19. Learn about different musical instruments at Sibelius Museum

Named after the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius, Sibelius Museum is the only museum in Finland that is dedicated to music. Here, you’ll find a diverse collection of historical musical instruments from all over the world. Also, in the archives, you’ll see concert programs, manuscripts, photographs, recordings, and a lot more. Feel free to explore the museum and learn a thing or two about music and history.

Sibelius Museum

Address: Piispankatu 17, 20500 Turku, Finland

Website: Sibelius Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 35 EUR or 38.56 USD

20. Be mesmerized by the beauty of Brinkhall Manor

Located in Kakskerta Island, Brinkhall Manor is a historic manor house that is the only remaining neoclassical building in the city. Its construction dates back to the 16th century, and it was only completed in the year 1793. Apart from the manor, its surrounding natural and cultural landscape, which contains 100-year-old gardens and park, is also a scenic attraction. Also, there is an on-site cafe that is home to the Interior Museum.

Brinkhall Manor

Address: Brinkhallintie 414, 20960 Turku, Finland

Website: Brinkhall Manor

21. Find out about the city's waterworks history at Turku Waterworks Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in the old building of Turku Waterworks at the banks of Halistenkoski Rapids, Turku Waterworks Museum features exhibits about the waterworks industry in the city. It also teaches about how important clean drinking water is. It is free of an entrance fee and only opens once a month or by order.

Turku Waterworks Museum

Address: Halistentie 4, 20540 Turku, Finland

Website: Turku Waterworks Museum

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 2pm

Price: 50 EUR or 55.09 USD

22. Have a fun experience at Kylämäki Village of Living History

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the main attractions in Turku for families, Kylämäki Village of Living History features a 50’s-inspired farm, where children can see chickens, cows, and sheep, and a wilderness valley, which you can explore with the head of the hunting bailiff. Also, you’ll find here an archeological experimental workshop that recreates regional costumes and old items. If you’re looking for souvenirs, you can buy one at the village shop. Additionally, the village has a varying program every week, so keep yourself posted on their schedules.

Kylämäki Village of Living History

Address: aanintie 45, 20540 Turku, Finland

Website: Kylämäki Village of Living History

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

23. Admire the beautiful displays at Ett Hem

A museum donated by Jacobsson, a consul, and his wife Helene, to the Åbo Akademi University Endowment, Ett Hem was first opened in 1932 in its original building in Hämeenkatu. It was later on transferred to its current location in a building in Piispankatu in the year 1965. The museum features artwork as well as important objects and beautiful furniture, which are a personal collection of the couple. Visiting the museum will let you take a peek at the city’s history.

Ett Hem

Address: Piispankatu 14, 20500 Turku, Finland

Website: Ett Hem

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 5 EUR or 5.51 USD

24. Drop by the SA-Int National Defense Museum

A small museum that will surely take up a great amount of time to explore, SA-Int National Defense Museum is a place dedicated to Finland’s military history. What makes this place different from the other museums in Turku is you can hold, move, and experiment with the things in display here, and there’s no need to put it back in its original position. Also, the owner is friendly and will tell you about the history of the place and the National Defense. Additionally, expect wartime background music when you visit.

SA-Int National Defense Museum

Address: Iso-Heikkiläntie 5, 20200 Turku, Finland

Website: SA-Int National Defense Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 8 EUR or 8.81 USD

25. Admire the artwork in Galleria Joella

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’ve already been to many museums in Turke, now is not the time to stop for there is more, like Galleria Joella. It is the art gallery of the Turku Print-maker Association that is composed of more or less 100 artists. The purpose of the association is to let the public know about graphic arts through exhibits. The Galleria holds 16 exhibits every year, with a focus on print art as well as other visual arts made by Finnish and European artists. Along with the exhibitions, there are pieces for sale that are also created by the members of the association.

Galleria Joella

Address: Läntinen Rantakatu 21, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Galleria Joella

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

26. Go aboard The Suomen Joutsen full-rigger

The Suomen Joutsen full-rigger is a ship museum moored in the Forum Marina. Before it was turned into a museum, the three-masted ship served many roles in history, like being a supply ship during the Civil War as well as a Navy school when it was acquired by Finland. Unlike the other fleets in Forum Marina, the exhibits here tell stories about the carefree life during the pre-war era. Marvel at the beautiful collections of everything naval related when you step inside the Suomen Joutsen full-rigger.

The Suomen Joutsen full-rigger

Address: Linnankatu 72, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: The Suomen Joutsen full-rigger

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm

27. Catch a performance at Åbo Svenska Theater

The oldest theater in Finland, Åbo Svenska Theater is set in a beautiful theater building that was constructed in 1839. The venue is popular for high-end theater shows that guests can watch in the majestic theater hall. If you’re a lover of theater and you want to know beyond the play and see what happens behind the scenes, then you have to join their public guided tours. You’ll surely know more about the subject afterward.

Åbo Svenska Theater

Address: Aurakatu 10, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Åbo Svenska Theater

28. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Café Art

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you a coffee person who can’t start the day without having this brew? If so, then you have to visit Art Cafe on the banks of the Aura River. It has a cozy ambiance with a river terrace that is open every spring to autumn. It is well-known for serving the best-tasting coffee in the area, Turku Coffee Roastery’s coffee. Apart from the hot drink, the cafe offers homemade pastries, cakes, and delightful snacks. Also, Turku Coffee Roastery’s coffee is sold in bags, which you can buy and bring home as a souvenir.

Café Art

Address: Läntinen Rantakatu 5, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Café Art

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

29. Shop at Hansakortteli

Are you wondering where the locals shop in Turku? If so, you should visit Hansakortteli at the heart of the city. It is the oldest, largest, and most diverse shopping center in the area. It offers retail shops of clothing and shoes, department store items, home needs, a pharmacy, as well as banking needs and dining options. But apart from shopping, you can also attend cultural events, exhibits, and other shows and performances.

Hansakortteli

Address: Yliopistonkatu 20, 20100 Turku, Finland

Website: Hansakortteli

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 9pm; Sat: 7:30am - 7:30pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm

30. Go on a kayaking tour (from USD 133.61)

If you’re bored of walking tours and museum hopping, don’t worry because there is something for you in Turku, in the form of a kayaking tour of the Naantali Archipelago. This archipelago is part of the Finnish Archipelago, which is said to be the largest in the world. If you’re a beginner in kayaking or you don’t have any idea how to maneuver the thing, then an expert guide is here to teach you the ins and outs of kayaking. Here, you will see hundreds of islands and be able to explore its greeneries. Make sure you put a lot of sunblock before the tour starts.

Turku Archipelago: Sea Kayaking Day Tour

Duration: 7 hour

from USD

133.61

Book Now

Experience the culture of Finland in Turku

Come and visit this city that has so much history to tell. Turku will mesmerize you with the number of museums available for you to explore. Also, don’t forget to try their local eats and nightlife to get to know the place. Check out our list of the best things to do in Turku, Finland, as your guide.