The medieval heart of Turku unfolds along cobblestone streets where Finland's oldest city proudly displays its heritage. Turku Castle's imposing walls stand guard while the twin spires of the Gothic Cathedral pierce the skyline. Wander the bustling Market Square, explore floating ship museums along the Aura River, or lose yourself in the numerous cultural museums showcasing Finnish traditions.
Riverside restaurants and cafés offer perfect spots to sample reindeer, salmon, and traditional Karelian pies while watching boats glide by. The compact city center is wonderfully walkable, with frequent buses connecting to the suburbs and trains linking to Helsinki. Most attractions sit within minutes of each other, making a car unnecessary in this historic Finnish gem.
Ruissalo
Escape to Ruissalo, an island neighborhood where ancient oak forests meet Baltic shores and wellness awaits. Wander through botanical gardens bursting with rare plants or hit the beach for a refreshing swim. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at Aura Golf while history buffs explore 19th-century merchant villas dotting the coastline.
Spa hotels offer Nordic cuisine and rejuvenating treatments after a day of hiking nature trails. Getting around is best by bike with dedicated paths throughout the island, though buses connect to Turku city center. Summer brings the island to life, but pack for tranquility – this is a place where birdsong outplays nightlife.
Turku Harbour wraps you in Finland's seafaring story with historic ships bobbing gently against cobblestone quays. Forum Marinum's glass walls mirror the rippling water while the red-brick Maritime Museum houses centuries of nautical treasures. Summer brings locals and travelers alike to riverside terraces where you can watch massive ferries slide toward the Baltic horizon.
The harbor serves up fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants with gorgeous views across the Aura River. You'll find boutique hotels nearby, though prices climb for rooms with water views. Buses connect easily to the city center, and the walkable waterfront promenades make exploring on foot a delight.
Kupittaa blends academic energy with Finland's oldest public park, creating a peaceful escape that still buzzes with knowledge. Students and researchers zip between modern glass buildings and the innovative Turku Science Park, giving the area its scholarly vibe. Sports fans catch matches at Veritas Stadion while nature lovers explore tree-lined paths and open meadows perfect for picnics or morning jogs.
Budget-friendly cafeterias serve Finnish comfort food alongside international options that won't break the bank. The railway station connects travelers directly to Helsinki and other Finnish cities, making day trips a breeze. Summer visitors can snag affordable student accommodations when university is out, though most travelers opt to stay in central Turku.
Port Arthur
Port Arthur charms visitors with its well-preserved wooden houses painted in traditional Finnish hues of ochre, red, and cream. This quiet Turku neighborhood gives you an authentic slice of local life away from tourist crowds. Wander the tree-lined streets to discover small cafés serving Finnish pastries, or check out Mikaelinkirkko during your explorations.
Getting around is best done on foot or bicycle, with limited bus service connecting to central Turku. While accommodations are scarce, the few guesthouses in converted wooden homes offer an intimate local experience. For dining, cozy neighborhood cafés provide traditional Finnish fare at prices that won't break the bank.
You can stroll along Port of Turku for relaxing water views when you're in Turku Harbour. If you carry on walking you'll get to Tallink Silja Terminal and Viking Line Terminal for some more water views.
You can stroll along Viking Line Terminal for relaxing water views when you're in Turku Harbour. If you carry on walking you'll get to Port of Turku and Tallink Silja Terminal for some more water views.
You can stroll along Tallink Silja Terminal for relaxing water views when you're in Turku Harbour. If you carry on walking you'll get to Port of Turku and Viking Line Terminal for some more water views.
Turku is applauded for its museums with enlightening attractions such as Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova and Museum of Pharmacy and Qwensel House. The city has something for everyone including restaurants along with sights like Turku Market Square and Vartiovuori Observatory.
"What a lovely hotel! It has an inviting, striking lobby, staffed with kind people. It’s near the city center, the Aura River, shops, museums, Turku Castle & Cathedral. Breakfast buffet is great. Used a hotel bike for 4 days while there to explore lovely Turku. Staff is congenial and helpful to a foreigner who asks many questions! I highly recommend this charming boutique hotel! "
"We loved this hotel, from the central location to the beautiful rooms and delicious breakfasts. The beds were comfortable and bathrooms a good size, along with well thought-out rooms. The staff, too, were friendly and so helpful. I hope to return and stay here. "
"On a hot summers day, there needs to be good fan systems to keep the rooms cool. Open windows don't help if they're is no breeze coming in.
The room was retro style, bathroom had much grime there, and should be cleaned better.
Breakfast was good. Filling, and nice bread.
Spa was also nice, with option to swim in the seas too. But it is in need for a refurb, and modernisation. Gym has good equipment, so could be an ideal team training venue. "
"This is a no staff property, where you have a code emailed to you to let you in. Room was nice. No breakfast. No air conidtioningn but they do have fans. Great location for castle or cruises."
If you're looking for the flexibility to change your travel plans to Turku, most accommodations provide refundable* rates you can book. You can find these accommodations by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow the results down.
Where should I stay in Turku if I want a budget-friendly accommodation?
Where can I stay in Turku if I want a vacation home instead of a traditional hotel?
If you want to find a good alternative to a hotel, review our selection of 5 vacation homes. In addition, you can choose from 27 apartments.
What will the weather in Turku be like during my vacation?
The warmest months in Turku are usually July and August with an average temp of 60°F. January and February are the chilliest months when the average temp is 28°F. The rainiest months are August and July.
Why should I book my Turku accommodation with Hotels.com?
There are plenty of reasons to book your Turku travel with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels gives you the flexibility you're looking for, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™* on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.
Find out more about Turku
Find out more about Turku
Spend time appreciating the museums, and checking out the local cuisine in Turku.
Plan a fun excursion to Paavo Nurmi Stadium and Viking Line Terminal while here. While you're in town, don't miss a chance to see sights like Turku Market Square and Aboa Vetus and Ars Nova.
