Turku

[[file:Turku banner.jpg|1280px|Turku seen from the tower of the cathedral|otbp=yes}}

Turku (Swedish: Åbo) is the oldest city and former capital of Finland. It was settled during the 13th century, making it one of the only few – and by far the largest – medieval cities in Finland. Turku is the cradle of Finnish culture, since over the years it has played an important role as the gateway to Finland for international influence. Nowadays Turku is a vivid city with clusters of maritime and medical business.

Bisecting Turku downtown and the River Aura is the heart and soul of the city: this is where Turku was born, and a large part of city life – museums, sights, restaurants and cafés – is still concentrated on the riverside. The river banks form a national urban park allowing for a pleasant stroll from the Turku Cathedral to the Turku Castle. Close to the river mouth is the island of Ruissalo, with oak forests and 19th-century villas. Turku is at its best in summertime, when it hosts many festivals, including rock festivals, chamber music festivals and a medieval fair. But do not forget the winter atmosphere, if you are lucky you may be able to have a thrilling walk on the ice cover of River Aura.

In addition to the cultural sights and museums, Turku attracts visitors due to the Archipelago Sea, which stretches all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, forming the largest archipelago in the world by the number of islands and islets.

Turku Halal Travel Guide

Turun tuomiokirkko - Turku Cathedral.

History

See also: Nordic history

Turku is Finland’s oldest city and one of the oldest in the entire Nordic region. The city came into existence at Koroinen on the banks of river Aura, a few kilometers north from the Turku market square. Trading took place on this historic site as early as in the 1150s, and in 1229 and the bishopric was transferred there as well. The Aura River Valley had already been a prosperous and relatively densely populated area since the Iron Age. The Finnish name, Turku, is an archaic Russian word for 'marketplace' (turgu). The name of the Italian city, Trieste, comes from the same Indo-European origin. Turku Market Plaza has long been one of the largest and finest on the south coast. The etymology of the Swedish name Åbo is unclear. One feasible explanation is that the city was named Åbo by Swedish settlers because it was a settlement (bo) on the Aura River (å).

The year 1229 is regarded as the year in which the City of Turku was founded. Excavations in different parts of the downtown have provided more light on the city's history. The construction of Turku Castle began in the 1280s and the Dominican monastery of St. Olof was being built on Samppalinna Hill and Turku Cathedral was consecrated in the year 1300. From this point on and the city held an important position in the Swedish state and it had staple town charter (the right to conduct foreign trade), assuring that trading was brisk. The German bourgeoisie of Turku held a major role in the early development of the city, and Turku had a community that was part of the Hansa|Hanseatic League, which dominated trade along the coasts of Northern Europe.

During Swedish rule, Turku was the largest and most important city of its region, as well as being a major city of the Swedish Kingdom. Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in Tartu, Estonia. Turku remained the Finnish capital until the year 1812. Russian Empire|Russia, after overtaking Finland from Sweden 1809, moved the capital to Helsinki, which was closer to Saint Petersburg and farther from Stockholm. Turku remained Finland's largest city until the end of the 1840s, but its ambitions were dealt a death blow in 1827, when a raging fire destroyed most of the city. "Turun palo" is still the largest urban fire in the history of the Nordic countries. The city was almost completely destroyed, and the rest of the major institutions with the exception of the archbishop's seat were moved to Helsinki. The burnt city needed an altogether new town plan, which was drawn up by German architect Carl Ludvig Engel the following year.

Turku is still a gateway to Sweden. The competition between cruise ferry companies led to ferries ever increasing in size and features, which let the Turku shipyard develop into a world leader of building large cruise ships, with clients such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and TUI Cruises. Turku shipyard employs directly and indirectly 8000 people. In addition to this, follows employment effect to foreign companies.

In 2011 Turku was the European Capital of Culture along with Tallinn and the capital of Estonia. Afterwards Turku has seen a huge boost in domestic and foreign visitors.

The People of Turku

People at aurariver (cropped).jpg|1280px|The Aura River's banks are very popular among Turku residents, for walking, biking or enjoying nice weather.

Turku remains a regional capital of Finland Proper and is the third most populous city-region in Finland and the eighth largest urban area in the Nordic countries, with around 330 000 inhabitants living in the Turku sub-region. Nowadays Turku is a major academic town for Finland: there are two universities (one with Finnish, one with Swedish as its language; with business schools, a law school and a medical school), and four universities of applied sciences. Consequently, you will find that the city is bustling with young adults. The large number of students means that restaurants, live music clubs and dining are ample. A true local speciality you will find in few other Finnish cities are the floating bars in the river Aura. There is a cultural spirit in the city, and some of the proud residents are still irked that Helsinki took over as Finland's capital back in 1812. In other parts of Finland people from Turku are stereotypically thought of as being bit reserved and uppish in their views of their hometown. However, if you have a coffee at the Market Plaza and chat with the local residents, you will soon find out that this is not the case. The Turku dialect has many influences from Swedish, and it can from time to time sound even a bit like Estonian. The city is also famous throughout Finland for its processed mustard called Turun Sinappi, though ownership and production was controversially moved abroad in 2008, with production being resumed in Finland in 2014.

Read

Turku Castle - Turku Castle.

• Vares (book series) (Reijo Mäki, 1986–13). Finnish crime literature usually focuses more on police procedurals, or the psychological and sociological fallout from crime. One writer, Reijo Mäki, however, has written a series of books about a private investigator called Jussi Vares. He is your regular hardboiled PI: he drinks, makes love, hates everyone, and gets beaten up and mugged on a regular basis. All Vares books take place in Turku, which is also home to the books' writer. Mäki is a celebrity in Turku, where you can perhaps catch him in his favourite bar, Uusi Apteekki (New Pharmacy).
• The Home of Dark Butterflies (Leena Lander, 1991). Writer Leena Lander tells the story of a fourteen-year-old boy named Juhani, who is haunted by his traumatic past. Juhani has been shuttled between foster homes and temporary families for the past six years, leaving any prospect of stability in his life a faded dream. When Juhani winds up in a remote shelter for troubled youth known as The Island, he has little idea of how ruthless superintendent Olavi Harjula can truly be. In addition to Harjula and the six other boys, The Island is also home to the superintendent's wife Irene and the couple's two young daughters, and Tynne, who tends to the local livestock in addition to catering all the meals. The island of the story has actually existed, though the boys' home was closed already in 1968. The story was also made into a film of the same name in 2008 and shooting took place on the actual island in the Turku archipelago. The film was also Finland's Oscar nominee for a foreign language film in 2008.

Watch

• Restless (Aku Louhimies, 2000) is a story about Ari (Mikko Nousiainen), a 27-year-old ambulance doctor living in Turku, who's main pastime are one-night stands. He doesn't want to meet any of the girls again because he is certain that commitment equals pain. But one day Ari realizes that he cannot feel anything at all. Then he meets a woman named Tiina (Laura Malmivaara) on the beach. Without really intending to and they start dating each other, reaching the point where Tiina, falling in love, begins to look for commitment. Ari is introduced to Tiina's friends, including two other couples. Ari then ends up having sex with Tiina's two best friends (Ilona and Hanna-Riikka). Meanwhile Tiina continues to love Ari. During this Tiina manages to commit Ari to reluctantly become the father of her to be born child.
• Vares movies (Aleksi Mäkelä, 2004-2012). Vares books proved so popular in Finland that in 2004 a film was released, starring Juha Veijonen as the detective, and directed by Aleksi Mäkelä, considered by many the number one action-director in Finland. A second film appeared a few years later, and the two films' success led to a series of all together eight films.
• Man Exposed (Aku Louhimies, 2006) is a comedy-drama film about a rebel minister working in Turku's Street Michael's Church, who is suddenly asked to run for bishop. At the same time he is running into problems in his marriage and life in general.
• Tears of April (Aku Louhimies, 2008) is a war drama film based on the novel by Leena Lander and the film is set in the final stages of the Finnish Civil War. The film tells a story of a captured female Red Guard fighter, Miina, and the soldier Aaro who escorts her to her trial.
• Love and Other Troubles (Samuli Valkama, 2012) is a Finnish romantic comedy film set in Turku. It stars Emilie de Ravin as Sara, an American line dance teacher, who meets Ville (Jussi Nikkilä), a 25-year-old former child star, and his father (Ville Virtanen), an ex-rock star, who both fall in love with her.
• The Girl King (Mika Kaurismäki, 2023) is a biographical drama about Christina, Queen of Sweden, who reigned from 1632 until her abdication in 1654.

How is the Climate in Turku

Air temperature in Turku 2016 - Temperature in Turku at 2016

Turku, like the rest of Finland, has four distinct seasons. Situated by the Baltic Sea and sheltered by the islands of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a humid continental climate. Like much of southern Finland and the city experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging up to 30°C (85°F), and winters with frequent snowfall and temperatures down to about -25°C (-15°F). The best time to visit is definitely the warm period from late May to early September. If visiting in wintertime and meeting slush, ride somewhat more inland (a local bus can get you far enough) and you will probably find the real snow. Once in a while you can find it in Turku downtown too.

Current weather forecasts can be checked at the Finnish Meteorological Institute website].

Visitor information

Turku's official tourist agency is Turku Touring. It serves also the larger region.

• Visit Turku - Aurakatu 2 GPS: 60.44906, 22.26784 next to the City Hall, near the Aura bridge ☎ +358 2 262-7444 +358 2 262-7679 Opening Hours: Sep–Mar: daily 10:00–15:00; Apr–September: Monday–Friday 08:30–18:00, Sa–Su 10:00–18:00- Turku Touring's office offers advice, sight-seeing tours, maps, guide books, souvenirs, bicycle hire instructions, group outings and more.

Travel as a Muslim to Turku

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Turku

Turku Airport (TKU)

Aero Airlines ATR 72 ES-KRL at EFTU on 20060714 - Passengers boarding Finnair flight to Helsinki at Turku airport.

• Turku Airport IATA Code: TKU - GPS: 60.5109, 22.2743 8 km north of the downtown - Turku Airport Terminaali 1, Turun lentoasema, Turku, 11.7.2010 Is a compact airport with 2 terminals for check-in

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The national carrier of Finland, Finnair, has a connection between Turku and Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport every few hours. Scandinavian Airlines services Turku from Stockholm and Kittilä. AirBaltic has a connection between Turku and Riga. All these carriers use Turku Airport's Terminal 1.

Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air serves Turku from Gdańsk and uses Terminal 2 at the airport.

In addition Nextjet operates a route between Turku and Mariehamn.

Transport to/from Turku Airport

Bus line 1 departs from the airport every 20 minutes and goes via Kauppatori (the bus hub) in the heart of the city to the Port of Turku. Several hotels happen to be along the route. Tickets are available on board for €3/1.50 (free transfers for two hours, see #By bus 2|below for details). The line operates from 05:20 to 00:45. The day's last bus has flexible time schedule for passengers' convenience and waits as long as 15 minutes if necessary. Last buses operate only to Kauppatori, not to the harbour.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

If coming by air, a common option is to fly to the internationally well connected Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (IATA Code: HEL). Turku is 166 kilometers away from Helsinki and it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to get by vehicle from Helsinki to Turku by the Finnish national road 1 (E18). The voyage from Helsinki airport is easy also by plane, train (transfer in Helsinki) or coach.

There is an almost hourly ExpressBus coach connection from Helsinki-Vantaa to Turku bus station operated by /pl/Welcome.do?request_locale=en Pohjolan Liikenne and Vainio, departing from platform 13 in front of the international flights terminal. The service operates round the clock, although there may be a gap of two hours between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 hours 15 min and 2 hours 55 min, depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. In some cases and there is a change of coach at Lommila, but it is well co-ordinated and easy.

The Onniflyer service of Onnibus.com is typically a bit cheaper and faster (two hours), but has only eight round-trips per day. The Onnibus buses are red double-deckers with free Wi-Fi but little legroom. They depart from platforms 23 and 24 in front of Terminal 2. Book ticket online in advance for a cheaper price.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Turku

Turun rautatieasema - Turku Central Railway Station. Turku railways 2018 - View from Turku Railway Station to Logomo direction at 2018.

VR and the state-owned railway company, operates all the domestic routes as well as the connections to Viborg, Saint Petersburg and Moscow in Russia. Turku has three VR operated Train stations: the Central train station GPS 60.45380, 22.25331 ("Turku", service Monday to Friday 08:10–17:15) on the northern edge of Turku's central business neighborhood,* Kupittaa train station GPS 60.45050, 22.29700 ("Kupittaa") in the eastern part of the city and Turku harbour railway stop GPS 60.43448, 22.22334 ("Turku satama") in Turku harbour on the western edge of Turku centre. Trains arriving from the direction of Helsinki first stop at Kupittaa and then arrive at the central station, while trains from Tampere only stop at the central station. Some of the trains continue onward to the harbour, which is handy if you are connecting to a passenger ferry towards Stockholm or Mariehamn. Kupittaa has limited service (tickets bought in advance, from a machine or on board) and the harbour none. Only the central station is manned. From the central station you can purchase all domestic train tickets and train tickets from Finland to Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Viborg and InterRail cards to Europe.

Links between Turku and the rest of the nation are frequent and excellent, although not hourly any more. There are connections to Helsinki and Tampere, travel duration roughly 2 hours (repairs on the Helsinki railway will make connections somewhat slower in the summer 2022), and onward to such domestic cities as Jyväskylä (3.5 hr), Kuopio (5.5 hr) and Oulu (7 hr). Onward from Helsinki you can also reach Saint Petersburg (5.5 hr) and Moscow (15 hr). There is also an overnight vehicle and sleeper train connection to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland|Lapland (10–15 hr).

Finland is not easy to get to by train from most of Europe, since the Baltic Sea is between Finland and the south-western part of the continent. If you want to travel by train to Turku from abroad, except Russia, you have to first travel to Stockholm, and take a ferry cruise from there. This can be a scenic and environmental friendly option, and if you travel by rail otherwise, most of the European railway companies offer discounts for the ferry connection.

Buses pass the train stations on their way to Kauppatori and the hub for local buses in the centre. The train stations also have Fölläri stations nearby; if you have registered and paid for the day, week or year you can borrow a bike for free to get onward (see #By bicycle|below for details).

By ferry

Viking Grace Ruissalo - Viking Grace passing Ruissalo island on its way to Stockholm.

Perhaps the most scenic way to get to Turku is by taking a passenger Baltic sea ferries|ferry across the Baltic Sea, from Stockholm or from Kapellskär, Norrtälje, in Sweden. The Port of Turku GPS 60.43482, 22.21966 is next to Turku Castle and is easily accessible on bus line 1, which travels between the port and the airport via the centre. The port also has its own railway and bus station (by the Viking terminal), and some trains and buses depart at the seaport With light luggage, grabbing a [[#By bicycle|fölläri bike or strolling along the river to the centre can be a nice option (3 kilometers to Kauppatori, buses within reach all the time).

The two biggest ferry lines are the Finnish Viking Line and the now Estonian TallinkSilja. Both operate two departures each day from Stockholm via Åland: one in the morning, arriving in the evening, and one in the evening, arriving in the morning. For a scenic view, and less expensive prices, a morning departure is advisable. Going in the night, you avoid one night at a hotel, but the effective sleeping time is short, as you are probably waked up for cleaning of the cabin well before arrival (generous, although not cheap, breakfast available). Evening departures provide adequate night club activities on board if you want to cut loose before arriving. All ferries between Turku and Stockholm make a brief stop in Åland, in either Mariehamn or Långnäs. Due to this stop, plus a Finnish-demanded exception to European Union rules, passengers can make purchases on the ferries tax-freely.

For those with vehicles (e.g. a vehicle or bikes) there are also more quiet ropax ferries from Norrtälje|Kapellskär (either directly or via Långnäs) to Naantali outside Turku, by Finnlines]. As for Viking and TallinkSilja, looking for special offers may save a lot of money.

By yacht

Summer scene at Turku guest harbour - Summer scene at Turku guest harbour.

Many people also from other regions, including Helsinki, spend their summer vacation yachting around the Archipelago Sea surrounding Turku. The Sea of Åland and the Gulf of Finland, coming from Sweden and Estonia respectively, can easily be crossed in a day, while a voyage directly from Gotland requires overnight sailing. There is an abundance of minor guest harbours on the remaining distance through the archipelago.

Turku Guest Harbour is on the Aura river halfway between the port and Kauppatori, while Turku Yacht Club's Guest Harbour, Ruissalo Marina and Ruissalon Telakka are on the scenic island of Ruissalo, with buses (line 8) to the downtown once an hour or half an hour in daytime. The three first mentioned have fuel stations. There is also a free mooring site above the Aura bridge (in the absolute centre), but only for short visits without mast (perhaps a nice tour if you have a suitable dinghy).

• Turku Guest Harbour - Läntinen Rantakatu 57 GPS: 60.4401, 22.2447 in the centre, 2 kilometers from Kauppatori ☎ +358 400-880-051 or +358 400-536-613 - €31–45; in season with beam <3m and without reservation: €31 - City guest harbour. Good services. May be full in peak season. For size over 15m×5.2m, check special arrangements.
• Ruissalon Telakka - Hevoskarintie 23 GPS: 60.43669, 22.20569 Ruissalo, by Port of Turku ☎ +358 400-330-413 - Former boat yard; some of the yachts built here again call the harbour home, and part of the moorings are reserved for classical yachts. From here to the centre you can either take the /en/waterbus water bus (daytime in season, bikes free) or walk 400 m to the bus stop for a 12-min ride with line 8. Both options use the Föli tickets (€3/1.50). Café and pizzeria. Toilets and showers, but no fuel or septic tank emptying.
• TPS Guest Harbour - Pursiseuranranta 30 GPS: 60.4265, 22.1593 ☎ +358 44-376-2655 - €20 - Marina of one of the local yacht clubs. On the island Ruissalo, a 20-minutes bus ride (line 8) from the centre.
• Ruissalo Marina - Ruissalon puistotie 618 GPS: 60.4261, 22.1073 ☎ +358 2 445-40 - €28 - By the Ruissalon Kylpylä spa hotel near the western end of the island, a 25-minutes bus ride (line 8) from the centre. Bikes for rent.

Travel on a Bus in Turku

Busstation of Turku - Turku central bus station seen over Aninkaistenkatu, where local buses pass. The platforms are behind the building.

Matkahuolto operates the Turku bus station GPS 60.45712, 22.26808, where long-distance national and international buses usually terminate, as do some regional services. The station is at the northern edge of the downtown within walking distance from the central train station (1 kilometers) and Kauppatori (Market Plaza, 800 m). Lockers available (moderate/large: €2/4 for a maximum of 24 hr, note station closing time). The bus station also has good local and regional bus connections, whereas Kauppatori is the hub for local buses. Some bus lines arriving at the station continue to the Port of Turku, if needed. If going there, tell that when buying your ticket and when boarding.

There is a Fölläri station at the bus station; if you have registered and paid for the day, week or year you can borrow a bike for free to get onward (see #By bicycle|below for details).

Normal bus connections from Kamppi in Helsinki leave for Turku more or less every half an hour during the day and every hour or two during the night. All these connections are either express or special express (there are also a few "regular" connections, if you search for them). Tickets cost around €30 (round trip around €55) for adults, around €20 for children aged 12–16, €15 for children aged 4–11 and Finnish students (ISIC not accepted). Children under the age of four travel for free. Cheaper tickets can often be had in advance on the net (check also the individual companies' websites).

There is a line from Tampere hourly in daytime and the last coach arriving 00:55, from Pori about hourly (check!) and from Vaasa about every two hours and the last arriving 21:20.

For timetables, for the above mentioned or other connections, see the Finnish Transport Agency service or Matkahuolto].

Also Onnibus has connections to Turku. Tickets to these buses vary in price, cheapest well in advance on the Internet, €15–20 from Helsinki if bought when boarding (with busy services often sold out). Timetables and tickets only at their own web site.

By car

Saariston rengastie 11 - Sign at the Turku Archipelago Trail.

Turku is well connected by roads to other parts of Finland. Main routes are highways 1 (E18) from Helsinki, 8 (E8) from Pori, 9 (E63) from Tampere, Jyväkylä and Kuopio, and 10 from Hämeenlinna. Highway 40 is also very important, as it circulates Turku. Highway 1 is a high-speed controlled-access highway all the way to Helsinki. Highways 8 and 9 also begin as high-speed highways. Helsinki can be visited by the highway in around 1 hours 40 min during the summer and 2 hrs 40 in winter. The old road from Helsinki, regional road 110, is somewhat slower but allows your seeing more of the landscape.

From Sweden, use the #By ferry or yacht|above mentioned ferries, which all take cars. From Åland, you can either take one of those, or use the ferries connecting islands of Åland and the Archipelago Sea with each other and with the mainland. Using the small ferries is more complicated and possibly more expensive, but can be rewarding.

There are a few scenic roads around Turku as well:

• The partly medieval King's Road (Kuninkaantie) leads from Turku all the way to the eastern border of Finland. It is an old mailing route dating back to the 14th century, starting from Bergen in Norway on the Atlantic coast, passing through the capitals of Norway and Sweden (Oslo and Stockholm), crossing the Archipelago Sea to Turku and ending up in Vyborg in Russia. The modern tourist route is also extended all the way to Saint Petersburg. You can see lots of scenic medieval churches, museums and old villages along the road.
• The Ox Road of Häme (Hämeen Härkätie) leads from Turku to Hämeenlinna and is the most important road of early Finnish history. The route was once used by merchants, pilgrims, and kings. Along the route, with small detours, you will find a splendid array of interesting sites, such as museums, churches and shopping spots. If you want to really experience a journey in time, you can stay at an old manor house or inn along the way.
• Archipelago Trail|The Archipelago Trail (also called The Archipelago Ring Road, Saariston Rengastie, Skärgårdens ringväg) allows travellers to access Archipelago Sea|the archipelago without a boat of their own – and without backtracking. Part of the "trail" can be used when coming from Sweden via Åland. The complete circular route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries. The trail is especially popular among cyclists. Off season some ferries are unavailable; in winter you may not be able to complete the circle. Coming from Åland you can use a smaller ferry from Långnäs to Korpo and continue from there by the Archipelago trail (all year).

How to get around in Turku

GPS: 60.4493|22.2683|height=370|width=620|align= }} Turku has an excellent public transportation system, and its buses reach every corner of the city. The hub for the local bus traffic is normally the Market Plaza, Kauppatori (Swedish: Salutorget), which is in the central business neighborhood and often considered the midpoint of the city. In 2018–2021, however and there are construction works, and most bus stops are moved away temporarily to nearby roads. Most main sights are within walking distance from the square. A bike is the quickest way to get around and bikeways are generally good, although not always fast (try a nice trip along the river).

On foot

The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. The river Aura passes through the centre, and its banks are very popular, allowing for a pleasant stroll from, say and the national shrine of Finland and the Turku Cathedral, to the Turku Castle, which used to house Swedish Kings – or upstream to experience some countryside.

Turku Touring and the official tourist agency of the city, offers different walking lal-tours/ tours for visitors. There are also leaflets with self guided walking tours, such as Sculpture walk, ArchitecTour, Romantic Turku and Stepping it up. You can get a map from main library (Linnankatu 2) or Tourist information (Aurakatu 2). If you have a smartphone you can download a Citynomadi app and get a map there.

By bicycle

Fölläristation Universitetsgatan 2018 - Fölläri bikes by the pedestrian street

The fastest and most flexible way of seeing Turku is on a bike. There are good bike paths mostly as needed, although at the very heart of the city you have to know the routes or sometimes join vehicle traffic, or get off the bike unless sufficiently experienced; not all the best routes are obvious. A four-year experiment with salted winter routes in the centre started 2017 (12 kilometers first year; Civitas eccentric). These routes lead along the river, around the campuses and through the central business neighborhood. Elsewhere bikeways and roads are not always maintained sufficiently in the winter for easy (in the centre: safe) biking, but local hardcore cyclists are biking throughout the year.

For getting out of the city, bikes can be loaded on the local buses (including regional buses in the Föli cooperation) for €6 at the driver's discretion, i.e. probably when there are not too many passengers. Cost on coaches varies by company, often about the price of a children's ticket for longer voyages, sometimes likewise a flat €6.

The city tourist office can suggest cycling routes (there is a bike route map of the city and surrounding towns on the net). They also rent bikes (€23/day) as do, e.g., Polkupyörävuokraamo in the harbour (phone [☎+358440224161 +358 440-224-161], €14/day, €63/week).

Bike theft is common and vandalism happens. A lock gives some protection. If leaving the bike close to the river it should be locked to something.

Bike sharing

In May 2018 and the City of Turku started renting 300 citybikes called Föli-fillari ("Föli-bike") or fölläri in 34 different “bicycle stations”. Most are along the river, from the harbour to the ÅA campus, some elsewhere in the centre, from the central train station in the west to the hospital and Kupittaa station in the east and from Martti in the south to Ikituuri in the Student village in the north, and two in Ruissalo (in summer only?).

You register your phone number (which works as ID; leave out the "+" but include country code), your credit card, and your Föli card (if you have one) on the net and pay a fee for a day (24 hours from the payment; €5), week (€10) or year (1 May–30 April; €40) and can then use them freely as long as you return them in half an hour to any of the stations (if there are no free slots or the slots are blocked by snow, just lock the bike and check that the return was acknowledged). The 30-day Föli cards include the borrowing right. Re-borrowing is allowed without limits. If you miss the 30-min deadline you pay €1/hr up to 2 hours and €2/hr up to five hours (€8), which is the maximum borrowing time (€80 fine for missing that deadline).

In winter the fölläri bikes have studded tyres, but some problems: the gears are usually frozen in freezing temperatures, many bikes are out of order and returning bikes fails more often than normal. Otherwise they work reasonably well also in snowy streets. As long as the system thinks you have not returned your bike you cannot borrow a new one, but borrowing the same bike again should work. Contact the Föli office (limited hours) to get your account released (they check where the bike de facto is and "return" it), and answer to the receipt e-mail asking for getting excess payment returned.

The system seems to have had benefited from some more testing; be patient if the bike doesn't seem to cooperate. If you get stuck, pushing the "P" (temporary parking) key tends to return a sensible state. The display is often out of sync with what is happening, so when borrowing a bike (or unlocking a parked one) just check whether the lock was unlocked and ignore any messages in Finnish. On returning it, it is however important to check for success (there may be transient Wi-Fi problems and the bike may not get locked properly or you forgot to push "OK" twice). If you cannot get returning your bike registered, contact the #By bus 2 Web:

• Föli water buses - €3/1.5 (ordinary Föli ticket), bikes free 2018: daily from 21 May to 2 September, two more weekends in September. Every 45 min, round trip 1.5 hr. First departure 10:15, last return back 20:00. m/s Ruissalo and m/s Jaarli go from just downstream from Martinsilta (eastern, left bank) to the Kansanpuisto park on Ruissalo, via Forum Marinum and either Pikisaari on Hirvensalo or the Telakka marina. Tip: Take a bicycle with you without extra fee if the ferry is not too crowded.

}} Jakke Jokilautta| image=Jakke Jokilautta - GPS 60.4483, 22.2683 - €5/2 (children 3–14), family (2+2) €12 . River ferry Jakke is a café ferry going up and down the river all the way from the castle to the cathedral. Along the way you can enjoy refreshments and the wonderful views of the city. Some of the cruises are also guided. There are five stops along the river for the ferry: Tintå restaurant, Pharmacy museum, Esposito, Turku guest harbour and Crichton street. The ferry always stops at the Pharmacy museum and Crichton street, and if there are people waiting for the ferry, also on the other stops.

Archipelago cruises

SS Ukkopekka Kultaranta 2004 - Ukkopekka on its way from Naantali to Turku.

There are a number of cruises in and tour boat connections to the archipelago, e.g. to the island Vepsä], a recreational area of the city (1–2 hours), to Utö] in the very outskirts of the Archipelago Sea (5 hours; twice a week, overnight stay at the island necessary due to the distance) or to Naantali with the Moomin world, Kultaranta (the summer residence of the President of Finland) and a nice wooden old town. Most ferries taking passengers to the archipelago can be found between Martinsilta bridge and Föri. Some of the lal-tours/ tours are available only in summertime, others continue as long as ice conditions permit.

On your way out from the city you can see the old ships by Forum Marinum, Turku castle and the harbour and Pikisaari and Ruissalo with their old charming villas, before you reach the open Airisto. s/s Ukkopekka SS Ukkopekka SS Ukkopekkaa - GPS 60.44416, 22.25336 - Naantali: €24 single, €29 return, family €66/80, lunch €14; Loistokari: €48–55; children 3–12/3–14 half price . Family-owned steamship, which takes passengers through the archipelago from Turku to Naantali (day cruises; 1 hours 45 min each way, immediate return or 2 hours in Naantali) and to the island of Loistokari (evening cruises, dance at the Loistokari pier, buffet meal included) in the summer season. The pier is just downstream of the Martinsilta bridge. m/s Rudolfina - Rudolfina Aurajoella 2.JPG GPS 60.44331, 22.25150 - €30–40, including a meal . Lunch and diner cruises, and on evening cruises to Naantali. m/s Lily Lily Turku.JPG GPS 60.44401, 22.25297 Price Return €16, children 0–14 €6, family €32; to Ruissalo: €8/3/16. With Lily you can depart for a two-hour cruise in the Airisto or spend the entire summer's day (or a few) on the Vepsä island. The voyage is an hour each way. Optionally just go down the river and to Ruissalo. There is a café on board. The main deck consist of a bright 100-person lounge, with a 40-seater cabinet downstairs and a large deck and sun terrace upstairs.

• m/s Fanny - Läntinen Rantakatu 37 GPS: Opening Hours: 10 Jun–mid Aug: Daily 10:00 from Turku, 11:55 at Själö, 12:30 in Nagu, start from Nagu at 16:00, back 18:30 Return €36/22 - Connects Turku with Nagu#See|Själö (Finnish: Seili) and the centre Kyrkbacken in Nagu. Choose either destination. Times with guided lal-tours/ tours on Själö. Café on board, restaurant at Själö. In 2019 Fanny will probably be replaced with a faster ship and the route extended to Gullkrona in the Archipelago National Park.

By vehicle

Parking lots by the street are sparse at rush hours, but otherwise you should be able to park your vehicle for a while quite near the place where you are going. Parking halls, such as the underground Louhi GPS 60.45490, 22.26060 near the Market square (€1–2/h), usually have plenty of free space. Q-Park also operates several parking halls in central Turku. Most of the largest hotels have their own parking halls as well. When parking in the street in winter and spring, note times reserved for maintenance. The roads around Kauppatori are now (2018–2021) mostly closed for through traffic.

What to see in Turku

The vast majority of the city's sights are within a kilometre or two from Kauppatori. Two sights in the city are considered above others (by Finnish visitors): the medieval castle, which is the symbol of Turku, and Turku cathedral and the national shrine of Finland, but there are several more modest pearls to find. Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova invites visitors to explore the medieval history and culture of Turku and to reflect upon thought-provoking contemporary art. Luostarinmäki is the only larger part of the city that survived the great fire of Turku in 1827. Nowadays it houses an open air living handicrafts museum, with local artisans working in traditional ways. The biological museum has dioramas showing Finnish fauna of different biotops. The museum of art has a collection from the time of national awakening in the 19th century, besides more modern works. The Museokortti card gives free entrance to most museums.

History and museums

• Turku Castle - Turun linna | Linnankatu 80 GPS: 60.4353, 22.2287 near the harbour, bus 1 ☎ +358 2 262-0300 | Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00; reduced hours and closed Monday in Oct–Mar low season €11, optional guided tour €3A must for everyone visiting the city, Turku castle is one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. The castle, which used to house Swedish royalty, is the largest castle in Finland, and dates back to end of the 13th century. It has been carefully renovated and now it houses also a large museum, which demonstrates the history of the Turku region from prehistory to present day with its frequent exhibitions, events and furnished style rooms. Highlights include the two dungeons and magnificent banquet halls as well as toy and game exhibitions aimed at children. Tours of the stronghold are given hourly in English during high season and they give a good account of the castle's history.

Aboa Vetus Ars Nova 3 - Entrance of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.

• Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova | Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 GPS: 60.449844, 22.273457 ☎ +358 20-718-640 | Opening Hours: 11:00–19:00 €10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also housesravintola-kahvila Monday Kitchen and Café] and the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the Linnateatteri theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard.

Julfred utlyses Gamla Stortorget 2009 - View from the Old Great Plaza during the declaration of Christmas Peace.

• Old Great Plaza - Vanha Suurtori | Vanha Suurtori 7 GPS: 60.45076, 22.27582 across the parks by Turku Cathedral ☎ +358 2 262-0961 The Old Great Plaza area is part of the old Turku downtown. Today, this exceptionally handsome milieu serves as the perfect setting for such events as the annual declaration of Christmas peace and the Medieval Market. The Old Great Plaza was a major traffic hub, marketplace and administrative centre from the 13th century to the beginning of the 19th century. Today and the square has four historically significant buildings: the Brinkkala Mansion, Old City Hall, Hjelt Mansion and Juselius Mansion. The old buildings have been fully restored for use as cultural venues. The Old Great Plaza comes to life with a wide variety of events. At Christmastime and the square is transformed into a Christmas Market, and in the summer it is time for the Medieval Market. Old Great Plaza and its vicinities are home to several important neoclassical buildings including the Old Academy Building GPS 60.45176, 22.27965 and the Old Town Hall GPS 60.45051, 22.27613}}

Turku - Forum Marinum - Suomen Joutsen 02 - Sail ship Suomen Joutsen is one of the main attractions in Forum Marinum.

• Forum Marinum - Linnankatu 72 GPS: 60.4366, 22.2349Just after the guest harbor when going downstream towards Turku Castle, you can't miss it, bus line 1 ☎ +358 2 267-9511 +358 2 267-9515 Opening Hours: wintertime: Daily 11:00–19:00 €9/5/– for the museum; €6/4 ships The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a lively and versatile centre for maritime activities, comprising a national special maritime museum, and the Finnish Navy Museum. There are temporary exhibitions and a very interesting boat and ship collection]: two tall sail ships, Suomen Joutsen (Swan of Finland) and Sigyn, four naval ships and several smaller vessels, ranging from a steam harbour tugboat to a police boat. The museum ships are open during the summer months only, while the exhibitions are open throughout the year. The museum also houses a Café Restaurant called Daphne, which serves café delicacies and a tasty, varied buffet lunch. The Museum Shop offers maritime gifts and other articles, literature and high-quality textiles.
• Botanical Garden - Ruissalon puistotie 215 GPS: 60.43330, 22.17334 ☎ +358 2 276-1900 | Opening Hours: Indoor gardens M–Su 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens M–Su 08:00–20:00 Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises.

Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki (Cloister Hill) Handicrafts Museum in Turku - Women with baskets at the Luostarinmäki outdoor museum.

• Luostarinmäki - Cloister Hill | Vartiovuorenkatu 2 GPS: 60.44702, 22.27673 ☎ +358 2 262-0350 - €7/4/4, family €18 In 1827 a fire destroyed almost all of Turku. The Luostarinmäki area (then a quite poor area in the outskirts of the town) was the only larger part of the city that was saved. Now the area is preserved and it houses the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum (Käsityöläismuseo), an outdoor museum with charming late 18th century wooden house quarters. All the buildings are in their original places, which is extremely rare in an outdoor museum. Over thirty workshops from different fields of craftsmanship display the City's handicrafts history and old dwellings. During the summer season and the museum's workshops have craftsmen working there every day. The museum's shops, postal office and cafeteria serve clients round the year. The highlight of the year are the Handicrafts Days in August. During the days, masters of different professions, i.e. Golden Apple Guild masters and apprentices get together and their products are sold in the museum's shops.

- Biological Museum - Neitsytpolku 1 GPS: 60.4446, 22.2645 ☎ +358 2 262-0340 | Opening Hours: Tu–Su 09:00–17:00, Mondays closed adults €5, children €3, children under 7 years free, family €13 The Turku Biological Museum is a diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. The Biological Museum has altogether 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species on display. The Biological Museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. The Museum was established in 1907 and most of the Dioramas date back all the way to that period. There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum. Right next to the Museums is the wonderfully green Sports Park of Turku (Urheilupuisto).

Turun apteekkimuseo - The Qwensel House, with the Pharmacy Museum.

• Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House - Apteekkimuseo | Läntinen Rantakatu 13 GPS: 60.44860, 22.26769 ☎ +358 2 262-0280 | Opening Hours: 2 May–31 Aug and 25 Nov–6 Jan, Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 Adults €4.50, children 7–15 €3, 4–6 €0.50, 0–3 free, Family admission (2+2?) €9.50 - The Qwensel House is the oldest bourgeois housing from the autarchic times that has survived in its entirety in Turku. The house was built roughly in the year 1700 to an area that was reserved for the nobility in the city plan put up by Count Per Brahe the Younger. A pharmacy from the 19th century has been furnished in the shop wing of the building. The pharmacy has a material room and a herb room, two laboratories and an office. The office has the oldest surviving pharmacy interior in Finland. The exhibition wing of the building has an extensive collection of pharmacy utensils on display. There is also a pharmaceutical research laboratory and pharmacy history exhibition in the wing. In addition to the main exhibitions and there are also varying smaller exhibitions and events held at the museum every year. The former stable, outhouse and barn are at the northern end of the baker wing of the building. The Pipping family used to have an orchard by the Linnankatu Street. The cafeteria, in the Pharmacy Museum's inner courtyard, is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters in the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. The two chambers, are in the wing that was housed by the building's owners in the 18th century. The chambers have been furnished in 18th-century fashion. The same wing used to have a kitchen, a chamber, maid's chamber, a shed, a carriage shed and an granary according to fire insurance documents from 1791.

Brinkhallin kartano - Brinkhall Manor

• Brinkhall Manor - Brinkhallintie 414 GPS: 60.3700, 22.2408 ☎ +358 440-940-048 | Opening Hours: 24 June - 17 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called Hovimäki, which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming and the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival Brinkhall Soi.

Ett Hem 03 - |Ett Hem -Museum

• Ett Hem - "A home" | Piispankatu 14 GPS: 60.45386, 22.27879Just a short walk away from the Cathedral upstream, opposite the Sibelius Museum. ☎ +358 20-786-1470 | Opening Hours: May–September: Tu–Su 12:00–15:00, Tuesday Friday 11:00–16:00; open also 1 Dec–7 Jan; also by request Adults €5, children €4 In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish University of Turku, Åbo Akademi, as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neorenaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art and the period around 1900, are represented.
• Healthcare Museum - Kunnallissairaalantie 20 GPS: 60.4413, 22.2753 ☎ +358 2 266-2421 | Opening Hours: Every last Monday of the month 16:00–18:00 and by appointment €4, children under 16 years free At the Turku Health Care Museum you get an insight into the history of healthcare. How were people treated for such things as tuberculosis or polio? What instruments would you find in the operating room? At the Turku Health Care Museum you can see the evil of diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis, view medical and autopsy equipment, electro-shock devices, as well as the operating room and the instruments used. The museum also displays artefacts from maternity and childcare clinics as well as items from medical schools from years ago. See an example of a baby carriage box that the midwives and nurses used to carry the new born babies of mothers with tuberculosis to the Joulumerkkikoti nursery to keep them safe from infection. Another attraction is an entire collection of uniforms for hospital personnel. Many of the styles were abandoned because of the conflict concerning the money spent on uniforms. Of pride of place in the middle of the museum is the Heideken exhibition showing christening gown, baptismal font, Bible, and the maternity hospital with its equipment.
• The Scout Museum of Finland - Läntinen Pitkäkatu 13 GPS: 60.4560, 22.2633 ☎ +358 2 237-7692 | Opening Hours: 1 September–31 May Saturday 12:00–15:00 or by agreement (+€8) €2/1 Finland's Scout Museum is a national special museum that is maintained by the Finnish Scouting Museum Association. It displays uniforms, insignia, flags and literature related to the scout movement in Finland.

Art

Turku Art Museum in 2011 - Turku Art Museum

• Turku Art Museum - Turun taidemuseo | Aurakatu 26 GPS: 60.45410, 22.26188 dominates the Puolala hill, between Kauppatori and the train station ☎ +358 2 262-7100 | Opening Hours: Tu–F 11:00–19:00, Saturday Sunday 11:00–17:00 €10/6, children under 16 for free The Art Museum's Art Nouveau building was opened to the public in the spring of 1904. Since the beginning the museum has presented important works by Finnish and international artist, focusing on Nordic art in particular. Well represented are works from the perioid known as the Golden Age of Finnish art, around 1900, with national treasures that include self-portraits, landscapes, Finnish surrealism as well as pop art. These collections are exhibited in the luminous upstairs halls of the museum. The museum's national romantic granite façade rises at the end of Aurakatu. Tours are available in Finnish, Swedish, English and Russian.

Wäinö Aaltosen museo - Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art

• Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art - WAM | Itäinen Rantakatu 38 GPS: 60.44498, 22.26018 15-min walk from Market Sq, or bus 14 or 15 ☎ +358 2 262-0850 | Opening Hours: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, except Thursday 10:00-19:00 €10/4/2/– Named in honour of the artist and sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen (1896–1966), born in Turku and the museum offerings include changing exhibitions, new and experimental art projects, and various cultural events. The museum is on the east bank of the Aura River close to the Myllysilta bridge. The permanent exhibition is based on the art collection of City of Turku, which includes a large collection of works by Wäinö Aaltonen himself. Temporary exhibitions focus on Finnish and international modern art. The museum also houses Café Wäinö] which offers lunch and small art exhibitions on the café walls.
• Sibelius Museum - Piispankatu 17 GPS: 60.45370, 22.27748 Opening Hours: Tu–Su 11:00–16:00, West also 18:00–20:00 €5/3, guiding included, children under 18 free; concerts €12/10 - 150 m from the Turku cathedral is a low modern concrete building that houses the most significant museum of music in Finland and is named after the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. The museum building, itself considered as a pearl of modernist architecture, exhibits the life and music of the master composer as well as an interesting collection of musical instruments from all around the globe. The museum also organizes exhibitions and events. On Wednesday evenings the Chamber Music Hall hosts concerts during the spring and autumn season.

• Art galleries. Turku is home to a number of smaller art galleries scattered around the city. The Turku Artists’ Association maintains a list of the galleries].

Children

Muumitalo 2 - Moomin House at the Moomin World

• Moomin World - Muumimaailma | Kailo (Naantali) GPS: 60.4732, 22.0051 ☎ +358 2 511-1111 +358 2 511-1151 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00, but the park is open only in the summer (Mid-June - Mid-August). During winter holidays moomins wake up for Winter magic for just one week Admission €28/person Just a short drive from Turku, to the neighbouring city of Naantali, is one of Finland's most popular amusement parks, dedicated to Tove Jansson's lovable Moomin characters (huge in Finland and Japan, but not too well known elsewhere). The blueberry-coloured Moomin House is the main attraction, but it is also feasible to see Hemulen's yellow house, Moominmama's Doughnut Factory, Fire Station, Pancake Factory, Snufkin's Camp, Moominpappa's boat etc. in Moomin World. Visitors may also meet Moomin characters or the Witch in her cottage. There are many activities and fantasy paths for kids there, e.g. Toffler's Path with Witch's Labyrinth, The Hattifatteners' Cave and The Groke's House. Some of the paths – and the beach and cliffs off the paths – invite to more quiet contemplation in the spirit of Jansson, if you succeed to get out of the worst crowds. There are also performances in Moomin Theatre Emma. The Moomin Bus (Muumibussi) connects directly from Turku harbour and hotels in downtown.
• Väski Adventure Island - GPS: 60.4859, 21.9792| ☎ +358 2 511-1111 +358 2 511 1151 Opening Hours: Mid-June to mid-Aug: daily 11:00–18:00 One-day ticket €25. Under 2-year-olds for free Väski's Adventure Island is in Naantali, on an island neighbouring Moominworld. The setting is designed with school-aged children in mind. Väski is ideal for climbing, jumping, gliding down a zip-wire, panning for Gold or testing your archery skills. Follow the red-route and play the Väski adventure game, completing tasks and recording your score whilst exploring the island trail. The fisherman's village on the island has rustic restaurants, a beach, a sauna and animals on the villager farm. You get to Väski Island by boat, departing near to the Moominworld bridge in Naantali. The voyage is included in the ticket price.

Kuralan kylämäki - Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History

• Kuralan Kylämäki – Village of Living History - Kuralan Kylämäki | Jaanintie 45 GPS: 60.4622, 22.3365 Bus lines 2 and 2A ☎ +358 2 262-0420 | Opening Hours: summertime Tu–Su 10:00–18:00, also open around Christmas Free Kylämäki in Kurala is a village of living history, where visitors can travel back in time to a typical farm of south-west Finland in the 1950s, complete with authentic scents and rural atmosphere. It is made up of four farms with buildings standing at their original sites. The Kylämäki Village is ideal for families with children, since touching and experiencing is allowed. The village has been inhabited since the 7th century. In the summer months, you can see women at their domestic chores in the Iso-Kohmo House, making juices and jams, or dairy treats traditionally prepared around Midsummer. Visitors get to participate in some of the farm's tasks, such as hay making and handicraft: 1950s-style items out of clay, paper, yarn or fabric, tablet weaving with plant-dyed yarns and making leather belts and pouches. The themes vary, check in advance to time right. There is also an experimental archaeology workshop. In addition to research, it lets children explore prehistoric working methods and test their hunting skills using ancient weaponry. There is cooperation with revival associations. The workshop is open all year round.
• Adventure Park - Seikkailupuisto | Kupittaankatu 2 GPS: 60.4472, 22.2907 Bus line 32 (jump out at the bus stop just before the junction of Kerttulinkatu and Sirkkalankatu) ☎ +358 44-907-2986 | Opening Hours: M–Su 10:00–17:00 Free Just on the edge of Kupittaa Park and the Adventure Park is the ideal environment for encouraging imagination and creative play. You are allowed to get wet in the mushroom fountain and get a thrill from the zip line. In addition to a large assortment of playground stuff in the lush park area, to be used freely and the adventure park offers guided activities from art and handicraft workshops to songs and music at the music playschool, and theatre performances. There is a kiosk where you can buy ice cream, drinks and Snacks. It is also feasible to grill your own food at the barbecue sites. Nearby in the park there is a bouncy castle and a traffic town.
• Zoolandia - Eläintarhantie 51 (Lieto) GPS: 60.5680, 22.4364 ☎ +358 10-423-4140 | Opening Hours: June 1 to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–18:00. Also open during special occasions like New Year's Eve around the year €13/person. Under 3-year-olds for free Zoolandia Amusement Park in Lieto municipality 20 minutes drive from central Turku (or 40 minutes by bus line 403) offers plenty of fun activities, both inside and out. Indoor activities include soft-ball canons, climbing walls, a labyrinth, slides, ball pools and an adventure course for every age. Outdoors the whole family can ride the ATVs, jump on the bouncy castles or take a spin on the boats or pedal cars. The little ones can test their racing skills with an electric car. The residents of the zoo include wild forest and farm animals, such as donkeys, reindeer, alpaca and sheep.

Churches

Most of the churches quite frequently used for concerts.

• Turku Cathedral - GPS: 60.4524, 22.2783 ☎ +358 40-341-7100 | Opening Hours: Daily 09:00–18:00; note services and other events; main services Sunday 10:00 in Finnish, 12:00 in Swedish, 14:30 in German and 16:00 in English Free. Museum upstairs is €2/1/1 Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Finland’s first bishop, Street Henry, Turku Cathedral, on the hillock of Unikankare, is Finland’s National Sanctuary. It was consecrated in 1300 and is considered to be Finland’s most valuable historical monument as well as the mother church of the Lutheran Church of Finland. It is familiar, even dear to practically every Finn. Its bells chime at noon over the radio throughout Finland, and they also proclaim the Christmas peace to the nation. Every part of the cathedral reflects the details of Finland and Turku's history; Resting under the protection of the arches are bishops, captains of war, and one queen, Catherine Månsdotter of Sweden. South gallery of the cathedral houses a museum, which takes you on a journey through history from the early 1300s. Displayed in the museum, among other things, are sculptures of saints, and church silverware from the Catholic era. Tours run 09:00-19:00 mid-September to mid-April and 09:00-20:00 mid-April to mid-September.

St Michael's Church, Turku - Street Michael's Church.

• Street Michael's Church - Mikaelinkirkko | Puistokatu 16 GPS: 60.44871, 22.24801 10 minutes walk from Market Plaza ☎ +358 40-341-7110 +358 2 261-7112 Opening Hours: Jun–Aug: Monday to Friday 11:00–18:00, Saturday 10:00–13:00, Sunday 11:00–13:00 Free The western skyline of the city of Turku is dominated by Michael's Church which was consecrated in 1905. It was designed by Professor Lars Sonck. When he won the competition for the church in 1894, Sonck was only a 23-year old architectural student. Michael's church is a distinguished example of the neogothic style in architecture. It is a long church with three aisles, galleries and a multifaceted choir. In addition to the main entrance there are also doors at each corner of the church. The sacristy is behind the choir. The main spire rises to a height of 77 meters from the foundations. Many local residents favour it as a wedding Church.
• Martin's Church - Martinkirkko | Huovinkatu GPS: 60.44079, 22.25434 By foot 15 min from Market Plaza ☎ +358 40-341-7120 | Opening Hours: Open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 Free Martin's parish was founded in 1921 after which the parish council decided to build a church of its own. The church was consecrated on the 450th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, on 12 Nov 1933. The designers of the church were the architects Totti Sora and Gunnar Wahlroos. The church represents architechtual functionalism. Martin's church is a long church with three aisles with very narrow side aisles. The church has a functional and singular practicality of its own. The barrel-vaulting of the roof is one of the most outstanding features of the church. The whole altar wall is covered with an "al secco" painting of the Saviour nailed to the cross at Golgatha. This massive work is 15 m high and 9.5 m in breadth. At the time of painting this was the largest painting of its type in the whole of Scandinavia.
• Orthodox Church - Church of the Holy Martyr Empress Alexandra | Yliopistonkatu 19 GPS: 60.45228, 22.26598 ☎ +358 2 277-5443 | Opening Hours: Daily 10-15 Main church of the Turku orthodox parish is on the north side of the Market Plaza. The church was built by the plans of architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was ordered by Czar Nicholas I of Russia on 5 January 1838. Construction, which began in 1839, cost 67,886 rubles and was completed in 1845. The church was consecrated on 2 September 1845. The church was dedicated to Alexandra and the spouse of Diocletian who had publicly became Christian and thus suffered a martyr’s death on 23 April 303. Most of the icons of the iconostasis have been made in Valaam Monastery
• Turku synagogue - Brahenkatu 17 GPS: 60.455746, 22.266539 ☎ +358 400-526-009 Turku Synagogue Turku Yahudi Synagogue - One of two synagogues in Finland. Built 1912.
• Street Catherine's Church - Pyhän Katariinan kirkko | Kirkkotie 46 GPS: 60.46221, 22.29355 ☎ +358 2 261-7130 | Opening Hours: Open by arrangement, and special events Free Street Catherine's Church represents old medieval church building tradition. Although it was completely destroyed and has undergone several renovations, it has preserved something of its original appearance and retains the basic plan of a medieval Finnish church.
• Street Mary's Church - Maarian kirkko | Maunu Tavastinkatu 2 GPS: 60.47341, 22.29327 Bus line 15 ☎ +358 40-341-7140 | Opening Hours: Jun–Aug: Monday–Friday 12:00-17:00. In wintertime open by agreement. Service in Finnish on Sundays at 10:00 Free According to folk tradition, Street Mary's Church was built at a place where sacrifices had been performed in heathen times, in the village of Räntämäki. It had also been the site of the village burial ground and a place of assembly. The village of Räntämäki was renamed after the patron saint of the Church, Street Mary, and in the records it is sometimes referred to as the parish of Räntämäki, sometimes as Street Mary's. The church took the name of Street Mary from the nearby episcopal church of Koroinen, its original patron saint having been the first Bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysios.

Ecumenical Art Chapel of St. Henry in - Interior of the Ecumenical Hirvensalo Art Chapel.

• Kakskerta Church - Kakskerran kirkko | Kakskerran kirkkotie 110 GPS: 60.36998, 22.21967 - Kakskerta Church was built in 1765–1769, and dedicated in 1770. It was designed by Christian Schroder, and is oblong in shape. The altarpiece is from the 17th century, and the interior of the church was renovated in 1940 after the plan by Erik Bryggman. The belfry was designed by C. Bassi in 1824.
• Ecumenical Art Chapel - Taidekappeli | Seiskarinkatu 35 GPS: 60.4073, 22.2521 bus 54 ☎ +358 2 265-7777 | Opening Hours: Tu–F 11:00–15:00 (May–Aug 11:00–16:00), Thursday 11:00–18:30, Saturday Sunday 12:00–15:00, except during private events €3, guided lal-tours/ tours €5 Wooden chapel with art exhibitions. Built 2004–2005.

Nature

Turku - Ruissalo Island (6119923392) - Evening view at Ruissalo.

• Ruissalo Island - GPS: 60.428, 22.151 5 kilometers from Kauppatori. Travel past the harbour neighborhood and you cannot miss signs pointing towards Ruissalo. Bus line 8 in every 30 minutes. During summer also a ferry connection. - The unique nature, culture and history of the fascinating Island of Ruissalo is to be found flanking the Turku estuary. Once the hunting island for the court of Turku Castle and the island is easily accessible by land or by sea. The oak forests, charming 19th century villas, Ruissalo Spa hotel, Ruissalo nature reserve, Ruisrock rock concert, Honkapirtti restaurant and the Botanical Gardens have all combined to make the island famous. Scenic and well-maintained bike paths offer comfortable distances for the whole family. The rocky outcrops, beautiful sandy beaches, distinctive nature, rolling fields and pretty gardens will lead to love at first sight for all who visit the island. There is a camping area at Saaronniemi on the outermost tip of the island. The tourist services of this well-equipped camping and caravan park include beaches, barbecue sites, private secluded saunas, a small shop, indoor accommodation and various amenities including hot showers and a laundry. With mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, a fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant, even the most demanding traveller is catered for. There is also a championship level golf course, Aura Golf, founded in 1958 nearby.

The riverside GPS 60.4554,22.2762 upstream from Tuomiokirkkosilta bridge (right bank) or Åbo Akademi (left bank) make for a very nice stroll or biking trip. Between Tuomiokirkkosilta and railway bridge there is a walking path close to the water on the right, north-western bank (not for bikes), elsewhere the route is above the river in park like millieu, upstream (from Vähäjoki and Koroinen, and near Halinen) also in agricultural landscapes. A café in Koroinen on Sundays, sometimes with handicraft exhibitions or workshops and the Myllärintupa café with canoe rental by Halinen rapids in summer (Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; also small scale exhibitions). Bikers could continue upstream to Vanhalinna in Lieto, a hillfort with splendid views ( mansion by the hill in use by Turku university; café, summer theatre and exhibitions in or by the mansion if you time right).Autumn Ruissalo - Pikisaari on Hirvensalo seen from Ruissalo. Hirvensalo GPS 60.4051, 22.2111, Satava GPS 60.372, 22.169 and Kakskerta GPS 60.359, 22.233 are three large islands in line right off the coastline of Turku. The parts facing the city are suburbs, with winding roads lined with often nice villas, while much of the islands are countryside with natural forests. Pikisaari on Hirvensalo faces the shipping lane. Today, Hirvensalo is a haven for single-family homes and good, clean living. Some famous names from Hirvensalo are sculptor and academic, Wäinö Aaltonen and artist January - Erik Andersson, whose unique leaf-shaped house is near the Hirvensalo bridge. Hirvensalo also has a sports centre, where visitors can ski in the winter and ride downhill cars in the summer. Ekvalla beach is on the Satava island. This sandy beach is a good choice for families, sun seekers, and people with disabilities. Whatever your physical impairment you can obtain a dip as this swimming area has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Swimming lifeguards are available during the school summer holiday period. You can achieve this comfortable beach by using a bus line 15. The last island of the three, Kakskerta, was ones an independent town. Nowadays it is part of Turku, and you can enjoy the lovely archipelago nature on the island. In addition you can enjoy the golf course at Harjattula or visit the site of the TV series Hovimäki at Brinkhall Manor. There's also a stone church on the island, which dates from the 1760s.

• Vepsä Island - GPS: 60.3742, 22.0766 One hour ferry trip from Turku, ferry leaves from river Aura. ☎ +358 50 411-4963 | Opening Hours: Open during the summer season only, from 1 June to 31 August Return ticket for the ferry €16/6. Cabin €55–90/night, tent site €5/person. Vepsä island is a beautiful island in the Turku archipelago. From the vantage point on the rugged rock, you can see glittering waters and awesome landscapes of Airisto. On the way up, you can search for geocaches, if you want. Former hiding place of smugglers hides nowadays modern hobbies and hobby equipments. You can go for a walk, swim on a child safe beach, have a barbecue, take a sauna bath, play miniature golf, and enjoy other summery activities. People who like water sports can rent a boat or a canoe. One of the new activities is sumo wrestling in air filled suites. After an active day you can eat in the island's own café-restaurant. Ice-creams and Snacks are for sale also in a kiosk. You can go to Vepsä for a one day trip, or stay for a longer time. Cosy summer cabins offer you warm surroundings to stay over night, and are very popular among visitors. There are three saunas to hire, one of them is reserved for enterprises. You can reserve the representation sauna and a barred hot tub beforehand. Three close-by islands – Mustaluoto, Vähä-Tervi and Pikku-Vepsä – are charming targets to visit and available for Vepsä visitors.

What to do in Turku

Turku is especially lively during the summer season, from the latter part of May to early September, as well as around the Advent and Christmas period in December. The banks of the river Aura are regarded Turku's summertime living room. The shores are the setting for many urban events and are also popular for picnic and relaxing.

Annual events

Easter 2011 at Cloister Hill outdoor museum in Turku, Finland - Easter egg decorators at Cloister hill outdoor museum.

• Easter at Cloister Hill - Annually around Easter, 15 to 16 April in 2017 | Cloister Hill (Luostarinmäki) outdoor museum, Vartiovuorenkatu 2 GPS: 60.447387, 22.275542 Opening Hours: 10:00–16:00 Adults €6, Children aged between 7 to 15 €4, Children aged between 4 to 6 €1, Family ticket €13 Cloister Hill outdoor museum offers a unique perspective to Easter traditions in Finland. During the festivities you can participate in egg rotation competition and explore the different traditions of decorating Easter eggs. Professional Easter egg decorators are performing as well as confectioners who make Easter eggs and bunnies out of marzipan. This event is especially recommendable to visitors with children.
• Maritime Markets - April and October - GPS: 60.447958, 22.265621 Along the river Aura Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00–18:00, Sunday 09:00–16:00 Traditional and very popular markets are held every April and October on the riverfront right in the Turku downtown. Archipelago Market in April and Herring Market in October bring fish delicacies as well as handicrafts to the riverside. Both markets bring professional fishermen from the Archipelago Sea to the heart of the city to sell their products, some still straight from their boats. Also e.g. sea-buckthorn juice, honey and bread are sold, in addition to meals and standard market fare.

Sariola Tivoli in Turku in 2008 - Tivoli Sariola's carnival is open during Vappu festivities in Kupittaa Park.

• Vappu Annually between 30 April and 1 May | Finland - GPS: ☎ In Finland, Vappu (Walpurgis day and May Day) is one of the four biggest holidays along with Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and Midsummer (Juhannus). Walpurgis witnesses the biggest carnival-style festival held in the streets of Finland's towns and cities. The celebration, which begins on the evening of 30 April and continues to 1 May, typically centres on copious consumption of w:Sima (mead)|sima, sparkling and other alcoholic beverages. Student traditions are one of the main characteristics of Vappu, and you'll see lots of students on the streets wearing a traditional student cap. On 30 April evening streets are filled with party people and a large market is held in Market Plaza with vendors selling affordable carnival paraphernalia. On 1 May the parks, especially the Vartiovuori Park, are filled with hungover Finns having a picnic. There are also working union parades around the downtown and politicians from all different parties giving speeches.
• New Potato Festival - Mid June, 15 to 16 June in 2018 | Courtyard of the Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18 GPS: 60.449764, 22.264272 - The New Potato Festival, or Neitsytperunafestivaali in Finnish, celebrates the opening of the early harvest potato season in June. It’s a true cultural feast of fabulous flavours and local food. The very first crops from the Turku archipelago will reach the River Aura shores with this traditional ceremony. During the festival and the potatoes will be enjoyed with local fish treats and herring. The festival will also include competitions for best recipes, getting to know different potato varieties and cultivation methods. The new potatoes from Finland Proper are unique plants with gastronomic qualities to match other celebrated European seasonal products like asparagus, globe artichoke and truffle. The flavour is unique to early potatoes of Finland Proper and neighbouring countries with a similar climate.

Medieval band at Turku Medieval market 2015 - A Medieval band playing at the Turku Medieval Market. The river Aura can be seen in the background.

• The Medieval Market - End of June | Vanha Suurtori 3 (Old Great Plaza) GPS: 60.4506, 22.2759 ☎ +358 40-132-9992 | Opening Hours: Thursday Friday 12:00–20:00, Saturday Sunday 12:00–18:00 Free of charge, but charges for food, drink and souvenirs This is the best (and original) Medieval Market in Finland. Follow the rows of market stalls at the Old Great Plaza and take a trip back in time to Medieval Market with performing groups, jesters and minstrels. People working at the festival dress up in medieval costumes and act out scenes in the middle of the street, rather than on stages, giving you a feeling you're genuinely in medieval Turku.
  In the area for work displays artisans will demonstrate medieval working methods. Visitors can watch the smith working away at their forges, see how organic juice is brewed using ancient recipes and touch freshly tanned leather. At the children's activities area the smallest of the family can attend the real princess school as well as enjoy watching the wild boars. The Old Town Hall hosts events for science, art and fashion. The whole family can enjoy the medieval amusement.
  Medieval costumes for adults and children are available for hire at the event. Medieval-style food, clothes and souvenirs available on site.
• Juhannus - Midsommar - GPS: ☎ - Opening Hours: Annually on Saturday between 20–26 June. Juhannus Eve Friday is usually also a day off Juhannus (Midsummer Festival) is a main national holiday in Finland. Originally a celebration of the summer solstice, it is typically spent with friends and family at a summer cottage away from the city, either partying or relaxing. Large bonfires are lit on the islands Ruissalo and Vepsä. Otherwise the streets are often empty, even though some people have acquired a new habit of spending midsummer in town.
• International Market of Turku - Mid-June | Around Old Great Plaza, Vähätori and the banks of river Aura GPS: 60.451728, 22.272968 Opening Hours: W–Sa 10:00–20:00 The key idea of the International Market is to bring different countries and provinces around the world to showcase their specialities. There are around 100 traders from around 35 countries taking part in the market. Europe has usually a strong presence, but there are also traders from America and Asia. From the market you'll usually find For example, authentic Dutch Cheese merchant, French bakeries, different delicacies from Italy, Bavarian Sausages and German bakeries as well as artisans from such countries as Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Spain. Finnish provinces are also presenting their own specialities.
• The Night of Arts - Mid-August, 16 August in 2018 | Around Turku Central Business District - Night of the Arts is a versatile cultural event that is held annually in mid-August around the downtown. The venues include the Fortuna-block, Vähätori, Puutori and the Turku Main Library Courtyard, as well as book stores, museums and galleries. Programme usually includes musical and art performances, literature and theatre, dance, museums and street culture.
• Turku Day - Annually third Sunday of September | Events take place all around the city - The shops in the downtown are open and there are markets and bazaars in different parts of the city, open houses and guided tours, museums and music, art and dance. The day culminates with fireworks at the Samppalinna Park hill at 21:00.

Advent and Christmas

The /joulukaupunki Christmas season starts more or less with the turning on of Christmas lights in the pedestrian part of Yliopistonkatu a week before Advent. The market at the Old Great Plaza opens. Department stores and many shops have nice Christmas displays in their windows. Christmas music is played. Charity bazaars in many schools, parish halls, etc. Usually the first snow has come and melt away, and there will probably again be snow several times during Advent. With good luck the snow will stay. White Christmases are quite common, but there is no guarantee.

Most every choir gives some kind of Christmas concert in or immediately before Advent. The church arranges sing-alongs with collect to their development aid.

The lights on the Christmas tree of the cathedral are turned on the Saturday a week before Advent begins (programme usually begins at 17:00).

Many museums, also some that otherwise are closed in winter, have displays or events related to the season; table settings and food of Christmas in different times and social classes are shown at the castle and the Qwensel house and the handicraft museum. Handicraft workshops (such as of making candles) are arranged at the Adventure park and Kurala. There are also events at other institutions, such as candle light swimming at Impivaara and Petrelius.

Independence Day, December 6th, is celebrated by the philharmonic orchestra by two free day concerts (tickets are distributed a few weeks in advance). The latter, starting 15:00, can be seen on screens at the Old Great Plaza. There are services in the churches (mostly at 10:00). Charity bazaars. The students have a torch parade to the war graves (start 18:00). People light candles in their windows (originally a silent protest against Russian oppression), which makes for a nice evening stroll. A few associations arrange balls and the one of Turku folk dancers ( Rytky]) is open for the public, with a dance course in the preceding weeks.

On December 13th, Lucia is crowned in the morning, blessed in the cathedral in the evening (be early if you want a seat), and then performing in the Hansa shopping centre. Programme for the rest of the season is changed yearly but generally Lucia and her company will be seen on many occasions, mostly in retirement homes and the like, but also e.g at the Christmas market.

Christmas peace is declared at noon of Christmas Eve in the Old Great Plaza, with thousands of spectators (programme starts 11:30). The Swedish service in the cathedral afterwards welcomes also the international audience. Most people are going to spend the evening and the Christmas Day with their family; the city will mostly close. Bus traffic in town continues to 20:00. The #Learn|main library is open 11:00–18:00 on Christmas Eve, with also some programme. Lights on the graves. Services in the churches. Some restaurants are open also in Christmas, but booking a table may be necessary.

Julmarknad Gamla Stortorget lillajul 2010 - Christmas Market at the Old Great Plaza

• Christmas Market at the Old Great Plaza - Old Great Plaza GPS: 60.450783, 22.276609 Opening Hours: Four weekends before Christmas (last 3rd Sunday of Advent), 11:00–17:00 - The Old Great Plaza fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music and theatre and circus performances. And of course there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm glögg or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice in the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall.
• Christmas Market at Kauppatori - Joulutori | Kauppatori GPS: 60.451667, 22.266944 Opening Hours: 25 Nov–23 Dec, Monday–Friday 12:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00, Sunday 12:00–16:00 - Much smaller market, but open daily.

Music festivals

• Seikkisrock - 16-17 June in 2018 - 60.445103, 22.291159 Advance ticket €10, at gate €12. Under 2 year olds free A two-day festival, organized in early June since 1999 at Turku Adventure Park, offers a wonderful entertainment for children of all ages and childlike persons. Over the years, numerous leading children´s music artists and special guests, have had performances at Seikkisrock. The festivals main focus is on music, but available is also crafts and art workshops, plays, circus, magicians and dancers – not forgetting the bouncy castle. Non-governmental organizations are also involved in the event; they are presented to children in their own ”Worldvillage” with the themes of tolerance and sustainable development. Adventure Park, activity center for children and families, which is in the neighborhood of Kupittaa, offers verdant, comfortable and stimulating environment for the Seikkisrock. Performances that take place at two stages and smaller shows throughout the area guarantee great and memorable festival experience.

Ruisrock 2008 - Ruisrock atmosphere in 2008.

• Ruisrock - Beginning of July, 6 to 8 July in 2018 | Ruissalo Island GPS: 60.428771, 22.178021 ☎ +358 44-966-1384 - three-day ticket €175, 2 days €155, 1 day €99. Under 7 year old get in free with an adult with a ticket. People over 70 get free entrance and can use a ferry connection from Aura river free of charge - 2022 Ruisrock, founded in 1970, is the second oldest rock festival in Europe, and the oldest still going in the Nordic countries and Finland. During the three-day event fans are offered international names, domestic stars and the hottest new acts. Ruisrock attracts almost 100,000 visitors every year from Finland and abroad and it is the biggest music festival in Turku. The festival has attracted world-famous artists throughout its lifetime including such names as Nirvana, Björk, The Cure, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Pet Shop Boys, Oasis, Aerosmith and Rammstein. The festival takes place in the Ruissalo Island, right next to central Turku. The area where the festival takes place is divided into two sections, Niittyalue ("meadow section") and Ranta-alue ("beach section"). Introduction video for the festival can be seen in outube.com/watch?v=JTVUAweys8U YouTube]. Festival site can be visited with the festival bus or by bike from Turku downtown. The festival buses run from Turku downtown to the festival bus station. There is a clearly marked walking route of about 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles) between the festival bus station and the festival site.
• Turku Modern - Annually in July, 13–16 July in 2018 - Opening Hours: | price €35-65 - 2022 Turku Modern and the festival for electronic music, storms Turku clubs and galleries annual in July. It brings forward top foreign artists and accomplished domestic performers focusing on electronic and dance music. It takes place in central Turku on the banks of the river Aura in clubs, bars, stages and especially the charming river boats.

Turku M.A.Numminen at DBTL 2006 - M. A. Numminen performs at DBTL.

• Down by the Laituri (DBTL) - End of July, 26 to 28 July in 2018 | Downtown Turku GPS: 60.443022, 22.266042 €55-165 - 2022 If you are down, don’t hesitate to feel so by down by the laituri! Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival takes place in downtown Turku annually in end of July. DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. It's popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors every year. With most of the acts performing pop and rock music, this multicultural event is centered on the east bank of the River Aura, around the Turku City Theatre.
• Aura Fest - Beginning of August, 10 to 12 August in 2018 | Barker Park next to river Aura GPS: 60.442576, 22.248648 - One of the largest Hiphop and Urban music festivals in Finland, is held annually right next to river Aura. In 2015 the festival took place in Barker Park, just a kilometer away from the central Market Plaza. Performers include practically all the top domestic Hiphop and urban music performers as well as international guests.
• Turku Music Festival - Annually in August, 10 to 22 August in 2018 | Around Turku ☎ +358 2 262-0812 - lastedit=2022 Turku Music Festival is the oldest continuously running festival in Finland. This diverse city festival offers large orchestral concerts, chamber music, recitals, jazz and outdoor events as well as experiences for the whole family. A variety of Turku’s stunning venues, both modern and historical, are being imaginatively used to host performances from the best in their field.
• Turku Jazz - Beginning of March, 8-10 March in 2018 | Concerts mainly in Logomo. GPS: 60.456692, 22.256300

 - 2022 Second oldest jazz festival in Finland. Performers include leading Finnish jazz musicians and special international guests. Concerts are held in restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the city of Turku.

Expos

Turkuhalli - Turku Hall, next to the Turku Fair and Congress Center, hosts number of big concerts and hockey tournaments.

There's a great number of expos and fairs held in Turku annually. Most of the fairs take place outside the summer season in autumn and spring. Large part of these fairs take place in the Turku Fair and Congress Center GPS 60.4540, 22.1845, which is a diverse setting for fairs, meetings, congresses and grand public events.

• Turku Fine Art and Antique Fair - Annually end of March, 18 to 19 March in 2017 | Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 - Turku Fine Art and Antiques Fair is a premier trade event where a vast array of antiques and art are exhibited. More than 10,000 people visit the fair annually and witness how world renowned artists and antique collectors gather in this exhibition and showcase their art and antique collections.
• Turku International Book Fair - Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 - The Turku International Book Fair is Finland’s oldest book fair. The Turku Fair and Congress Center hosts the annual event, which brings together visitors, program creators and exhibitors from all over Finland and abroad. The Turku Book Fair garners an abundance of praise and publicity thanks to its solid reputation, long history and cozy atmosphere. The mingling of visitors and exhibitors enables spontaneous encounters between authors and readers. The fair plays host to a variety of events, large and small. The first Turku Book Fair was held in 1990, and in 2012 an all-time record was set, with 25,000 people attending the fair. Each year and the Turku Book Fair selects one country as the special focus, in addition to a Finnish-focused theme.
• Turku Food and Wine Fair - Beginning of October, 5-7 October in 2018 | Turku Fair and Congress Center, Messukentänkatu 9-13 GPS: Opening Hours: Arranged at the same time as the Turku International Book Fair The Turku Food and Wine Fair is one of autumn’s highlights in the city. In October, thousands of food, and culture enthusiasts will gather at the Turku Fair and Congress Centre to find new products and services, experience new tastes, learn and shop.

Sport events

Kalevan Kisat 2011 Turussa (Finnish Championships in Athletics 2011 in Turku) - Paavo Nurmi Stadium Paavo Nurmi enters the Olympic Stadium in 1952 - Paavo Nurmi entering the Olympic Stadium in 1952 games.

• Women's Kuntovitonen 5km Run - End of May, 26 May in 2018 | ☎ +358 44-725-5055 The Women's Kuntovitonen 5km run energizes the Turku Sports Park in May, when spring is in full bloom. Here the sweatbands are more fashionable then functional. In addition to the five or ten kilometer routes there will be star performers on stage, guided group aerobics and a diverse exhibition area and a play park to leave your children and spouse to spend the day while you enjoy yourself.
• Paavo Nurmi Games - June, 15 June in 2018 - GPS: 60.4427, 22.2603 ☎ +358 2 431-0812 | Opening Hours: 16:30-21:00 The first Paavo Nurmi Games was arranged in 1957 as a birthday present to Nurmi on his 60th birthday. During his career Nurmi took 9 Olympic Gold medals and was among the first athletes to be nominated in the IAAF Hall of Fame. The tradition has gone on ever since and the event is held every year at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium named after the legendary runner. Now a track & field classic and the Turku Paavo Nurmi Games are part of the EA Premium Permit circuit.
• Paavo Nurmi Marathon - Mid-June, 18 august in 2018 | Around central Turku and Ruissalo island ☎ +358 2 431-0811 Paavo Nurmi was a Finnish runner who achieved 9 Gold and 3 silver medals in the Olympic games during his career. He was born in Turku and is celebrated by a number of sporting events every year. One of the highlights is Paavo Nurmi Marathon, which is one of the leading running events in Finland. One can choose to participate in the full marathon, half marathon or a 10-km races. The total number of participants has been around 3500 runners annually. The beautiful route of the marathon showcases the most attractive sides of Turku from the shores of the river Aura to Ruissalo Island and back. Right after the start the runners pass by the famous Paavo Nurmi statue, sculpted by Turku born sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen.
• Challenge Turku, Swim, bike and run - 11 to 12 August 2018 | Around central Turku and Ruissalo island - Want to provide yourself with a new kind of challenge? The triathlon is ideal for those looking for variation, because it includes swimming, cycling and running.
• FightBack Run - Beginning of September, 1 September in 2018 - No-one in Finland is unaware of Pekka Hyysalo and his Fight Back charity project. Hyysalo, a young man from Turku, had his promising career as freestyle skier cut short after a serious head injury in 2010. Hyysalo fought his way from the hospital bed to get back on his feet, teaching his body to do everything from scratch, from eating to tying his shoelaces. In September 2014 he ran for the first time in the FightBack Run. The first FightBack Run had a distance of 2.6 kilometers and the plan is to double the distance every year. In 2015 the distances for running were 250 m (directed to people with reduced mobility), 2.6 kilometers and 5.2 kilometers which Hyysalo will run as well. A half-marathon is in sight for 2018 then will already be up to a full marathon.
• Ruissalo races - End of September, 22 September in 2018 - GPS: - The traditional Ruissalo races are organized on the end of September in the beautiful island of Ruissalo next to central Turku. The distances to choose from are half-marathon called "Ruisrääkki" and 10-km run "Ruisriikki".

Theater, performing arts and cinema

File:Åbo Svenska Teater - Turku Swedish Theatre 2018.

For chamber music, check also the weekly concerts at the Wäinö Aaltonen and Sibelius museums. One-off performances can be harder to find, as information channels vary.

• Turku City Theatre - Turun kaupunginteatteri | Itäinen Rantakatu 14 GPS: 60.44604, 22.26386 by the Theatre Bridge ☎ +358 2 262-0030 +358 2 262-0065 € 30–50/15–40 - The main theatre building on the banks of river Aura has gone through a thorough renovation. Turku City Theatre offers performances on four different stages. It offers serious drama, musicals and children's theatre, including visiting productions.
• Logomo - Köydenpunojankatu 14 GPS: 60.4569, 22.2576 behind the train station ☎ +358 29-1234-800 Logomo is in an old locomotive workshop, and was the main venue for the Capital of Culture year in 2011. It is next to the Turku downtown and the Central Railway Station. It provides spaces for several exhibitions and major performance throughout the year. It also has a café and a shop.
• Turku Philharmonic Orchestra - Turun filharmoninen orkesteri | Aninkaistenkatu 9 GPS: 60.45556, 22.27035 by the Puutori square ☎ +358 2 262-0804 | Opening Hours: Ticket office: Monday–Friday 11:00–17:00 and before events Usually €21/9 - 2022 Turku Concert Hall, built in 1952, was the first concert hall in Finland. It is mainly used by Turku Philharmonic Orchestra (chief conductor Leif Segerstam).
• Swedish Theatre of Turku - Åbo Svenska Teater | Eerikinkatu 13 GPS: 60.4507, 22.2660 by Kauppatori ☎ +358 2 277-7377 - This is Finland's oldest theatre. The beautiful theatre house reached its 175th anniversary in January 2014. The big scene reflects the age, with splendid decorations and the moderate size allowing quite an intimate experience. Here most performances are musicals or traditional drama. There are two smaller scenes, which also offer more experimental theatre and children's plays.
• Linnateatteri - Linnankatu 31 GPS: 60.4467, 22.2586 ☎ +358 2 232-1215 - Linnateatteri is a professional theatre, which performs both in the house and the garden. Linnateatteri has over the last decade presented such comical shows as the Amazing History of Turku and the Amazing Near-history of Turku. In addition to comedy and stand-up performances there's also drama, concerts and children theatre among its repertoire. During summer you can also catch up with Linnateatteri on the courtyard stage of Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova.
• Samppalinna Summer Theatre - Samppalinnan kesäteatteri | Paavo Nurmen Puistotie 3 GPS: 60.4442, 22.2609 by the Samppalinna mill in the park Urheilupuisto ☎ +358 2 232-9050 - Samppalinna summer theatre, fifty years old, is Finland’s largest summer musical theatre. It specializes in musicals.
• Kinopalatsi - Kinopalatsi Cinema Complex | Kauppiaskatu 11 GPS: 60.4531, 22.2669 ☎ +358 9 131-191 (€1.97/min + pvm/mpm) - around €12 - This modern cinema complex opened in Turku in the spring 2001. All 9 auditoriums has been invested in the audience comfort. Seat rows are strongly staggered and leg room between rows is optimal. The technique is the highest quality with digital sound and big screens.

Sport arenas

Turkuhalli inside - Turkuhalli.

• Turkuhalli - Gatorade Center | @reenat.fi Artukaistentie 8 GPS: 60.4562, 22.1869 ☎ +358 2 21-900 This ice hockey and music arena hosts large public events and the games of TPS (Turun Palloseura)], Turku's number one ice hockey team. It offers a large arena and grandstands in addition to smaller function rooms. Restaurants serve before the entertainment, during the intermission or at breaks, and often even after the event. Big screens and TV monitors ensure the arena atmosphere fills the restaurant and lobby areas.
• Marli Areena - Ice Hockey Arena | Hippoksentie 2 GPS: 60.4422, 22.2896 - Marli Arena is next to the Kupittaa park, and is primarily used for ice hockey. It is the home arena of TuTo (Turun Toverit) hockey team. TuTo plays in the second highest ice hockey league in Finland, Mestis, but the atmosphere in the games can be even better than in the TPS games, since the fans really love the team and arena is compact. Tickets are also less expensive and the Marli Arena is just around 15 minutes walking distance away from the downtown.
• Veritas Stadion - football (soccer) stadium | Hippoksentie 6 GPS: 60.44282, 22.29175 ☎ +358 2-2722-00 In the heart of Turku at the Kupittaa Park, Veritas Stadium is Turku's number one football stadium. Both Turku-based teams play in the national league of Finland – FC Inter and FC TPS – play on the grounds of the stadium.

Sports grounds and parks

Hirvensalon laskettelukeskus - Slopes at the Hirvensalo Ski Resort.

• Urheilupuisto Sports Park - GPS: 60.4427, 22.2632 in the Turku downtown, on the east bank of the river Aura behind the City Theater - Urheilupuisto is home to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and many other sporting facilities. This extensive parkland holds many places to exercise, come winter, come summer. In addition to the Paavo Nurmi Stadium and there is e.g. the Karikon lenkki running track, tennis courts, basketball courts, a volleyball court, an artificial turf playing field and a frisbee golf course. In the winter months the Sports Park, naturally, has its ice field and a popular sledding hill. Turku Trojans, one of the oldest American Football teams in Finland, plays its games on the upper field of Turku Sports Park.
• Kupittaa Park - Kupittaanpuisto | - GPS: 60.4457, 22.2894 Near the Turku downtown, on the east bank of the river Aura, around 15 minutes walk from the Old Great Plaza and Cathedral - Finland's largest and oldest city park is popular for picnic as well as for children and sports. There are ice skaters in the winter, in-line skaters in the summer, skateboarders, cyclists, ballplayers, petanque enthusiasts and everyone out for some exercise. Urban athletes can catch some air and grind some rails at the skatepark. Pump some iron at the Turku city's official gym or hit the lanes at the bowling hall. Kupittaa Park also offers families with kids the ever popular Traffic-City, Adventure Park, Kupittaa Outdoor Pool and the Sports Wonderland for Kids (Sundays 17:00–19:00 in the sports hall, free). Watch birds in action at the Bird Pond. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to picnicking. The wide-open lawns of Kupittaa Park are perfect for everything from football to croquet, while frisbees and kites vie for space in the skies above. One end of the park is dominated by the Veritas Stadium, which is the home pitch of local football teams, TPS and Inter. And when it's time for a bite to eat, Kupittaa Pavilion will serve up a tasty treat right in the heart of the park. Veritas Stadium is also home to the full-service Olè restaurant.
• Skating worm - Luistelumato - GPS: 60.447, 22.292 Kupittaanpuisto, behind the sports hall ☎ +358 50-554-6300 | Opening Hours: Equipment rental Monday Wednesday Friday 17:00–20:00, Saturday Sunday 10:00–18:00, from middle Dec, unless raining Free; skates: adults €5, children €1; hiking skates €5/2hr, €12/week; roller skates €5; drinks €1; skating free Meandering skating lane forming a circle, 5–6 m wide and 500 m long. Skate rental (also hiking skates), hot drinks for sale. Roller skating in the summer.
• Park Field Artificial Ice Rink - Parkin kenttä | Tuureporinkatu 2 GPS: 60.457, 22.272 ☎ +358 50-431-0016 | Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 08:00–22:00, Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 09:00–21:00 (maintenance daily 15:45–16:45); tickets and equipment rental Monday–Friday 17:00–20:00, Saturday Sunday 12:00–18:00 €2; wristband: €8+€16/10 entries - 2022 Big skating field, usually most for ice hockey. Sometimes music and most the area for general skating. Skates and hockey sticks for rent. The entrance fee can be paid at the entrance when manned, otherwise by pre-bought tickets ("Exercise Wristband", can be used for several persons) or mobile phone (0600- number posted at the gate, enter immediately after calling).
• Impivaaran jäähalli - Eskonkatu 1 GPS: 60.477474, 22.250511 Bus 13 and 18. ☎ +358 2 262-3550 | Opening Hours: Monday 14:00–14:50, 16:45–17:35, West 13:45–14:35, Saturday 10:30–11:20 - Indoor ice field, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use.
• Varissuon jäähalli - Suurpäänkatu 2 GPS: 60.443250, 22.354862 Bus 32 and 42. ☎ +358 2 262-3570 - Monday to Friday 13:45–14:35, Thursday also 18:00–18:50, Sunday 10:00–10:50 Free - Ice field in an underground hall, skating for the public (no ice hockey) at certain hours when not in other use.
• Minor skating fields - - GPS: - Free - There are minor skating fields in most residential areas, without artificial cooling and thus more dependant on weather. Some have ice hockey rinks, some have changing rooms.
• Flowpark - Climbing park | Skanssinkatu 10 GPS: 60.4287, 22.3180 ☎ +358 400-864-862 | Opening Hours: May–October: Monday to Saturday 12:00–20:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00. Closed Nov–April except around special Winter Feast days in January Day ticket €22 Flowpark is a new kind of adventure theme park, where you can measure your skills up in the trees on specially constructed high rope adventure trails. There are fifteen different trails and nearly one hundred missions where you can test your balance, coordination and nerve. Flow park is ideal for the active and adventurous types, regardless of age. However, for the high ropes adventure trails children must be at least seven years old and 120 cm tall. For the smaller fast and fearless climber there is a specially built children's trail closer to ground. Flowpark is in the leafy green courtyard of shopping centre Skanssi, with good transportation connections from the centre.
• Hirvensalo Ski Resort - Kakskerrantie 111 GPS: 60.4175, 22.2277 at the Hirvensalo Island on the southern side of the city 5 kilometers from the downtown. You can reach Hirvensalo from the market square of Turku on the Turku city bus lines number 14, 15, 51, 53 and 55. The centre also offers a lot of parking places for private transport. ☎ +358 45-106-3011 - €17–28 There are four well managed and lit slopes at the Turun Hirvensalo Ski Centre in Turku: 1, 2 and 3-slopes and a slope for children. There are three lifts in Hirvensalo. The longest slope is 300m and the greatest altitude difference is 60m. The degree of difficulty of the slopes ranges from easy to difficult and there are several boxes and rails. Hirvensalo Ski Centre is the perfect place for both beginners and experts, without mentioning families. Services also include Slope café, ski school, and equipment rental.
• Hohtogolf Westcoast - Glow Minigolf and Curling | Yliopistonkatu 17 GPS: 60.45242, 22.26652 underground -- entrance is next to the Turku Orthodox Church ☎ +358 2 253-4355 | Opening Hours: W–Thursday 17:00–21:00, Friday 17:00–00:00, Saturday 12:00–00:00, Su–Tu closed €10/12At Hohtogolf Westcoast is a glow-in-the-dark 15-hole miniature golf course with over-the-top mechanized special effects and a special "horror" section. Fun thing to do in a group, especially after a few drinks from the café. As a new feature they also offer a small curling track.
• Cross-country skiing - ☎ +358 50-554-6219 (administration),+358 50-523-8447 (equipment rental) - Free; equipment €5/3/1 (children: <20yrs) There are skiing tracks in most suburbs, as jogging routes are transformed to skiing routes, with groomed tracks and a lane for freestyle skiing (80 kilometers maintained by the city in good winters). The Nunnavuori routes (0.35 and 1 kilometers on flat ground, 1.7 kilometers in easy hilly terrain) are maintained also in adverse weather, which gives them the longest season. At one of its starting points, Eskonkatu/Kurrapolku near Impivaara and there is equipment for rent (Sa–Su 11:00–16:00; equipment to be returned 20 min before closing) and Coffee, warm juice and Snacks for sale (by a charity; usually somewhat longer hours than the rental; sausage €1, coffee and bun €2). Many of the routes have lighting 06:00–22:00.

Boating and canoeing

For skippered yacht cruises or yacht chartering, see Archipelago Sea#By yacht and small boats|Archipelago Sea. Here are options for smaller vessels and quick trips:

• Låna - Linnankatu 3 GPS: 60.451766, 22.273120 the river shore at Vähätori, by Tuomiokirkko bridge € 59/hour, €99/2 hours - 2022 Open boats (max 8 persons) for cruising down the river and back, perhaps while having a picnic (speed limit on the river 6 km/h i.e. 3 knots), with electric motor.
• Buster Rent - @rent.fi - GPS: delivery at the guest harbour or by trailer ☎ +358 20-769-1270 €172–440/day, trailering €60, +1.50/km (free with own car) - Open or semi-open boats for rent, with outboard motor. Usable also for longer voyages given suitable weather.
• Sea kayaking - Aavameri - GPS: 60.421828, 22.095435 bus 8 from Kauppatori to Saaronniemi, walk to the beach ☎ +358 44-980-7788 | Opening Hours: Jun–Aug: Monday 10:30, Thursday 17:00 (Kauppatori 10:00/16:30) or by agreement Evening tour €55; guided day tour (7 hr) €95/person; rental: first day €47 - Day or evening tour with kayak and guide (7 or 3½ hr) from Ruissalo. Register before 17:00/12:00, pay online. Also longer full service guided trips and supported solo expeditions with transportation from/to Turku.
• Saaristomeren melojat - Rykmentintie 55 GPS: 60.413961, 22.265418 Uittamo, bus line 13 ☎ +358 41-456-5223 | Opening Hours: Tuesday Thursday 17–20, Saturday Sunday 11:00–15:00 or 11:00–17:00 (check!) Kayak €10/hour, €40/day, €80/weekend, €120/week; twin or canoe €20, €60, €120, 180; courses €40/100 - 2022 Local canoe/kayak club, equipment for rent. Also short and three-evening courses. Quick intro on-site, if you need more advice, ask in advance (instructions about equipment etc. in Finnish on the website). Pay in cash.
• Aurajokisäätiö - Valkkimyllynkuja 2 GPS: 60.465310, 22.305333 Myllärintupa by Halistenkoski rapids ☎ +358 44-553-7408 | Opening Hours: 1 Jun–31 Aug: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00 Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour - 2022 Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours.

Swimming

Impivaaran uimahalli - |Impivaara Swimming Centre Ice swimming in Turku - Ice Swimming at the Ispoinen Beach is a popular hobby among local residents during the winter months.

Due to its location at the shores of the Archipelago Sea, Turku has a number of great beaches, some of them really close to the downtown. There are also two outdoor pools, a water park, indoor swimming pools and arenas. Most indoor facilities – and some outdoor ones – are open round the year.

• Turku has a number of free beaches around the city. Ispoinen Beach GPS 60.41441, 22.25957 is within easy reach from Turku Centre by bus number 9 or 13. Swimmers can even access the beach during the winter since there is a sauna and option for ice swimming, when the water is frozen over (see below). Ruissalo camping beach GPS 60.42144, 22.09492 is the favorite of many local residents. It is at the very end of the Ruissalo Island (bus line 8) and on a beautiful summer day you can really feel the archipelago here. Ekvalla beach GPS 60.37939, 22.22598 is on the Satava island (bus lines 14 and 15). When the Finnish summer gets hot, this sandy beach is a good choice for families and sun seekers as well as disabled. Whatever your physical impairment you can obtain a dip as Ekvalla beach has specially designed walkways and a wheelchair ramp into the water. Lifeguards are supervising swimming on all of the beaches mentioned above during the school summer holiday periods from the beginning of June to the end of August. Other smaller beaches include Brinkhall beach GPS 60.36557, 22.23673, Moikoinen beach GPS 60.4167, 22.2506, Sorttamäki beach GPS 60.4084, 22.2547 and Maaria beach GPS 60.5307, 22.3540}}. - Turku's Winter Outdoor Swimmers Club - Rykmentintie 51 GPS 60.41441, 22.25957 Ispoinen Beach ☎ +358 44-377-5475 | Opening Hours: Monday 15:00–19:45, West 15:00–20:45, F-Sa 15:00–19:45, Sunday 15:00–20:45 Non-member single ticket: adults €5,20, children under 16 €1,50, accompanied children under 7 free Sauna, ice swimming and club room. Members are happy to help newcomers.
• Samppalinna Swimming Stadium - Volter Kilven katu 2 GPS: 60.4457, 22.2655 ☎ +358 2 262-3590 | Opening Hours: From mid-May to mid-Sept: M–Thursday 06:00–20:00, Friday 06:00–19:00, Saturday Sunday 08:00–19:00 Adults €5.50, discount groups €3.50, children under 16 €3, children under 5 years free A refreshing oasis in the middle of the city, on a warm summer day Samppalinna is really popular with the local residents. An olympic-size swimming and diving boards where swimmers can jump from the tower. Children have their own swimmingpool and there is sunbathing among the stadium’s sunny banks; a park area included: picnics feasible, basic play yard. The changing areas are indoors, good sauna and shower facilities. The lockers can be locked with a 50-cent coin.
• Kupittaa Outdoor Swimming Arena - Kupittaankatu 10 GPS: 60.4451, 22.2909 in the middle of the Kupittaa park ☎ +358 44-907-2702 | Opening Hours: Mid-May to mid-Aug: daily 10:00–19:00 Adults €5,50, discount groups €3, children under 16 €2.5, children under 5 years free Kupittaa has offered facilities for swimming for over a hundred years. It's next to the Adventure Park and is a favourite of families especially. In addition to the large 50-m swimmingpool and there is a smaller 25-m pool, a 0.6–0.9 m deep children's swimmingpool as well as a play area for the little ones and a lawn area for relaxation. The swimmingpool area has a kiosk. The nearby Blomberginaukio square offers ample parking.
• Impivaara Swimming Centre - Uimahallinpolku 4 GPS: 60.4783, 22.2599 last stop of bus 13 when marked "u" in the timetable; 18 passes reasonably close ☎ +358 2 262-3588 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 06:00–20:00, Friday 11:00–18:00, Saturday Sunday 09:00–17:00 Single entry €8/5/3 (children fare for 4–16 years old); 10-time card €60/40/24 - The stunning and newly renovated facilities are named after characters and places in author Aleksis Kivi’s classic novel, Seven Brothers. The swimming area comprises eight pools, called Venla (50 m), Juhani (25 m), Tuomas (diving pool), Aapo (multipurpose pool), Simeoni (family pool), Timo (teaching pool), Lauri (paddling pool) and Eero (cold pool). Impivaara gyms Jukola, Toukola and Männistö have comprehensive and spacious strength training and aerobics facilities.
• JukuPark Waterpark - Kurrapolku 1 GPS: 60.4782, 22.2562 ☎ +358 400-174-640 | Opening Hours: 7 Jun–10 Aug: daily 11:00 to 17-19:00 €21, children under 4 year free JukuPark is a paradise for the whole family 3 kn from Turku center. At JukuPark, come rain or shine, you're sure to get soaking wet! You’re guaranteed a great day with many spectacular water-slides, large heated swimming pools, sunbathing areas together with saunas, shower rooms and the Pirate Island water-world for the little ones. When hunger surprises there are Juku Park’s grills, cafés, kiosk services and terraces available.

Social dancing

UIttamon lava 2 - |The Uittamo dance pavilion.

Foxtrot, waltz, jive, cha cha, what have you ... The dance pavilions are an crucial part of Finish summer for many, although not any more for a majority. The ones below are probably the most popular ones in the Turku region:

• Uittamon paviljonki - Rykmentintie 29 GPS: 60.4206, 22.2528 bus no 9 towards Katariina, bus stop "Tanssilava" ☎ +358 44-906-1910 | Opening Hours: Dances 12 May–17 Sept: Friday 20:00–01:00, Sunday 19:00–00:00 Mostly €15 - 2022 Dance pavilion by the sea. Also dance courses.
• Littoisten lava - Vanha Littoistentie 153 GPS: 60.4596, 22.3779 bus 2B or 2C, last bus back 23:20 ☎ +358 50-919-1325 | Opening Hours: 18 May–31 Aug: Thursday 18:00/19:30–23:00 Mostly €12 (under 25 years old half price) - Dance pavilion by the Littoistenjärvi lake. Dance course Thursday 18:00–19:20 included in the price of the dance.

- Valasranta | Valasrannantie 363, Loimaa|Yläne GPS: 60.8961 , 22.3476 60 kilometers from Turku ☎ +358 2 256 3605 | Opening Hours: Summer: Saturday 20:30–01:30 €16–18 - Dance pavilion by the Pyhäjärvi lake. }}

Study in Turku

Turun hovioikeus - Academy House used to be the main building of the Turku Academy, but nowadays it houses the Turku Court of Appeal.

Turku has a long academic history: Queen Christina of Sweden founded the first university of Finland in Turku in 1640. At that point it was only Sweden's third university following Uppsala University and the Academia Gustaviana in Tartu. Nowadays Turku is still a major academic town in Finland and because of this the city is bustling with students. Almost 20 per cent of Turku residents are students and many of them are exchange students or otherwise from abroad. The universities have many courses in English and some study programs targeted at exchange students, often in cooperation between the universities. Both universities are legal deposit repositories, which means they have everything of value printed in Finland since the 1920s, usually available at least for reading in both or either, if requested a day or a few in advance.

• University of Turku - Turun yliopisto - 60.4542, 22.2848 ☎ +358 2 333-51 | Opening Hours: The University of Turku is the second largest university in Finland only behind the University of Helsinki. It houses over 20,000 students in seven faculties: Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences, Education and Economics. Turku University offers its libraries, institutes and museums for Turku residents and visitors to use as well. It offers lectures for children and has an open university for anyone to role in. Turku Open University offers several courses also in English.
• Åbo Akademi University - Åbo Akademi - GPS: 60.4510, 22.2775 ☎ +358 2 215-31 Åbo Akademi is the only Swedish-language university in Finland. It is at the forefront of research in such areas as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology. It houses around 6,000 students, of which 1/7 are from abroad, and has special collections and museums for visitors to enjoy. Many courses are in English and there are several /en/study/study-abroad/exchange-students/ exchange programs].
• Turku University of Applied Sciences - Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu - GPS: 60.4470, 22.2990 ☎ +358 2 330-000 | Opening Hours: TUAS, one of the leading universities of applied sciences in Finland, hosts 9,500 students studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Its academies and faculties range from economics to art, technology, environment and healthcare. It also offers three English taught Bachelor's and two Master’s programms as well as open studies for anyone willing to join.
• Novia University of Applied Sciences - Novia | Henrikinkatu 7 GPS: 60.453496, 22.280558 ☎ +358 6 328 5000 Instruction in Swedish, with some courses and modules offered in English. Novia's campus in Turku offers courses in e.g. tourism, social services, design and maritime management.
• Turku City Library - Turun kaupunginkirjasto, Åbo stadsbibliotek - GPS: 60.4504, 22.2710 ☎ +358 2 330-000 - Monday to Friday 09:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00 free - Libraries could be boring in other cities, but not in Turku. Turku City Library is open every day and most city residents have taken to it as their second living room. The old and the architecturally distinguished new building also offer facilities for many events and exhibitions. It is a great place to just chill, check e-mail, read a newspaper (quite some foreign ones available), have a coffee or lunch at the inner courtyard's restaurant (or own Snacks at a specific table by the newspapers) or enjoy a book from the wide selection of foreign language literature. The library even lends #By bicycle|bikes.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Turku

There are plenty of opportunities to part with your cash in Turku. The downtown is full of major retail and independent shops. Shopping in Turku is generally more affordable than in Helsinki, but, as with the rest of Finland, it is by no means affordable by international standards. The numerous second-hand and antique stores represent a unique shopping alternative.

Traditional shopping

Lounashetki Turun kauppahallissa - Turku Market Hall

• Market Plaza - Kauppatori | - GPS: 60.4516, 22.2671 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 07:00–18:00, Saturday 07:00–15:00; best in summer before 14:00, when most farmers leave The centrepoint of Turku's western downtown is traditionally, without a doubt and the market square, with shopping centres, department stores and independent shops in the surroundings. The market square itself has been a popular shopping and meeting place and an authentic tourist attraction, with possibility to have a coffee with the local residents or buy groceries from the stalls of many local producers. In 2018–2010, a parking cave is being built under the square, so the market activity goes on in a more restricted scale, in the part in front of the Orthodox Church. The bus stops, which used to line the streets around the square, have been scattered around in the nearby streets.
• Turku Market Hall - Kauppahalli | Eerikinkatu 16 GPS: 60.4497, 22.2661 50 metres from Kauppatori downstream along the Eerikinkatu ☎ +358 2 262-4126 - Monday to Friday 08:0–18:00, Saturday 08:00–16:00 Completed in 1896 and the Turku Market Hall brings a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. The old and new meet in the corridors. The Market Hall, which extends the length of an entire block, was designed by architect Gustaf Nyström. There are traditional Meat and fish counters, delicatessen and speciality shops, bread, milk and Cheese shops as well as restaurants and cafés. Stop by the fish shop S. Wallin, try some reindeer Meat from Poronlihan erikoisliike Heinonen or buy some Cheese at Juustopuoti. Have a coffee and cake in Aschan Blue Train café or shop for souvenirs at the nostalgic Wanha Turku Kauppa (Old Turku Store). There is also a great lunch court at the market hall, where you can choose to eat either ethnic or domestic food.

Shopping centres

Turku Hansa panorama - View inside the Hansa Shopping Centre. KOP corner Turku - KOP-Triangle (KOP-Kolmio) is at the junction of the central Market Plaza.

• Hansa Shopping Centre - Kauppakeskus Hansa or Hansakortteli | Yliopistonkatu 20 GPS: 60.4507, 22.2644 adjacent to Kauppatori

Monday to Friday 07:00–21:00, Saturday 07:30–19:30, Sunday 10:00–19:00 More than 150 shops found under one roof, Turku’s oldest and largest shopping centre offers excellent shopping with a number of specialist shops and a first class department store. You'll also find a number of cafés, restaurants, a theatre and services for even the most discerning of tastes.

• KOP-Kolmio - KOP-Triangle | Aurakatu 8 GPS: 60.4503, 22.2665 ☎ +358 2 6516-6680 - Monday to Friday 10:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday 12:00–16:00 KOP-Kolmio is a smaller shopping centre next to Kauppatori and the larger Hansa Shopping Centre. It offers mostly fashion stores and few cosy cafés. The building is mostly home to companies that are on the upper floors of the building, including the local branch of Yleisradio (YLE), Finland's national broadcast company.
• Skanssi Shopping Centre - Kauppakeskus Skanssi | Skanssinkatu 10 GPS: 60.4300, 22.3230 4 kilometers from the downtown, 20 minutes with bus line 9 ☎ +358 40-195-3742 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00–21:00, Saturday 08:00–18:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00 Skanssi is a charming little city. It is home to 90 special stores, Hypermarket, a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, an indoor playground and excellent parking facilities – not to mention the improved dog sitting service. The architecture pays tribute to the historical style and emulates a small European city, making Skanssi a pleasant and enjoyable place to meet friends and spend time.
• Shopping Centre Mylly - Kauppakeskus Mylly | Myllynkatu 1–99, Raisio GPS: 60.4906, 22.2010 in Raisio, ten minutes' drive on the E18 highway from Turku centre; 30–40 min with bus line 300 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–21:00, Saturday 09:00–18:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00A variety of services; a hundred shops, cafés and restaurants. For the smallest members of the family, Mylly offers a free play area and childcare points. All Mylly's shops (except Alko and Office Services) serve every day with consistent opening hours across all stores. Plenty of parking.

Department stores

Stockmann Department Store in Turku - Stockmann Department Store in central Turku.

• Stockmann - GPS: 60.4507, 22.2628

Monday to Friday 09:00–20:00, Saturday 09:00–19:00, Sunday 11:00–18:00 In the centre of Turku at the Hansa Shopping Center and the Stockmann first-class department store offers a wide selection of products from foods to top fashion and electronics, with selected products from Finnish design brands like Arabia, Iittala, Marimekko and Aarikka. There is also a visitor centre which provides visitors with advice and help on tax-free purchases and buying tickets to events and venues. Opposite to the department store at the shopping center lies Stockmann's bookstore, Akateeminen Kirjakauppa. There is also a café with great lunch and an excellent supermarket at the basement level of the store.

• Wiklund - Eerikinkatu 11 GPS: 60.4517, 22.2688 ☎ +358 10-76-5020 - Monday to Friday 08:00–21:00, Saturday 09:00–20:00, Sunday 11:00-18:00 Next to the Market square opposite side of the Hansa Shopping center, Wiklund is a first class department store. It services are built for women and men's fashion, beauty, home and children, outdoor activities and exercise, as well as entertainment. Department store services are complemented by the Café Wiklund, a hair salon, Alko and alcohol store, pharmacy, shoemaker and Eurokangas fabric store.

Design

Turku Car-free zone - Yliopistonkatu next to the Market Plaza is a pedestrian zone; there are a variety of services in it Turku design bag - This design bag asks in Swedish "Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo" (Why Paris, when we have Turku)]

• Turku Design Now! -Shop - Läntinen Rantakatu 13 A GPS: 60.4484, 22.2671 ☎ +358 44-572-6198 - Monday to Friday 11:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–16:00 TDN shop is owned by a collective of Turku-based designers who sell interior decor goods, accessories, clothing for adults and children, ceramics, popular Turku-themed products, and for example Kotona Design's wonderful magnetic chalkboards. Ingenious products are designed and, in most cases, also manufactured in Finland. The shop carries products from, among others, KUI Design, Punainen Norsu, Klo Design and Tonfisk Design].
• Televisio Lifestyle Store - Hämeenkatu 32 GPS: 60.4481, 22.2712 ☎ +358 2 231-0400 | Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00–19:00, Saturday 11:00–16:00 Near the east end of the Aura Bridge, in a secluded courtyard, you'll find a personal boutique offering a wide selection of clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewelry, accessories and little bit of art as well. Everything in store is from young Finnish and Nordic designers.
• Sisutuksen koodi - Linnankatu 19 GPS: 60.4502, 22.2703 ☎ +358 40-081-1960 | Opening Hours: Monday 11:00–618:00, Tu–F 10:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–14:00 Sisustuksen koodi (The interior code) is a interior design store in the centre. It sells functional high-quality furniture and everything else you might need to furnish your apartment. You'll also find great Finnish design brands from here such as Artek, which was founded by legendary Finnish architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto.
• Sylvi Salonen - Linnankatu 14 GPS: 60.44910, 22.26689 the Fortuna quarter in the centre ☎ +358 20-766-0830 This boutique is in an old stall building of the 1880s in central Turku. It was established in 1928 by Sylvi Salonen, who started selling her own embroidery designs. Nowadays Sylvi Salonen still offers a wide selection of embroidery and handwork accessories but also high quality gifts and trendy home décor items, Finnish handicrafts, Home décor and Scandinavian design. Also a versatile range of tableware accessories, candles and lanterns.
• Marimekko - GPS: 60.4508, 22.2653 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-20:00, Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00A cornerstone of Finnish design and fashion is Marimekko, known around the world for its fresh and bold patterns and prints. You can find a number of Marimekko shops in Turku, including, amongst others, in the shopping centres of Skanssi and Mylly, with the largest store being in the Hansa Shopping Centre.
• Punainen Norsu - Red Elephant | Forum shopping centre - GPS: 60.44999, 22.24741 ☎ +358 44-501-1510 - Monday to Friday 11:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–15:00 Punainen Norsu (Red Elephant) is a children's clothing line originating from Turku. All the colourful and graphic clothes are made mostly from recycled materials.
• Baobab Kids & lifestyle - Yliopistonkatu 11 GPS: 60.45360, 22.26986

Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday 10:00–15:00 Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some gifts.

• Idea Estradi - Humalistonkatu 4 GPS: 60.44954, 22.26030

Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday 11:00–14:00 Idea Estradi sells only Finnish handmade products: interior decoration, business gift, souvenirs, jewelry, bags, candles, ceramics and glass products, paintings, soft toys, textiles, towels, cards, and everything else you can think of to need from a handicrafts shop.

• Joutomaa - Kellonsoittajankatu 8 GPS: 60.44775, 22.28549 ☎ +358 50-362-8003 | Opening Hours: Tu–F 11:00–17:00 Joutomaa (literally meaning Wasteland) is a small and funny gift shop, which is full of lovely hand-made treasures for yourself or for a friend. Most of the design products are made by the owner Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen, who is specially famous for her cards and prints, which combine old gloss photos which she has found and prints made by herself. She also has a great online store.

Vintage

• VintagEija`s - Maariankatu 10 GPS: 60.4540, 22.2666 a few blocks from the Market Plaza ☎ +358 50-574-6034 | Opening Hours: Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–14:00 VintagEija's sells gift, vintage wear and accessories, specializing in American style vintage. There is a rockabilly and burlesque atmosphere in this small boutique, with clothing from 1940s, 50s and 60s. In addition they sell new garment which have been made in the style of vintage for both men and women.
• Boutique Minne - Kaskenkatu 2 GPS: 60.44781, 22.27122 ☎ +358 50-516-6124 | Opening Hours: W–F 11:00–17:30 Boutique Minne, in the Kaskenmäki Hill in central Turku, is a small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design.

Record stores

• 8raita - @raita.fi Yliopistonkatu 11 GPS: 60.45409, 22.27258

Monday to Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00 8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations.

• Asema - tapahtumat Läntinen Pitkäkatu 22 GPS: 60.45332, 22.25618 Opening Hours: Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Saturday 12:00–15:09 Small independent store that sells second-hand and new LPs. Music concentrates more on hiphop, soul, funk, jazz, reggae, punk and electronic. They also sell services ranging from film editing to lighting design.
• Iki-Pop - Linnankatu 7 GPS: 60.45070, 22.27066 - This personal tiny record store, opposite the Main City Library, sells second-hand CDs and LPs, but the main focus is on vinyl. This is a real haven for those who like to dig through loads of old goodies and find the one you've been looking everywhere.
• Kaakko - Yliopistonkatu 38 GPS: 60.44811, 22.25508 ☎ +358 45-650-9822 | Opening Hours: Tu–F 12:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–14:00 Founded in 2004 Kaakko sells and buys second-hand vinyl records and has almost 9000 records in stock with daily arrivals – that's probably the largest selection of vinyl records in all of Turku. If you're not able to visit the store, you can find all the records online as well.

Halal Restaurants in Turku

Turku and other parts of Finland Proper are home to the more western influenced Finnish cuisine, which has features especially from Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The long traditions of farming and fishing in the area have contributed to the local food culture. Fish, especially herring – the regional fish of Finland Proper – has been at the heart of the regions culinary traditions for centuries. It is eaten all year round salted, fried, grilled and smoked. In addition, perch, whitefish and pike are often used. You must also remember to try the famous raisin Sausages,a regional speciality which you can buy for example from the Turku Market Hall. Sausages lovers will also enjoy the wide selection of Sausages at Turun Mestaripalvi Oy]. On the side you can obtain a slice of another regional speciality and the Archipelago sweet malt bread. As a dessert enjoy a good cup of coffee together with pulla (cinnamon roll) or Piispanmunkki ("Bishops Doughnut"), as people here call the traditional North German pastry Berliner.

For fast food, you will generally need to pay under €10 any time, Burgers meals are around €5–9 (including drink and fries). Lower end restaurant meals with some simple Pasta or soup with water or a soft drink is usually around €10–20. For proper restaurant meals with a high-grade Steaks and good fruit cocktail, expect to pay at least €30–60. Generally, proper restaurants are open until 22:00–23:00, on weekends maybe an hour longer. Fast food chains, pizzerias and other such places are open later at night, some as late as 03:00–05:00. In some establishments and the bar may remain open for drinks even though the kitchen has closed and no food is available.

Lunch and brunch

Verdandihuset, Auragatan 1, Åbo - Fontana Café is in a Neo-Renaissance building opposite City Hall.

Most restaurants have offers at €7–10 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. When you are in the city and want to grab something to eat you can check the /lunch-lists/turku/today Turku lunch options page and prices to decide where to go.

• Arvin Grilli ja Lounas - Nosturinkatu 5 GPS: 60.442963, 22.229729

Monday to Friday 06:00–15:00 (lunch 10:30–13:30) Lunch €6.90, soup lunch €5.50 including salad, bread, milk and coffee Great price quality relation.

Aboa Vetus Ars Nova, kesäterassi - Summer terrace at the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova courtyard.

• Monday Kitchen & Café - Itäinen Rantakatu 4–6 (In the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum) GPS: 60.45001, 22.27384 ☎ +358 40-197-9005 | Opening Hours: Daily 11:00–19:00, lunch served Monday–Friday 11:00–14:00, Saturday Sunday brunch 11:00–15:00 Lunch of the day Monday–Friday €8–10; brunch €19,90 Serves a very nice lunch, including some great Vegetarian choices. Saturday and Sunday it may be packed, since the brunch on the weekend is one of the best ones in the city. Reservation helps, or you need to time your visit early or late.
• Elvina Café - Yliopistonkatu 15 GPS: 60.45292, 22.26801 near Kauppatori ☎ +358 2 536-8502 - Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–15:00 In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products.
• Fontana Café - Aurakatu 1 GPS: 60.44962, 22.26859 Opposite City Hall and Turku tourist office near Aura bridge Opening Hours: M–Thursday 10:00–22:00, Friday 10:00–23:00, Saturday 11:00–00:00, Sunday 12:00–20:00 (brunch served 12:00–16:00) Fresh products from own bakery. Bar opens in the evening. Popular brunch in weekends.
• Honkapirtti - Albert Ravilan raitti GPS: 60.42856, 22.14769 Ruissalo island ☎ +358 44-756-7922 - Monday to Friday 11:00–17:00, Saturday Sunday 10:00–17:00 East Karelian-style large cabin, that has for decades been a stopping point for people enjoying the nature on the island. Unpretentious lunch consisting of traditional pea soup and delicious pancakes. Coffee table also has a range of traditional delicacies, cakes and pies.
• PullaPuoti - Puistokatu 3 GPS: 60.44589, 22.25407 ☎ +358 2 236-2121 - Monday to Friday 08:00–17:00 Close to the Turku Police Station and Hostel Turku. Pastries, snack foods, coffee and filled sandwiches and cakes. For lunch you can choose a soup, salad, pan pizza or Pasta. Assortment of gluten-free products.
• Café Sirius - Linnankatu 2 GPS: 60.45062, 22.27215 inner yard of the city library ☎ +358 2 231-5760 - Monday to Friday 09:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00, Sunday 12:00–17:00 Salty and sweet delicacies, coffee products and ice cream. On weekdays it also serves lunch 11:00–15:00.
• Kitchen and Cafe Stockmann - Kristiinankatu 11 GPS: 60.45060, 22.26347 inside Hansa Shopping center ☎ +358 9 121-9905 - Monday to Friday 09:00–20:00, Saturday 09:00–19:00, Sunday 11:00–18:00 Café Restaurant of the Stockmann Department Store. Family friendly large café that serves everything from breakfast to lunch.
• Unica Restaurants - Rehtoripellonkatu 4 GPS: 60.4544, 22.2874 ☎ +358 2 232-5444 Unica, owned by the Student Union of the University of Turku, owns several student restaurants around the campus area behind Turku Cathedral.
• West Café - Eerikinkatu 11 GPS: 60.45169, 22.26904 inside Wiklund Department Store ☎ +358 10-76-52761 - Monday to Friday 09:00–20:30, Saturday 09:00–18:00, Sunday 11:00–17:30 Home cooking styled lunch. Good views of the Market Plaza. Family friendly; ball pit for kids.
• ÅAS student cafés - Gadolinia Kb | Hämeenkatu 22 GPS: 60.4497, 22.2760 ☎ +358 2 215-3703 - Lunch for outsiders: €4.60–8 Kåren, Åbo.jpg - 1018 Cafés of the student union of ÅA. Most cafés are close to Piispankatu behind the cathedral, Kåren on Hämeenkatu opposite buildings of the Old Great Plaza, in the house of the student union by Erik Bryggman (second floor). Kåren is quiet except around noon, when all the cafés have queues. Most cafés are open only around lunch hours during terms, Arken also in summer, Gadolinia serves lunch until 19:00 during terms and is open also during the Christmas break.

Hesburger hamburger - Hesburger originates from Turku, and is the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland.

There are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafés on and around Kauppatori. Around the university campus you will found many student restaurants with affordable lunch also for outsiders (see Lunch above; some timing is needed to avoid long queues). Hesburger is the dominant Burgers chain in Turku, and you will find several of these in the downtown. Pizzerias are frequently kebab-pizzerias, offering Turkish - Halal Kebab and Italian pizza dishes on their menu. You will also find a lot of these in the centre. Unfortunately and the restaurants offering the finest - Halal Kebab are in the suburbs. During the lunch time, at least 11:00–14:00, most restaurants have offers for less than €10.

• Hesburger - GPS: 60.4504, 22.2653 Opening Hours: Open from early morning to dusk, some of them even round the clock €5-10 Just ask any of the local residents: Hesburger Burgers really do taste better! Originating from Turku, Hesburger is today the largest hamburger restaurant chain in Finland, surpassing such chains as McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) and Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant). It is still run by the family that started it in the 1960s. It is especially popular in Turku, since the company is still based there and has a large number of restaurants scattered around the city. It is almost hard not to pass one when walking around the downtown. You'll find four Hesburgers just around the Kauppatori area.

}}If you are in a hurry you can also order the food through their mobile app ( Android / /fi/app/hesburger/id1062839905?mt=8 iOS]) and you'll be able to pick it up faster (This also works if you arrive and the line is very long).

File: Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri in Turku - Beef Kung Po at restaurant Kiinanmuuri.

• Kiinanmuuri - Great Wall of China | Sirkkalankatu 27 and Vähä-Hämeenkatu 1 GPS: 60.44523, 22.27496 - Kiinanmuuri is known in Turku as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Even though it's usually crowded around noon, decorations are outdated and it seems a bit suspicious and their Vegetarian food is superb. All the ingredients are very fresh and the portions are usually huge. Lunchtime service is really fast. If you're extra hungry or wish to survive couple of days on one portion, try the take away to get even larger portions of food.
• Kortteliravintola Kerttu - Quarter Restaurant Kerttu | Läntinen pitkäkatu 35 GPS: 60.45388, 22.25704 ☎ +358 2 250-6990 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 10:30–23:00, Friday 10:30–00:00, Saturday 12:00–00:00 Kerttu is a popular quarter restaurant on the northern side of the downtown nearby the Central Railway Station. They have a reasonably priced menu that includes fresh food and fruit drinks for both omni- and herbivores. Kerttu is very popular amongst students, and there is even a laundromat in the restaurant for visitors to use, while they are enjoying their meals. On weekend they have a special Hamburger Buffet, that is very popular among local residents. Staff is very friendly and welcoming whenever you wish to stop by.
• Latte Café - Kristiinankatu 5 GPS: 60.44905, 22.26482 Sweet little café in the heart of the city that also serves very affordable lunch. Huge list of different coffees from every corner of the earth are also available. Menu includes toasts, paninis, salads, and bagels. No need to go to a restaurant because of hunger because the sizes of these foods are big. Atmosphere is very relaxing thanks to jazz and Latin sounds and warm colours. If you feel like you want more privacy, you can go to the back room and sit on the cosy couch. And during summer you can also sit outside.
• Nummis - Vanha Hämeentie 19 GPS: 60.4554, 22.3034 ☎ +358 2 250 6144 | Opening Hours: 10:00–22:00 €7–10 - 2022A pizza and - Halal Kebab restaurant in the neighborhood of Nummi. Serves quite good Pizzas and Kebab, but don't expect anything special.
• Rantakerttu - Läntinen rantakatu 55 GPS: 60.44050, 22.24486 ☎ +358 2 258-8000 | Opening Hours: Monday 11:00-15:00, Tu–Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday 11:00–23:00, Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00 Rantakerttu is Kortteliravintola Kerttu's sister restaurant next to river Aura close to the Föri ferry and to the Turku guest harbour. It's a good place to stop by and have lunch while walking along the riverside watching at the sights.
• Rax Buffet - Aurakatu 12 GPS: 60.45122, 22.26536 ☎ +358 20-766-4911 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 11:00-20:00, Friday 11:00-21:00, Saturday 11:00–19:00, Sunday 12:00–19:00 Rax offers an all you can eat style buffet that includes Pizzas, barbecue food, salads, ice cream and soft-drinks. Good option if you feel like really filling your stomach for a long time affordablely.
• Taco Nito - Aurakatu 3 GPS: 60.45013, 22.26778 ☎ +358 40-653-3112 - Around €10 - Owned by Mexican brothers, Taco Nito serves simple but very tasty finger food in the Turku downtown. Corn, Meat, salsa, beans, chili and avocado are cornerstones of the food. Restaurant has continuously had good feedback from clients and has relatively low prices.
• Yasukon Keittiö - Yasuko's Kitchen | Yliopistonkatu 26 C (second floor) GPS: 60.45012, 22.26080 ☎ +358 440-335-507 Yasuko's kitchen is a tiny Japanese restaurant that serves everyday home cooked Japanese meals, and some sushi and other more common dishes. Everything is well-prepared and the atmosphere in the restaurant is very authentic. Yasuko's seats less than 20 people, but more than 10 clients mean you might have to wait for your food, but it's worth it.

Mid-range

Dessert at Restaurant Dennis in Turku - Dessert at Ristorante Dennis. Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku - Meal at restaurant Harald in Turku.

• Blanko - Aurakatu 1 Closed for renovation of the building. Expected reopening spring 2018 seems to have been postponed.
• Delhi Darbar - Hämeenkatu 8 GPS: 60.45189, 22.28305 ☎ +358 2 233-3988 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:30–22:00, Friday 10:30–23:00, Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–22:00 Probably the best Indian restaurant in Turku, Delhi Darbar serves excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral.
• Ristorante Dennis - Dennis | | Linnankatu 17 GPS: 60.44892, 22.26555 ☎ +358 2 469-1191 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00–23:00, Friday 11:00–23:30, Saturday 12:00–23:30, Sunday 12:30–22:00, lunch Monday–Friday 11:00–15:00 Well known and respected Italian Family restaurant in Turku has served local residents since 1975. It is famous for its pizzas, succulent Pasta. salads and other Italian dishes. It is particularly family friendly, and especially during the weekend reservations are advisable! You can also order out or have take away. If you visit during the summer, ask to be seated on the outdoor roof terrace of the building! Also vegan food.
• Hiili - Aurakatu 6, Second floor GPS: 60.45005, 22.26714 ☎ +358 44-717-7440 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 16:00–23:30, Saturday 14:00–23:30, Sunday 14:00-20:00 Hiili offers an American BBQ experience with nice views to the heart of Turku. Menu includes pulled Beef, BBQ ribs and other American delicacies. Hiili chefs have developed their own BBQ Sauces and meals from local ingredients.
• Kado Sushi - Inside the Market Hall, Eerikinkatu 16 GPS: 60.44940, 22.26658 Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 11:00–18:00, Saturday 11:00–16:00 Kado sushi combines the wholesome delicacies with aesthetic pleasures, all prepared using fresh ingredients. Japanese cuisine is famous for its light and healthy reputation. The best components create the finest flavours: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, delicious – different tastes working in harmony. From Kado you can also order takeaway and enjoy your meal alone or in a group.
• Kobe sushi - Martinkatu 3 GPS: 60.4433, 22.2570 20 minutes walk from downtown or by bus line 9 ☎ +358 44 9877251 | Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:00-21:00, Saturday Sunday 12:00-21:00 - Kobe sushi offers authentic Japanese food. Sushi buffet is one of the best in Turku and price is about €13.
• Pippurimylly - Pepper Mill | Stålarminkatu 2 GPS: 60.43905, 22.25935 ☎ +358 2 277-3350

Monday to Friday 11:00–23:00, Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–21:00, kitchen closes 1 hour before closing time If you want to try something bit further away from the downtown, Pippurimylly (Pepper Mill) is a nostalgic option. It's a traditional family-owned restaurant that has served local residents for decades. It uses Finnish products and is well known for its Steaks.

• Sergio's - Läntinen Rantakatu 27 GPS: 60.44696, 22.26216 ☎ +358 20-769-8585 | Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 16:00–23:00, Saturday 13:00–23:00 Sergio's Restaurant is an authentic Italian restaurant in a 1787 wooden house by the river Aura. Most of the ingredients are imported from Italy, so the food is of quality and taste. Also, as a rule and the staff is Italian, but the service is of course also in Finnish and English. Sergio's serves authentic Italian cuisine: pizzas, Pasta. fish, Meat, risottos, Vegetarian dishes and Italian desserts. Good fruit cocktails as well.
• Trattoria Romana - Hämeenkatu 9 GPS: 60.45182, 22.28137

Authentic Italian trattoria, owned by Italians. Excellent value for money. Try their unrivalled pizza Margarita.

• Viking Restaurant Harald - Viikinkiravintola Harald | Aurakatu 3 GPS: 60.45002, 22.26800 between Kauppatori and Auransilta bridge ☎ +358 44-766-8204 | Opening Hours: Monday 12:00–23:00 Thursday - Friday 12:00–24:00, Saturday 12:00–01:00, Sunday 15:00–22:00 €18–50, children €9–12; lunch from €12.50 - Quasi-authentic with furs on the walls and rustic furniture, with some humour. Good food with surprising combinations, such as jam or berries with the main courses. Perhaps the way the Vikings had it, but never mind if not. Toilets called Harald (gents) and Helga (ladies).
• Wanhan Paronin Kellari - Old Baron's Cellar | Yliopistonkatu 37 GPS: 60.44900, 22.25661 ☎ +358 440-225-442 | Opening Hours: Tu–Thursday 14:00–22:00, Friday Saturday 14:00–00:00 Don't be fooled by the humble entrance. A little bit off the downtown Wanhan Paronin Kellari is an atmospheric cellar restaurant that has many medievally decorated small compartments. Food includes seasonal products as well as Steaks and game. Value for money is surprisingly good.

Turku cafe - Most of the Restaurants, cafés have outdoor terraces during the summer season. Gustavon terassi - Terrace of restaurant Gustavo near Turku Cathedral.

• Bistro Julienne (of Scandic Hotel) - Eerikinkatu 4 GPS: 60.4524, 22.2724 In the downtown ☎ +358 2 336 02132 | Opening Hours: Lunch Monday to Friday 11:00-14:00, dinner Monday to Friday 17:00-22:30 and Saturday 15:00-22:30, Brunch Saturday 12:00-15:00 - Even though Bistro Julienne is a part of Scandic chain restaurants, don't let it frighten you. Stuff is really skillful and flexible and they really have enjoyable foods. Bistro Julienne has an excellent brunch (€23).
• E. Ekblom - Läntinen Rantakatu 3 GPS: 60.44978, 22.27157 ☎ +358 2 536-9445 | Opening Hours: West Thursday 17:00–23:00, Friday Saturday 17:00–01:00 E. Ekblom is a comfortable high quality restaurant at the heart of the city. Its carefully selected soft drinks offer wide variety for clients to choose from with seasonal changes. Ekblom is in a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the fruit cocktail, while the summer terrace has great views towards the River Aura.
• Foija - Aurakatu 10 GPS: 60.45100, 22.26575 next to the entrance of the shopping centre Hansa ☎ +358 20-799-4002 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday 11:00–23:00, Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–21:00 In an old cellar that has been decorated with some modern twists. Food of high quality.
• Gustavo - Linnankatu 1 GPS: 60.4525, 22.2743 Next to Cathedral and Tuomiokirkkosilta ☎ +358 46 922 2488 | Opening Hours: Thursday - Friday 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-22:00, Saturday 15:00-22:00 - By the riverside of Turku, near the national shrine Turku Cathedral, you will find a magnificient mediterranean kitchen with a scandinavian twist. Tip: gather few Portuguese pinchos with pizza and share with your friends. Do not hesitate to ask anything that surprises you, stuff is very kind and helpful. Gustavo also imports soft drinks of its own, you may be lucky and find wonderful pearls.
• Kaskis - Kaskenkatu 6 A GPS: 60.44672, 22.27265 ☎ +358 44-723-0200 | Opening Hours: Tu–Thursday 16:00–23:00, Friday Saturday 16:00–00:00, Sunday Monday closed - Named after its location on the Kaskenmäki hill, Kaskis was opened in 2014. It is owned by three friends who dreamed for a long time of opening their own restaurant in Turku. Kaskis offers its clients fine dining that has been influenced especially by Southern European, Scandinavian and Asian kitchens. It is highly advisable to book your table in advance.
• Ludu - Linnankatu 17 GPS: 60.44957, 22.26733 ☎ +358 20-734-0310 | Opening Hours: Tu–F 11:00–14:00 and 17:00-23:00, Saturday 17:00–23:00 Ludu is a small fine dining restaurant that serves European food. It also has excellent fruit cocktails and changing seasonal products on its menu.
• Mami - Linnankatu 3 GPS: 60.45174, 22.27335 ☎ +358 2 231-1111 | Opening Hours: Tu–F lunch 11:00–15:00, à la carte 17:00–22:00, Saturday à la carte 13:00–22:00, Sunday Monday closed - At the riverfront, Mami is considered one of the best restaurant in Turku. It has charmed visitors with its relaxed service, carefully prepared food and a comfortable and modern environment in the centre of Turku. The summer terrace offers the most stunning vistas. They also serve a great lunch.
• Pinella - Vanha Suurtori 2 GPS: 60.45121, 22.27488 ☎ +358 2 445-6400 | Opening Hours: Lunch: Tu–F 11:00–15:00, Saturday 12:00–15:00. À la carte: Tu–F 17:00–23:00, Saturday 16:00–23:00. Bar: Tu–Thursday 17:00–23:00, Friday Saturday 16:00–01:00 Pinella is a landmark building on the river in the heart of Turku. It has been transformed into a new contemporary restaurant, creating a fresh chapter in its history as an important cultural and artistic venue.
• Restaurant Samppalinna - Itäinen Rantakatu 10 GPS: 60.44745, 22.26835 ☎ +358 10-764-5391 Restaurant Samppalinna – a part of the vibrant Turku history since 1832 – is a spectacular wooden villa with terraces on the banks of the River Aura. In summer the restaurant provides great experiences for lovers of good food, drink and theatre.
• Roster - Tuomiokirkonkatu 6 GPS: 60.4515, 22.2786 ☎ +358 9 6128 6850 | Opening Hours: Monday 11:30-22:00, Tuesday to Friday 11:30-23:00, Saturday 15:00-23:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00 - In a nice historic milieu next to the Turku Cathedral, Roster offers great place to and dine. Have a drink before dinner in a fancy cocktail café. And another after the dinner too.
• Smör - Läntinen Rantakatu 3 GPS: 60.45014, 22.27206 ☎ +358 2 536-9444 The menu changes according to the seasons combining ingredients and flavors. Midst the milieu of the cellar vaults, Smör serves at lunchtime and in the evening.
• Suomalainen Pohja - Aurakatu 24 GPS: 60.45340, 22.26194 ☎ +358 2 251-2000 - Monday to Friday 11:00–20:00 Club Restaurant Suomalainen Pohja (Finnish Base) was built in 1980 and was designed by architect Sigvard Eklund. Club's interior were designed by an Englishman, Sir George Salmon. The plan has been the basis for an English club activities. Pohja serves traditional fine dining food and atmosphere.
• Tintå - Läntinen Rantakatu 9 GPS: 60.44916, 22.27006 ☎ +358 2 230-7023 | Opening Hours: Monday 11:00–00:00, Tu–Thursday 11:00–01:00, Friday 11:00–02:00, Saturday 12:00–02:00, Sunday 12:00–22:00 Tintå is a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, next to the River Aura near the Aura Bridge on the west bank of the river. It serves more than a hundred different fruit cocktails, and a short but good menu of gourmet Pizzas and tasty lunch on weekdays. Terrace completes the river landscape.
• Tårget - Linnankatu 3 GPS: 60.45156, 22.27305 ☎ +358 400-522-707 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday 11:00–03:00, Saturday 12:00–03:00. Monday–Friday à la carte is available from 16:00 onwards. Lunch is served Monday–Friday 11:00–15:00 Tårget offers Italian, international and Scandinavian cuisine. It also houses a great fruit cocktail-bar which is one of the locations of the city especially during the summer when you can see the Turku Cathedral and river Aura from its terrace. Trendy but casual bistro-style restaurant.

Gastropub

Tiirikkala_turku - Bartender making a drink in Tiirikkala which is commonly called a place for good cocktails.

• Hunsvotti - Län­tinen Ran­ta­katu 55 GPS: 60.44108, 22.24608 ☎ +358 2 258-8000 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday 11:00–23:00, Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–19:00 Hunsvotti is next to its sister restaurant Rantakerttu next to River Aura and near Föri. It's a combination of a sports and gastropub, since you can order food from the Rantakerttu restaurant to the pub.
• Löytö - Uudenmaankatu 1 GPS: 60.4525, 22.2740 Near Cathedral ☎ +358 2 233 0203 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00-00:00, Friday 11:00-02:00, Saturday 14:00-02:00, Sunday 15:00-22:00 - Idyllic cellar underground. Lunch €8-11.60. Á la carte from €3 fingerfood to €32 Steaks.
• Pikku-Torre - Yliopistonkatu 30 GPS: 60.44953, 22.25908 ☎ +358 2 274-4866 | Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday 11:00–00:00, West Thursday 11:00–01:00, Friday 11:00–03:00, Saturday 12:00–03:00, Sunday 12:00–00:00 Pikku-Torre (Little Torre) is combination of restaurant, sports and club. It has a good menu full of -halal-food/steaks/ Steaks, Burgers and salads. It also serves lunch every day. In the evening it turns more into a and nightclub.
• Pub Niska - Kristiinankatu 1 GPS: 60.44810, 22.26623 ☎ +358 40-739-1006 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday 11:00–23:00, Saturday 12:00–23:00, Sunday 12:00–22:00 Pub Niska Turku is a restaurant concept developed by chef Michael Björklund from the Åland Islands. The idea is to serve local food produced from high-quality ingredients. Open around the year, it offers Pub Niska’s famous, tasty archipelago Pizzas.Archipelago Pizzas, i.e. Åland-style Pizzas, is made from fresh, high-quality ingredients that mainly come from Åland. Their list includes filling salads, desserts and a versatile drink selection.
• Tiirikkala - Linnankatu 3 GPS: 60.45181, 22.27351 ☎ +358 44-756-6160 | Opening Hours: Monday 19:30:00–00:00, Tuesday - Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday Saturday 11:00–02:00, Sunday 12:00–22:00 - In addition to a good selection of and drinks, Tiirikkala offers its clients traditional Danish smørrebrød sandwiches and pastries that are handmade on the site. The interior design of the restaurant is very Scandinavian reflecting its dishes. Tiirikkala is also a good place to try some Finnish as it serves Finnish Hookah Lounges soft drinks from its taps.
• Vaakahuoneen Paviljonki - Linnankatu 38, GPS: 60.44460, 22.25374 ☎ +358 2 515-3300 Pavilion restaurant Vaakahuone is an entertainment complex on the banks of river Aura. It offers live music, dancing, speciality coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and an à la carte restaurant. End of the building also serves as the Steamship Ukkopekka's ticket office.

Vegetarian

• Kasvis-ravintola - Yliopistonkatu 29 a GPS: 60.4511, 22.2604 in the ground floor of the Betel Church in the yard, door in the short wall, follow the signs ☎ +358 50-326-5122 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00–15:00 €7.70–11.50, children 7–12 €5; takeaway €14,50/kg - Vegetarian restaurant serving a lunch buffet, using mostly organic and locally grown products. Vegans can eat most things offered, just check the whiteboard (vegan alternatives often available when needed) and choose the outs milk for your coffee (but unless you must, try the included teas of the day instead). The dining rooms are bland in spite of the exterior, but the food is good.
• Kuori - Hämeenkatu 8 GPS: 60.4519, 22.2830 200 metres from the cathedral ☎ +358 20-794-0330 | Opening Hours: Monday 11:00–15:00, Tu–Thursday 11:00–15:00 and 17:00–22:00, Friday 11:00–15:00 and 17:00–23:00, Saturday 17:00–23:00 Lunch €7.90–10.40, tasting menu €56 - Very popular Vegetarian restaurant. Tip: try 6 courses tasting menu. Sister restaurant Roots Kitchen in Market Hall is great place to dine, even though it might be little crowded during lunch time.
• Tikitak - Maariankatu 1 GPS: 60.4541, 22.2667 Next to Puutori, a 5 minutes walk from Kauppatori ☎ +358 40-935-7614 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 11:00–21:00, F–Sa 11:00–00:00, Sunday 12:00–21:00 - Looks like a quite normal kebab-pizzeria but they have a passion for vegan food. Tip: try vöner, vegan version of / Halal Döner].
• VG Wok - Rauninaukio GPS: 60.4629, 22.2631 some distance past the bridge by the bus station ☎ +358 45-665-1793 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 11:00–18:00, Friday 11:00–20:00, Saturday 12:00–20:00, Sunday Main dishes €7.50 - Really nice Vegetarian budget place. Vg Wok has sister restaurants in Tykistönkatu and Arvinkatu. Authentic Asian food.

Restaurants and bars have varying closing hours, but generally and the popular late night restaurants and discos are open until 04:00. Last call always occurs half an hour before closing time, and is indicated by the bar staff turning the lights off for a few seconds and then turning them back on. They may repeat this a few times in quick succession to make sure the patrons get it. It's generally smart to leave about ten minutes before the last call, to avoid being caught in the rush of everybody trying to leave at once, especially if you are planning to get back to your night spot by a taxi. The times are changing somewhat, as the legislation now allow them to keep open after 04:00, which will probably be the new time of last call.

Night clubs tend to have guarded cloakrooms where you can leave any of your outer garments in exchange for a ticket. Using the coat service is considered mandatory even if this is not explicitly pointed out. The cloakroom fee is usually €2 or 2.50. Do not lose the ticket; the bar staff will often not want to hash out ticket confusions during closing time when things are at their most chaotic. If you lose the ticket, you may be told to come back the following day to get your things, expect to be able to prove the jacket is yours by telling the staff the make of the jacket/colour of lining/contents of pockets.

The legal drinking age in Finland is 18 for mild soft drinks (up to 20%/40-proof) and 20 for stronger drinks than that, but virtually all establishments sell stronger drinks to 18-year-olds as well. The minimum age required to enter bars/pubs/late night restaurants differs; legally, one must be at least 18 to enter places that serve alcohol, but many clubs and bars have higher age limits (20–24 yrs).

Cafés

Qwenselska gården, norra delen 2010 - Courtyard of the Qwensel house, with café (in summer) and the Pharmacy Museum.

There are many cafés in Turku. The ones listed here are not representative, but mostly more odd ones. See also #Lunch and brunch|Lunch and brunch above.

• Café Art - Läntinen Rantakatu 5 GPS: 60.44951, 22.27102 in the centre by the river ☎ +358 40-158-3383 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00, Sunday 11:00–17:00 Special coffees along with delicious cakes.
• Aschan - Eerikinkatu 15 (in Hansa Shopping Center) GPS: 60.45054, 22.26493 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00–20:00, Saturday 09:00–18:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until recently a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of Coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes.
• Fabbes Café - Tehtaankatu 6 GPS: 60.45641, 22.28056 ☎ +358 50-535-3647 | Opening Hours: M–Thursday 08:00–18:00, Friday 08:00–16:00 Favorite of the local residents and especially students, Fabbes café is a cosy small café in a beautiful area near the university and the cathedral. They serve lunch during weekdays at 11:00 for great price (around €6/7, with salad and coffee). In addition and they have a nice selection of traditional Finnish cinnamon rolls and home-made sweet treats, smoothies, etc. There's also different (sweet and savoury) pies and cakes. Everything at Fabbes is baked or produced in house, and you can tell the difference – nothing factory made and no additives.
• Gaggui - Humalistonkatu 15 GPS: 60.45299, 22.25618 Opening Hours: Tu–F 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday 12:00–18:00 In this tiny café the cakes are the main thing. They are fantastic and made by hand on the site. Coffee is also top-notch and the service is super friendly.
• Kirjakahvila - Book Café | Vanha Suurtori 1 GPS: 60.45038, 22.27564 in the Brinkkala yard ☎ +358 2 469-1396 - Monday to Friday 11:00–19:00, often live acoustic music or other cultural events in the evening At the historical Old Great Plaza, this is a culture café and a bookshop (books from small publishers, also foreign ones) run by volunteers. Besides books there are also a lot of comics, postcards and posters by local artists for sale. Freshly baked cakes every day. All food vegan. Free wireless Internet available, ask the staff for passwords.
• Kisälli - Vartiovuorenkatu 2 GPS: 60.44706, 22.27613 next to the entrance of the Luostarimäki outdoor museum ☎ +358 40-630-5988 | Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00 Old-fashioned style to partly match the location. Self-made fresh bread rolls, buns, donuts and pies. Every day there's also pancake and a variety of sweet and savoury pies. And of course, great coffee and other drinks.
• Nuvola Gelateria - Eerikinkatu 13 (in Hansa Shopping Center) GPS: 60.45049, 22.26560

Monday to Friday 11:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday 11:00–18:00 The owners, Italians Angelo and Stefano, make traditional Italian ice cream on the site, without any artificial elements. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy with an Italian touch.

• Kahvila Promenade - Kansanpuistontie 76 GPS: 60.42760, 22.18140 Kansanpuisto ("folk park") in Ruissalo ☎ +358 40-158-8424 | Opening Hours: Daily 14 May–30 August and Sa–Su in spring 10:00–18:00 In the park, with view towards the shore. Savoury and sweet pastries as well as a range of coffees, and ice cream.
• Café Qwensel - Läntinen Rantakatu 13 B GPS: 60.44872, 22.26731 in the courtyard of the Pharmacy Museum, entrance to the yard to the left of the main building ☎ +358 50-395-0021 | Opening Hours: Tu–Su 10:00–18:00; closed in winter Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Lunch on weekdays.

Pubs

Panimoravintola koulu - Brewery Restaurant Koulu

• The Old Bank - Aurakatu 3 GPS: 60.44989, 22.26822 Opening Hours: Sunday Monday 12:00–00:00, Tu–Thursday 12:00–02:00, Friday Saturday 12:00–03:00 Considered by many to be the best organic juice place in Turku, Old Bank is, not surprisingly, a former bank turned into a organic juice pub. It has beautiful interiors, great service and the widest selection of soft drinks in town. If you feel hungry they serve amazing pie filled with reindeer.
• Brewery Restaurant Koulu - Eerikinkatu 18 GPS: 60.44967, 22.26454 Opening Hours: Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube M–Thursday 17:00–23:00, Friday 17:00–02:00, Saturday 17:00–02:00. Dining room M–Thursday 11:00–22:00, Friday 11:00–00:00, Saturday 12:00–00:00. Lunch Monday–Friday 11:00–14:00An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other soft drinks, good food and an excellent selection of fruit cocktails. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of local residents.
• Seurusteluravintola Uusi apteekki - New Pharmacy | Kaskenkatu 1 GPS: 60.44764, 22.27063 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00–02:00 Uusi Apteekki (literally meaning New Pharmacy) is a organic juice pub in a former pharmacy built in 1907. Great selection of organic juice and and the decorations alone are worth seeing. In weekend this pub gets really crowded with local residents so be prepared to stand while enjoying your soft drinks. If you are lucky, it's also a good place to catch up with writer Reijo Mäki who has written the famous Vares detective stories that are huge in Finland.
• Mallaskukko - Yliopistonkatu 37 GPS: 60.44893, 22.25634 Opening Hours: M–Thursday 14:00–02:00, Friday Saturday 12:00–02:00, Sunday 14:00-00:00Another good organic juice pub in Turku, with a great selection of soft drinks, scotch whiskies and ciders. Mallaskukko truly feels like a living room of the local residents. Good place to watch sports from the many TV screens on the walls.
• Whisky Bar - - Yliopistonkatu 19 GPS: 60.45246, 22.26533 Opening Hours: Su–Thursday 18:00–02:00, Friday Saturday 18:00–03:00 Whisky Bar in the core downtown of Turku has, as its name suggests, a wide selection of but also serves organic juice and other spirits. Nowadays it is strongly orientated to heavy metal by its music and atmosphere.
• Cosmic Comic Café - Kauppiaskatu 4 (inside Forum shopping center) GPS: 60.45074, 22.26944 Opening Hours: Su–Tu 16:00–00:00, We–Thursday 15:00–02:00 F–Sa 15:00–03:00 Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where organic juice meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about organic juice so do not hesitate to ask for tips.
• Daily News - Yliopistonkatu 33 GPS: 60.4496, 22.2583 5 minutes walk from Market Plaza ☎ +358 50 5711537 | Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-02:00 A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest organic juice in the heart of the city.

Bars

• Fontti - Kauppiaskatu 5 GPS: 60.45095, 22.26987 Opening Hours: M–Thursday 16:00–23:00, Friday 16:00–04:00, Saturday 13:00–04:00 It's in the old clients office of the regional newspaper Turun-Sanomat. Fontti (literally meaning font) is a restaurant and serves great food in addition to drinks and coffees. Service can be little slow but otherwise this bar is nice place to spend your weekend evening.
• Alvar - Humalistonkatu 7 GPS: 60.45140, 22.25841 Halfway between Central Railway Station and Market Plaza Opening from Monday to Saturday 14:00-02:00, Sunday 18:00-00:00Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of soft drinks. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special organic juice tasting if you visit with a group of friends.
• Bar Kuka - Bar Who | Linnankatu 17 GPS: 60.44882, 22.26520 ☎ +358 50-411-6603 | Opening Hours: Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18 On the junction of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights.
• Rento | Yliopistonkatu 23 GPS: 60.45175, 22.26470 ☎ +358 20-786-2240 | Opening Hours: M–W 11:00–02:00, Th–Sa 11:00–03:00, Sunday 12:00–02:00 Rento, literally meaning casual and relaxed, has probably one of the best locations for a bar in Turku right at the end of the pedestrian street next to the Market Plaza and Hansa Shopping Center. You can either sit inside or on a nice terrace outside. Large selection of soft drinks and little Snacks as well.

Riverboats

Esposito Turku - |Esposito

Riverboats are a unique feature in the Turku cityscape. In the summertime, it is very popular to spend the early evening until midnight or so on one of them, and when it gets a little chilly, move indoors to a restaurant or night club. They are at the riverside of river Aura. Some of them also house fine restaurants while some are mostly just pubs.

• Donna - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44798, 22.26828

• Svarte Rudolf - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44773, 22.26744

• Papa Joe - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44746, 22.26656

• Cindy - &panel1-1 Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44720, 22.26569

• Aussie Bar - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44674, 22.26405
• Katarina - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44654, 22.26337

• Majland - Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44510, 22.25640

• Esposito - Läntinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44141, 22.24767

• Merihelmi - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44140, 22.24920

• Bruno - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44114, 22.24868

• Wanha Rahtilaiva - Itäinen rantakatu (River Aura) GPS: 60.44075, 22.24799

Nightclubs in Turku

• Forte - Kristiinankatu 8 GPS: 60.44996, 22.26295 ☎ +358 40-091-6403 | Opening Hours: Daily 22:00–04:00 Forte has been one favourite of the local residents since 1996. It tends to be busy thanks to affordable drinks and daily opening hours, as opposed to majority of the other clubs in the city. The concept of 'SuFo' (='Sunday Forte'), MoFo, etc., is widely recognized among students in Turku.
• Börs Club - Kauppiaskatu 6 GPS: 60.45101, 22.26836 ☎ +358 2 337-381 | Opening Hours: Friday Saturday 22:00–04:00 Downstairs at the Hotel Börs, Club Börs is right on the southern side of Market Plaza. It's one of the biggest night clubs in Turku. They have resident DJs who mostly play latest hit music.
• Chic - Linnankatu 18 GPS: 60.44878, 22.26591 Opening Hours: F–Su 22:00–04:00 In an old Neo-renessaince-style bank, this is the most posh nightclub in Turku. Showroom offers two stories of great atmosphere: Downstairs Lanson Club is in a beautiful old cellar and has waiters serving you to your table, which is very uncommon in Finnish late night restaurants. Upstairs Heineken Bar offers trendy atmosphere with huge screens on the walls showing latest music videos.
• Apollo Nightclub - Humalistonkatu 6 GPS: 60.45007, 22.25957 ☎ +358 40-827-4268 | Opening Hours: Friday Saturday 22:00–04:00Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation.
• Dynamo - Linnankatu 7 GPS: 60.45085, 22.27106 ☎ +358 2 250-4904 | Opening Hours: Tu–Sa 21:00–04:00Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students.
• Club Marilyn - Eerikinkatu 19 GPS: 60.44944, 22.26261 Opening Hours: Tu–Sa 22:00–04:00 For the late teens-early 20s crowd and the Club Marilyn is particularly popular as a disco/night club. It is the oldest privately owned Club in Turku and has seen all the other clubs come and go. In its history it has been chosen as the Best Nightclub in the city on several occasions.
• Gong - Humalistonkatu 8 GPS: 60.45040, 22.25849 Opening Hours: F-Sa 21:00–04:00 - One of the leading live music venues in the city, Gong offers a wide range of music from rock to goth, punk, electronica, ska, prog, grunge, indie/alternative on three different stages. Good club for groups or parties.
• Naima - Aurakatu 6 GPS: 60.44992, 22.26731 ☎ +358 44 444 1234 Opening Hours: W–Sa 20:00–04:00 For #Social dancing|proper dancing (not night club dancing) in a nightclub setting, Naima is the recommended place in Turku. The age group skews towards the 30s, 40s and 50s. Often music includes live performances by some of the biggest names in Finnish Iskelmä (entertainer music) music.
• Baaribaari - Aurakatu 14 GPS: 60.45195, 22.26447 Opening Hours: Bar W-Sa 18:00-04:00, Diskodisko Friday Saturday 22:00–04:00. Age limit 20 Popular especially amongst younger local residents, since its age limit is only 20. Next to the Market Plaza.
• suXes - Yliopistonkatu 9 GPS: 60.45378, 22.27049 Opening Hours: Daily 19:00–02:00 Turku, like other larger Finnish cities in general, is quite friendly, though public gestures of affection are not common even for straight couples and might raise some eyebrows. You'll fit in at practically all of the clubs in Turku, but perhaps feel specially at home in suXes and the only and café in Turku. There you can be openly yourself while enjoying the atmosphere, coffee and drinks.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Turku

Turku - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Turku, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Turku. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Turku and its surrounding regions.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Camping Places

• Ruissalo Camping - Saarontie 25 GPS: 60.4226, 22.0941 bus 8 ☎ +358 2 262-5100 +€40/€160; tent €18+€5/2 per person - Camping and indoor accommodation at the outermost tip of the Ruissalo island. The well-equipped camping and caravan area has a beach, private secluded sauna, a convenience store and various other amenities, including hot showers and laundry facilities. The entertainment options include mini-golf, volleyball, badminton and basketball courts, fitness trail, playgrounds and a café-restaurant. Open June–August.
• Naantali Camping | Kopenkatu 20 GPS: 60.4618, 22.0287 500 m from Naantali downtown ☎ +358 2 435-0855 +Vehicles and tents €14 + €5/person, cottages from €50 - A camping ground operated by Naantali's tourist office.

Bore (1960) takaisin Turussa 2010 - Hostel Borea Turku Catholic Church - Bridgettine Convent Guest House is next to the Catholic Church.

• Hostel Borea - River Aura, Linnankatu 72 GPS: 60.4350, 22.2337 ☎ +358 40-843-6611 - s/s Bore on the River Aura has unique atmosphere. Built for the Turku–Stockholm route, many remember it as cruise ship in different waters, but now the former steamship is permanently anchored on the banks of the River Aura and beside other functions houses an affordable hostel with 130 cabins. In most of the cabins there is a private shower and toilet. The prices include linen, towels and breakfast, which is served in the buffet restaurant of the ship. Luggage storage, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you'll find the Turku Castle and Forum Marinum.
• Linnasmäki - @opisto.fi Lustokatu 7 GPS: 60.4804, 22.2962 ☎ +358 40-710-4488 Checkin - Reception: Sept–May: 08:30–15:30, June–Aug: 08:00–20:00 / Check-out: Affordable accommodation in peaceful surroundings 4 kilometers from Turku centre. Guests can use the swimming swimmingpool and sauna area. There are plenty of hiking routes with bicycles available to rent during summer. Guests can stay in either a hotel or a refurbished hostel that also offers family rooms and apartments. Individual rooms equipped for disabled guests are also available. Plenty of free parking for guests.
• Bridgettine Convent Guest House - Ursininkatu 15 A GPS: 60.44988, 22.25492 ☎ +358 2 250-1910 +358 2-250-3078 Price Single €45, twin €65 - You'll receive a warm welcome and a friendly smile from the Catholic Sisters who run this guesthouse in a central but quiet location in Turku. The rooms are basic and clean and there is secure parking behind the guesthouse and a continental breakfast is included.
• Guesthouse Tapuli - Kaivokatu 14 GPS: 60.4496, 22.2894 ☎ +358 2 250-1600 - €48/82 Tapuli is a small guesthouse that is near Turku University, University hospital and Kupittaa Railway Station. 1 kilometers from the Market Plaza. They offer cosy rooms with TV. Kitchen is available for self service. Toilets and showers are by the corridor. Sauna is warm every day. There is also free Wi-Fi.
• Interpoint Hostel - Vähä-Hämeenkatu 12 A GPS: 60.45022, 22.28193 ☎ +358 400-821-905 +€10/person - Operated by the YWCA of Turku, this is the cheapest place to sleep in Turku, but for good reason: It is just 30 mattresses on the floor, and 1 shower. If that is enough for you and then this is your place.
• Bed & Breakfast Tuure - Tuureporinkatu 17 C, third floor GPS: 60.45534, 22.26557 ☎ +358 2 233-0230 Checkin - Reception opens at 08:00 and after that you can bring in your luggage when needed. Check-in 14:00–16:00 / Check-out: €45/€97A cosy, non-smoking guest house that has provides affordable accommodation only three blocks away from the Market Plaza. 15 rooms, 5 shared showers/toilets along the corridor, a breakfast room and a kitchen. They also have computers and Wi-Fi as well as washing machine and other necessities of a home all free for the guests to use. Breakfast is plentiful and included in the room price.
• Hesehotelli - Läntinen Pitkäkatu 1 GPS: 60.45762, 22.26761 ☎ +358 45-634-3443 + From €50 | checkin=M–W 07:30–03:30, Thursday 07:30–00:00, Friday Saturday 24 hours and Sunday 00:00–03:00 (following day) / Check-out: Hesehotel is owned by the Burgers chain Hesburger, and it's on the second floor of one of their biggest restaurants near central Turku, right next to Turku bus station. It has 15 rooms and 46 beds. Room equipment includes air conditioning, a fridge, digital TV and free Wi-Fi. You can order breakfast and other food from the restaurant below and check-in is also done at the counter of the restaurant. Parking space reservation price is €5/day.
• Hotel Harriet - Käsityöläiskatu 11 GPS: 60.4511, 22.2560 ☎ +358 40-910-3333 +358 2-231-1110 €45/€139 Modern hotel and hostel-quality rooms in the centre.

Mid-range

Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, Turku - Park Hotel

• Scandic Hotel Plaza - .U3CWqPl_t8E Yliopistonkatu 29 GPS: 60.4508, 22.2618 ☎ +358 2 332-00 +358 2 332-0111 - Hotel Scandic Plaza enjoys a central location in the heart of the city and is close to popular Turku attractions. It's in the downtown, close to Market Plaza and the pedestrian zone full of stores. Hansa shopping centre and Stockmann department store are also opposite the hotel. There's also a 24-hour gym and wind down with a relaxing sauna and you can borrow a bicycle from the hotel reception or enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
• Sokos Hotel Seurahuone - Eerikinkatu 23 GPS: 60.44897, 22.26110 ☎ +358 2 337-301 +358 2 337-2200 - Three blocks towards the harbor from the Marker Plaza is Hotel Seurahuone. It's a cosy, personal business and leisure hotel that is perhaps bit more business-oriented than the other Sokos Hotels in the city. The Hansa and Forum shopping centres are by the same street, only a few blocks from the hotel. Seurahuone also houses a Spanish-style Sevilla restaurant
• Centro Hotel - Yliopistonkatu 12 A GPS: 60.4532, 22.2705 ☎ +358 2 211-8100 Centro Hotel is a modern hotel with a personal touch in the centre of Turku, in the inner courtyard of its building block. This family-owned hotel is perhaps bit more personal than the chain hotels in Turku. 4 minutes to the Market Plaza but at a peaceful location.
• Omena Hotel - Humalistonkatu 7 GPS: 60.4512, 22.2587 - No reception staff and no breakfast, but prices are considerably cheaper. Booking is done online, and you get a code which you can use to get into the building and onto your room. There are also vending machines for you to buy Snacks and food.
• Park Hotel - Rauhankatu 1 GPS: 60.4531, 22.2579 in the Puolala park between the train station and Kauppatori ☎ +358 2 273-2555 +358 2 251-9696 - Park Hotel is one of the oldest boutique hotels in Finland. In an Art Nouveau building, built in 1902.
• Best Western Hotel Seaport | Toinen Poikkikatu 2 GPS: 60.43443, 22.22115 ☎ +358 2 283-3000 +358 2-283-3100 Hotel Seaport is in the Turku harbour, next door to the Turku Castle. The family-owned hotel is an old customs house turned into a hotel. It's simple, but the location is good as especially if you travel by ferry, and the value for money is good.
• Holiday Inn Turku - Eerikinkatu 28 GPS: 60.44793, 22.25930 ☎ +358 2 338-211 +358 2 338-2299 A short walk from Market Plaza, this hotel is clean, convenient and moderately priced. Breakfast spread is decent and included in the price. Overall this is a good hotel especially for a short business visit to Turku.
• Cumulus Turku | Eerikinkatu 30 GPS: 60.44772, 22.25863 ☎ +358 2 218-1000 - Centrally located next to the Holiday Inn Turku, Cumulus is a nice mid-priced business hotel. Hotel features comfortable rooms, a cosy lobby and a bright and spacious breakfast restaurant. Hotel also has a well equipped restaurant.
• Hotel Helmi - Tuureporinkatu 11 GPS: 60.45627, 22.26824 ☎ +358 20-786-2770 Helmi (Pearl) is small mid-priced hotel next to the Central Bus Station. Hotel building is an old gas station, which was owned by Shell, hence the name Pearl. It is a good basic quality hotel, no frills and flourishes, so don't expect them, but very good value for money.

Hotel Marina Palace Radisson Blu 2012 - Hotel Marina Palace

• Radisson Blu Hotel Marina Palace - Linnankatu 32 GPS: 60.4466, 22.2603 ☎ +358 20-123-4710 +358 20-123-4711 - On Linnankatu overlooking the River Aura Hotel Marina Palace is considered by many to be the best hotel in Turku. It has housed many celebrities visiting Turku, including King Charles III and the royal family of Sweden. With well-appointed, baroque-style rooms overlooking the Aura River, it offers premium lodging at the downtown. You can dine at two on-site restaurants including the popular Grill it! Marina, and take advantage of enticing benefits like complimentary access to the fully equipped gym.
• Sokos Hotel Hamburger Börs & City Börs - Kauppiaskatu 6 GPS: 60.4511, 22.2687 ☎ +358 2 337-381 - Formerly the Grand Hotel Börs, this hotel dates back to 1904 and the hotel restaurant is even a few years older than that. Most rooms are in a newer house. The City Börs diagonally across the street is simpler and affordableer, with the combined reception in Hamburger Börs. The entire complex has some Halal restaurants with a great nightclub making this a popular nightspot among the local residents. Hotel services include indoor swimmingpool and sauna. Good discounts are often available if you book a package together with the ferry companies.
• Scandic Julia - .U3CL8vl_t8E Eerikinkatu 4 GPS: 60.4522, 22.2721 ☎ +358 2 336-000 +358 2 3360-2211 Clean comfortable rooms, excellent friendly service, quality breakfast, perhaps the best brunch in town, central location at a stone's throw from the cathedral and river Aura promenade. Fully equipped rooms. Great value for money.

Spa hotels

Rslo airphoto 72ppi web - Ruissalo Spa

• Spa Hotel Caribia - Kongressikuja 1 GPS: 60.4606, 22.2909 by the student village, behind the universities, buses 50–54, 20-minutes walk from downtown ☎ +358 20-123-4602 +358 10-784-0180 Spa Hotel Caribia, on the outskirts of the centre, is good choice for families. It has a big spa decorated in Caribbean style. It also houses lots of conferences and other events. Don't miss the big and pink statue outdoors by the contemporary artist Alvar Gullichsen; it's a mix between Duck and Pig called Posankka.
• Naantali Spa Hotel - Matkailjantie 2 GPS: 60.47462, 22.03368 Naantali, 15 kilometers from Turku; bus 6, 7 and 7A ☎ +358 600-555-100 +358 2 445-5101 Off-season weekday rates can drop as low as €69/person but climb dramatically in high season In a modern building, Naantali Spa has roots dating to the 18th century, even the Russian Czar has paid a visit. The resort includes several restaurants, a variety of rooms, a large spa and beauty and swimmingpool services. The spa is the only Scandinavian member in the Royal Spas of Europe -affiliation. The resort is also well known in Scandinavia for arranging conferences.
• Ruissalo Spa - Ruissalon puistotie 640 GPS: 60.4248, 22.1037 Bus 8 ☎ +358 2 445-40 +358 2 445-4590 Ruissalo Spa is located on and named after the scenic Ruissalo Island. The spa is by the sea and you can choose to swim on the pools or in the sea as well. The location is beautiful and there's a golf course and guest harbour right next to the hotel. Beware though: This is the favourite location for elderly local residents, so if you're looking for something more youth-oriented, this might not be the place for you.

Stay Safe

Risks in Turku| Crime/violence: Low
Drunk people on weekend nights, bouncers in clubs, pickpockets
Authorities/corruption: Low
Transportation: Low
Traffic culture may be sometimes aggressive
Health: Low
Infectious tick bites in the archipelago
Nature: Low
}} Turku is generally a very safe city. On weekend nights drunken people may cause annoyance, especially after last call. Swimming in the river is forbidden for good reason: the river banks provide very little access to the shore; what was intended as a quick refreshing dip will result in an expensive rescue operation or worse.

In emergencies, always call [☎112 112, which is the general emergency number for police affairs, fire, medical care and social services. If in doubt, it is always better to call and ask.

For non-emergency medical care and the City of Turku’s Welfare Division provides medical advice over the phone at [☎+358210023 +358 2 100 23]. Lines are open weekdays from 08:00 to 15:00. The hearing-impaired have their own service for the evaluation of medical care, counselling and making an appointment at a health centre. This can be contacted during office hours by sending a SMS message to [☎+358449073824 +358 44-907-3824].

Turku University Hospital's T-Hospital is the region’s accident and emergency hospital. It provides specialized medical care and treatment around the clock to those who have fallen suddenly ill or sustained injury. The T-Hospital is on the other side of the railway and highway 1 near Kupittaa train station, at Savitehtaankatu 1.

• Turku Central Police Station - - GPS: 60.4455, 22.2525 ☎ +358 295-440-501 (non-urgent)

Monday to Friday 8–17 (shorter hours for many matters)

• Turku University Hospital Emergency Department - Savitehtaankatu 1 GPS: 60.45347, 22.29749 ☎ +358 2 313-8800 Opening Hours: 24 hours daily - Call for advice before coming, queues are often long.

• Emergency social services can be contacted through 112, in business hours (weekdays 08:30-15:30) instead call [☎+35822626003 +358 2 262 6003]. Also life management.

Local Customs in Turku

• Avoid walking in the cycle lanes. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the pavement (sidewalk). Turku cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however and they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at.
• When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Finns never jump queues – but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask.
• Finns usually don't complain to people who are doing things (in their opinion) wrong. They will just look at your foolish behaviour and swear silently to themselves. You might be embarrassing yourself but Finns might think that complaining about it will make an even bigger scene.
• Many Finns are not very open to strangers in public, especially in public transport. They may feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed if you try to start a conversation on the bus. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone's home you will discover that Finns behave very differently and will be very social. Most Finns speak English very well and are more than happy to refresh their skills by talking to tourists.
• Do not feed seagulls or pigeons especially in the downtown. Seagulls taking people's ice creams or sandwiches is a real problem in some areas, and feeding them is encouraging that behaviour. Feeding birds is officially prohibited in many areas. If you'd like to feed birds you can head to the Kupittaa Park, since there is a Bird Park where you can feed the birds as long as the food is healthy for the birds.

Telecommunications in Turku

SparkNet is the largest WiFi network in Finland. It is free to students of the schools and universities in the city and city personnel. Others can purchase the connection from SparkNet's website].

Students and personnel from participating institutions get free Wi-Fi through the Eduroam network.

In addition to the SparkNet much of Turku is blanketed with Wi-Fi hotspots. Most cafés offer wireless internet connection without requiring a person to be a paying client. Some restaurants will do this as well, but may insist that you purchase something.

The city main library (see #Learn|above) offers public computers with Internet access (without booking, mostly there are some free ones). The "15 min" computers can be used without logging in.

Cope

Money Matters & ATM's in Turku

Old Bank (cropped).jpg|1280px|The Old Bank is considered by many to be the best organic juice house in Turku.

Getting or exchanging money is rarely a problem, as ATM's ("Otto") are common around the centre and they can be operated with international credit and debit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro). Currencies other than the euro are generally not accepted, but at least the Swedish krona is accepted on the ferries travelling to Sweden, and the Stockmann department store accepts the krona, rubles, dollars and pounds. [https://?BankNum=265 Forex Bank has an exchange office at Eerikinkatu 13 (by Kauppatori) and is usually the best place to change currencies. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but be prepared to show your passport or ID card.

As a rule, tipping is never necessary, although appreciated by some service personnel (see Finland#Tipping). Cloakrooms (narikka) in late night restaurants and theatres and better restaurants often have non-negotiable fees (usually clearly signposted, €2 is standard), and – in the few hotels that employ them – hotel porters will expect around the same per bag.

Press

An assortment of foreign newspapers is available for reading in the main library (see #Learn|above) and for sale at some locations (e.g. R-kioski at the main train station or at Market Plaza). Expect to find some well-known ones at least in Swedish, English, (German), French and Spanish. At the main library there are also some more odd ones, e.g. from Russian Karelia. The local papers are Finnish Turun Sanomat, Swedish Åbo Underrättelser and the free Turkulainen; many local residents also subscribe to Helsingin Sanomat or Hufvudstadsbladet of Helsinki.

Consulates

Russian Consulate1, Turku - Russian Consulate-General is in the II District of Turku. [[File:Flag of Austria

• Consulate of Austria.svg|frameless|20px|border|Austria
• Consulate of Austria |link=]]

{{flag|Belgium

• Consulate of Belgium | Läntinen Rantakatu 35 GPS: 60.44578, 22.25752 ☎ +358 2-515-1655 +358 2-515-1590

• Consulate of Brazil | Aurakatu 8 GPS: 60.44969, 22.26759 ☎ +358 2-651-6680.jpg|1280px]]

[[File:Flag of Denmark

• Consulate of Denmark.svg|frameless|20px|border|Denmark
• Consulate of Denmark |link=]]

{{flag|Estonia

• Consulate of Estonia | Vanha Suurtori 3 GPS: 60.45028, 22.27671 ☎ +358 2-333-6122 -
• Consulate of France | Linnankatu 3 A GPS: 60.45159, 22.27302 ☎ +358 2-250-0061 +358 2-250-0013

• Consulate of Germany | @iplo.de c/o Sunborn Oy Juhana Herttuan puistokatu 23 GPS: 60.45259, 22.27170 ☎ +358 2-445-4501 +358 2-445-4520
• Consulate of Greece | Kauppiaskatu 9 B GPS: 60.45242, 22.26788 ☎ +358 2-334-4201 +358 2-334-5414

{{flag|Honduras

• Consulate of Honduras | Eristäjänmutka 17 GPS: 60.4785, 22.2163 ☎ +358 40-022-2244 +358 2-254-7762

{{flag|Hungary

• Consulate of Hungary | urpo-@ Linnankatu 8 GPS: 60.44979, 22.26898 ☎ +358 2-231-2182.jpg|1280px]]

{{flag|Iceland

• Consulate of Iceland | Lukkarinkatu 6 GPS: 60.47668, 22.29837 ☎ +358 40-052-4234.jpg|1280px]]

{{flag|Italy

• Consulate of Italy | Linnankatu 3 A GPS: 60.45177, 22.27283 ☎ +358 400-522-557.jpg|1280px]]

{{flag|Netherlands

• Consulate of the Netherlands | Kauppiaskatu 9 GPS: 60.45223, 22.26827 ☎ +358 207-861-419 +358 9-163-96417

[[File:Flag of Norway

• Consulate of Norway.svg|frameless|20px|border|Norway
• Consulate of Norway |link=]]

{{flag|Poland

• Consulate of Poland | Veistämönaukio 1 GPS: 60.43980, 22.24039 ☎ +358 2-281-3186.jpg|1280px]]

[[File:Flag of Portugal

• Consulate of Portugal.svg|frameless|20px|border|Portugal
• Consulate of Portugal |link=]]

• Consulate of Russia | Vartiovuorenkatu 2 GPS: 60.44739, 22.27569 ☎ +358 2-233-6441 +358 2-233-9779

{{flag|Spain

• Consulate of Spain | Yliopistonkatu 24 GPS: 60.44979, 22.25987 ☎ +358 40-543-2094.jpg|1280px]]

{{flag|Sweden

• Consulate of Sweden | Kauppiaskatu 5 GPS: 60.45113, 22.26966 ☎ +358 2-269-3303 +358 2-269-3543

{{flag|United Kingdom

• Consulate of the United Kingdom | Puolalankatu 1 GPS: 60.45170, 22.26306 ☎ +358 2-274-3410.jpg|1280px]]

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Turku

• Archipelago Sea – Stretching all the way from Turku to Åland and on to Stockholm, Archipelago Sea forms the largest archipelago in the world by number of islands and includes a national park. Best way to visit is definitely by bike and camping gear – unless you know how to handle a yacht or kayak.
• The Archipelago Trail is a tourist route of 125 or 250 kilometers, using the roads and inter-island ferries to provide access to the archipelago without a boat of your own – and without backtracking. The circular route can be taken clockwise or counter clockwise, starting from Turku, and continuing through rural archipelago villages and astonishing Baltic Sea sceneries.
• Kurjenrahka National Park – Kurjenrahka is the largest and most diverse protected mire area in the region and the park includes also lakes and old growth forest. One of the best-known sights in the park is the old boundary mark of eight municipalities. Usually a day trip destination, hikes can be extended to last a couple of days. Beginning 2018 you can reach Kurjenrahka by local bus in summer.
• Naantali – Travel around 20 minutes with local bus to see the summer residence of the President of Finland Kultaranta and the Moomin World theme park and the beautiful wooden Old Town of Naantali.
• Rauma – with its UNESCO World Heritage List|UNESCO World Heritage listed old town, Rauma can be visited easily by bus from Turku. Travelling time is roughly 1½ hours. Rauma is the third oldest town in Finland behind Turku and Porvoo.
• Åland islands – If you have a day or two to spare there are overnight and day Baltic Sea ferries|ferries to Sweden and the Åland|Åland Islands. Stockholm is 10 hours away, Mariehamn on the Åland islands about 5 hours.

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