Today NetFerry explores the Finnish city of Turku, lying at the mouth of the Aurajoki River, it's a fascinating and green place full of bars and cafés to delight your palate!

Turku is bilingual and local people speak both Finnish and Swedish, due to its geographical location on the border of the two nations. It's a northern European medieval city and all the elements of this history are visible in the town, you have the river, a market square, a cathedral and of course a castle! There is also a modern part of Turku and the city is full of contemporary culture and exciting events. In 2011 the city was the European Capital of Culture.

A stroll through the medieval cobblestone streets and along the river is an experience not to be missed. The banks of the river are full of tables from the bars and cafes, and in the summer months, the area is lively with locals and tourists listening to music and sipping coffee and cocktails. While you’re here, why not also take a mini-cruise on the river to Naantali or another island in the archipelago. There are also departures each day from the bay of Turku, crossing the Baltic Sea to Sweden. If you’d rather stay local, then take a sailing trip to admire the city from another perspective.

The city’s magnificent cathedral lies on the east banks of Turku and is one of the most famous religious buildings in the whole country. It has always been an iconic building for the city and tourist attraction. There are some great museums in Turku too, such as Sibelius, Casa Ett Hem, the Aaltonen art museum, theatre and the Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova museum of history and contemporary art, located in a unique setting.

The west bank is just a stroll away, over one of the bridges, or aboard a ferry connecting the two areas of the city. On this side of the river, Turku Castle is the must-see attraction. The stone castle features a jail and is shrouded in mystery and the ghost of Queen Hedvig Eleonora Stenbock, who died in 1800, is still spotted prowling its walls. The Castle houses the History Museum, which in addition to preserving ancient memories, also exhibits modern works. Another key stop in Turku is the Maritime Forum, located in an old barn.

After all of the sightseeing, you will be very hungry indeed, so NetFerry recommends a culinary visit to the Turku Market Hall, a spectacularly restored nineteenth-century market, full of all kinds of food and delicatessen delights! Stroll around the stalls in this old market and taste local products from nearby farms, including cheeses, fruits and vegetables - it's a riot of colours, scents and flavours!

For lunch somewhere a little fancier, check out Mami, it's an award-winning restaurant, with a menu featuring some of the best European and Scandinavian food in the whole country! Located by the river near the Cathedral, Mami has excellent seafood in a romantic setting, perfect for a few hours in food heaven. For drinks, Netferry recommends Tintå, an excellent wine bar, right on the river with a great selection of wines and gourmet pizzas. Finally, for a seafood dinner, do not miss Svarte Rudolf, with its romantic atmosphere and top international cuisine. 

Ferries to Finland

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