Top 7 Things To Do in Turku in a Day

Turku is the oldest city in Finland and the historical gateway to the Archipelago Sea. Whether you’re here for just a few hours or planning to stay longer, there’s plenty to explore close by.

If you arrive in Turku by ferry, train or plane, getting to the city center is easy. From the harbor, local Föli buses go straight to the Market Square. You can also rent a city bike or walk along the Aura River. The train station is located just a stone's throw from the centre, and from the airport, bus number 1 takes you directly to the city.

Here are the 7 best things to experience on your stay in Turku:

1. Coffee by the river, like the locals do

The Aura River banks are a good place to begin your day in Turku. Known as the city’s living room, this riverside area is lined with restaurants, cafes, museums and old riverboats that light up through the seasons. The route also connects to several museums, galleries and markets along the way.

2. Enjoy local tastes

Turku is the food capital of Finland. Start with lunch at the Turku Market Hall, where local vendors serve everything from seasonal fish dishes to fresh pastries and traditional archipelago bread. Along the Aura River, you’ll find a variety of riverside restaurants and cafés. Some of Finland’s top restaurants are here too — Turku is home to Michelin-recognized kitchens and award-winning chefs. Local ingredients, seasonal menus and slow dining are central to the culinary experience.

3. History and culture in Finland's oldest city

Turku is full of museums and historic sites. Visit the Turku Castle near the harbor, or step into Finland’s maritime past at Forum Marinum. In the city centre, you can explore the museums Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, Turku Art Museum, or the Apothecary Museum and Qwensel House.

For something outdoors, head to Luostarinmäki open-air museum or the Kuralan Kylämäki village site.

Walk up to Kakolanmäki, a former prison hill with views over the city. Today it houses a spa, bakery, and Kakola Brewing Company, where you can join a brewery tour. Restaurants and cafés now operate in the old prison buildings — a good place to pause before heading onward.

The Turku Cathedral is one of the most important historical buildings in Finland and a central landmark in Turku. In summer, the Cathedral Park turns into a relaxed terrace space with food stalls, music, and events — making it a popular meeting place for locals and travelers alike.

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4. For kids and adventurers alike

Play, climb, splash. In summer, world famous Moominworld, Jukupark and Flowpark are popular family destinations. For indoor fun, try SuperPark. These are great options for an activity-rich holiday in Turku with kids.

5. Wind down like the world's happiest people

Want to unwind before heading to your next activity? Naantali Spa is one of the most well-known spas in Finland. In Turku, Kakola Spa offers a smaller but modern alternative. For something more rooted in nature, Villa Järvelä Sauna outside Turku lets you swim in a forest lake or try indoor ice-swimming, with a wood-heated Finnish sauna.

6. Nordic design made to be lived in

Turku offers glimpses into both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. Visit Finnish Design Shop, located in Purotie, for Nordic furniture and lifestyle pieces. Explore Finnish visual arts at Turku Art Museum and Wäinö Aaltonen Museum. Temporary exhibitions and local artists can also be found at several galleries such as gallery Joella and public art spaces around the city. You can also visit the Paimio Sanatorium, which is was designed by the renowed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

Book activities and experiences online in the Saaristo Store