Turku on a Budget: History, Nature, and Fun!

Experience Turku's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Turku, Finland is an affordable destination that offers a blend of history and nature. With a limited budget, visitors can take a stroll along the Aura River, explore the Turku Castle, visit the Turku Art Museum or admire the beautiful architecture of the Turku Cathedral. The city also offers a range of affordable accommodations and dining options.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Turku’s history

  • Check in to the Omena Hotel Turku City Center, an affordable hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Start your day with a visit to Turku Castle, a 13th-century fortress with a fascinating history.
  • Walk along the Aura River and admire the colorful buildings of Old Town.
  • Explore the Turku Art Museum, showcasing modern and contemporary Finnish art.
  • End your day with a delicious meal at the trendy restaurant Koulu, set in a former school building.
Day 2

Island hopping

  • Catch a ferry to the nearby islands of Ruissalo and Naantali.
  • In Ruissalo, hike through the beautiful nature reserve and visit the 19th-century villa, Vartiovuori Observatory.
  • In Naantali, wander through the picturesque Old Town, home to the famous Moomin World theme park.
  • Have a relaxing dinner at the cozy restaurant Le Soleil, serving delicious French cuisine.
Day 3

Modern Turku

  • Visit the Turku Science Park, a hub for technological innovation and home to the popular pub Teerenpeli.
  • Take a stroll through the Turku Botanical Garden, featuring over 5,000 plant species.
  • Visit the Forum Marinum maritime museum, showcasing Finland’s rich history as a seafaring nation.
  • Have a tasty lunch at Brahen Kellari, a laid-back restaurant serving classic Finnish dishes.
  • Catch an evening performance at one of Turku’s many theaters, such as the Turku City Theatre or Turku Swedish Theatre.
Day 4

Shopping and street food

  • Take a shopping spree in Turku’s lively Market Square, home to a variety of local vendors and artisanal products.
  • Grab a quick bite at the popular street food market Kauppatori, featuring a range of Finnish and international cuisine.
  • Visit the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, highlighting the works of the renowned Finnish sculptor.
  • Relax with a cup of coffee at the charming Cafe Art, housed in a beautifully restored building.
  • Before you leave Turku, have a farewell dinner at Kaskis, an award-winning restaurant specializing in contemporary Nordic cuisine.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Turku's Charm: A Romantic Day Trip

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Turku Tales: Unveiling Finnish Delights in 5 Days

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Turku on a Budget: One Day Bliss

Turku, the oldest city in Finland, offers plenty of fun activities for a budget-friendly trip. You can explore the charming pedestrian-filled streets of the Old Town, visit museums for free on Fridays, and have a picnic in one of the many parks. A great way to end the day is by catching the stunning sunset over the Aura River.