Kupittaa Park is one of the oldest and largest city parks in Finland, and honestly, it’s where locals come to hang out. Located just a short walk from Turku city center, this massive park has everything from peaceful walking paths to playgrounds, ponds, cafés, and even outdoor pools in the summertime.
COST: Kupittaa Park is free to explore, making it one of the best budget-friendly things to do in Turku. It’s lively but still peaceful, perfect for travelers who want a mix of local life and nature without leaving the city.
HOW TO GET THERE: Kupittaa Park is located about 30 minute walk from the Turku Market Square. The Kupittaa train station is right next to the park, making it super easy to reach even if you’re coming from Helsinki or other nearby cities.
WHAT TO DO: Locals love spending warm days here, you’ll see people jogging, biking, or just chilling on the grass with friends. In summer, the outdoor swimming area opens up, complete with pools, slides, and saunas, perfect for a sunny day in the city. There’s a big playground for families, cute bridges over small ponds, and even some friendly ducks hanging around. The area often hosts sports events, concerts, and small festivals, especially during summer.
WHEN TO VISIT: Visit in summer for the full experience, picnics, swimming, coffee, ice cream and green vibes everywhere. But even in autumn, the park is gorgeous when the trees turn golden.
There is a fun ice rink that is open all year round. In the summer, the ice rink has an asphalt surface and in the winter, the track has artificial ice so you can ice skate there.