Free time suggestions on Friday 26 June
Metso main library
The Metso library is an important meeting place for locals. The architects of this UFO-looking building (which resembles a capercaillie when seen from above) are Raili and Reima Pietilä. The architects are famous for their quirky post-modern style that draws inspiration from Finnish forests. Have a snack or light dinner at the Cafe Metso inside the library. Open until 20:00.
Pyynikin näkötorni – Pyynikki Observation Tower
Pyynikin näkötorni is a viewing tower on top of the highest point of the city, surrounded by a forest. The tower facilitates a cute cafe that is famous for its sweet doughnuts. You can go up the tower for 3 euros. Open until 20:00. You can try the famous doughnuts also by visiting the market hall in center before 18:00.
Picnic in Näsipuisto
Näsijärvenkatu 8, 33210 Tampere
This is a park that facilitated the owners of the Finlayson area. Next to it there is a cute area called Tallipiha that has small local shops and a cafe. The shops are usually open until 18:00 and the cafe is open until 20:00. Next to the park there is a very popular swimming spot called Mältinranta. During summer, you can usually run into swimmers there even during nighttime.
Rajaportin sauna & Pispala area
Pispalan valtatie 9, 33250 Tampere
Rajaportin Sauna is the oldest public sauna of Finland. It is located on top of the Pispalanharju hill area, with views over the Näsijärvi lake. The saunas are gendered, and bathing suits are optional. You only need a towel. The sauna costs 8 euros. Note that the sauna is small, so they do not take big groups. Go see it and take the risk of being rejected or waiting a bit.
After sauna, eat in Pispalan Pulteri or Vaakon Nakki kiosk or go to listen to live music in Vastavirta Club, Bar Yläkerta or Pethaus. You can also visit the nearby park Pyykkimettänpuisto with great views.
Kuuma Sauna
This sauna is rather new and very centrally located. It is not that popular among the locals due to the higher entrance fee, but it fits bigger groups. The sauna costs 16 euros and requires pre-booking a 1,5 hour slot. Before the sauna, check out the Kehräsaari: it is a tiny but cute ‘island’ that has a wings restaurant, arthouse cinema, cafe and a store for local crafts.
General Tampere tips
Cafes and restaurants to try
Flip Vegan pizzeria
Great pizzeria in Kaleva area and behind the Kalevan kirkko that is designed by Raili and Reima Pietilä. The church is amazing from inside but it is not open late, check out when it is here. See the church and visit the pizzeria.
Kauppahalli market square
Indoor market square. Here the locals come for lunch or sit in the morning to get their daily pulla. Open at 09:00-18:00.
Tammelantori
Outdoor market square, open during the morning. Go get your morning cafe from here and sit next to local seniors. During saturdays there is usually berry sellers. The market opens at 06:00 and closes sometime in the noon.
Siipiweikot restaurant
Two locations:
Aleksanterinkatu 26, 33100 Tampere
Juhlatalonkatu 5, 33100 Tampere
Tampere is famous for their wings with vinegar sauce and blue cheese dip. Siipiweikot is the most popular spot for getting these, and they also offer a nice vegan option for the wings.
Aleksanterinkatu street
This street has a lot of restaurants along it. Go explore and try different things.
Madame restaurant
It is recently opened spot, on the central square. Not the cheapest options but not too fancy either. Great bread available. They also have an outdoor space on their backyard.
Whatever
Itsenäisyydenkatu 3 Lh1, 33100 Tampere
Asian style buffet. Finnish people love buffets and this one is very popular due to good quality food and long opening hours.
Bars and events
Vastavirta and Yläkerta bars
Pispalan valtatie 39, 33250 Tampere
Located in the same building in the Pispala area. Yläkerta pub is always free and Vastavirta hosts gigs that cost around 10 euros. Check out for events from their instagram.
Telakka bar
Tullikamarin aukio 3, 33100 Tampere
Pub and restaurant in the city center. Usually quite busy but you can fit a bigger group to terrace. Sometimes there is nice gigs inside.
Bar Oma
Aaltosenkatu 31-33, 33500 Tampere
Cozy spot in Tammela. There is also few other bars nearby this one, some that have nice terraces.
G-livelab
Concert place owned by the Finnish musicians. Check out who is visiting, usually great Finnish artists and many genres. Not the cheapest spot but it also has a great terrace.
Pitkän päivän ilta bar and cafe
Tammelan puistokatu 37, 33500 Tampere
This is popular place for getting drinks or coffee in the center, Tammela area. There is a local skate shop within the bar.
Moro Sky Bar
Ratapihankatu 43, 33100 Tampere
Other things to do
Culture House Laikku
City run space in the center that hosts exhibitions and random little events. All free and usually open until 20:00.
Pethaus cafe
Community run event space that has small gigs fridays and saturdays. We do not recommend going with a big group, since the space is small. Reserve about 10 euros of cash for the tickets. You can bring your own beverages with you, but they also sell little things.
Arthouse Cinema Niagara
Want to chill? This independent movie theater hosts nice screenings, highly recommend to check it out.