A plan for Tampere

The Tammerkoski rapids, which now run in a canal through Tampere centre, connect the two major lakes with an elevation drop of 18 metres. As early as the 7th century people started to gather at the banks of the lakes, and in the 18th century the utilisation of the rapids as a source of hydropower resulted in a population boom. Tampere was officially founded on the banks of Tammerkoski in 1775 by Gustav III of Sweden, and four years later, 1 October 1779, Tampere was granted full city rights. The newly founded city was soon after established as a proving ground of revolutionary economical theories by declaring a freedom of trade to the city dwellers. The status of free town enabled import and export of foreign goods without customs. In addition, it was ordered that the citizens were allowed to freely practice any Christian faith. Due to the uncommon liberties, Tampere grew as a major market town and industrial centre in the 19th century. During the latter half of 19th century almost half of Finland's industrial labour force was in Tampere.

The town's industrial inclination in the 19th and 20th centuries gave it the nickname that sticks to this day: "Manchester of the North", Manse for short (in Finnish).

Tampere has been an industrial pioneer in Finland since the very beginning. Finland’s first paper mill started operation in 1783, and the first paper machine was engaged at the J.C. Frenckell & Son’s factory in 1842. The cotton factory established in 1820 by James Finlayson grew to become the country’s first large-scale industrial establishment. The first electric light in the Nordic countries was also lit in Finlayson’s modern production facilities in 1882. Finlayson grew aggressively and eventually became the largest industrial complex in the Nordic countries. The city’s engineering industry was bolstered by the manufacturer of grinding machines and water turbines Tampella, which was established on the upper reaches of the Tammerkoski rapids in 1861.

Museums and galleries

Most of Tampere's museums concentrate on its industrial history. Kids will get a kick out of the Moomin Valley and the Spy Museum.

1 Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing (Amurin työläismuseokortteli), Satakunnankatu 49, ☏ +358 3 5656-6690. Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (summer only). Amuri is a block of 19th-century wooden houses turned into an open-air museum that vividly displays how the working-class used to live between 1880s and 1970s. The houses form an almost closed inner court, and there is a nice old-fashioned cafe with seatings both indoors and in the courtyard. Highly recommended for history buffs, but interesting to others as well. Adults €6, children (7-16) €1.

2 Art and Craftcenter Verkaranta (Käsi- ja taideteollisuuskeskus Verkaranta), Verkatehtaankatu 2, ☏ +358 3 225-1409. Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00, Sat Sun 11:00–16:00 (12:00–17:00 in summer). Monthly exhibitions on arts and crafts. €3.50.

3 Finnish Labour Museum Werstas (Työväenmuseo Werstas), Väinö Linnan aukio 8. Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00. The exhibitions at Werstas offer an overview of the history of the industrial era, worker population and civil society from different perspectives. At Werstas, you can visit the Textile Industry Museum, the Steam Engine Museum and the Labour Museum's changing and permanent exhibitions. The huge steam engine that used to give power to the entire factory complex is the definite high point of Werstas. Free.

4 Hiekka Art Museum (Hiekan taidemuseo), Pirkankatu 6, ☏ +358 3 212-3973. Tue 15:00–18:00, Wed 15:00–19:00, Thu 15:00–18:00, Sun 12:00–15:00. Home museum of art collector Kustaa Hiekka. Adults €7, students €4.

Fishing. You can fish at the Tammerkoski rapids that run right through the city centre. You must purchase a fishing permit from a nearby R-kioski (Hatanpään valtatie 2), tourist office (Verkatehtaankatu 2) or a vending machine at the wall of restaurant Rosso. You may catch at most three salmonoids a day, whitefish not included. €4 for 4 hours, €4.50 for full day.

Guided bus tour. A comfy way to get acquainted with the city's attractions and neighbourhoods in less than two hours. Departs from the railway station at 11 during summer months. Tickets are sold in at the tourist office in the railway station. €17 adults, €4 children.

1 Ikuri Arcade, Kalkun viertotie 2 A 19 (in Ikuri; towards Nokia from the city centre), ☏ +358 40 374 7093, ikuri.arcade@hotmail.com. Thu 17:00–21:00. An arcade hall including pinball machines and video games. Entrance €8–10.

2 Iso-Vilunen Skate Park (Iso-Vilusen skeittipuisto), Vilusen puistokatu 24 (in Viiala). A high-quality skatepark with BMX and trial biking courses.

3 Särkänniemi Amusement Park (by Näsijärvi, on the northern edge of the centre, 30 min walk from the station), ☏ +358 20-713-0200, asiakaspalvelu@sarkanniemi.fi. The second largest amusement park of Finland, after Linnanmäki in Helsinki. Rides are open between May and September, and other attractions year round. The park includes a modern art museum ("Sara Hildén Art Museum"), a children's zoo with mainly domestic animals, a planetarium, an aquarium and the landmark 168-metre Näsinneula observation tower, topped by a revolving viewing deck and a fine dining restaurant serving high quality Finnish cuisine. On a clear day, the views of the surrounding forests, lakes, ridges and the city are awesome. Free entrance, single ride ticket €5–10, day pass €45. (updated Dec 2025)

4 Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra. The best of the classics and new works. One of the largest symphonic orchestras in the Nordic countries plays in Tampere Hall.

Tampere's most famous dish is black sausage (mustamakkara), made from pig blood, minced pork and rye. Despite the intimidating pitch-black appearance, the taste is rather mild and fans of English black pudding will feel right at home.

The cheapest and most authentic way to try this is to buy from one of the stalls at the Tammelantori or Laukontori markets, with a dab of lingonberry jam (puolukkahillo) and a pint of milk (maito) on the side, but old Tampere hands will insist that the one true condiment is a mix of lingonberry jam and mustard. Order by price, not weight: "two euros" (kaksi euroa) will get you a nice hefty chunk. You can also try a doughnut (donitsi) with a cup of coffee. Both markets close by 14:00 and are closed Sundays too.

Lunch and brunch

Most restaurants have offers at €7–10 at lunch time, mostly at least weekdays 11:00–14:00. There are also lunch restaurants or cafés serving meals only at lunch time, including student cafés and lunch restaurants for big workplaces, often having a very affordable price also for outsiders. The department store Sokos has family friendly cafés that can come handy. When you are in the city and want to grab something to eat you can check the Tampere lunch options page and prices to decide where to go.

For lunch, a good budget option is Juvenes, a chain of restaurants owned by the Tampere University student union and offers full meals, including vegetarian options (some with longer hours). There are also many other lunch restaurants for students that serve affordable food also for non-students. A good active listing of Tampere's student restaurants and their menus can be found at Unisafka.

1 Silta-Lounasravintola Viinikka, Viinikankatu 53, ☏ +358 50 407 0730, jukka.laurila@siltavalmennus.fi. Mon-Fri 11:00-12:30. Only lunch. Lunch includes salad, bread, food, dessert and coffee or tea. €8.30. (updated Jun 2022)

Cafes

1 Amurin helmi, Satakunnankatu 49, ☏ +358 3 5656-6634. Every day from 10:00 to 17:00 (during summer from 10:00 to 18:00). Cosy atmosphere in a historic wooden building which is part of Amuri museum of workers' housing. They serve Tampere specialities and homemade bread to go with the brew.

2 Arnolds, Tullikatu 6 (Tullintori), ☏ +358 3 223-4850. Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 10:00–17:00. Tasty doughnuts baked on location. Arnolds is a chain restaurant with locations in all Finnish cities, so it might not be an unforgettable experience, but the doughnuts are good.... Regular coffee €1.60–2.20, doughnuts €1.70–2.30.

3 Brander, Hallituskatu 13, ☏ +358 3 2125 357. Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat 09:00-16:00. Family-owned Tampere institution has 90 years of experience in the fine art of confectionery. The view to a parking lot is not something to remember, but instead you can rest your eyes on the decor from the good old times. Try some of the traditional Finnish sweet pastries or cakes.

4 Cafe Europa, Aleksanterinkatu 29. Quirky cafe bar with interesting decor including antique sofas and weird paintings all over the walls. Europa is hugely popular hangout among artsy students and foreigners both early and later in the evening.

5 Café Ståhlberg, Koipitaipaleenkatu 2 D (in Vuores), ☏ +358 44-979-3919, vuores@leipomostahlberg.fi. Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00. A café that offers savory and sweet treats with coffee, as well as a delicious lunch service. It is also possible to rent the café premises for private events.

6 Kahvila Runo, Ojakatu 3, ☏ +358 3 2133-931. Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00, Sun 10:00–20:00. A cute, medium-sized café with a good selection of tea. The name translates into "Cafe Poem" and probably has something to do with the heaps of (mostly) poetry books laying around which form an essential part of the decoration. The café also features a small, changing art exhibition.

7 Kauppahallin kahvila, Hämeenkatu 19. Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00, Sat 08:00–16:00. A central location within Kauppahalli market hall provides ample opportunities for people watching in moody surroundings.

8 Luubaari, Hautausmaankatu. Mon–Fri 07:00–13:00. A café near the Kalevankangas Cemetery.

Orientation

The centre of Tampere has a couple of prominent features, which make it easy to navigate:

The main street of Tampere, Hämeenkatu, effectively divides the city centre into a north and a south side. The 1-km stretch is limited in the east by the main railway station, where many visitors arrive, and in the west by Hämeenpuisto Park with the City Library and the Church of Alexander. The street continues to the east as Itsenäisyydenkatu and to the west as Pirkankatu.

Tammerkoski rapids crossing Hämeenkatu just by the central square, split the centre into an east and a west side. The rapids run from Lake Näsijärvi north of Tampere to Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south. The height difference between the two lakes is 18 meters, but the formerly thundering heart of Tampere now flows through the city centre rather peacefully, because of the several hydroelectric dams harnessing its power.

The central square, Keskustori, is next to the bridge where Hämeenkatu crosses Tammerkoski rapids. It is the geographical and social focal point of the city.

The centre is understood to be limited by Lake Näsijärvi in the north, Lake Pyhäjärvi in the south, the main railway station in the east, and the Hämeenpuisto park in the west.

A great majority of the hotels, shops and attractions are either in the centre or within walking distance from it.

You can get a great overview of the city beforehand from the aerial photos shot in 2011 at Virtual Tampere.

Districts

There are only a few neighbourhoods in Tampere that can be considered interesting to most visitors, namely the centre, Pyynikki and Pispala. While the centre is certainly where tourists often hang out in Tampere, it is worth the effort to spend a few hours hiking around the ridge in the Pyynikki and Pispala districts, which lie just 2–3 km west of the centre. Hervanta and Nekala districts are more off the beaten path.

As Finland in general, Tampere is a safe city for its size.

Drug-related crime is an increasing problem in the city. The city has also faced problems with juvenile crime, but Tampere has done a lot to support young people and fight crime. Violent crime is less reported in Tampere than in Helsinki for example.

On weekend nights, intoxicated people wandering around city streets may be an annoyance, especially during summer festivals such as Tammerfest, Tapahtumien yö, Sauna Open Air, and on New Year's Eve and April 30, the eve of May Day, which is the most important beer-drinking festival in the Finnish calendar. Warm summer nights always gather a drunken crowd downtown. Intoxicated Finns tend to be rather noisy (in stark contrast to sober Finns) and admittedly sometimes picking a fight with just about anyone. Just use your common sense, and steer clear of overly loud groups of young men. As Tampere is not a big tourist destination, pickpockets and common hustlers are rare.

There are rare exceptional health hazards, although the extreme cold in the winter should be borne in mind by visitors, especially those planning outdoor activities. Whilst in summer the temperature rises occasionally to 30°C, in the winter months it can drop to around -30°C for a week or two. Dressing warmly is a must. If you forget to bring winter clothing, you can always visit local shops for appropriate apparel. Also, watch out for slippery sidewalks in winter. Thousands of people slip and injure themselves every winter! Winter-time driving needs also special caution as the roads may be very slippery with ice and/or snow.

2 Yliopiston Apteekki pharmacy, Hämeenkatu 16 (Keskustori central square), ☏ +358 300 20200. Daily 7/24. The pharmacy with the most central location and the best hours.

3 Acuta, Teiskontie 35 (from Teiskontie to Kuntokatu to Ensitie), ☏ +358 3 311 611, fax: +358 3 311 65346. 24/7. Emergency department of Tampere University Hospital. (updated Jun 2015)