22/02/2024

Tampere: The perfect getaway to the Finns’ favourite city

A trip to Tampere, one of Finland’s most popular lakeside-city cities, is always a great idea. Especially, but not only, for the Finns. With its industrial history and relaxed vibes it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a little getaway, filled with delicious food and sauna. As the World Sauna Capital, Tampere has many of those to offer, so if you want to join the locals in their love for Tampere, here is your ultimate guide to discover everything you need to know!

A trip to Tampere is for those who want to...

Indulge in culinary delights and local cuisine
Connect with friendly locals and authentic Finnish lifestyle
Immerse in a lively and dynamic urban atmosphere
Discover both modern and industrial heritage of Finland
Explore vibrant art and museum scene

Part of this post is a paid collaboration with Visit Tampere. All opinions are my own. Thank you!

Trip to Tampere: Map Overview

Getting to and around on a trip to Tampere

By Train: Tampere is well-connected by rail, and the most comfortable way to get here from most Finnish cities. Fast, reliable and affordable and my personal favourite way to travel in Finland! From Helsinki, a trip tp Tampere is just about 1,5 hours away.

By Bus: Several bus companies provide services to Tampere from cities across Finland. From Helsinki

Matkahuolto and Onnibus are two major bus operators that offer the most affordable options for traveling to Tampere.

By plane: from abroad, it’s possible to fly into Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP), which is located about 17km southwest of the city center.

Airlines such as Finnair, SAS, and Ryanair operate flights to Tampere from various European cities.

Public transport around Tampere is easy to navigate, reliable and affordable. Google Maps works well to get around, but to purchase tickets and get traffic updates, download the Nysse app for local transport.

Bolt is a good option to book taxi rides or electric scooters (when in season).

Accommodation options in Tampere

Lapland Hotels Arena: A modern accommodation option for a trip to Tampere, conveniently located inside the actual Nokia Arena for easy access to events and activities. Highlight: the breakfast, and location.

Radisson Blu Grand Hotel Tammer: A historic hotel in Tampere offering a blend of elegance and charm, in a location that’s probably the best in the city. I really enjoyed staying here, it felt down-to-earth as well as fancy.

Dream Hostel & Hotel: A budget-friendly choice in Tampere catering to both hostel and hotel guests, a good way to connect with other travellers.

Lillan Hotel: A boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Tampere, with a truly unique character, a bit further out than the other options but worth a short walk. A charming choice with wonderful service.

Forenom Apartment Hotel: A versatile and simple accommodation option in Tampere, with its modern furnished apartments in the city centre, with the convenience of hotel amenities, without any additional services.

Where (and what) to eat and drink on a trip to Tampere

A trip to Tampere is GREAT for Foodies, from fabulous restaurant and bistros by some of the best restauranteurs in the country, to the biggest market hall of Finland that’s not only home to super interesting stories but to very tasty treats and restaurants – there is a lot here to do (and eat). I wouldn’t even know where to start myself!

Iconic foods like the Tampere munkki (a local type of donut) to the divisive mustamakkara (black sausage) are famous around the country and a must-try on your visit to Tampere. Special shoutout to Bistro Eloisa is possibly one of the best restaurants I have visited in a long time, so this will be a non-negotiable me from now on, and I highly recommend you do the same.

Dinner

Bistro Eloisa: wine bar and gastro pub, and probably one of the best places to eat – not just in Tampere. Excellent menu, great wines and kind service – couldn’t recommend it more.

Sauna Restaurant Kuuma: sauna and dinner – the perfect combination. The sauna and swim are lovely, and we had a delightful meal!

Ravintola Pons: both great for lunch and dinner, this stylish restaurant with a great city view is a good option for groups as well.

Restaurant Tampella: the warehouse-style environment feels very Tampere, food was lovely and

Ravinteli Huber: a great place for meat eaters, this cozy restaurant is lovely for a dinner date.

Lunch

4vuodenaikaa: charming little French-inspired restaurant for lunch in the Tampere market hall. Highly recommend the Bouillabaisse!

Ravintola Periscope: tasty food and good vibes while overlooking the city, don’t let the location in a shopping mall distract you.

Ravintola Näsinneula: stunning 360° views of Tampere in this rotating restaurant on top of the viewing tower in the Särkkäniemi amusement park.

Kattila: local favourite Kattila is a cozy and unpretentious restaurant that has a delightful lunch menu.

Cafés & Bars

Tallipihan kahvila: super cozy little café in the old stables in the Finlayson area. Great sweet treats.

Pyynikki Coffee Shop & Observation Tower: a must-visit for Tampere – the local munkki are a classic for a reason.

Silinkari’s Winter Café: out on the lake you can visit this winter café best on a day when it’s cold and sunny!

Pella’s cafe: if you’re in need for a coffee and pick-me-up in the centre of Tampere, this is a good spot!

Pyynikin Brewhouse: beer lovers must stop by the local microbrewery Pyynikki, with several beer options on tap. Excellent summer terrace!

Café Pispala: pancakes! Need I say more? For an indulgent breakfast in one of the cutest neighbourhoods of the city, make sure to come here.

Things to do in Tampere

Sauna & Wellness in Tampere

Tampere is the Sauna Capital of the world for a reason – with the most public saunas in all of Finland, the Greater Region of Tampere is the top destinations for sauna lovers. Saunas are a quintessential part of life in Finland anywhere, but the dedication to it in Tampere is something else. There are so many public saunas that I still have to try on any trip to Tampere, but these listed below are the ones I have visited and loved – I shall update you as we go.

For more info, you can also check this website

Rauhaniemi Folk Spa & Sauna: a steamy sauna and a cold dip afterwards are some of my favourite things to do – and Rauhaniemi is one of the oldest and most traditional places where you can do just that. It’s rustic and wonderful, a simple experience without any additional services besides the sauna bath. Bring your own slippers, bathing suit and towel.

Kuuma Sauna Restaurant: combine a relaxing sauna evening with a delicious meal afterwards, Kuuma is located in the heart of Tampere and the impressive surroundings of the city buildings and the harbour are just really special. Towels are provided, bring swimwear and slippers.

17/03/2020

Finland Guide What to Do & Experience

Guide to Finnish Sauna & My Sauna Essentials

Outdoor & Nature activities in Tampere

Surrounded by two large lakes and the vast forests of Finland, it’s easy to step out into nature at any time. Which is probably one of the main things why the Finns love it here so much, as a folk who’s deeply connected to nature, accessibility is super important. No matter if you prefer the water or the woods, there’s options for everyone on a trip to Tampere.

Pyynikki Ridge nature walk: famous for many reasons, the Pyynikki ridge is a beautiful place for a nature break, while you can also learn about the areas natural history

Winter activities on the lake: from skating and kick-sledding in winter, to boat rides and lakeswims in summer, life by the lake it one of a kind. In winter, visit Hiking Travel, Hit to rent all kinds of equipment to explore the frozen lake, in summer, have a look here for ideas.

Nature is near at all times in Tampere – lakes and forests surround the city and make it a great destination for outdoor lovers or those who are trying to be.

For more nature activities, head over to the page from Visit Tampere, they summarised it perfectly.

Museums & Culture for your trip to Tampere

Moomin Museum: Finland’s pride and joy are the little white creatures that are omni-present in Finnish life and culture. The Moomin museum is beautifully done and a great way to learn all about the Moomins and their creator. Don’t miss the photo-op with the small Moomin statue outside the museum.

Pyynikki Observation Tower: one of the most famous sights (and places for munkki) is the observation tower at the Pyynikki ridge – surrounded by both nature and the city, the view from the top of the tower puts things in perspective. If you’re courageous, you can go Abseiling here in the summertime.

Särkkäniemi amusement park: uniquely located at the edge of the lake, Särkkäniemi is a great way to spend a day – especially with kids. The park has been around since the late 60s.

Vapriiki Museum centre: Vapriikki Museum Centre offers diverse family activities and exhibits, from history to technology and natural sciences, hosting around a dozen exhibitions annually. It houses the Natural History Museum, Finnish Ice Hockey Museum, Mineral Museum, Media Museum Rupriikki, Finnish Postal Museum, and Finnish Museum of Games.

For more info on Tampere museums, and the museum card (which gets you access to many museums in Finland) have a look here.

Shopping

Browsing local design and shopping during a city trip is great, it can show you so much about local culture if you are interested in brands and stories from the city. I personally started my interest and fun with second hand shopping on my first ever trip to Tampere, so browsing vintage stores and self-service second hand shops here is always a joy full of treasures to be discovered. Radiokirppis and UFF Vintage are always on my top list.

Many Finnish brands have their origins in Tampere, like the iconic Finlayson for textiles and prints, that also make up a big part of the cities’ industrial history. At places like Miela you can find a beautifully curated selected of Finnish design brands spread over two floors, and the loveliest staff to show and help you with all the things. At concept and denim store Inch” you can also find a great selection.

The old Stable Yard Tallipiha is also a must-visit for any trip to Tampere, the small little houses are home to quaint shops and a café. The Tampere Market Hall is the biggest market hall in Finland, and the place where locals hang out, buy good quality produce and get lunch.