Turku

5piste5

A popular bar in central Turku. A speciality is its "candy store" where you can order small 1 dL samples of various fruity-flavoured beers.

Tue-Sat 15:00-00:00, closed Sun Mon

8raita

8raita sells all kinds of records ranging from second-hand CDs and LPs to music DVDs and other products. It also has a good online-store and staff that can give you great recommendations.

Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–17:00

Aboa Vetus et Ars Nova

Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova combines history and contemporary art; Aboa Vetus tells about the history of Turku and about archaeology, with a nice touch for children. Ars Nova is a museum of modern art. The permanent exhibition of Aboa Vetus illuminates the medieval life of Turku. The museum consists of the ruins of stone buildings exposed in archaeological excavations. Now you can actually step in and walk on the medieval streets of Turku, which used to be buried underground. The largest museum shop in Turku, Laurentius museum shop, is by the entrance. It sells jewellery, toys, cards, books and other souvenirs. The museum also houses M Kitchen and Café, the brunch of which is especially popular among Turku residents. In the summertime the Linnateatteri theatre company also performs comedy in the museums courtyard.

11:00–19:00·€10/7/5.50, family ticket €24, children under 7 free

Alvar

Alvar, in a building designed by the famous Finnish modernist architect Alvar Aalto, is a comfortable place with nice staff and a large selection of beer. Free wireless internet connection is also available for visitors to use. You can also reserve time for a special beer tasting if you visit with a group of friends.

Mon-Sat 14:00-02:00, Sun 18:00-00:00

Apollo Nightclub

Age limit 22. Apollo serves live music by bands playing mostly cover music hits by domestic and international stars. Music ranges from rock to pop and disco, old and new. There's also a VIP section which you can reserve. Next door is Armas karaoke bar, which has same opening hours and age limitation.

Fri Sat 22:00–04:00

Arken

In the main Humanities building of ÅA, a renovated former iron manufacture. The cuisine has a tad more foreign influences than at most of the student restaurants.

Mon–Thu 08:00–15.30 Fri 08:00–15:00; lunch 11:00–15:00, Fri 11:00–14:30; open also in summer

Aschan

Aschan is a café and lunch restaurant, until 2018 a popular confectory and café in Turku, now with franchises in Turku and Helsinki. It sells all kinds of coffee, drinks and sweet and salty bakeries, beard, pies and cakes.

Mon-Fri 08:00–20:00, Sat 09:00–18:00, Sun 12:00–18:00

Assarin ullakko and Brygge

In the student union's house. In weekends they serve brunch (a bit pricier) and simple soup or the like. In weekdays the meals are as expected from a good cafeteria.

Mon–Fri 10:30–20:00 Sat 10:30–18:00 Sun 12:00–16:00; Brygge bar Wed–Thu 18:00–21:00 Fri 18:00–22:00 Sat 16:00–22:00

Aurajokisäätiö

Kayak/canoe rental for trips on the river. Also guided tours.

1 Jun–31 Aug: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00·Kayak €19/two hours, €39/one day; canoe €24/€39; guide €36/hour

Auran Nuortentalo

Dances popular among young and old alike, with many of the dancers coming from Turku. Women may want to bring company to get introduced on the floor.

October–April Sat 19:00–24:00·€18–25

Aurum

In a big 2020s university building, shared between ÅA and TY, with science and technology.

Mon–Thu 07:30–18:00 Fri 07:30–14:30 Sat 12:00–15:00; lunch Mon–Thu 10:30–18:00 Fri 10:30–14.30 Sat 12:00–15:00

Baobab Kids and lifestyle

Baobab Kids & lifestyle is a shop aimed for families with children. Their products range from kids clothing from 56cm up to 128cm, a selection of pregnancy clothing, nostalgic wooden toys, retro bags and backpacks, as well as some lovely gifts.

Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00, Sat 10:00–15:00

Bar Kuka

Bar Who

On the corner of Linnankatu and Kristiinankatu, Bar Kuka with its retro 1960s and 70s decoration has a loyal fanbase, who think it's the best and cosiest bar you'll ever find in Turku. Kuka offers lots of live music, DJ gigs, stand-up and theme nights.

Daily 18:00-04:00, Age limit 18

Biological Museum

Biologinen museo/Biologiska museet

A diorama-museum that resides in a beautiful wooden Art Nouveau building. Thirteen nature scenes present the fauna and flora of Finland, from the archipelago all the way to the fells of Lapland. In all, 30 common Finnish mammals and 136 bird species are on display. The museum is great for all those interested in nature and cultural history. It was established in 1907 and most of the dioramas date back all the way to that period. Since spring 2024 they are complemented by digital content, such as animal sounds, and things that can be touched; also the yard has been included, with e.g. an insect hotel (take a quick tour around the house). There are also varying small-scale exhibitions and other types of annual events held at the museum. The museum is a popular visiting destination for school groups and it is also a suitable visiting destination for younger children. A small museum shop sells postcards, posters and other assorted items related to the museum.

In summer daily 10:00–18:00, in winter Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00·adults €7, children (7–15) €2.50, family €16, Museum Card valid

Botanical Garden

The Turku University Botanical Garden on the Island of Ruissalo is both a centre for scientific research and a public showcase for the fascinating world of plants. The outdoor and indoor gardens display over 5000 species and varieties of plants. In the greenhouses are a wide range of succulent plants and a collection of tropical species. Next to the modern greenhouse is the outdoor garden where the edible plants, roses, meadow flowers, rock plants and exotic trees and shrubs all flourish. Another distinguishing feature of the new landscapes are the artificial ponds containing colourful waterlilies and other wetland plants. There's also a cafeteria on the garden premises.

Indoor gardens daily 10:00–17:00, outdoor gardens daily 08:00–20:00·Indoor gardens €6/4/free, Outdoor gardens are free

Boutique Minne

A small boutique and sewing workshop selling and making women's vintage clothing. Minne's range includes lovely vintage dresses and new production of bridal and formal wear for women. You'll also find new and old accessories, jewellery, local arts and crafts, and unique design.

Wed–Fri 11:00–17:30

Brewery Restaurant Koulu

An old school building converted into a brewery restaurant serving their own and other beers, good food and an excellent selection of wines. A cosy biergarten in the green backyard is open in the summer and is favourite of locals. The big building allows your finding a private corner (or booking a room) for your group.

Daily 11:00–02:00. The Winestube Mon–Thu 17:00–23:00, Fri 17:00–02:00, Sat 17:00–02:00. Dining room Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00, Fri 11:00–00:00, Sat 12:00–00:00. Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:00

Brinkhall Manor

The Brinkhall Manor, on the island of Kakskerta, can trace its history back to the 16th century. The manor consists of some 20 buildings and 34 hectares of park, gardens, agricultural land and forest as well as sea and lake shores. Brinkhall’s neoclassical main building was built in 1793. In the beginning of the 20th century major renovations were carried out, also in the classical style. Brinkhall´s English garden was one of the first in this style in Finland in the beginning of 19th century. A few years ago Brinkhall provided the location for a historical TV-drama series called Hovimäki, which became widely celebrated in Finland. Before filming, the manor had been empty for decades. Now Brinkhall Manor has a café, where you can also find the Interior Museum and exhibitions. In mid July Brinkhall is the site of a music festival Brinkhall Soi.

24 Jun-17 Aug: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00

Buddhist monastery

Buddhalaistemppeli

Vietnamese Buddhist monastery and temple, one of three in Finland.

Café Qwensel

Café Qwensel is a charming spot of old milieu in the heart of the city. During the summer there are chickens and roosters on the yard and you can really feel you have travelled back in time. The café serves home-made pastries that have been prepared according to recipes from the 18th century. Also their tea is worth checking. Lunch on weekdays.

Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00

Casagrande

A toy store with a comprehensive selection, selling everything from traditional toys to puzzles, craft tools and fun children's costumes. Founded in 1912 by the Italian-born Antonio Casagrande, the family business is today one of the oldest toy stores in the country.

Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–16:00

Christmas Market at the Old Great Square

The Old Great Square fills with high quality handicrafts, Christmas delicacies and various music, theatre and circus performances. And of course, there’s also Santa Claus and his family! In addition, you can enjoy the lovely winter weather with a cup of warm glögg or a bowl of Christmas porridge (in the Brinkkala yard), find something nice at the Christmas ornaments’ exchange point, get warm and escape the hustle and bustle to an indoors café (e.g. upstairs in the Brinkkala house) or to the Christmas concerts of the Old Town Hall.

Four weekends before Christmas (the last one the 3rd Sun of Advent), 11:00–17:00

Cosmic Comic Café

Cosmic Comic Café has a comics gallery and a comical atmosphere, where beer meets comic books, board games and a relaxed "second living room" atmosphere. It's very popular among students, so sometimes it can be very overcrowded. Bar owner Sakke knows everything about beer so do not hesitate to ask for tips.

Sun–Tue 16:00–00:00, Wed–Thu 15:00–02:00 Fri–Sat 15:00–03:00

Daily News

A plenty of daily newspapers and perhaps the cheapest beer in the centre.

Daily 09:00–02:00

Delhi Darbar

Excellent and authentic Indian food. Short walk from the Cathedral.

Mon–Thu 10:30–22:00, Fri 10:30–23:00, Sat 12:00–23:00, Sun 12:00–22:00

Down by the Laituri (DBTL)

Finland´s oldest and most legendary city festival, DBTL was sparked into life in the late 1980s by the rock-club of the Student Union of the Turku University. Its popularity spread like a blaze and nowadays it attracts around 70,000 visitors. Mostly pop and rock.

End of July·€55–165

Dynamo

Age limit 20. At Linnankatu, opposite the main library, caters for hipsters with a passion for slightly more eclectic sound. Downstairs indie pop, electro and rock 'n' roll are the main draws, upstairs it's chiefly soul, funk and disco. Live music gigs from hot domestic artists are also frequent. Attracts a healthy number of exchange students.

Tue–Sat 21:00–04:00

E. Ekblom

Comfortable high quality wine restaurant. Its carefully selected wines offer wide variety with seasonal changes. In a beautiful, respectfully renovated premises on two floors. Kitchen offers sweet and savoury delicacies to accompany the wine, while the summer terrace has great views towards the river.

Wed Thu 17:00–23:00, Fri Sat 17:00–01:00

Elvina Café

In a 1920s building, seeking an atmosphere of that time. Lunch and café products.

Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–15:00

Ett Hem

"A home"

In their will Alfred and Hélène Jacobsson donated their 19th century house to the Swedish university of Turku, Åbo Akademi, as a museum. The idea was to preserve the atmosphere of upper class life in Turku. They owned a two storey building at Hämeenkatu 30, designed by the German architect Carl Ludwig Engel. Later the interiors were moved to more humble surroundings and the museum is now in a wooden Empire-style building. The age and style of the different artefacts vary, but as a whole "Ett hem" ("A home") is decorated according to the neo-renaissance principles. The museum has both a cultural and historical value. Especially important is the art collection, where most of the famous Finnish artists of the Golden Age of Finnish art, the period around 1900, are represented.

May–Sep and 30 Nov–5 Jan: Wed–Sun 11:00–16:00; groups by agreements·€5, pensioners €4, students and children €2; museum card valid