Turku is Finland's oldest city and was its capital until 1812. Today it is a relaxed riverside city of about 200,000 people, with a medieval castle, a 700-year-old cathedral, lively summer terraces along the Aura River, and the islands of the archipelago starting at the city's edge. The centre is compact, so you can see the highlights in a day or two. This guide covers the best things to do and how to fit them together.
Turku Castle
Turku Castle is one of the largest surviving medieval buildings in Finland. Its construction began at the mouth of the Aura River in the late 13th century. Over the centuries it was a fortress, a royal residence and a prison. Today it is a museum. You walk through stone halls and narrow stairways in the old castle, then into the Renaissance rooms where the 16th-century Duke John and his Polish wife Catherine Jagiellon held court.
Plan: 2–3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes, because there are many stairs and uneven floors.
Getting there: the castle is near the harbour, about 3 km from the Market Square. It is a pleasant walk along the river, a short bus ride, or a few minutes by taxi.
Tip: check opening hours before you go, because they are shorter in winter. Guided tours are available in several languages in summer.
Read more on our Turku Castle page.
Turku Cathedral
Turku Cathedral was consecrated in 1300 and is the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, often called Finland's national shrine. Its tower rises above the river and is visible from much of the city. Inside you find high brick vaults, memorials to historic figures, and a museum about the cathedral's history. Entry to the church is usually free. Concerts are held regularly, and an evening organ or choir concert here is a highlight.
See our Turku Cathedral page.
Walk the Aura River
The river is the heart of Turku. Its banks are lined with cafés, restaurants and, in summer, boat restaurants and bars. A walk from the Cathedral to the castle along the river takes about 45 minutes and passes most of the city's sights. Don't miss the Föri, a small ferry that has carried people and bicycles across the river since the early 1900s. It is free and runs all year.
Museums worth your time
Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum: the only part of old Turku that survived the Great Fire of 1827. It is a hillside of 18th-century wooden houses where craftspeople once lived and worked. It is especially lovely in summer and at Christmas.
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova: medieval ruins found under the city, combined with a contemporary art museum in the same building.
Forum Marinum: the maritime museum near the castle, with museum ships you can board in summer. See our Forum Marinum page.
Turku Art Museum: Finnish art from the 1800s onwards, in a granite building on a hill above the centre.
Market Square and the Market Hall
The Market Square (Kauppatori) is the main transport hub and meeting point in the centre. A short walk away, the historic Market Hall (Kauppahalli) has been open since 1896. Its long hall is full of small food stalls, delis, bakeries and cafés. It is the best place to try Finnish rye bread, smoked fish, cinnamon buns and seasonal berries, or to have an easy lunch.
Kakolanmäki
The hill of Kakolanmäki was home to Turku's prison for over a century. Today the old prison buildings hold a hotel, restaurants, a brewery and apartments, and the hilltop offers some of the best views over the harbour. A funicular connects the hill to the riverside. Read more on our Kakolanmäki page.
Ruissalo island
Just west of the centre, Ruissalo is a green island of old oak forests, walking trails, beaches and 19th-century wooden villas. The University of Turku's Botanic Garden is here, with tropical greenhouses that are welcome on a cold day. In July the island hosts the Ruisrock music festival, one of the oldest rock festivals in Europe. Ruissalo is connected by road, so it is easy to reach by bus or car.
Day trips from Turku
Naantali and Moomin World: 20 minutes away. See our Naantali day trip guide.
The archipelago: Parainen, Nauvo and the Archipelago Trail. See our islands guide.
Rauma: about 1 hour 20 minutes north. Its wooden Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One day in Turku
Morning: Turku Cathedral, then walk along the river to the Market Hall for coffee or an early lunch.
Afternoon: Turku Castle, followed by a look at the ships of Forum Marinum.
Evening: cross on the Föri, then have dinner by the river or on Kakolanmäki with a view over the harbour.
Two days in Turku
Add Luostarinmäki and Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova on the second morning. Then spend the afternoon on Ruissalo or take a trip to Naantali. In summer, a boat trip into the archipelago is the perfect end to a visit.
Getting around
The centre is walkable, and Föli buses cover the whole region. For the castle, the harbour, Ruissalo or day trips, a taxi saves time. Read our guide to getting around Turku.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Turku?
One full day covers the castle, the cathedral and the river. Two or three days let you add museums, Ruissalo and a day trip to Naantali or the archipelago.
Can I visit Turku Castle and Cathedral on the same day?
Yes. They are about 3 km apart along the river. See the cathedral in the morning and the castle in the afternoon.
Book a ride
Need a ride between the sights, to the harbour or out to Naantali? Book a fixed-price taxi with Aura Rides. Our local drivers know the city well.
