Turku on a Budget: One Day Bliss

Experience the beauty of Turku without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

Day trip plan

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Turku in a Day

  • Turku is a small Finnish city with an old-world charm, perfect for a one day trip. And the best part? You don't have to break the bank to enjoy your time there. Here are some budget-friendly things to do and places to eat:
  • Start your day with a walk around the Turku Castle, a 700-year old fortress with an impressive collection of weaponry and medieval dungeons. Entrance fee is 13€ for adults.
  • Visit the Turku Market Square to experience the hustle and bustle of a traditional Finnish market. Grab a coffee and a sweet pastry from one of the vendors and enjoy the view of the Aura River.
  • Take a stroll in the Turku Art Museum and admire the Finnish contemporary art. Entrance is free on Fridays.
  • For lunch, head to Hesburger, a local fast food chain that serves delicious burgers and fries. A meal costs around 8€.
  • Explore the Turku Cathedral, a beautiful Lutheran church built in the 13th century. Entrance is free.
  • End your day at the Turku Riverside, a lovely park area with a popular night market in the summer. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy the sunset with some snacks from a nearby grocery store.
  • Turku may be small, but it's full of history and culture that you can enjoy without spending too much money.

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.

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