Turku, Finland is a beautiful city full of culture and history. Located on the southwestern coast of Finland, it is the oldest city in the country and the former capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. It is home to a variety of attractions, from historical sites to modern museums, and is a great destination for anyone looking to experience Finnish culture. Here are the top 20 places to see in Turku, Finland.
1. Turku Castle – Turku Castle is a medieval castle located in the city center of Turku. Built in 1280, it is the largest surviving medieval building in Finland and is a popular tourist attraction. The castle houses a variety of exhibitions, including the Turku History Museum and the Turku Art Museum.
2. Turku Cathedral – Turku Cathedral is the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Built in the 13th century, it is the oldest building in Finland and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Forum Marinum Maritime Centre – The Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is a museum and research center dedicated to the study of maritime history. It features a variety of exhibitions, including a full-scale replica of a 19th-century sailing ship.
4. Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum – The Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum is a living history museum that showcases traditional Finnish crafts and lifestyles. It features a variety of exhibitions, including traditional Finnish homes, workshops, and a blacksmith's forge.
5. Åbo Akademi University – Åbo Akademi University is the only Swedish-language university in Finland and is one of the oldest universities in the country. It is home to a variety of educational and cultural institutions, including the Åbo Akademi Library and the Åbo Akademi Museum.
6. Turku Old Town Hall – The Turku Old Town Hall is a historic building located in the city center of Turku. Built in the 16th century, it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city and is a popular tourist attraction.
7. Turku Art Museum – The Turku Art Museum is a museum dedicated to the art and culture of Finland. It features a variety of exhibitions, including works from Finnish artists, as well as international exhibitions.
8. Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art – The Wäinö Aaltonen Museum of Art is an art museum located in the city center of Turku. It features a variety of exhibitions, including works from Finnish and international artists.
9. Turku City Library – The Turku City Library is the largest public library in Finland and is a popular destination for tourists. It features a variety of exhibitions, including a children's library, an art gallery, and a music library.
10. Turku Science Park – The Turku Science Park is a research and development center located in the city center of Turku. It is home to a variety of research institutions, including the University of Turku and the Turku School of Economics.
11. Sibelius Museum – The Sibelius Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and work of composer Jean Sibelius. It features a variety of exhibitions, including a permanent collection of Sibelius' works.
12. Turku Market Square – The Turku Market Square is a historic market square located in the city center of Turku. It is a popular destination for tourists, and features a variety of vendors selling local products, including food, crafts, and souvenirs.
13. Turku City Theatre – The Turku City Theatre is a theatre located in the city center of Turku. It is home to a variety of performances, including musicals, plays, and ballets.
14. Turku University Botanical Garden – The Turku University Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in the city center of Turku. It features a variety of plants and trees, as well as a variety of educational programs.
15. Turku Castle Park – The Turku Castle Park is a park located in the city center of Turku. It is a popular destination for tourists, and features a variety of attractions, including a playground, a pond, and a cafe.
16. Kupittaa Park – Kupittaa Park is a park located in the city center of Turku. It is a popular destination for tourists, and features a variety of attractions, including a playground, a pond, and a cafe.
17. Turku Zoo – The Turku Zoo is a zoo located in the city center of Turku. It is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears.
18. Turku City Museum – The Turku City Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of Turku. It features a variety of exhibitions, including a permanent collection of artifacts, as well as temporary exhibitions.
19. Turku Cathedral Crypt – The Turku Cathedral Crypt is a crypt located beneath the Turku Cathedral. It is a popular destination for tourists, and features a variety of artifacts, including sculptures and frescoes.
20. Turku Cable Factory – The Turku Cable Factory is a former cable factory located in the city center of Turku. It is home to a variety of attractions, including a museum, an art gallery, and a cafe.