Now we are in Turku
The archipelago, these islands in the Baltic Sea that lie like white dabs of cream on the map off Turku, are one of the reasons to visit the small Finnish town. Turku is even more charming than Helsinki, where nature stands cheek by jowl with the city, through which you can stroll for hours. On foot, by boat or ferry, on a bike or by water cab: there are many options to choose from, all you have to do is make your choice. Tjark Allén has made a decision: against other cities and for his home, where he has lived since he could spell his name. Now he can do even more: namely show us the best places.
Hotels in Turku
Twenty minutes’ drive from Turku, the Bridget Inn, a historic inn dating back to 1880, is hidden away. The interior is straight out of the Scandinavian design ABCs: minimal, cool, stylish. Visionapartments has affordable apartments that are a cut above the rest when it comes to style (Läntinen Pitkäkatu 18). The Park Hotel makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Ornate furniture, flower-covered bed linen and ruffled curtains celebrate the style of times gone by – and if you look at the ivy-covered house wall, you really do get that Rapunzel feeling.
Bridget Inn, Kaivokatu 18, 21100 Naantali, www.bridgetinn.fi
Visionapartments, Läntinen Pitkäkatu 18, 20100 Turku, visionapartments.com
Park Hotel, Rauhankatu 1, 20100 Turku, www.parkhotelturku.fi
Restaurants in Turku
Anyone who lives in Turku regularly eats at Blanko. This is not only due to the good prices, but also the delicious food. The latter changes daily, and there are three new menus to choose from every lunchtime. You don’t need a fancy outfit for the bizarre, just a real hunger in your stomach. Freshly interpreted Italian classics are served with cocktails that you won’t soon forget. The baristas at Café Arts hoard prices like other canned soup. Of course, the coffee here is better than anywhere else, but we also appreciate the cakes, tarts and muffins. The Brewery Restaurant Koulu was originally a school, but today people no longer cram on wooden chairs here, but eat and drink – because where the blackboard used to stand, beer is now even brewed.
Blanko, Aurakatu 1, 20100 Turku, www.blanko.net
Bizarre, Helsingintie 2, 24100 Salo, www.bizarre.fi
Café Arts, Läntinen Rantakatu 5, 20100 Turku, www.cafeart.fi
Brewery Restaurant Koulu, Eerikinkatu 18, 20100 Turku, www.panimoravintolakoulu.fi
Shopping in Turku
Turku Design Now is for anyone who wants to buy a souvenir before they leave that goes beyond the usual fridge magnet. At the Bizarre – Ecological Design Centre, young Finnish designers sell what cannot be found on the shelves of large centers. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, simply knit your own clothes: The ILO Knitting Shop has yarn and wool in every color you can imagine. Good advice and any tips on knitting are free of charge on top. Also cool: KUI Design Local Shop and PUF Design Market, both stores that offer a platform to small brands from all over the world and sell lots of local treasures.
Turku Design Now, Läntinen Rantakatu 13A and Kauppiaskatu 4, 20100 Turku, www.turkudesignnow.fi
Bizarre – Ecological Design Center, Helsingintie 2, 24100 Salo, www.bizarre.fi
ILO Knitting Shop, Linnankatu 8, 20100 Turku, www.iloyarn.fi
HUI Design Local Shop, Läntinen Rantakatu 13, www.kuidesign.fi
PUF Design Market, Forum Kortteli, Linnankatu 9-11, 20100 Turku, www.pufdesignmarket.com
Party
The Aussie Bar sails along the River Aura , a meeting place for anyone who can’t decide between a bar and a club. There are three dance floors, cocktails and plenty of food to make the alcohol bearable thanks to the high calorie content. Klubi is more chilled out, where you can still have a civilized conversation between the booming beats. If you just want to dance, queue up at Venus – if you’ve made an effort with your styling, you can also get past the bouncer.
Aussie Bar, Itäinen Rantakatu 23, 20810 Turku, www.facebook.com
Klubi, Humalistonkatu 8 a, 20100 Turku, www.facebook.com
Venus, Aurakatu 6, 20100 Turku, www.naima.fi
Quarters
Many museums are located in Turku’s old town – the only part that did not fall victim to the fire in 1827. Various cafés and restaurants line the river .
Must do
Tackle the 250 kilometers of the Archipelago Trail by bike and discover the islands around Turku, or sail along the coast by steamboat.
Events
Turku Craft Beer Festival 8. until 9.3. Local breweries pour: If you’re not a hard drinker, it’s better to stay at home.
Tjark Allén
is a start-up entrepreneur.
loves his job, his beard and his apartment.
hates cold coffee.
Read our tips for a short break in Sintra here.