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Arrival, accommodation and information
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The river Aura splits the city, its tree-lined banks forming a natural promenade as well as a useful landmark. On the northern side of the river is Turku's central grid, where you'll find the
tourist office
at Aurakatu 4 (Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm, Sat & Sun 10am-3pm; tel 02/2627444,
www.turku.fi
); here you can pick up the excellent value
Turku Card
(24hrs €22; 48hrs €30), which includes bus travel and entrance to most museums, and the free comprehensive English-language listings brochure,
Fun Times
. Both the
train
and
bus station
are within easy walking distance of the river, just north of the centre. If you are making for the Stockholm ferry, you can stay on the train to the terminal 2km west or catch bus #1 on Linnankatu. The
InterRail Centre
is currently at Eerikinkatu 7 (mid-July to mid-Aug), right by the river, where you can shower, leave luggage, rent bicycles and eat cheaply.
Bikes
can also be rented from T. Saario, Tuureporinkatu 19 (tel 02/316356).
There are some good deals to be had at Turku's mid-range
hotels
, especially if you make an early reservation and pick a weekend. Try
Hotel Julia
, Eerikenkatu 4 (tel 02/336311; ?35-40/$56-64/€63-72) or for a real slice of luxury and character try
Park Hotel
, Rauhankatu 1 (tel 02/273 2555; ?35-40/$56-64/€63-72). Alvar Aalto fans should stay at
Good Morning Hotel Ateljee
(tel 02/336 111; ?30-35/$48-56/€54-63), Humalistonkatu 7, housed in a building designed by Finland's most famous architect; ask for room 422 or 534. Cheaper options include the excellent
hostel
,
Hostel Turku
by the river at Linnankatu 39 (tel 02/262 7680; ?10-15/$16-24/€18-27; buses #1 and #30). The nearest
campsite
(tel 02/2589100; June to mid-Aug; bus #8) is on the island of Ruissalo, which has two sandy beaches and overlooks Turku harbour. For free
Internet access
try the central library at Linnankatu 2 (Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-3pm) which has bookable and walk-up terminals. Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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Finland,
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