Turku Book Café

The Turku Book Café (Kirjakahvila), located at Vanha Suurtori 3, 20500 Turku, Finland, is much more than just a café. It is a vegan oasis, a cultural center, and a place of community that has operated as a non-profit institution since its founding in 1981. With a unique combination of good coffee from cooperatives and a vast selection of books, the café attracts people from various backgrounds – particularly from the queer and vegan communities.

Inviting Atmosphere

The Turku Book Café offers an inviting and friendly atmosphere that allows guests to relax and enjoy the creative energy of the place. With its cozy seating areas, a large terrace, and even rooms for community activities, it is the ideal spot to read, work, or meet friends. Additionally, the café is child- and dog-friendly – another example of its welcoming attitude.

Cultural Events and Community Engagement

A special focus of the Turku Book Café is on promoting cultural events. The café regularly organizes workshops, exhibitions, and discussion evenings that encourage an open exchange of ideas and opinions. Events like the “Anarchist Coffee Meetup” or the “Alternative Futures Film Club” are excellent opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals while addressing social issues.

Culinary Offerings

The culinary offerings are completely vegan, ranging from delicious pastries to savory snacks. Guests particularly praise the quality of the coffee and the variety of vegan treats. There is even the possibility to offer "Discrete Free" food or drinks under weather conditions, making it easier for everyone to access.

Accessibility and Location

The café is located in a historic building in the heart of Turku, protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency. While access for people with mobility impairments may be somewhat challenging, the café strives to ensure inclusion for all visitors. Free Wi-Fi access and the opportunity to borrow books make this place especially inviting.

Prices and Opening Hours

Prices at the Turku Book Café are affordable, making it a popular meeting spot for students and visitors. The café is open from Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with specific opening hours for special events available in the café's online calendar.

Reviews

Visitors to the Turku Book Café are often thrilled by the alternative, friendly atmosphere. Many highlight the quality of the food and drinks, as well as the variety of events offered. The self-service approach and the opportunity to work or read in a relaxed environment are positively noted in most reviews. The friendly staff, who speak Finnish and English fluently, also contribute to the positive experience of visitors. In summary, the Turku Book Café is considered one of the best places in Turku, both for its vegan cuisine and its supportive social atmosphere.