The best hotels in Turku
Turku has 500+ places to stay. Most are standard Scandinavian chain hotels. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Turku
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel
Aura River, Turku
Free cancellation & Pay later
Sokos Hotel Hamburger Bors
Market Square, Turku
Free cancellation & Pay later
Scandic Hamburger Bors
Yliopistonkatu, Turku
Free cancellation & Pay later
Bridgettine Convent Guesthouse
Uudenmaankatu, Turku
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hostel Turku | Linnankatu, Turku | $48–75/night | 7.6/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Hotel Aura | City Centre, Turku | $79–110/night | 7.9/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | Scandic Julia | City Centre, Turku | $105–165/night | 8.3/10 | Most Popular |
| 4 | Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel | Aura River, Turku | $120–195/night | 8.6/10 | Best Location |
| 5 | Sokos Hotel Hamburger Bors | Market Square, Turku | $130–200/night | 8.7/10 | Top Rated |
| 6 | Hotel Turku | Eerikinkatu, Turku | $115–175/night | 8.1/10 | Business Pick |
| 7 | Scandic Hamburger Bors | Yliopistonkatu, Turku | $140–210/night | 8.2/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Sokos Hotel Wiklund | Aurakatu, Turku | $145–220/night | 8.4/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 9 | Mawell Resort | Kupittaa, Turku | $260–380/night | 9/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Bridgettine Convent Guesthouse | Uudenmaankatu, Turku | $270–350/night | 9.1/10 | Romantic Stay |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Hostel Turku
This hostel sits on Linnankatu near the old riverside market, putting you within easy walking distance of Turku Castle. The private rooms are compact but clean, with decent beds and shared bathrooms that are kept tidy. Common areas are lively and a good place to meet other travelers. The staff are friendly and know the city well. Not luxurious, but solid value for central Turku.
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Hotel Aura
Hotel Aura sits right along the Aura River, one of the better locations you can get in this price range in Turku. Rooms are dated in decor but comfortable enough for a short stay. The riverside terrace is a genuine highlight, especially in summer when the whole city comes out to the waterfront. Breakfast is included and substantial. A reliable choice if you want a central spot without spending much.
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Scandic Julia
Scandic Julia is right in the heart of Turku on Eerikinkatu, steps from the main shopping streets and a short walk to the Cathedral. Rooms are classic Scandic style, clean and functional with good beds. The breakfast spread is one of the better hotel buffets in the city. It fills up fast on weekends, so book early. A dependable mid-range option with no real surprises.
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Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel
This hotel occupies a converted 19th-century merchant building directly on the Aura River at Linnankatu 32. The riverside rooms have genuinely impressive views, especially in the long Finnish summer evenings. Service is professional and the fitness facilities are good for the price point. The restaurant serves solid Finnish cuisine and is popular with locals too. Request a river-facing room when booking or you will regret it.
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Sokos Hotel Hamburger Bors
Hamburger Bors is one of the most historically significant hotels in Turku, sitting directly on the Market Square since the 19th century. The building has been renovated well without losing its character, and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed. The square-facing rooms offer a great view of the daily market activity. The restaurant and bar downstairs are genuinely good and popular with Turku residents. It is the kind of place that feels like part of the city rather than just a hotel.
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Hotel Turku
Hotel Turku on Eerikinkatu is a straightforward business-oriented hotel with clean, modern rooms and reliable amenities. The location is central without being directly on the tourist circuit, making it quieter at night. Meeting facilities are well-equipped and the Wi-Fi is fast throughout the building. The breakfast is decent and served until a reasonable hour. Not a lot of personality, but it does exactly what it promises.
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Scandic Hamburger Bors
Located on Yliopistonkatu near the Turku Cathedral, this Scandic property offers larger room configurations that work well for families. The Cathedral park is just outside and gives kids a safe open space to run around. Rooms are bright and well-maintained with the quality you expect from the Scandic brand. The breakfast buffet is generous and includes enough variety to keep everyone happy. Parking is available nearby for those arriving by car.
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Sokos Hotel Wiklund
Wiklund is housed in a beautifully restored 1920s building on Aurakatu, and the architecture alone makes it stand out. The rooms blend period details with modern comforts, and the overall feel is warmer and more personal than a typical chain hotel. It is a short walk from both the Market Square and the Aura River. The on-site restaurant focuses on local Finnish ingredients and is worth eating at even if you are not a guest. A well-kept option that many visitors overlook.
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Mawell Resort
Mawell Resort near Kupittaa Park is the most complete hotel experience in Turku, combining a luxury spa, indoor pool, and well-designed rooms in one property. The spa facilities are exceptional and draw guests from across Finland for weekend stays. Rooms are large, quiet, and finished to a genuinely high standard. The restaurant is serious about food and uses Finnish and Nordic produce throughout the menu. It is the clear top choice if budget is not a concern.
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Bridgettine Convent Guesthouse
This unique guesthouse operates within a functioning Bridgettine convent on Uudenmaankatu, offering one of the most atmospheric stays in all of Finland. The building dates back centuries and the rooms are elegantly simple, with stone walls and period furnishings that feel completely authentic. Silence and calm are part of the experience here, making it ideal for couples wanting something genuinely different. The gardens are beautifully maintained and accessible to guests throughout the day. Advance booking is essential as there are only a handful of rooms available.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Turku
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Aura River: the heart of Turku
The Aura River divides Turku from east to west, and its southern bank is the city's social center. The cafe boats start mooring from late April and run through September, with the main concentration between Martinsilta and Auransilta bridges. This is where Turku spends its evenings in summer.
Best hotels on or near the river: Radisson Blu Marina Palace (river view rooms, €120-195/night), Sokos Hotel Hamburger Bors 3 minutes walk from the river, and Hotel Turku on Eerikinkatu. The university district is on the east bank and slightly further from the tourist attractions.
Turku Market Hall (Kauppahalli on Eerikinkatu, open Monday-Saturday) is a 5-minute walk from the river and one of Finland's finest indoor markets. Coffee, fresh fish, local cheeses, and a lunch counter serving Finnish classics for €9-14.
Turku Castle: 700 years of Finnish history
Turku Castle (Turun Linna) at the mouth of the Aura River has been standing since the 1280s. It's the largest castle in Finland, with a complex of interconnected halls and towers that developed over seven centuries. The museum inside covers Finnish medieval and early modern history in detail.
Entry: €12 adults, €6 for ages 7-17. Open Tuesday-Sunday year-round. Allow 2-3 hours minimum. The castle hosts the Medieval Market in late June-July: craft vendors, performers, and period costumes fill the castle grounds for a long weekend.
The castle is 1.5km from the city center along Linnankatu. You can walk there along the riverbank (20 minutes) or take bus 1 from the Market Square. The Forum Marinum maritime museum is directly adjacent, with historic ships moored outside.
Luostarinmäki: the most remarkable museum in Finland
Luostarinmäki Handicraft Museum on Vartiovuorenkatu is unlike any other museum in Finland. When Turku burned in the great fire of 1827, this hillside artisan quarter survived intact. The entire district: 18 complete dwellings, workshops, and craft studios from the 18th century are preserved and staffed by craftspeople demonstrating traditional trades.
Entry: €9 adults, €5 for children under 18. Open May through September, Tuesday-Sunday. Allow 2-3 hours. This is one of the most authentic open-air museum experiences in Scandinavia, genuinely different from the typical outdoor folk museum format.
The hill gives views over the river and old town. After the museum, walk down Vartiovuorenkatu to the cathedral (10 minutes), another significant historic site with medieval frescoes inside.
The Turku Archipelago: how to actually explore it
The Turku Archipelago is most rewarding with a car or bicycle. The Archipelago Road (Saaristotie) runs 250km from Turku through the inner and outer islands via a combination of roads and free car ferries. The route takes 1-2 days to drive with stops.
Without a car, the best options: bike rental in Turku (€20-30/day from the harbor) and the bike ferry routes through the inner archipelago. Guided kayak tours departing from Airisto (30 minutes from Turku) go for €90-150/person for a full day in the outer islands.
For a simpler day trip, the ferry from Turku harbor to Naantali takes 30 minutes. From Naantali, the Archipelago ferry continues to Nagu (Nauvo) in another 30 minutes. Nagu has a small harbor village, a church from the 1200s, and good hiking on the island. Return trip: same ferries.
Budget Turku: eating and getting around cheaply
The Turku Market Hall is the best value eating in the city: lunch from €9-14 at the counters, plus excellent Finnish coffee from the roasters. The university campus cafeteria on Yliopistonkatu serves hot lunch for €5-8 and is open to the public.
Public transport: Turku's bus network (Föli) covers the center with day tickets at €5. Bikes are better for getting around the compact center: city bike shares operate from April-October at €1 to unlock, €0.05/minute.
Budget accommodation: Hostel Turku on Linnankatu is the cheapest reliable option at $48-75/night. Hotel Aura on Rautatienkatu at $79-110 is mid-budget.
What to skip in Turku
Skip the tourist souvenir shops on Aurakatu and near the cathedral. The Finnish handicrafts here are marked up 50-80% above what you'll pay at Luostarinmäki craft workshops or the Market Hall.
Skip the 'archipelago cruise' day boat tours leaving from the harbor in 2-hour slots. They motor through the inner islands at speed and you see nothing of value. For the real archipelago, either rent a car for the Archipelago Road, cycle, or kayak.
The bars on the Aura River boats are excellent in summer. Avoid the overpriced Kauppatori terrace restaurants during the Medieval Market: prices double and queues are long. Eat at the indoor market hall or walk 3 minutes to any riverside boat for the same food at half the price.
Turku's best neighborhoods
The city center along the Aura River is where most hotels cluster. The Forum Marinum maritime museum, Turku Castle, and Market Hall are all within 1-2km of each other along the riverbank. The old Luostarinmäki district above the river is quieter and more characterful. The university district east of the center is cheaper and student-driven.
Aura River / City Center 5 vetted hotels Riverside life, best restaurants, walkable to castle and cathedral
Riverside life, best restaurants, walkable to castle and cathedral
The Aura River area is Turku's social and cultural heart. Hotels on or adjacent to Linnankatu and Kauppiaskatu are 10-20 minutes walk from the castle and 5 minutes from the cathedral. The cafe boats operate along the riverbank from late April through September.
Hotel prices: $105-380/night. Radisson Blu Marina Palace has the best riverside rooms. Sokos Hotel Hamburger Bors is the most central mid-range option.
Cathedral / Luostarinmäki area 2 vetted hotels Quieter historic district, 10 minutes from the river
Quieter historic district, 10 minutes from the river
The cathedral district east of the river is quieter than the riverbank strip. Turku Cathedral is here (entrance free), along with the uphill Luostarinmäki handicraft quarter. Hotels in this area feel more residential.
Budget options are more common here. The university campus is nearby, giving the area student-driven cafe and bar options at lower prices.
Harbor / Castle district 1 vetted hotel Maritime museum, castle views, Mawell Resort
Maritime museum, castle views, Mawell Resort
The harbor area west of the center along Linnankatu is where Turku Castle and the Forum Marinum maritime museum stand. The Mawell Resort ($260-380) is in this area with castle proximity. The Stockholm ferry terminal is 3km further west.
15-20 minutes walk from the city center proper but with the most atmospheric views.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Turku.
Romantic
A table on an Aura River cafe boat at sunset in June is one of Finland's most romantic settings. The Bridgettine Convent Guesthouse ($270-350) in the old medieval convent is uniquely atmospheric for couples. For views, Radisson Blu Marina Palace riverside rooms face the river and castle at $120-195.
Culture
Turku is Finland's cultural bedrock: Turku Castle from the 1280s, the cathedral (burial place of Finnish royalty), and Luostarinmäki (complete 18th-century artisan village preserved intact). The Medieval Market in late June-July at the castle grounds is the biggest historic event. The Turku Music Festival in June draws international classical performers.
Family
Naantali's Moomin World (15km west, €37-42 for children, June-August) is the main family draw for the Turku area. Turku Castle itself is excellent for older children. Forum Marinum maritime museum has a child-friendly ship tour. Luostarinmäki has craft demonstrations that work well for kids 8+.
Budget
Hostel Turku from $48/night is the cheapest reliable bed. Hotel Aura from $79. Lunch at the Turku Market Hall: €9-14. Bus route 11 to Naantali: €4.30. Turku Castle entry: €12. A full Turku city day costs under €60 per person including accommodation, meals, and the castle.
Nature / Archipelago
The Turku Archipelago is Europe's most complex island landscape: 20,000+ islands reachable by ferry from the harbor. The Archipelago Road (Saaristotie) runs 250km through the islands via free car ferries. Day kayak tours from Airisto harbor (30 min from Turku) cost €90-150/person. The National Park's outer islands have genuinely wild coastlines.
Foodie
The Turku Market Hall on Eerikinkatu is excellent: Finnish cheese, smoked fish, fresh produce, and a lunch counter for €9-14. The Aura River boats serve food and drinks from late afternoon until midnight in summer. The university district has cheap but good cafes. Turku has an emerging restaurant scene on Kauppiaskatu worth an evening exploration.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Turku
When to visit Turku and what to pay.
Spring (April-May)
The Aura River boats start mooring in late April. May Day (Vappu, May 1) is a big event nationwide; Turku celebrates with student gatherings near the university. Hotel prices are 20-25% below summer. The archipelago ferry routes open from May. Good for travelers who want the city without summer crowds.
Summer (June-August)
Turku peaks in June-July. The Turku Music Festival (mid-June), Medieval Market (late June-July at the castle), and fully operational Aura River boats make this the most vibrant period. Stockholm ferry traffic is highest, filling hotels near the harbor. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for mid-July. The archipelago is at its most accessible.
Autumn (September-October)
September brings autumn colors and 15-20% lower hotel rates. The cafe boats close in late September. October gets cool (6-10°C) but the castle and indoor museums are open and quiet. Good for those who prefer sightseeing without crowds.
Winter (November-March)
Turku is quiet in winter. The Christmas market at Kauppatori runs through December with Finnish handicrafts and glogi. The castle is open year-round. Stockholm ferry still operates but volumes drop. Lowest hotel prices: budget rooms under $60/night. Not an obvious tourist season but the convent guesthouse and riverside hotels have their own winter charm.
Booking Tips for Turku
Insider tips for booking hotels in Turku.
Book the Stockholm ferry in advance
Viking Line and Tallink Silja run overnight ferries Turku-Stockholm (11 hours, depart ~8pm). Cabins from €30-100 per person. July-August bookings fill 3-4 weeks ahead. Book at vikingline.com or tallinksilja.com. If this ferry is the main reason you're in Turku, book the ticket before the hotel: ferry cabins are harder to find than hotel rooms in peak summer.
Evening on the Aura River boats: where locals go
The 12-15 cafe/restaurant boats moored along the Aura River from late April to September are the social heart of Turku. They serve food, coffee, and drinks from the boat deck. The stretch between Martinsilta and Auransilta bridges has the best variety. On summer evenings (June-August), arrive before 7pm for a deck seat. Most boats stay open until midnight or later.
Luostarinmäki is the most underrated museum in Finland
The Luostarinmäki Handicraft Museum (Vartiovuorenkatu 4) is the complete preserved 18th-century artisan quarter that survived Turku's great fire of 1827. Craftspeople work in the workshops demonstrating traditional skills. Entry €9 for adults. Open May-September. Allow 2-3 hours. It's genuinely one of the most remarkable sites in Finland, and most Helsinki tourists don't know it exists.
Medieval Market: best event in Turku
The Turku Medieval Market (turuntoimialojenmarkkinat.fi) runs for 4 days in late June or early July at Turku Castle. Craft vendors, performers, food in period style, and 80,000 visitors over the weekend. Castle entry is included in the festival ticket (€8-15). Book hotel 4-6 weeks ahead: the castle area fills up fast for this event.
Naantali day trip: 35 minutes from central Turku
Naantali Old Town (bus 11 from Ratapihankatu, 35 minutes, €4.30 single) is Finland's best-preserved wooden town: painted wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries on lanes leading to a harbor. The Moomin World theme park (June-August, €37-42 for children) is here. Half-day from Turku is easy; full day if traveling with children who want Moomin World.
City bike for the river: €1 to unlock
Turku's city bike share (donkeyrepublic.com app) operates from April-October. Unlock for €1, then €0.05-0.10/minute. The Aura River path is 5km and completely flat, connecting the castle in the west to the university in the east. This is the most efficient way to see Turku's main attractions in a morning without bus timetables.
Hotels in Turku — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Turku.
Why visit Turku?
Turku is Finland's oldest city and former capital. The main draws: Turku Castle (1280s, one of Finland's best medieval castles), the Luostarinmäki Handicraft Museum (an entire 18th-century artisan village preserved intact after the great fire of 1827), and the Aura River cafe boats, a uniquely Finnish institution where restaurants and bars operate from permanently moored boats on the riverbank. It's also the gateway to the Turku Archipelago, one of the world's most complex island landscapes.
Where is the best area to stay in Turku?
The Aura River area is the most atmospheric. Radisson Blu Marina Palace on Linnankatu has river views and is 10 minutes walk from the castle. Sokos Hotel Hamburger Bors on Kauppiaskatu is central, 5 minutes from the market hall. The cathedral area, a 5-minute walk from the river, is quieter with the best access to Turku Cathedral and the old handicraft quarter.
How do I get to Turku from Helsinki?
By train: VR Intercity from Helsinki Central, 2 hours, runs frequently. Tickets from €15-40 online at vr.fi. The train station is 10 minutes walk from the Aura River. By bus: 2.5-3 hours, €10-20 (Onnibus or FlixBus). By car: 165km on the E18, 1.5-2 hours. The Helsinki-Turku ferry by Finnlines also operates (overnight option, €60-150 with cabin), popular for day car trips to Stockholm via Turku.
What is the Stockholm ferry from Turku?
Viking Line and Tallink Silja run overnight ferries from Turku harbor to Stockholm (11 hours). Departure times: typically 8pm from Turku, arriving Stockholm 8am. Cost: €30-100 per person depending on cabin type and season. The ferries are large ships with restaurants, bars, and duty-free. Many travelers use Turku as a base city before or after the Stockholm crossing.
What is the Turku Archipelago?
The Turku Archipelago is Europe's most complex island landscape: over 20,000 islands and skerries stretching 90km from the Turku coast to the Aland Islands. The Archipelago Road (Saaristotie) is a 250km scenic route via ferries and bridges. Day trips to islands like Nagu, Houtskär, and Korpo leave from the main ferry terminal at Turku harbor. The Archipelago National Park protects the outer islands.
When is the best time to visit Turku?
June through August for the Aura River boat season and archipelago activity. Mid-June has Turku's biggest summer event: the Turku Music Festival (classical and contemporary). The Medieval Market in late June-July (exact dates at turuntkeskiaikamarkkinat.fi) fills the castle area with crafts and performances. December Christmas markets are modest but pleasant around Kauppatori. Temperatures: summer 18-24°C, winter -8 to 2°C.
What are the Aura River cafe boats?
The Aura River cafe boats are a uniquely Turku institution: 12-15 permanently moored boats along the river that operate as cafes, restaurants, and bars from spring through autumn. They range from casual coffee stops to evening cocktail bars. The stretch between Martinsilta bridge and Auransilta bridge has the highest concentration. Peak season June-August, usually open until midnight or later. Sit on deck in summer.
Is Turku worth visiting beyond the ferry connection?
Very much so. Turku has more medieval history than anywhere in Finland: the castle, the cathedral (burial place of Finnish royalty), the preserved 18th-century artisan quarter at Luostarinmäki. The Aura River area has genuine city life with the cafe boats. University students (Turku has two universities) keep the city culturally active year-round. Allow at least 2 days.
Is Turku expensive?
Middle of the Finnish range. Hotels from $48/night (budget) to $380/night (Mawell Resort). Restaurant mains €13-22 at mid-range places. Coffee on the Aura River boats: €3-4. Day trip to the archipelago: €20-35 for a boat crossing. Turku Castle entry: €12. Overall around €80-130/day including accommodation, meals, and 1-2 attractions.
What should I skip in Turku?
Skip the tourist souvenir shops on Aurakatu near the cathedral: they charge 50% above market rate for Finnish handicraft items you can buy at Luostarinmäki craft stalls or the Market Hall for half the price. Skip the summer tourist cruises at the harbor that promise 'archipelago tours' in 2 hours: you see almost nothing in that time. For the archipelago, take the Archipelago Road with a rental car or join a full-day guided tour.
How long should I stay in Turku?
Two days works for city sightseeing: Turku Castle (2 hours), Luostarinmäki (2 hours), cathedral and old town, Aura River evening. Three days adds a day trip into the archipelago or to Naantali Old Town (15km), Finland's most well-preserved wooden town. For Stockholm ferry travelers, 1 night before the ferry is minimum; 2 nights lets you see the main sights.
What is Naantali and is it worth visiting?
Naantali is a town of 20,000 people 15km west of Turku, famous for its beautifully preserved wooden Old Town and the Moomin World theme park (open June-August, €37-42 for children). The old town has painted wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries on narrow lanes leading to the harbor. Worth a half-day trip from Turku by bus (route 11, 35 minutes, €4.30) or taxi (€20).