Turku, Finland

The Aura River is the heart of Turku and one of the first places I recommend to anyone visiting. During the summer, the riverfront becomes a lively gathering place filled with restaurants, cafés, riverboats, and people enjoying the sunshine.

One of my favorite things to do is simply walk along the river and take in the atmosphere. You’ll pass historic buildings, beautiful views, and plenty of places to stop for a snack or coffee.

Insider Tip: Visit during the evening when the sun stays out late, and the riverfront feels especially magical.

Turku Castle is one of Finland’s most important historical landmarks and a must-see during your visit. Dating back to the 1200s, the castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Finland’s medieval past.

As a child, I always loved exploring the castle and imagining what life was like hundreds of years ago. Even now, it’s one of my favorite places to bring visitors.

Here is the website link: https://turunlinna.fi/en/home-page/

There is also a nice souvenir shop and cafe you can go to without having to pay to get inside!

If you’re a foodie like me, Turku Market Hall is a stop you can’t miss.

The historic indoor market is packed with local vendors selling everything from fresh pastries and seafood to Finnish chocolates and traditional dishes. It’s a great place to experience local culture while trying foods you may not find elsewhere.

Whenever I visit, I have the tradition of sitting inside at ASCHAN SININEN JUNA, made of old train parts! I will get my Karelian pasty, a cup of coffee, and, of course, a sweet treat to enjoy!

Here is the website and hours: https://kauppahalli.fi/en/turun-kauppahalli-in-english/

Ruissalo is one of my favorite places to escape the city without actually leaving it.

Known for its beautiful nature trails, beaches, and scenic views, the island is perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

During the summer, it’s clear why both locals and visitors enjoy spending time here. With convenient bus access, you also have the option to take the public ferry Föli across the Aura River. This inexpensive and enjoyable journey offers a fun way to reach more scenic spots while getting to your destination, with fares comparable to those of the bus.

Here is the timetable for the Föli bus:

https://www.foli.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/water-bus

Turku’s Main Market Square is a lively hub of activity during the summer months.

The area frequently hosts events, markets, performances, and outdoor dining opportunities, making it an ideal spot to relax with a coffee and watch daily life unfold around you. Whenever I visit the market, I enjoy grabbing a pear ice cream cone from one of the kiosks and searching for some delicious Finnish strawberries from the vendors to enjoy in the square.

Here is the website to see their hours and what may be at the market:

https://www.turku.fi/en/turku-market-square

Speaking of my tradition of enjoying pear ice cream at the Turku Market Square, my next adventure is to explore a unique ice cream flavor of your own!

Some ice cream kiosks you can try are Pingviini Jäätelökioski, Jymy Jäätelö, and even Ingman Jäätelökioski. These ice cream kiosks have some pretty wild and unique flavors such as black liquorice, pear (my favorite), Dumble (a famous Finnish Candy), and maybe even a cool Blueberry flavor.

When the sun is shining and people are strolling about, nothing beats the pleasure of enjoying an ice cream cone and soaking in the moment!

One of the coolest places in Turku is Kakola Hill, a former prison that has been transformed into a trendy little area above the city. You can take the Kakola Funicular (a glass elevator) up the hill, which already makes the visit feel unique.

Kakola used to be one of Finland’s most famous prisons, and you can still feel that history in the old stone buildings. Today, though, it’s completely different with bakeries, restaurants, a brewery, and even a spa right inside the old prison walls.

I love to take the Funicular up and go to the cafe Bageri Å to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry.

Tip: Take the elevator up and walk down if you can for the amazing views of Turku.

Website:

https://en.visitturku.fi/kohdekortit/kakolanmaki-hill-museum-and-cafe-kakola

If you want an amazing view of Turku, head up to Walo Rooftop Bar, located on top of Sokos Hotel Wiklund, right in the city center.

The experience already starts with the ride up. You take a glass elevator from the ground floor, which gives you a cool preview of the city as you rise above the rooftops.

Once you get to the top, you’re met with a stylish rooftop bar overlooking Turku, the Aura River, and even Turku Cathedral in the distance. It’s especially beautiful during sunset in the summer.

With the drinks being a little bit pricier, I often go for maybe 1 or 2 and focus on enjoying the nice sunset view with my girlfriends there.

If you’re looking for a slower, more local experience in Turku, head to Kupittaa Park for a summer picnic. It’s one of the biggest and most popular parks in the city, and on warm days it’s full of people relaxing, playing sports, or just enjoying the sun.

Grab snacks from a nearby café or market, bring a blanket, and just spend a few hours doing nothing in the best way possible.

It’s also a great place to see everyday Finnish life in the summer. Families, students, and friends all gather here when the weather is nice, and the whole park has a really relaxed atmosphere.

Tip: Pick up Finnish strawberries or pastries and make it a proper summer picnic.

(visitturku.fi image)

One of the most unique things about Turku in the summer is the row of stationary restaurant boats along the Aura River. Instead of cruising, these boats are permanently moored to the riverbanks and turned into cafés, bars, and restaurants.

Some of the most well-known boats include the Jenny, Cindy, and Rudolf, each with its own atmosphere. They range from casual drink spots with sun decks to full dinner restaurants where you can sit right above the water.

During the nighttime, these boats can also turn into very popular destinations for people to hang out with their friends, drink, listen to live music, etc.

The image on the right is the Rudolf!