Turku on a Budget: Culture, Food, and Fun!

Discover Turku's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Turku, Finland is an ideal destination for budget travelers who want to experience Finnish culture without breaking the bank. Take advantage of free attractions like the Turku Cathedral and the riverside market square. Enjoy affordable local food like Karelian pies and salmon soup at the many restaurants and cafes in town.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Explore Turku's Culture and History

  • Check in at Omena Hotel, in the heart of Turku, with its affordable prices and no-frills accommodation
  • Start the day at the Turku Castle, an impressive structure from the 13th century that served as a defensive fortress, a royal residence, and a prison
  • Take a stroll through Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Finnish handicrafts and trades
  • Learn about the history of Finnish art at Turku Art Museum and marvel at the works of Finnish masters such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Helene Schjerfbeck
  • Spend the evening at Logomo, a cultural centre that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other events in a former train factory building
Day 2

Get to Know the Local Flavors

  • Have breakfast at Turun Kahvipaahtimo, a cozy coffee shop that roasts their beans on site and serves delicious pastries
  • Visit Turku Market Hall and browse through the stalls selling local delicacies such as smoked salmon, reindeer meat, and cloudberry jam
  • Take a trip to the Turku Archipelago, a stunning cluster of over 20,000 islands, with a ferry tour that departs from the city centre
  • Enjoy a traditional Finnish lunch at Ravintola Suomalainen Pöytä, where the buffet-style menu includes classics such as meatballs, Karelian pies, and salmon soup
  • End the day at Koulu Brewing, a popular brewery pub that serves craft beers made on site and tasty bar snacks. Cheers to a great stay in Turku!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Turku, Finland by plane is to fly to Turku Airport from Helsinki, Stockholm, or Copenhagen.

Car

Driving from Helsinki to Turku is an easy way to get to the city, taking just over 2 hours on the main E18 highway.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no international trains that go directly to Turku, Finland.

Boat

You can take a ferry from Stockholm, Sweden to Turku, Finland with companies like Tallink Silja Line or Viking Line, making it a fun and unique way to arrive in Turku.

Bus

Taking a bus from Helsinki or Tampere to Turku is a reliable way to get there quickly and affordably.

Destination

Turku

Welcome to a small city that is big on charm and culture, where you can learn to pronounce 'Turku' correctly and impress all your friends back home. Just don't ask the locals to give you directions to Ikea – they take their rivalry with Helsinki seriously.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Turku Tales and Treats: The Ultimate 3-Day Family Getaway

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Turku Tales: Unveiling Finnish Delights in 5 Days

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