Head to the woods
Possibly the most touristy thing to do in Tampere is to go for a doughnut, whether it is to the original Pyynikki observation tower café, or their addition at the old Market Hall. However, this is also something that the people living in Tampere love to do! If you want to amp up your experience, don’t stay at the café to finish your delicacy – go to the woods! From the observation tower terrace, follow a wide forest path towards Pispala and enjoy your coffee and doughnut on a lookout rock. Is there a more romantic thing to do than sipping coffee with a view to lake Pyhäjärvi opening up in front of you? In summertime this is also a fine spot for having some wine or locally brewed beer.
Locals love a trek and the walking route around lake Suolijärvi in Hervanta! Get off the bus at Teekkarinkatu street and you’re right next to the beach, from where you can follow a trail around the lake and forget about the rest of the world. The new tram also brings you close to the lake. Enjoy the fresh air and peace & quiet.
When hunger strikes
These are the places you only hear about from the locals. A few of them are a bit further from the city centre but they are definitely worth the trip. Don’t judge the book by its cover, or a cake by its icing – no room for prejudice here!
Wanha Tappi serves the juiciest burgers in the middle of idyllic wooden house neighbourhood of Nekala. The menu also features wings, a Tampere speciality as you may notice. Deli 1909 & Wine Bar has some mouthwatering tapas and wine combinations, and an atmosphere to match. Zeytuun’s modern ethnic kitchen is all about mezes, salads and filled pitas that all fit vegetarians as well.
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Tampere has some tasty hideaways that you might not notice by just walking around. Kahvila-konditoria Mari delights in the Nekala wooden house area and tempts people to come from far away for self-made baguettes and pastries. Bakery Café Puusti located near Tampere Hall is the home for the best cinnamon rolls in the city. Definitely worth the taste!
Thirsty for fun?
Tampere’s artistic gig venues guarantee a fun night out. Our favourite spots are Culture House Telakka and Pub Huurupiilo. Telakka is an atmospheric bar where many artists gather together. Enjoy live music and chilling! Huurupiilo also hosts some of the hottest gigs in town.
Tampere has an amazing range of small breweries. One of the best places to enjoy them over a relaxed pub dinner is Gastropub Tuulensuu.
A bit more unique, a bit more local
Fancy a movie? Instead of going to one of the big cinemas, try a small and local one. Arthouse Cinema Niagara in Kehräsaari by the Ratina bay is a sympathetic little cinema, and next to it is Café & Bar Raina which definitely counts to the locals’ best kept secrets and is a good idea for a pre- or post movie drink and snack!
Tiima is a very mystically located clock shop – or actually an intoxicatingly delicious secret pub, a speakeasy that hopes its location stays a secret from the masses on social media. This pub you have to experience for yourself!
If shopping is at all your thing, we recommend to go on a hunt for local design. With the Design on Tampere map you’ll be sure to find some local style to your wardrobe or apartment.