Turku Entertainment

Entertainment in Turku

  1. A

    Panimoravintola Koulu

    This is the town’s greatest brewery pub in the town centre if not all of Finland. Set in a former school, the pub’s owners have done their homework on good brews with more than nine of their own beers plus a cheeky cider. As well as inkwells and school desks, there’s a row boat on the roof, which is disorientating after a few drinks. The restaurant upstairs is solid, but you won’t be able to leave the downstairs pub.

    reviewed

  2. Klubi

    This massive complex has several speeds from the casual drinking of Kolo (‘cave’) to the DJ-fuelled nightclub of Ilta, plus regular big Finnish bands at Live. It’s part-owned by a local record label, which means it snares its fair share of local Finnish bands and visiting international acts.

    reviewed

  3. Alvar

    In this building that Aalto designed on a deadline, the low-key pub has a towering beer list that’s a magnet for local students and ale-fetishists alike. Artek-esque furniture is a nod to the designer of the building and free wi-fi makes it a lounge rather than a party.

    reviewed

  4. B

    CaféArt

    In a noble old waterfront building on one of Turku's most pleasant stretches, this hospitable café has tables out along the river, weather permitting, as well as two elegant interior salons. There's good espresso, as well as art exhibitions on the walls.

    reviewed

  5. C

    Panimoravintola Herman

    A brewery pub-restaurant with river frontage that would be a star attraction were it not for Koulu. Its stained glass and large dockside terrace makes for an excellent watering hole, and the food is worth visiting for, especially the lunch buffet.

    reviewed

  6. Cow

    If you were going to hold a hen’s night in Turku, the Cow would be the place. They keep the cocktails flowing and have a good wine selection, but the atmosphere never gets too barnyard, with friendly staff and relaxed couches.

    reviewed

  7. D

    Galax

    This monster venue holds the Kooma nightclub, known for its disco ambience, and Taivas Music Bar, which attracts some of the biggest bands and the occasional stand-up. Galax itself has regular DJs who spin danceable grooves.

    reviewed

  8. E

    Old Bank

    This former bank remains a grand monument, with the trappings of an Irish pub and a formidable roster of beers. The crowd is usually male and older, often enjoying a post-work drink or watching the hockey.

    reviewed

  9. F

    Uusi Apteekki

    South of the river, this bar is a converted old pharmacy where medication has been dispensed from over a hundred spent beer bottles. It attracts an older local crowd and is ideal for the quiet drink.

    reviewed

  10. G

    Svenska Teater

    Next to the Hansa Shopping Arcade, this is one of the oldest theatres in Finland and it hosts well-known musicals with performances in Swedish.

    reviewed

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  12. H

    Puutorin Vessa

    This bar is unusually set in what was formerly a public loo! There's toilet humour and paraphernalia on the walls and a sunny terrace.

    reviewed

  13. I

    Concert Hall

    Founded in the 1790s, the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest in Europe; it performs here.

    reviewed

  14. Monk

    Turku’s best (OK only) jazz club in town plays live jazz, funk and Latin, with DJs on weekends.

    reviewed

  15. Dynamo

    Eclectic sounds with local DJs duelling national bands for places on this busy bill.

    reviewed

  16. Julia

    Central cinema in the same building as the hotel of the same name.

    reviewed

  17. Kino Thalia

    Shows more off-beat films and art-house releases.

    reviewed

  18. Åbo Discotek

    A good place for dancing to chart music.

    reviewed