Turku in 5: A Fun & Budget-Friendly Adventure

Explore Turku's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Turku is a charming city in southwestern Finland, known for its picturesque riverfront and historic castle. Despite being one of the country's largest cities, Turku offers numerous free activities, such as exploring the Medieval Old Town and admiring the stunning architecture of Turku Cathedral. For a budget-friendly stay, consider alternative accommodations like hostels or couchsurfing.

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Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arrival and Exploration

  • Check into Centro Hotel Turku, a chic budget hotel in the city center
  • Take a stroll around Turku Market Square, where you can grab some fresh local produce and souvenirs
  • Visit Turku Castle, an impressive historical fortress and museum
  • Explore the charming streets of the Old Town, admiring the beautiful architecture and stopping for coffee and cake at Café Art
  • Have dinner at Blanko, a cozy restaurant serving Finnish cuisine with a modern twist
Day 2

Island Hopping Adventure

  • Catch a ferry to the stunning island of Ruissalo, where you can hike through forests and relax on the beach
  • Visit the Ruissalo Botanic Garden, a unique collection of flora from around the world
  • Take another ferry to the nearby island of Hirvensalo, where you can cycle along picturesque coastal paths
  • Have lunch at Saaristobaari, a laid-back bar with great views of the sea
  • Return to the mainland for dinner at Smör, a trendy restaurant with a focus on local and organic ingredients
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Visit the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art, showcasing contemporary Finnish art and design
  • Explore the Turku Art Museum, which has an impressive collection of Finnish and international art
  • Head to the Turku City Theatre for a performance, from drama to musicals
  • Have dinner at Kohina, a cozy Japanese restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere
  • Enjoy a drink at Kukko, a quirky bar with a retro vibe and live music on weekends
Day 4

Relaxation and Wellness

  • Spend the morning at Yyteri beach, known for its stunning sand dunes and tranquil atmosphere
  • Have lunch at Aurinkoranta, a beach bar serving tasty seafood and refreshing drinks
  • Visit the Sauna Café, where you can relax in a traditional Finnish sauna or hot tub
  • Indulge in some self-care at Float Kupittaa, where you can float in a sensory deprivation tank
  • Have dinner at Smakbyn, a rustic restaurant with a focus on traditional Ålandic cuisine
Day 5

Final Goodbyes

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Tårget, a beautiful cafe with a lovely outdoor terrace
  • Visit the Turku Cathedral, an impressive Gothic-style church with a fascinating history
  • Take a final stroll through the city center, picking up any last-minute souvenirs
  • Have lunch at the iconic Market Hall, where you can try a variety of Finnish delicacies
  • Depart from Turku with fond memories and the desire to one day return.

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 on a Budget: History, Nature, and Fun!

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Turku on a Budget: One Day Bliss

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Turku in 5: A Fun & Budget-Friendly Adventure

Turku is a charming city in southwestern Finland, known for its picturesque riverfront and historic castle. Despite being one of the country's largest cities, Turku offers numerous free activities, such as exploring the Medieval Old Town and admiring the stunning architecture of Turku Cathedral. For a budget-friendly stay, consider alternative accommodations like hostels or couchsurfing.