Beyond the Museums: Unique Things to Do in Turku, Finland

Turku is a city full of year-round life. In winter, there are lots of things to do in Turku. In summer, there are lots of things to do in Turku. In fall and spring, there are many things to do in Turku.

However, to avoid getting lost and spending too much money, we recommend buying the Turku card or the Turku Food Walk card. Finland can be very expensive, and because of that, the two card options above are smart travel decisions.

Both are super easily accessible and will benefit you with free meals and attractions throughout the city!

Things to do in Turku with the Turku Food Walk Card

The Turku Food Walk card is less than 50€ and is valid for 5 unique food experiences. One of our favorite things to do in Turku is [of course] eating. The city is filled with tasty and top-notch gourmet restaurants and cafes, and even though they cost a pretty penny, the Turku Food Walk card permits you to try 5 of the best restaurants Turku offers.

When purchasing this card, you have the option of dining at Svarte Rudolf, Smör, Pinella, Grill It!, or the charming Cafe Art.

Eat at Smör

The first time we had the pleasure of eating at Smör was during our first trip to Turku. We tried the Blinis there, and our stomachs were absolutely satisfied.

Smör prepares its food with the greatest devotion and passion, using pure and fresh ingredients with unmistakable and genuine aromas and flavors.

I must inform you that the menu changes according to the seasons of the year, so during our last visit, we had the fantastic spring/summer edition of the food. The restaurant is located in a vaulted cellar on the banks of the River Aura.

The Amazing Pinella

Pinella is one of Finland’s original restaurants. Pinella was modernized to honor its traditions and amazing past. The place is full of history everywhere: a great ambiance.

Pinella is also one of the best meeting points for the Aura River, which runs through the city.

Eat on a boat at Svarte Rudolf.

Svarte Rudolf is one of Turku’s original and legendary riverboat restaurants. Needless to say, the restaurant is located on the Aura River since it is a boat.

We tried their warm chicken sandwich with Aura blue cheese sauce, and we would go back for more in a heartbeat.

The restaurant may be on a boat in the middle of the river, but the weather is no challenge. It is open 365 days a year and offers vibrant nightlife in the summertime.

Try the pork sandwich at Grill It!

Grill it! Marina is the restaurant facing the river under the Radisson Blu Hotel in Turku. I have to say that its food, specifically the pulled pork sandwich, was one of our favorites from the menu.

This restaurant is definitely a place to visit for a nice lunch break after seeing some of Turku’s sites!

Cafe Art

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to try the delicious cake that Cafe Art offers to the Food Walk Card holders. It was too much food and not enough time. 100% our fault.

But during our first visit to Turku, we tried the coffee there, and it was great! The cakes looked super delicious, and I’m sure they were!

And now, I want cake!

Turku Card: Your All-Access Pass to the Best of Turku

The Turku card is a lifesaver, really! You have no idea until you try it. Besides giving you free entrance into many museums, exhibitions, and events, the card also grants you permission to use public transportation (buses) inside Turku.

Turku may be small for Brazilians from cities with 23 million people, but by European and Finnish standards, it is quite big! And to check off all the things you need to do in Turku from your list, you’ll need to take buses.

And if you’re not 100% sure about the Food Walk Card, the Turku card gives you discounts in several places and restaurants. Some areas are the same as the other card, like Cafe Art.

Below, I share some of the things we did, but you can also refer to a bigger and more complete list of the Turku Card’s advantages here.

Explore the Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum

This museum was one of the surprises on our trip. I have to confess that the name does not convince me of a great and interesting place to visit since I couldn’t care less about a museum dedicated to handicrafts. But I was so wrong, so so so wrong.

The Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum is essentially made up of the houses that survived the great fire of 1827. Today, this museum provides a unique setting and a window into the past to see the craftsmen of the pre-industrial era.

I’m not kidding. It is like time travel to the 1800s. You can see the common people, understand more about things, and immerse yourself in historical life.

They have people who create products, and the houses were occupied by real people until a few years back. Magical!

You can see how they printed paper, built chairs, made bread, etc. The museum should change its name to something more appealing, like “Time Travel Museum – Experience the 1800s“.

Enjoy the Biological Museum

The Turku Biological Museum is a Diorama Museum you must visit. It features 13 nature scenes full of animals and the fauna of Finland’s different areas, from the archipelago to Lapland.

The Biological Museum is outstanding and super interesting for all those who want to learn more about Turku’s natural and cultural history.

A Visit to the Turku Castle

For over 700 years, Turku Castle has loomed over the Aura River, its granite walls whispering tales of Finland and Sweden. This imposing fortress, where we began our Turku adventure, has witnessed eras of both splendor and darkness.

Once a palace and prison, it echoes with legends of daring escapes and chilling ghost stories. Join us as we delve into the “Torture, Death, and Ghosts” tour and uncover the secrets hidden within Turku Castle’s ancient stones.

Things to Do in Turku: A Foodie’s Guide with the Turku Food Walk Card

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Thanks to Viking Line, Finnair, Visit Finland, and Visit Turku, I went to Turku, and it was fantastic.