A perfect day in Turku with Aram Behbodi and Jasir Osman

What does a perfect day in Turku look like? According to private chef and food content creator Aram Behbodi, it includes great food, inspiring conversations, a little culture, and a walk along the Aura River. To put the recipe to the test, Aram takes us — and actor Jasir Osman, who recently moved to Turku — on her version of the perfect day in Finland’s oldest city.

If you're looking for local tips or simply a reason to fall a little bit in love with Turku, keep reading.

What makes a perfect day in Turku?

Our day starts at Aram’s brand-new studio. Known for her work as a private chef and food influencer, Aram has called Turku home her entire life. Earlier this year, she was named Turku Resident of the Year.

– It means a lot to me. I feel like I love Turku so much, and this recognition feels like the city loves me back, Aram says.

Today, Aram is showing Jasir the city through her own eyes. Jasir moved to Turku earlier this year as part of the Joo Challenge, making him something of a newcomer. Still, he has settled in surprisingly quickly.

Travelling frequently between Helsinki and Turku, he says arriving at Turku railway station already feels a little like coming home.

– I love how calm it is here. There’s room to breathe and slow down, even when life is busy, Jasir says.

Had Aram planned the day entirely on her own terms, the first stop would have been the Market Square at sunrise.

– In the summer, I love grabbing a morning coffee at the market. You can browse fresh produce, chat with local growers, and just enjoy the moment. It’s incredibly grounding, Aram says.

Lunch where the locals eat

Since our day begins closer to lunchtime, we skip straight to one of Turku’s institutions: the Market Hall.

Opened in 1896, Turku Market Hall is the second-oldest market hall in Finland. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up ingredients for dinner, enjoy lunch, and somehow leave with a bag full of things you didn’t know you needed.

Aram visits regularly.

– There are so many great lunch spots here. I usually end up taking home fresh ingredients too—maybe some meat, cheese, or whatever catches my eye, she says.

For lunch, Aram leads the way to Herkkunuotta, one of her favourite spots. The staff know her so well that they can practically guess her order before she reaches the counter. This time, Aram goes for a hearty salad, while Jasir chooses a delicious fish patty.

Art, cake and a little reset

With lunch taken care of, it’s time for culture.

Turku Art Museum is one of Aram’s favourite places in the city.

– I try to visit exhibitions whenever I can. Art helps me switch off and relax. And I think it’s important to support artists, Aram says.

The museum café quickly becomes another highlight of the day. Cake slices appear, warm drinks are ordered, and Aram exchanges cheerful greetings with the staff, who clearly know her well.

Jasir is sold.

– This might become my favourite place in Turku. You can come here alone, dream a little, look at art and eat really good cake. What’s not to love? Jasir says.

Honestly, it’s hard to argue with that.

Following the Aura River

No perfect day in Turku would be complete without spending time by the Aura River.

The river is the heart of the city, lined with cafés, restaurants and terraces that come alive during the warmer months. Aram has worked in several riverside restaurants over the years, making this stretch of town particularly familiar.

For Jasir, it has already become a favourite.

– Walking by the river is one of my favourite summer activities. There are so many nice cafés and restaurants along the way, he says.

And perhaps that’s the magic of Turku: there’s no need to rush anywhere. The best moments often happen while simply wandering from one place to the next.

A city that feels like home

According to Aram, one of Turku’s greatest strengths is its size.

– I love how compact it is. Everything is close by, and whenever you go out, you’re likely to bump into someone you know, she says.

That theory gets tested throughout the day as people regularly stop to say hello. Whether everyone in Turku knows each other or Aram simply knows everyone remains unclear.

For Aram, the city’s manageable size, familiar faces and lifelong connection make it feel uniquely comforting.

– Turku is my home and my safe place. I know things are okay here. I’ve never felt anxious being in this city, Aram says.

Jasir shares the sentiment.

– Settling into Turku has been easy. Life here feels peaceful and welcoming, he says.

Ending the day at Vinossa

As evening arrives, we head to Vinossa, one of Aram’s favourite restaurants, for dinner.

Good food, good company and good conversation have already made the day a success, but Jasir still manages to surprise everyone with a new idea.

– Should the challenge include trying frog legs? he asks.

One tip for anyone moving to Turku

Aram’s advice is simple.

– Get outside and spend time at the Market Square. Sooner or later, someone will come and start a conversation with you. I love that, she says.

After spending a day exploring the city with Aram and Jasir, it’s easy to see why they both enjoy living here. Great food, beautiful surroundings, a strong sense of community and plenty of room to breathe—it’s a combination that’s hard not to like.

Looking for a rental home in Turku?

Browse available apartments through our apartment search. We offer a wide selection of rental homes in areas such as Kirstinpuisto and Herttuankulma. We have also recently completed two new residential buildings in Pukkila: Turun Huoleton and Turun Rento.