Planning a visit to Tampere? We have compiled a list of recommendations and popular attractions in Tampere to help you make the most of your stay.

Everyone loves Tampere! It’s a vibrant city known for a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty to see and do around the year. Whether you’re into culture and arts, sports, culinary adventures or alternative events, Tampere is a fantastic destination worth a weekend visit or a longer stay. Tampere is easily reached by public transportation or your own car from anywhere in Finland, and the central location of Omena Hotel (Hämeenkatu 7) makes it an ideal base for exploring the city. Many of the most interesting sites are located a stone’s throw away from the hotel.

Top attractions and things to do in Tampere

1. Heart of Tampere: Tammerkoski

The spectacular Tammerkoski is a channel of rapids, around which the city started to build in the 1770’s. From there Tampere developed into a remarkable industrial town. The view to Tammerkoski has been declared to be a Finnish National Landscape, and is definitely worth a visit!

2. Tampere for families: Särkänniemi amusement park

Särkänniemi and its tower Näsinneula are definitely the best-known landmarks in Tampere. A visit to the amusement park is a perfect way to spend your summer day alone or with the whole family! In addition to the rides and rollercoasters you can find a Planetarium, Aquarium, children’s zoo, Art Museum and a hugely popular Angry Birds park for the smaller children. From the top of the Näsinneula tower you get to enjoy a magnificent view accompanied by a delicious lunch or dinner.

3. A must-see in Tampere: the Finlayson area

The Finlayson area is one of the most interesting sites in Tampere. Until the 1920s, it was the biggest industrial district in the Northern Countries. In the 1800s Finlayson grew to be a city within a city with its own school, hospital, police force, and even its own currency. Nowadays the area is a modern and versatile center, housing restaurants, cafés, businesses, and cultural services, including a multiplex cinema. Events are held all year round. The Finlayson Church, the Finlayson Palace and Tallipiha Stable Yards are located nearby.

4. The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas

The Werstas museum located within the Finlayson area hosts a lot of interesting exhibitions and is a great way to take a peak in to the history of Tampere. Check this out if you are traveling on a budget. It’s completely free of charge!

5. Tampere City Library Metso

Looking for things to do in Tampere with children? Want to visit a library without a single straight wall? Check out Tampere’s main library Metso, a funky piece of architecture designed by Raili and Reima Pietilä, that people come to see from afar.

6. Tampere City Hall and Market Hall

By the central square you’ll find beautiful architecture representing the old Tampere. Taking a stroll here is a great way to get to know Tampere. The original souvenirs and the local Finnish flavours can be found at the colourful stalls of the Tampere Market Hall.

7. The churches of Tampere

Tampere Cathedral is a Lutheran church in Tampere, designed in the National Romantic style by Lars Sonck, and built between 1902 and 1907. The cathedral is famous for its frescoes, painted by the symbolist Hugo Simberg. Also the Aleksander’s Church, the Old Church, the Orthodox Church and a more modern church of Kaleva are all architecturally intriguing sites worth a visit. The visits are free of charge, of course.

8. Cultural experiences in Tampere: The Museums

If a rainy day hits your holiday in Tampere, don’t worry! Tampere is probably the best museum destination in Finland. Whether you’re interested in culture, arts or history, the options seem endless. See for example

• Werstas Museum Centre
• Museum Centre Vapriikki hosting a Mineral Museum, The Natural History Museum, Postal Museum, Media Museum, Ice-hockey Museum and Doll Museum, to mention a few.
• Tampere Art Museum (free entrance on Fridays between 3 pm and 6 pm)
• Lenin Museum
• Spy Museum
• Police Museum
• Emil Aaltonen Museum
• Lauri Viita Museum

See the comprehensive list of museums at Visit Tampere website

9. Budget-friendly fun in Tampere: Pyynikki district

The ridge of Pyynikki is loved by both locals and visitors, as it is full of options for fun leisure activities. The Observation Tower of Pyynikki and its world-famous donut café serve visitors all year round. The beach and the charming Pyynikki Summer Theatre only add to the appeal of this nature reserve. Beautiful and budget-friendly!

Events in Tampere

Culture enthusiasts do not need a magnifying class to find things to do in Tampere. The city is full of events. Most of the biggest festivals happen during the summer holiday months, but you won’t be bored over the winter either.

See Tampere’s event calendar to find out what’s on!

Tampere-talo’s vast offering in concerts as well as the Tampere Conventions events attract a lot of visitors. Please remember to book your accommodation in time, in case you plan your visit during these events.

Action and sports in Tampere

Looking to have your heart beat faster? Check out Megazone to break into sweat and have fun or take your team to one of the popular escape rooms. Here’s a few options:

• Megazone, Itäinenkatu 9-13
• Getaway -room escape, Åkerlundinkatu 3
• Room Escape Tampere, Finlayson TR9
• Mysteeri Tampere, Näsilinnankatu 22 A 10

Tampere also has great hiking trails and sporting possibilities for people looking for active ways to spend their vacation. The easiest option is to jump into your hiking shoes and explore the stunning lake views. The nature reserve of Pyynikki as well as Rauhaniemi beach are great choices for urban outdoor adventuring.

Shopping in Tampere

The best shopping is done right around the corner from Omena Hotel. Check out the Koskikeskus shopping mall, the second oldest Stockmann department store in Finland, Sokos and Tullintori, as well as the shops on the main street (Hämeenkatu). To rest your tired feet in between, you can easily get back to your comfy hotel room or take a moment to enjoy life at the greenery by Tammerkoski.

Here are the best addresses for shopping in Tampere:

• Stockmann department store, Hämeenkatu 4
• Koskikeskus shopping mall, Hatanpään valtatie 1
• Sokos department store, Hämeenkatu 21
• Tullintori, Tullikatu 6

Dining in Tampere

Where to eat in Tampere – and what to eat in Tampere? Although Tampere is best known for its traditional black sausage, luckily there’s plenty of alternatives. Tampere has a rich restaurant scene with something for every budget and taste.

Right around the corner on Aleksanterinkatu you can find the most popular pizza place in Tampere, pizzeria Napoli. On that same street, just crossing Hämeenkatu, junkbar & lounge Kumma with its funky deco is serving delicious meals that’ll make you return again and again (lots of vegetarian and vegan options!). By Finlayson in Siperia Centre, you can find a Classis American Diner, and Bertha is a great option for both romantic dinners as well as lunch meetings.

Omena’s summer reporters asked the locals what they think is the best burger place in town. The most recommended were Pancho Villa, Izakaya Nomu and Friends & Brgrs. The reporters tested out the places and rated them with apples from one to five. Check out the video here!

For more restaurant recommendations see the Visit Tampere website.