Things to do & places to visit in Turku, Southwest Finland, Finland

Turku city in , Finland. Timezone: Europe/Helsinki, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 3:03.

Turku Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

57°F - 41°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold with a gentle breeze

Feels like

20%

Chance of rain

63.0 millimeters

Amount

10.8 mph

Wind speed

74%

Humidity

17.2

Daylight length

4:51 AM

Sunrise

10:03 PM

Sunset

46%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Adventure Park (34 reviews)
- Adventure Park is the best place for kids!
Spent < 1 hour Playgrounds

It has a great location, it is clean, safe and free. There are several parts for kids of different ages. In the summertime they have also workshops for kids and theatre (based on small fee). They also have some water elements in the summer. You can barbecue there or have a picnic. You can rent family bicycles to go around the park. There is also a little driving park for kids and pond for birds. You can spend there all day and have lots of fun! See more..
5.0 Ruisrock (8 reviews)
- The best festival in Finland!!
Music Festivals

If you have some time during summer do yourself a favor and go to ruisrock festival! It is held on a beach area and the experience is just amazing! If you can participate do not miss the chance! See more..
5.0 Sa-int Maanpuolustusmuseo (7 reviews)
- Piece of history in touchable way
Military Museums • History Museums

Best ever. We were supposed to visit for an hour with my son. wasn't enough. Timeline based order with explanations and stories by keeper himself makes this the best museum ever. You can even touch and feel. Ever held Suomi-machine gun? Here you can do it. I highly recommend if you are interest in any way Finnish war history. By no means not limited to weapons only and I think whole family will find items of interest. See more..
4.5 Turku Castle (1.147 reviews)
- Unique 700-year-old historical monument
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles • History Museums

In addition to the Turku Cathedral, this medieval castle is the second landmark in Turku. It is located next to the Port of Turku. There is so much to explore. We had just 1½ hour time and we had to hurry because the museum was closing at 18:00. Also, you have to be quite fit. There are so many stairs up and down. See more..
4.5 Turku Cathedral (690 reviews)
- Finland's most valuable historical monument
Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Educational sites

This medieval church is called the National Shrine of Finland. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland's first bishop, St Henry. The oldest parts of the church go back to the 13th century. The church is 89 meters long, 38 meters wide, and 44.5 meters high. The height of the striking tower is 85.5 meters. Don't forget to visit the Cathedral Museum with a small entrance fee. It takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. See more..
4.5 Luostarinmäen Käsityöläismuseo (309 reviews)
- A very "real" museum!
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Luostarinmäki is the only continuous district of wooden houses that survived the fire of 1827 in Turku. These houses are over 200 years old and still standing in their original building sites. The houses have been furnished as craftsmen’s homes and workshops, representing over 30 different trades. The museum tells the story of pre-industrial urban craftsmanship. In the summertime craftsmen come to work in the workshops. The museum is open during summer from May to August, and for the Christmas Season in December. See more..
4.5 Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova (295 reviews)
- A unique centrally located museum
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

The Best Museum Experience Ever! Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history, archaeology and contemporary art with hands-on activities and professional guided tours. It is situated in Southwestern Finland, in Turku. The museum's guided tours introduce you to both the fascinating history of Turku, as well as the intriguing changing art exhibitions. In the summer season tours are included in the entrance fee, but they can also be reserved for groups throughout the year. The museum also provides a cosy cafeteria and a lovely gift shop. See more..
4.5 Turku City Library (259 reviews)
- The third library in Finland
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Libraries

Only Helsinki and Rauma had libraries before Turku. Turku Main Library consists of two buildings. The Dutch late Renaissance-style building was constructed in 1903. It resembles the House of Nobility in Stockholm. The interior is stunning. Next to the old one, a new library building was completed in 2007. The main material here was concrete and the building received the 2007 Concrete Construction Award. The two buildings are connected by a corridor that runs through the News Market where people can read newspapers. You can visit Café Sirius located in the former governor's office building. See more..
4.5 Forum Marinum Maritime Centre (235 reviews)
- Discover the smallest statues in the world and walk to feel the maritime atmosphere of Turku
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • Ships • History Museums

Here you can walk for a couple of miles to feel the maritime history and atmosphere of Turku. While walking we learned about the old lighting wooden beacons in use since the 1220s! And of course we took photos with the monumental sculptures such as the giant chamomile flower. What we absolutely loved were these tiny bronze sculptures almost camouflaged and blended in with the nature and granite seating area of the port. We wish we knew the name of the artist! See more..
4.5 Turun Kauppahalli (223 reviews)
- The second oldest market hall in Finland
Shopping Malls

This historic market hall was opened in 1896 at Eerikinkatu near the marketplace. It offers a unique atmosphere. All the roof and hallway structures are original. You can currently find approximately 40 different merchants and restaurants. See more..
4.5 Turku Art Museum (154 reviews)
- The best art museum in Turku
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Just the sight of the granite-stone castle atop Puolalanmäki hill gives a promising indication of the treasures inside. Turku Art Museum is a jewel of the city, where, in alternating collection exhibitions visitors can spot the brushstrokes of famous Finnish painters such Helene Schjerfbeck and Akseli Gallen-Kallela. Diverse and high-quality temporal exhibitions introduce the fascinating world of art, from classics to the freshest contemporary art but museum offers also many other activities as well as beautiful atmosphere to meet and socialise. Take a seat in the museum’s super-lovely Café Victor, and enjoy the charming porcelain and warm service! See more..
4.5 Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House (115 reviews)
- Nice and quick museum to visit
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times in Turku. The house was built approximately in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility. Check for opening times online. See more..
4.5 Turku University Botanical Garden (77 reviews)
- Relaxing visit
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas

Experience both Finnish nature and the tropical rainforest throughout the year! The collection of over 5,000 plant species is a living display of the diversity of the plant kingdom. In the 6 greenhouses, you will experience the heat and scents of the tropics and see species ranging from tiny groundcover plants to the highest trees of the rainforest. Ornamental subtropical plants bring a breath of Mediterranean air, living fossils take you to the past, and the drought-resistant succulents surprise with their ability to adapt. In the outdoor gardens (23 hectares), the landscape changes with the four seasons. There are flowering plants from April to November but, in the autumn, leaves change color and winters are amazing, too. Free entrance to the outdoor gardens! See more..
4.5 Archangel Michael's church (59 reviews)
- More prettier than the cathedral
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

A bit on the edge of the inner city but worth the walk. Beautiful inside and out, some decorative features See more..
4.5 Föri (50 reviews)
- a Turku must-do
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

The Fori is a free ferry that crosses the Aura furthest west in Turku, towards the Turku harbor. It runs constantly and one needn't wait but fifteen minutes for the next crossing. I'm not sure how necessary the ferry is because there are so many other bridges a little further east, but it's a fun and iconic way to get across the Aura. See more..
4.5 The Archipelago Trail (43 reviews)
- Love cycling? Ride this.
Hiking Trails

If you love travelling with bike, if you love nature, sea and seeing new places this is the thing you should do. Take your time to plan the trip carefully and check the schedules of the ferries in advance. You can go short trip for about 120 km or long trip of about 200 km or some variation of these. We have done long and short with our full suspension mtb’s and it has been a lot of fun. Book a airbnb on the way and spend some nice time in for example in island Nagu and all it’s restaurants. See more..
4.5 Kupittaa Park (42 reviews)
- Adventure park and lido
Parks

The lido (summer only) was a great hit with my youngest visitor from England There’s a huge slide (into shallow water) and a ‘snake slide’ into a pool (good with arm bands)... the water is warm and the showers hot. Toilets are free to use and clean. Changing rooms basic (old fashioned) The cafe is quite good (though the coffee should be hotter) ... nice ice creams and some snacks for sale. You can also do as we did and take your own picnic (no alcohol or glass) Please shower before and after swim to keep the pool clean We took own floats, but there are some to borrow if you forget them! You need 50c for locker for valuables ...refunded when you return key Entry is inexpensive adults 5e children/pensioners/students 3e ...no time limit but you can’t renter once you leave Easy to access by local bus ... the adventure park (free) is near by too. See more..
4.5 Abo Svenska Teater (34 reviews)
- Beautiful
Theaters

Abo Svenska Teater (the Swedish theatre in Turku), inaugurated in 1839, is the oldest theatre building in Finland. The theatre is renowned for its high-quality musicals and interesting dramas. See more..
4.5 JukuPark Turku (24 reviews)
- Fun and Safe for kids!
Water Parks

I was impressed by the thoughtful design in the different slides. Some water slides are winding, some are dark and so forth. I was never bored. Also, the height of each slide is carefully determined, so that there is not too maný stairs to climb each time, Each ride in the higher water slides are supervised by an employee. Visitors should be aware that many of the slides has a minimum 120 cm limit. There is an unsupervised "Pirate Island" area for younger kids, though. The staff was polite, also at the restaurant. Also, the hamburgers were tasty! Despite it was our our first trip to Turku, we managed to find a public bus that took us to a nearby crossroad. See more..
4.5 Kylamaki Village of Living History (23 reviews)
- Good place to see old style farm life
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Kylamaki Village of Living History is an outdoors museum, where the old tools and utensils are still in use. The area consists of four country houses with their barns and fields. Meet the lady of Iso-Kohmo house, busy in the kitchen. Enjoy the peace of Finnish countryside, only four kilometers from central Turku. Easy access by bus. See more..
4.5 Uto (17 reviews)
- Most beautiful archipelago in the world!
Islands • Lighthouses

If you have an extra day or two in your hands, take a trip on a free boat travelling through the archipelago to Utö, or another island closer to the mainland, Jurmo. You will experience authentic island living like nowhere else! See more..
4.5 Ett Hem Museum (16 reviews)
- Charming small museum
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The museum Ett Hem is a reconstruction displaying the late 19th and early 20th century interiors of a now demolished house at Hameenkatu in Turku. The owner of the house Alfred Jacobsson made a career as an industrial entrepeneur, while his wife Helene acquired a small collection of paintings and decorative artworks. The museum displays a collection of art and furnishings from the couples home. The museum Ett Hem is open during the summer from May to September, and for the Christmas Season in December. Groups can visit the museum also outside the opening hours, guided tours should be booked at latest one week in advance. See more..
4.5 St Henry's Ecumenical Art Chappel (16 reviews)
- Great architectural achievement
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Chapel is short distance from Turku and well worth a visit. The outside is not memorable.Sort of looks like an upside down partially open clam shell with a metal roof. The interior is striking. It is entirely constructed of pine wood. Truly spectacular pine walls that follow the contour of the exterior. Chapel has won several architectural awards. See more..
4.5 Vepsa Island (16 reviews)
- Perfect getaway
Spent More than 3 hours Islands • Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Vepsä is the perfect island to go for a day-trip - or even an overnight trip as there is camping possibilities and cottages for rent. It is a short boat ride away from the Aura river. You can enjoy a day at the beach, go kayaking, play mini golf, enjoy the sauna.. just spend a relaxed summer day away from the city noise. See more..
4.5 Kirjais (6 reviews)
- A wonderful place!
Islands

This is a beautiful, quiet and pittoresque island with some nice services like a little village grocery shop, a restaurant serving local, seasonal food, a beach and a guest port. See more..
4.0 Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art (60 reviews)
- A perfect little gem
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art - or more familiarly WAM - is the Turku City art museum. The focal point of the exhibitions is modern and contemporary art. WAM displays c:a four exhibitions annually. See more..
4.0 Turku Biological Museum (31 reviews)
- Great nature dioramas
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 AM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums

A refreshing old style museum. Dioramas are something that modern people find actually quite exotic as they are so used to their flat screens... See more..
4.0 Pyhän Marttyyrikeisarinna Aleksandran Kirkko (26 reviews)
- Take a Look
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

This delightfully domed orthodox church stand proudly in the main square . It is well worth a look inside. See more..
4.0 Kauppakeskus Skanssi (21 reviews)
- Best mall in the city
Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

Skanssi is just a few km away from the city centre and you can easily reach it either by car, bus or even bicycle if the weather allows it. There are numerous stores, selling more or less everything, satisfying anyone's needs. There's also a super market, pharmacy, alko and a nice food corner with various restaurants. See more..
3.5 Kakola (15 reviews)
- Feeling of luxury (if you skip the breakfast)
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Feeling of luxury….in a prison! Very nicely decorated and remodeled hotel. Our hotel room seemed to consist of three original cells. We loved the big and comfy bed, luxurious bath, big tv, small balcony and usb ports above the bed. Additional mirror in the room would have been nice. I also missed an outlet for my flatiron in the bath. Excellent service. Only big minus was the breakfast—unacceptable! Ham tasted like cling wrap, salmon did not get refilled, bacon was cold, karelia pies were hard as rock, juice was bitter and cappuccino was even more bitter. Wine bar seemed very cozy but did not have the time to enjoy it. See more..