Turku travel guide

Founded in the 13th century, Turku is considered the oldest city in Finland and served as the most important city in Finland from the 1300s until 1812.

One of its notable historical landmarks is the Turku Castle, which was built in the late 13th century and has undergone various transformations over the centuries. Another significant historical site is the Turku Cathedral, a Lutheran cathedral dating back to the 13th century, and considered the most important religious building in the country.

Turku also played a significant role in Finnish literature, with the country's national writer, Aleksis Kivi, and national poet, Johan Ludvig Runeberg, both spending significant time in the city. In 1827, a massive fire destroyed most of the city, leading to the relocation of the capital to Helsinki. Despite this, Turku remained a major hub of Finnish culture and economy.

Today, its rich history is preserved in several museums, including the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova, the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, and the Turku Art Museum.

Turku, Finland's oldest city, has a rich cultural fabric woven with Nordic, Russian and European influences. The local culture is marked by the Finnish concept of 'sisu', which is a unique blend of courage, resilience, and tenacity. Finnish people value punctuality, honesty, and respect for personal space, so it’s advisable to maintain these norms when interacting with locals.

One of the most cherished customs in Turku involves sauna culture. Saunas are seen as places for relaxation and socializing, and it's common to be invited to a local's home for a sauna. It's best to accept such an invitation, as it's considered a sign of trust and friendship. Turku’s culinary scene is another integral part of its culture, with local specialties including fresh fish, rye bread, and the iconic Finnish dish, Karelian pies. During the summer, many locals head to the archipelago, an essential part of Turku's identity, for a retreat in the traditional Finnish cottages. When visiting, be sure to respect the tranquility of these natural surroundings.

The best time to explore Turku, Finland, largely depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. If you enjoy warmer weather and long daylight hours, consider visiting between June and August. This is the peak tourist season, so popular attractions may be crowded, but you'll also get to experience special events like the Medieval Market in July. For those who prefer cooler climates and fewer tourists, the months of September to November offer a quieter, more tranquil experience. During this time, you can enjoy the colorful fall foliage in the city parks. If you don't mind the cold and are interested in winter activities, December to February provides opportunities for ice skating and visiting the Christmas Market. However, be prepared for short daylight hours. To ensure you have the best experience, make sure to check the local weather and event schedules when planning your trip. Regardless of when you choose to visit, each season offers a unique way to experience the cultural richness and natural beauty of Turku.

One insider tip for visiting Turku is to explore the city's local flea markets. Turku is known for its vibrant flea market culture, with numerous markets scattered throughout the city. These bustling hubs of activity provide a unique opportunity to delve into the local lifestyle, find unique souvenirs, and even try some traditional Finnish delicacies. The Kirpputori Silinteri, located in the city center, is a favorite among locals for its eclectic variety of items and friendly atmosphere. Another insider tip is to visit during the annual Turku Day, held on the third Sunday of September. On this special day, many of the city’s museums, galleries, and even the Turku Castle open their doors for free. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Turku's rich history and vibrant culture without breaking the bank.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Turku, Finland. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Turku, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Finland. Check out the best things to do in Turku. Compare the rates and services of the 5 types of stays and 6 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Turku with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Turku from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Turku with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Turku travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Turku!

With destinations such as Turku, a trip to Finland needs no further explanation. Spanning over 338,145 square kilometers, Finland is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Finland has something to enchant every traveler.

In Turku alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Turku Castle, Kupittaa Park, and Turku Cathedral. Thus, a trip to Finland becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Finland offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Finland. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Finland and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Turku, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Turku offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Turku travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

International travelers can fly to Turku by booking flights with SAS, airBaltic, Wizz Air, Wizz Air Malta, and Finnair, offering flights to Turku. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Turku.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Turku, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Turku. Go to this page to compare all flights to Turku.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Turku is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Turku usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Turku offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Turku and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Turku planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Turku, you'll find 5 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Finland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Turku. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Turku.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Turku in the following sections.

To navigate Turku effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 6 car rental companies in Turku, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Turku start at 30 EUR per day or 213 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Volkswagen Polo 1.0 Auto. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Turku, starting at 28 EUR per day or 197 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Volkswagen Up 1.0.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Turku, Finland below.

The city of Turku is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Finland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Finland has it all.

Each destination in Finland offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Finland that are as magical as the city of Turku. The most popular travel destinations in Finland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Turku, the oldest city in Finland, offers a range of transportation options for both locals and tourists. The city’s public transportation system is reliable and efficient, with a network of buses operated by Föli, the Turku Region Traffic, covering the city and its surrounding areas. Buses run frequently, and tickets can be purchased online, from the driver, or at various sales points around the city.

Additionally, Turku has an extensive cycling network and biking is a popular way to get around, especially in the warmer months. Bicycles can be rented from several locations throughout the city.

For those who prefer private transportation, there are numerous taxi services available. Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked online, or through a mobile application.

Rental cars are also an option, with several international and local car rental companies present in the city. Lastly, for a unique and leisurely way to explore Turku, the city offers a scenic riverboat service that runs along the Aura River, providing a charming perspective of Turku’s historic sites and natural beauty.

Experience the authentic charm of Finland by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Turku. Explore other destinations around Finland with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Turku to other amazing locations in Finland, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Finland for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Turku.