It all started by the river

The City of Turku emerged on the banks of Aurajoki river and the inhabitants still define places based on whether they are on "this" or "the other" side of the river. Strangely enough, this definition does not depend on which side you happen to be on. The older east side is "this" and the newer west side "the other". The sights to see on the eastern bank include the cathedral, the Sibelius Museum, the home museum Ett Hem, the Old Town Centre, the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum, the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, the Municipal Theatre of Turku and the Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art.

Cross the bridge or take the free Föri ferry to the west bank, where the main attractions include the Turku Castle, Forum Marinum maritime centre and its museum ship fleet (including the full-rigger Suomen Joutsen), as well as the Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House. Closer to Market Square, there is the recently renovated Turku Art Museum, the Market Hall and the magnificent Main Library.

Seafaring for beginners

You don't have to be an avid sailor with experience of sailing the Seven Seas to fully enjoy the uniqueness of the Turku Archipelago. Among the world's largest – and to some among its most beautiful – the archipelago is accessible by foot, bike, connecting vessels, ferries, car or waterbus.

The easiest and quickest way to the Turku Archipelago is to take a cruise departing from the Aurajoki river in Turku. If you prefer more than a day-trip, the Archipelago Ring Road circles the entire archipelago. The route can be completed clockwise and anticlockwise leaving the mainland from either Kustavi or Pargas.

The Turku Archipelago is all about rugged untouched nature, but it also hides surprising oases where you can relax with a round of golf, a spa visit or satisfy the gourmand in you. The local cuisine is high quality and very respected. Look for restaurants with the Skärgårdssmak sign to make sure you enjoy an authentic, delicious quality meal.

Feeling like a little kid?

The Turku Region is a great destination for the whole family. There's Moominworld and Väski Adventure Island, the Traffic City in Kupittaanpuisto park, the Biological Museum and Zoolandia.

You can also be knighted on the Little Knights' Tour in Turku Castle or mint your very own coin on the Aboa Vetus Museum's children's tour.

The city of thousands of events

Turku offers festivities and events all year round. A wealth of sports, theatre, festivals and fairs means an active visitor will always find something of interest. Time your visit so as not to miss the Mediaeval Market, the Paavo Nurmi Marathon, Ruisrock, DBTL city festival, Turku Music Festival or many of the excellent theatre shows.

Shopping and design in Turku

The centre of Turku is dotted with the workshops and boutiques of young designers. Only a few blocks away from Market Square, skilfully crafted tableware, clothes, accessories, decorative objects and furniture await new owners. Turku is continually producing new, interesting designers. Pick up your design map from Turku Touring Info and make some unique finds.

If design is not your cup of tea, Turku offers plenty of other shopping, too. The centre has a variety of different speciality shops, or check out Finland's newest shopping mall Skanssi.