In summer, the river Aura is a hub of hedonism, with myriad floating bars and restaurants, but in winter only a couple keep the flame burning. Stretched along the banks of the Aura, where it flows into the skerry-strewn Gulf of Bothnia in south-west Finland, Turku combines a reputation for cutting-edge creativity with the historic pride of an important medieval city. Long nights just focus one of northern Europe's secret beauties on cosy daytime hangouts and heat-generating nightlife, while the city gets ready to step into the cultural spotlight as European Capital of Culture in Our first stop, Dynamo Linnankatu 7, dynamoklubi.
Individual favourite is Blanko Aurakatu 1, blanko. Here, too, from after everyone else November, is Finland's oldest Christmas market. Bear, reindeer and herring at Harald in Turku. St Henry's is one of the most lauded pieces of advanced architecture in Scandinavia, with a copper roof that looks akin to an upturned boat on a hillock of pines. The colossal brick building will host the major concerts and five year-long exhibitions.
