The port city of Turku was during Swedish rule the capital of Finland. Medieval buildings still grace its streets and its museums draw visitors from all over the world. The main historical attraction is Abo Castle. Until 1812, when Emperor Alexander I moved the capital to Helsinki, Turku was the largest educational and religious centre in northern Europe.
What to see?
The city’s hotels are used to welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests from all over the world each year. Reception is sure to introduce visitors to the main attractions in and around Turku.
All places of worship in and around the city are open to the public:
- Cathedral;
- St. Michael’s Cathedral;
- Martin’s church;
- Catherine’s church;
- the Orthodox Church of St. Alexander;
- ecumenical chapel and others.
You can learn more about the history and culture of the region in the city’s museums:
- historical;
- artistic;
- crafts;
- of music.”
- of seafaring.
Unique and interesting in their own way:
- the Suomen Joutsen museum ship;
- museum-pharmacy;
- botanical garden;
- biology museum;
- Kural’s farm.
The area around Turku is famous for its unique nature. One of the areas of tourism is wellness courses. Hotels in the city offer spa treatments, sauna and sports facilities. You can choose to stay in Turku or in its beautiful surroundings.
Where to settle?
Hotels range from expensive suites and detached villas to budget rooms in apartments and hostels. The review presents the TOP 11, based on reviews of tourists who have vacationed in Turku this year.
Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku
The chic eco-hotel is centrally located. It is located on the banks of the Aurajoki River. The complex is called “Little Paris” for its excellent view and quality of service. From here you can walk to Linnateateri Castle Theatre, Väinö Aaltonen Museum and Market Square. There are 184 rooms renovated to modern eco-standards (wooden floors, branded orthopaedic beds, etc.). Breakfast is served in the restaurant overlooking the river. The bar is open 24 hours a day. Administrators can help with organizing sightseeing tours. Families with children love to stay here. Within a radius of 4 km there is a children’s amusement park Kupittaa and a water park Jukupark. In the evening guests can go to a performance at the Sampalinna Summer Theatre or attend a competition at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium.
“Friendly, Russian-speaking staff, great rooms, you can see yachts sailing down the river. Parking is chargeable, excellent breakfasts, noise insulation in the rooms, sauna is located next to the fitness center” Eugene, RF
Holiday Club Caribia
The spa hotel with its own indoor family amusement park attracts tourists coming with children. The city centre is a 10-minute drive away. Public transport stops near the hotel complex. The room stock is represented from suites to inexpensive apartments. The water park, gym, spa and mini-golf facilities are open daily for guests. Breakfast is served in the Terrase restaurant. the other three restaurants are open in the evenings and not every day. Opening hours of all facilities are given at the reception desk.
“This is a professional spa complex! Pools, slides, aqua-massage, saunas – just a dream. Food, as well as accommodation, is designed for different tastes and wallet. Here are excellent breakfasts, attentive staff, perfect cleanliness. In a word, I really liked it! Valery, Russian Federation
Scandic Julia
The six-storey, 155-room Scandic Hotel Julia is located in the center of Turku. Of the entire room stock, 119 rooms are hypoallergenic. The complex has recently undergone renovation work which brings the interior as close as possible to eco standards. Meals can be arranged by the guests themselves. Breakfast is served but is not included in the room rate. You can buy food from the mini-market located in the hotel lobby. There is a fitness center, a children’s play area, and a restaurant with a classic menu. In walking distance of almost all museums of the city, the old castle, theater, market square.
“Great hotel. We only stayed overnight as we were travelling from Rovaniemi. Walked from the train station in 15 minutes. The stop to the airport is right in front of the hotel. Had breakfast in the morning, printed boarding passes at the reception and left quietly for the airport. Everything is cool!” Nikolay, Ukraine
Ruissalo Spa Hotel
This place is suitable for those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and dream to relax in nature. The hotel is located on the island of Ruissalo in the Archipelago Sea. The centre of Turku is a 15-minute drive away. Sea, forest, eco-interior – the owners have taken care of their guests’ health. You can rent bicycles, snowshoes, Nordic walking poles at any time at the reception. There is a mini-golf course 1 km away. The bus stop is opposite the main entrance of the hotel.
Many Turku hotels offer gyms, saunas and swimming pools free of charge. Ruissalo Spa Hotel is one of them. The fee is charged only for spa services, which include hot stone massages and mineral baths.
“The place is very clean and easy to breathe. In the evenings there are artists performing in the restaurant. Breakfast is a buffet. There is an indoor swimming pool.” Svetlana, Norway
Centro Hotel Turku
The Centro Hotel Turku is an unusually designed three-storey building set in a peaceful courtyard right in the heart of the city. All 62 rooms are non-smoking. They are decorated in a modern style and do not resemble each other. Breakfast is prepared with local products, including Karelian pies and cloudberry jam. The city’s main religious building, the 14th-century Cathedral, is a 5-minute walk away. A little further afield is the Turku Art Museum.
“I liked the good location – centrally located but not noisy. Parking is chargeable (€14 per day). Breakfast is compact but delicious. You can walk to the castle, but the best way to get there is to take bus number 1 (buy tickets from the driver). Alexander, Russia
Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund
This is a very democratic version of the hotel for tourists who independently organize their holidays. Rooms are located on the upper floors of the Sokos Wiklund supermarket. All rooms are decorated according to European eco-standards. The hotel is hypoallergenic and GreenKey certified. There are restaurants and cafes on the 1st floor of the department store. Beer, cocktails and snacks are available on the roof of the building. Market square, Kinopalatsi cinema complex, cathedral.
“Interesting hotel with a very convenient location. The rooms are upstairs and the reception is on the 1st floor. Parking is 15 euros per day. Polite staff, always ready to help” Vera, RF
Scandic Atrium
The Scandic Atrium is a quiet and comfortable hotel in the heart of the city. The friendly staff, bar, sauna, comfortable restaurant and swimming pool provide guests with a relaxing holiday. The room stock is calculated on any purse. The Talvipuutarh winter garden often hosts entertaining events. Within walking distance of the hotel – the Cathedral, Turku Castle.
“Very convenient location. The bus from the port stops just a block from the hotel, the bus to Mummy Troll Valley makes a stop opposite the main entrance. Excellent continental cuisine is served for breakfast. The rooms are long standing without renovation. with old furniture, but everything is clean and cozy” Marina, Russia
Scandic Plaza Turku
Hotel Scandic Plaza Turku is located in the city centre. The building from 1920 is an architectural monument. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. At check-in, guests are asked to decide on a meal and pay extra for it. The hotel has a summer terrace, fitness club and children’s play area for relaxation. Auraon beaches, market square, museums, and the Cathedral are within walking distance.
“The breakfast here is truly delicious and the coffee is unreal flavorful! The staff is perfectly trained. Parking is payable, but this is unavoidable in the city centre” Boris, Finland
Original Sokos Hotel Kupittaa
The hotel is located in the center of Kupittaa, the oldest historical part of the city (foundation date 1155). Turku city centre is 1.4 km away. Breakfast is served buffet style. You can order and pick it up at reception. You can grab a bite to eat at Elli Bistro during the day. Restaurants on the 9th and 1st floors of the hotel open in the evening. The room fund is designed for all categories of people, including 10 rooms specially equipped for people with disabilities. Cribs are available for children. Sauna and promenade area are located on the roof of the complex.
“Super nice hotel, fresh modern design and everything you wanted!” Henrik, Finland
Aamuranta
The hotel is located on the 2nd floor of a residential building in Turku. This is an option for those who are quite happy with an overnight stay and breakfast. Although here too, you can rent sports equipment and head out to explore the surrounding area. The house is located in a wooded area. The nearest attractions and the city center is 6 km away. There is regular public transport. Free parking. Breakfast can be ordered in any of the options: continental, vegetarian, gluten-free. Hotel guests praise the unparalleled coffee.
“Great and wonderful place in the woods. The owners are amazing hosts, the place has the most beautiful BBQ room on the lake I’ve ever seen. The house was amazing too. Highly recommend!” Gennaro, Italy
Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
This stylish and lively boutique hotel is located in the heart of Turku. The guests are welcomed with the atmosphere of the old building constructed in 1920 and the modern level of comfort. The hotel’s restaurant serves the city’s best breakfast prepared with fresh farm products. There is a market square within walking distance where daily culinary events are held. Turku Castle and other historical attractions are 2 km away.
“It’s a really authentic Scandinavian place, with comfortable corners to relax in, furs everywhere and a nice atmosphere.” Andy, UK
Turku is interesting with its historical sights. Staying out of town isn’t very convenient. The best hotels are centrally located, with walking distance to museums, places of worship and entertainment areas. Russian tourists noted Holiday Club Caribia and Original Sokos Hotel Wiklund for value for money. The former offers a large selection of rooms and entertainment. The second has a better location. Turku has excellent transport links to all Turku’s attractions.
