One easy way to have a look around Tampere in a small amount of time is to head from the East end of the centre towards the West. Here are our top picks along the way:<\/p>\n
Tampere Cathedral: <\/strong>Start your exploration from the East side of Tammerkoski rapids and visit the Tampere Cathedral<\/a>. It\u2019s a historical location with Hugo Simberg\u2019s unconventional church art and Lars Sonck\u2019s impressive architecture wowing visitors. Check the opening hours (in Finnish) in here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Finlayson area: <\/strong>Follow the Satakunnankatu street and over the rapids to end up in Finlayson area<\/a>, also known as the old town of Tampere. This is where it all began for the city: textile factory being set up on the banks of the rapids. Finlayson area is basically a city within a city: walking under the main entrance you walk in the foot steps of thousands of past factory workers. If you want to know more of their story,\u00a0Finnish Labour Museum Werstas<\/a> has free admission to exhibitions including the original steam engine of Finlayson, at its original place in the engine room. In addition, while you are in the area, you should pop into the world\u2019s first Spy Museum<\/strong> to test your skills as a spy.<\/p>\n Stable yards: <\/strong>Finlayson area doesn\u2019t just have old factory buildings: be sure to visit the Finlayson church<\/a>, built for factory workers and their families, Finlayson Palace<\/strong>, nowadays a restaurant in the beautiful surrounding park, and the idyllic Tallipiha Stable Yards<\/a>. Housing the factory owner\u2019s animals in the olden days, this cute little yard with historical stable buildings hosts handicrafts shops, family events and a caf\u00e9 with delicious baked goods and a homely lunch. If your sweet tooth is still aching, stop by Stable Yards Chocolate Shop to buy some souvenirs!<\/p>\n Milavida<\/strong>: Look up for the Stable Yards to see an impressive white building rising on the N\u00e4sinkallio rock. Milavida<\/a>, the former home of one of the owners of Finlayson, is now a museum, caf\u00e9 and restaurant. Just taking a walk around the mansion is worth it for the view opening up to lake N\u00e4sij\u00e4rvi.<\/p>\n