'''Tampere''' (Swedish: ''Tammerfors'') [http://www.tampere.fi/english/] is situated on the shore of lake Nasijarvi, some 170 km north of Helsinki, Finland. Tampere has around 208.000 inhabitants and metro population of over 340.000. Tampere is the biggest inland town in the Nordic region.

Understand

The city of Tampere lies on an isthmus situated between '''Lake Nasijarvi''', which reaches far to the north, and '''Lake Pyhajarvi''' in the south. The '''Tammerkoski rapids''' that run through Tampere connect the two lakes with a fall of 18 metres. In the 7th century population started to gather to this connecting point of two waterways, and in the 18th century people started to understand the importance of the rapids as a way of making hydropower. So it came to be that Tampere was officially founded in the 1st of October in 1779 by Gustav III of Sweden.

During the 19th century Tampere grew rapidly to be an industrial center, and in the latter part of the century the town had almost half of Finland's industrial labour, earning it the nickname '''Manchester of the North''' — which still lives on in the city's nickname ''Manse''. Most of the industry was centered around the rapids, with the textile and paper industries particularly important.

During the Finnish Civil War (1918) Tampere was one of the Red (Communist) strongholds, and it was supposed to be the country's next capital. However, in April 1918 the victorious White forces captured the town after a large battle and seized 10,000 prisoners.

In 1927 the first of the factories stopped industrial operations, and city offices later moved into the empty buildings. After 1960 most of the factories started to cease operations, but the buildings were kept. Nowadays central Tampere is characterized by these old red-brick industrial buildings, most of them housing offices, restaurants, and cultural activities.

Among Finns, Tampere has been found to be the most desirable city to move into in several gallups.

Orientation

Tampere city centre has a couple of prominent features:

  • The main street, '''Hameenkatu''', runs from east to west. At the east end of the street is the railway station and at the west end the Alexander church [http://www.muuka.com/finnishpumpkin/churches/tampere/church_tampere.html]. Many shops, restaurants and offices are located on the main street. The main street continues to east as Itsenaisyydenkatu and to west as Pirkankatu.
  • The '''Tammerkoski rapids''' run from lake Nasijarvi in north to lake Pyhajarvi in south, via Finlayson historical factory area, by riverside park, TAKO factory and Kehrasaari. It's just over 1 kilometer long. The height difference between the two lakes is 18 meters, but the rapids don't flow freely as there are dams and hydroelectric power stations built on the rapids.
  • The central square, '''Keskustori''', is located right next to the bridge where Hameenkatu crosses Tammerkoski rapids.
  • The city center continues to the shore of '''lake Nasijarvi''' in north and '''lake Pyhajarvi''' in south.
  • Most of the hotels, shops and attractions are located within walking distance from each other.
  • '''Pyynikki ridge''' and '''Pispala''' are located couple of kilometers west of the city centre.
  • The city tourist information office [http://www.tampere.fi/english/touristinformation/index.html] is located by the river at Verkatehtaankatu 2 just next to Koskikeskus shopping center and the main street.

    Talk

    People in Tampere speak Finnish and English like everybody else in Finland, but knowing a few words of Tampere dialect (''Tampereen kiali'') is guaranteed to get you a few laughs. It's easy enough: just greet people with ''moro'' (with a trilling 'r'), refer to yourself as ''maa'' (pronounciation: /ma:'/), call them ''saa'' (pronounciation: /sa:'/) and end every sentence with ''naas'' (pronounced /nas'/, like 'nash' in ''Nashville'', except with a prolonged a (cf. "Naaaashville") and a normal 's' instead of 'sh'). A great sentence to practise is 'Maa en kyla enaa ikana alam mitaa.' ('Mina en enaa jaksa yrittaa'(/m'ina en 'ena: y'aksa ur'itta:/ in plain Finnish) is pronounced: /m'a: 'en k'ula 'ena: ik'ana 'ala mita:/. That sentence means: 'I'm too tired to ever try again'.

    Get in

    By plane

    Tampere is serviced by '''Tampere-Pirkkala airport''' ('''TMP''') [http://www.finavia.fi/airport_tampere-pirkkala], which lies 17 km from the city and opened in current location 1979. Flying from Helsinki on Finnair doesn't make much sense in terms of time or money unless you're connecting, but there are direct flights to London (Heathrow), Stockholm and Copenhagen.

    More importantly for the budget traveller, Tampere is Ryanair's Finland hub, with service to Riga, London (Stansted), Frankfurt - Hahn, Milan, Dublin and Bremen. Note that Ryanair uses the old terminal, not the new one.

    Wingo [http://www.wingo.fi] flies from Tampere to Oulu and to Stockholm, Bromma airport.

    Bus services from the airport to Tampere are regular and take about 40 minutes, while taxis take about 20 minutes. Ryanair has its own bus service [http://www.airpro.fi/ryanair_linjaautojenaikataulut] (€6) and the airport is also served by local bus routes [http://www.paunu.fi/english.html]. In addition to regular taxi service, there is also a shared airport taxi service (€12 one-way between Tampere and airport) [http://www.taksitampere.fi/booktaxi.html]. The direct bus service betweeen the airport and Helsinki has stopped running.

    By train

    Tampere has extensive train links, with lines to Helsinki, Turku, up north to Lapland, east towards Jyvaskyla and west to Pori. The trip to/from Helsinki by Pendolino express takes 1 h 26 min and costs €32, while a local train will take 2 h 04 min for the same trip and charge €21. On weekdays, trains to Helsinki run at least about once every hour between early morning and late evening. On weekends, there may be a gap of up to 2 hours between trains. For Finnish students (ISIC ''not'' accepted) and children (6-17 years) all train tickets are half price.

    If you fly to Helsinki airport and wish to take a train to Tampere, you can take bus 61 [http://www.vr.fi/heo/eng/aika/fjatkoyhteydet_tikkurila.htm] or taxi approximtately 5 kilometres from Helsinki airport to Tikkurila train station [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikkurila_railway_station]. An intercity train from Tikkurila to Tampere takes about 1 h 30 min. Note that the ticket office at Tikkurila train station is closed at times while the trains are still running (for example, Sunday nights) and that the ticket machines take cash or Finnish credit cards only, although you may be able to purchase a ticket from the conductor on the train using an international credit card. Visa Electron is not accepted in the trains. The train from Tikkurila arrives at the main train station in Tampere.

    The Tampere train station, recently renovated to its former subtle Art Deco glory is located right at the city center, at the east end of the main street Hameenkatu. Most hotels are within walking distance of the station.

    By coach

    There is an almost hourly Expressbus coach connection from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Tampere bus station operated by Paunu, departing from platform 13 in front of the international flights terminal. The service operates round the clock, although there may be a gap of 1 to 2 h between services in the small hours of the night. The trip takes between 2 h and 2 h 30 min depending on whether the service calls in towns on the way. In some cases, there is a change of coach at Keimolanportti but it is well co-ordinated and easy. Ticket cost is €22.50 (round trip €40.50) for adults, €11.30 for students (ISIC ''not'' accepted) and children of age 4-16. Children under the age of four travel free.

    By car

    Tampere can be easily reached by car. The drive from Helsinki takes about 2 h and there is a 2+2 lane motorway throughout the journey (speed limit 120 km/h with small portions 100 km/h in the summer, or 100 km/h throughout in the winter). The motorway is new and in excellent condition but is mainly not lit so some care must be exercised when driving in the dark, particularly in the winter when driving conditions can be harsh due to snow and slippery road surface. There are also road connections from Tampere to Turku, Pori, Rauma, Seinajoki/Vaasa, Jyvaskyla and Lahti but these are mostly 1+1 lane regular roads with speed limits between 80 km/h and 100 km/h. Harsh winter conditions may make driving difficult occasionally in the winter, and there is a small risk of collision with deer or elk, particularly just after dusk in the late summer and autumn.

    Get around

    By bus

    The city centre of Tampere is small enough to be covered on foot, but an extensive bus network connects the suburbs and the downtown. In the city centre, most of the bus lines pass through Hameenkatu. All buses stop at or near the central square. Realtime info at most stops in centre. Bus schedules can be found at the internet [http://www.tampere.fi/english/publictransport/timetables/index.html] and there is also a vary convenient journey planner available: enter origin and destination either as address or clicking from a map and the journey planner will show the bus route and schedule, including bus numbers, bus stops and walking distances as well as the route on the map [http://atlas.tripplanner.fi/tkl/en/]

    Single tickets for adults (12 year olds and above) cost €2,50 and children cost €1. Every paying adult can be accompanied for free by one child under the age of 7. Adult with baby in pushchair travels for free. A single ticket includes a 60 minute unlimited transfer ticket. At night time (from midnight until four or five in the morning) there is an extra payment of €2,50 per ticket. The lines running in the night may also use a different route than in the day time. These buses are recognised through an "Y" in addition to the line number, both on the bus and in the timetables. City transportation single tickets are available from all city tariff zone buses.

    You can purchase a Tampere Tourist Card [http://www.tampere.fi/english/publictransport/tickets/touristcard/index.html] for unlimited travel by bus within the Tampere city borders (€6 for the first day, additional days cost €4 for adults; youth and children are €4/€3 and €3/€2 respectively). Purchase the smartcard at the railway or bus station, central square kiosk or city transportation [http://www.tampere.fi/english/publictransport/index.html] office at Frenckellinaukio 2 B, at the North Eastern side of the central square.

    The tickets are also valid in most line-numbered regional bus lines (lines 45-95), if traveled within the city. You'll recognize a city tariff zone bus from the "hailing driver" logo near the right corner of the front of the bus.

    If you're traveling outside the city limits (for instance to Helsinki), you have to pay according to the distance of your trip. When travelling longer journeys, you can buy a single ticket by telling your destination (eg. "to Kangasala" or "to Ideapark") to the driver, and if you have co-passengers for which you're also be paying, then say eg. "two adults", or if you want to buy a return ticket (the length of your trip must however be at least 80 km). In case you're entitle to a rebated ticket, such as a child or youth ticket, then also remember to mention that to the driver before you say your destination. Child tickets are sold to 4-11 year olds and youth tickets to 12-16 year olds. Student tickets are not available with international student ID's.

    Public transport routes and timetables (throughout Finland): [http://journey.fi/]

    By taxi

    Taxis in Tampere (and in Finland) are clean, safe, reliable and reasonably priced. The cost of the trip depends on the number of passengers and time of day (day/night). As an example, 1-2 persons traveling in daytime a 5-kilometre trip costs about €10; and a 10 km trip about €16. You can try to hail a passing cab if its roof light is on, but the usual way is to find nearest taxi stand and get a cab from there; or call for a taxi (the number is 10041 from landline, or 01004131 from a mobile phone). Taxis accept major credit cards. Taxis can be slightly difficult to obtain on weekend nights and during Sundays. [http://www.taksitampere.fi/booktaxi.html]

    By car

    Most major car rental companies have offices in Tampere. Driving in Tampere is rather straightforward but keep in mind that many streets in the city centre are one-way and streetside parking spaces may be difficult to find at certain times of day (there is no shortage of parking spaces in indoor car parks though). However, winter driving conditions could be dangerous for drivers who are not used to slippery roads (usually between November and April, but possibly during other months too). When driving outside city, watch out for wild moose that could wander over the road. Traffic signs are posted to notify the driver of the areas where moose tend to move about. Do take the signs seriously, especially at dawn. There are dedicated buslanes only for buses and taxis in the centre.

    See

    Museums and Galleries

  • Amuri Museum of Workers' Housing. murin tyolaismusekortteli. ttp://www.tampere.fi/amuri/startpage.htm. atakunnankatu 49. 358 3 5656 6690. ue-Sun 10-18. Open in summer only.. dults €5, children (7-16) €1. Amuri is a block of old houses from the 19th century in which workers used to live. Houses form an almost closed inner court, and share only one kitchen.
  • Finnish Boxing Museum. uomen nyrkkeilymuseo. ctvs@boxing-tvs.fi. 358 400 830 128. leksanterinkatu 26 B. pen by prior agreement only. oluntary price. Finnish and international boxing equipment, photographs and other items.
  • Finnish Labour Museum Werstas. yovaenmuseo Werstas. aino Linnan aukio 8. ttp://www.tyovaenmuseo.fi/?q=en. ue-Sun 11-18. dults €5, students, pensioners and unemployed €4, children (7-15) €2. Lots of different exhibitions to see. Currently on display the history of the Finnish Social Security, Worker's Century and soon to be opened exhibition about the famous Finnish writer Vaino Linna. The fee is also valid for Textile Industry Museum and Steam Engine Museum (the largest Steam Engine ever used on land in Finland).
  • Hiekka Art Museum. iekan taidemuseo. ttp://www.hiekantaidemuseo.fi/engl.htm. ue 15-18, Wed 15-19, Thu 15-18, Sun 12-15. dults €5, students €3. irkankatu 6. 358 3 212 3973. Home museum of art collector Kustaa Hiekka.
  • Lenin Museum. enin-museo. ameenpuisto 28. ttp://www.lenin.fi/uusi/uk/index.htm. on-Fri 09-18, Sat Sun 11-16. euro;5. Tampere's most offbeat attraction and well worth a visit if you have any interest, serious or humorous, in the Soviet revolutionary figure who spent some time in exile in Tampere. Lenin and Stalin met for the first time in this very apartment. Exhibits include a sofa that Lenin slept on and more busts that you can shake a stick at. There is also a wacky but fairly expensive gift shop.
  • Mineral Museum. ampereen kivimuseo. ttp://www.tampere.fi/kivimuseo/english/index.htm. ameenpuisto 20. 358 3 5656 6046. ue-Fri 09-17, Sat-Sun 10-18. dults €5, children (7-16) and students €1. Museum of rocks and minerals. Exhibition consists of about 5000 items.
  • The Moominvalley of the Tampere Art Museum. uumilaakso. ttp://inter9.tampere.fi/muumilaakso/index.php?lang=en. uumi@tampere.fi. 358 3 5656 6578. ue-Fri 9-17, Sat-Sun 10-18. dults €4, children (4-16) and students €1. ameenpuisto 20. n the same building with main library Metso. Museum devoted to the work of Tove Jansson with around 2000 works.
  • Rupriikki. aino Linnan aukio 13 (Finlayson). 358 3 5656 6411. upriikki@tampere.fi. ue-Sun 10-18. ttp://www.tampere.fi/mediamuseo/english.htm. dults €5, children (7-16) and students €1. Media museum focusing on history and development of mass communications.
  • Sara Hilden Art Museum. ara Hildenin taidemuseo. ara.hilden@tampere.fi. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/sarahilden/index.html. arkanniemi. ue-Sun 11-18. Modern art, both Finnish and foreign.
  • Spy Museum. akoilumuseo. atakunnankatu 18. ttp://www.vakoilumuseo.fi/englanti/index.htm. un-Aug: Mon-Sat 10-18, Sun 11-17. Sep-May: Mon-Sat 12-18, Sun 11-17. Claims to be the first spy museum in the world, exhibiting everything from spy cameras to secret weapons. Admission €7 (adults) / €5.50 (children and students).
  • Tampere Art Museum. ampereen taidemuseo. uutarhakatu 34. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/artmuseum/index.html. ue-Sun 10-18. rice varies with exhibitions. Changing exhibitions of Finnish and foreign art.
  • Vapriikki. eturiaukio 4. ttp://www.tampere.fi/vapriikki/index.html. un-Aug: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 10-18, Wed 11-20. Sep-May: Tue, Thu-Sun 10-18, Wed 11-20. dults €7, children (7-16) and students €2, pensioners and unemployed €6. Some exhibitions may cost extra. Changing exhibitions. Basic exhibitions include history of Pirkanmaa, shoe museum and hockey museum.
  • Art and Craftcenter Verkaranta. asi- ja taideteollisuuskeskus Verkaranta. erkatehtaankatu 2. 358 3 225 1409. erkaranta.nayttely@taitopirkanmaa.fi. on-Fri 10-18, Sat-Sun 11-16 (12-17 in summer). euro;3. ttp://www.taitopirkanmaa.fi/epages/pirkanmaa.axl/?ObjectID=3694&Locale=en_GB. Monthly exhibitions on arts and crafts.

    Churches

  • Kaleva Church. alevan kirkko. iisanpuisto 1. ttp://www.tampereenseurakunnat.fi/kirkot/kaleva. Designed by famous architect Reima Pietila in 1966.
  • Messukyla's Old Church. essukylan vanha kirkko. ivikirkontie 2. ttp://www.tampereenseurakunnat.fi/kirkot/messukyla_vanha. The oldest building in Tampere, built during the medieval times.
  • Tampere Cathedral. ampereen tuomiokirkko. uomiokirkonkatu. ttp://www.tampereenseurakunnat.fi/kirkot/tuomiokirkko. Architectocnically significant church designed by architect Lars Sonck. Basils famous frescos, including ''Haavoittunut enkeli'', ''Kuoleman puutarhat'', and ''Koynnoksenkantajat'', are painted by Hugo Simberg.
  • Tampere Parish. ampereen ortodoksikirkko. uvantokatu 10. ttp://www.ort.fi/fi/kirkko_palvelee/srk/tampere/index.php. Tampere Orthodox Church.

    Parks and Islands

  • Duck Park. orsapuisto. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/environment/greenareas/parks/sorsapuisto.html. liopistonkatu. Quite large park around a pond by the Tampere Hall, near the city centre. Good choice for a summer picnic. In the summer there are also different species of birds in cages by the pond.
  • Hatanpaa Arboretum. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/environment/greenareas/parks/hatanpaa.html. atanpaan puistokuja. bout 2km south via Hatanpaan valtatie from the city centre, turn to right on Hatanpaan puistokuja. An arboretum (a collection of trees and plants), a rose garden, and park by the lake Pyhajarvi.
  • Koskipuisto Park. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/environment/greenareas/parks/koskipuisto.html. Newly renovated park by the Tammerkoski rapids in the center of the city. Popular place to have a picnic or a beer on a sunny summer day.
  • Nasi Park. asinpuisto. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/environment/greenareas/parks/nasinpuisto.html. Nice park by the lake Nasijarvi, created in the early 20th century. Park starts from the north end of Hameenpuisto. On the highest point of the park lies a memorial for the victims of the shipwreck of S/S Kuru. By the memorial you'll have a great view over the lake Nasijarvi and Sarkanniemi Adventure Park.
  • Southern Park. telapuisto. telapuisto. t the southern end of Hameenpuisto. A park with a fountain. From the park you can walk through the woods to Pyynikin uimaranta, the most popular beach in Tampere.
  • Viikinsaari Island. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/culture/activities/viikinsaari/index.html. rice for the boat: adults €8, seniors and students €7, and children (4-17) €4. On a sunny summer day take a 20 minutes boat trip[http://www.hopealinja.fi/sivut/english/viikinsaari_island.htm] from Laukontori to Viikinsaari Island. There are swimming shores, playgrounds, gaming fields, fireplace for roasting sausages and such (buy them beforehand) and a restaurant with dance pavilion on the island. Most of the island is a nature reserve.

    Others

  • Pispala. A bridge between lake Nasijarvi and lake Pyhajarvi. Formerly a working-class neighborhood, the area has gentrified radically and is currently one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Tampere. However, you can still get a glimpse of the history at the area as there are lots of original houses left. Along with neighouring '''Pyynikki''' it forms an important historical area of Tampere. You can enjoy nature at the Pyynikki park and climb up to Pyynikki tower for nice views over the ridge, lakes and the city and enjoy coffee & famous doughnuts afterwards. In the summer you can also stop by at '''Pyynikin kesateatteri''' by Lake Pyhajarvi to enjoy open-air theatre and experience the revolving auditorium.
  • Sarkanniemi Adventure Park. arkanniemi. ttp://www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/index.php?lang=en. ntrance €6, single ride ticket €5, day pass €29 (includes entrance). dventure park 01-May - 01-Sep, art museum and restaurant throughout the year. Includes a dolphinarium and the landmark '''Nasinneula''' tower, topped by the inevitable revolving restaurant. On a summer day the views of the surrounding forests and lakes are quite nice though.
  • Tampere city library and Pirkanmaa regional library. etso. irkankatu 2. ttp://www.tampere.fi/kirjasto/english.htm. on-Fri 09.30-20.00, Sat 09.30-15.00. In 1978 a competition was arranged for the design of a new main library. The jury unanimously chose the design by Raili and Reima Pietila. The architects said they had been influenced by various elements, such as Celtic ornaments, sheep horns and glacial spin formations. The constructional basic idea was space coiling spirally like the shell of a snail. The form of a bird appeared in the design process. Increasingly, the building began to resemble a large game bird - capercaillie. In fact, the library is known under the Finnish name "Metso". Seen from above, the building looks like a bird carrying a shield.
  • Haihara Mansion. aiharan kartano. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/culture/activities/haihara/index.html. A peaceful place to visit on a warm summer day. There is a cafe, art exhibitions and a garden. The mansion's history dates back to 16th century. The last stop of bus line 15 is near Haihara.
  • Hervanta. The suburb of Hervanta is located about 10 km south of the city center and can be reached either by taxi or bus lines 13, 20, 23, 30 or 39. It is the location of Tampere University of Technology, Hermia Technology Center and large amount of student housing. Many high-tech companies (for example, Nokia) have offices in Hervanta. What makes Hervanta infamous is the large amount of 1970's concrete residential tower blocks and the social problems it suffered, especially during 1980's. If you happen to be around Hervanta during the semesters of TUT, you might run into a student party somewhere. Thursdays are the most popular days for these.

    Do

  • Cruises. ttp://www.tampere.fi/english/tourism/boattraffic/charterboats/index.html. To

    Eat

    Tampere is (in)famous for its '''black sausage''' (''mustamakkara''), a sausage made of blood. The most authentic (and cheapest) 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" (''kaks euroa'') will get you a nice hefty chunk. You can also try a '''doughnut''' (''donitsi'') with a cup of coffee. Note that both markets close by 2PM and are closed Sundays too.

    Tipping is not customary in Finland. Thus, while being highly appreciated, it is not required. Feel free to tip those you feel deserve it.

    Budget

    For inexpensive fast food, you can always visit McDonald's and Subway, or their domestic equivalents Hesburger and Rolls. Finnish pizza franchise Kotipizza has restaurants throughout the city. Ethnic pizza and kebab restaurants can be found throughout the city and are usually even cheaper than international fast food restaurants.

    For a lunch during weekdays the best price/quality ratio is offered by the student canteens at the universities [http://www.juvenes.fi/In_English/Restaurants_and_Cafeterias]

  • Gopal. lmarinkatu. 358 3 253 1002. ttp://kasvisravintolagopala.com/. on-Fri 11-16, Sat 12-16. Vegetarian lunch restaurant. Food seasoned in an Indian manner, not an Indian restaurant though.
  • Katupoika. leksanterinkatu 20. 358 3 2720 201. ttp://www.aleksinravintolat.fi/katupoika/katue.htm. on-Sat 11-21 (or later). rom €9, including salad bar. Proudly serving hearty portions of real Tampere food for over thirty years, including black sausage. The mural in the restaurant depicts a view of Pispala, one of Tampere's ''harju'' hills.
  • Kim Long. tsenaisyydenkatu 2. rom €5. €7,9 lunch buffet on weekdays, 9,9 on weekends. A rather decent Chinese restaurant just outside the railway station's passage.
  • Pizzeria Napoli. leksanterinkatu 31. 358 3 223 8887. ttp://www.pizzerianapoli.net/. on-Thu 11-23, Fri 11-24, Sat 12-24, Sun 13-23. izzas from €7 to €12. The oldest pizzeria in Tampere. Pizzas vary from the ordinary to exotic (for example ostrich meat, or Finlandia vodka with fried game, or habanero)
  • Gastropub Praha. ttp://www.gastropub.net/praha/. tsenaisyydenkatu 11. 358 3 2612 500. rom €6 to €10. on-Thu 17:00-23:30, Fri 16-24, Sat 12-24, Sun 15-21.
  • Veijon Kokkitykki. Located by Tammmelantori square. Traditional style fish food, loved by many.

    Mid-range

  • 2h+k. leksanterinkatu 33. rom €9 to €13. ttp://www.2hk.fi/. on 12-22, Tue-Thu 12-24, Fri-Sat 12-01, Sun 13-23. 358 3 2131 131. Delibar, serves e.g. warm breads
  • Aino ja Ilmari. ammelan puistokatu 27. 358 3 253 2630. on-Fri 11-22, Sat 12-22, Sun 13-18. ain courses from €15 to €27.
  • Amarillo. atanpaan valtatie 1. 358 3 5698 6114. ttp://www.amarillo.fi/english/index.php. teaks from €17 to €30. Tex mex restaurant, part of the Amarillo chain.
  • Antika. ainolankatu 1. 358 3 2141 282. ttp://www.antika.fi/. ue-Fri 11-14 and 16-23, Sat 12-23, Sun 13-20. ain courses from €11 to €22. Excellent Greek restaurant located in Tammela. Very cosy atmosphere and friendly staff.
  • Athur. apinniemenranta 12. ttp://www.holidayclubspahotels.com/ravintola-arthur-en.html. on-Fri 11-23, Sat 12-23, Sun 12-21. rom ?10 to ?23. Restaurant at Holiday Club Tampere Spa.
  • Bella Roma Siperia. ttp://www.bellaroma.fi/index_keskusta.php. on-Tue 11-22, Wed-Thu 11-23, Fri 11-24, Sat 12-24, Sun 13-21. tainenkatu 5-7 (Siperia). 358 3 222 1303. ellaroma@bellaroma.fi. econdi piatti from €15 to €26. Italian restaurant located in Finlayson's Siperia.
  • Bodega Salud. ttp://www.salud.fi/index_en.php. uomiokirkonkatu 19. alud@salud.fi. on-Fri 11-, Sat 12-, Sun 13-. 358 3 2334 400. ain courses from €16 to €30. Famous spanish restaurant, best known for it's meat dishes, but serves suprisingly good vegetarian disces, too. Serves also more exotic courses such as Rocky Mountain oysters, gnu, and kangaroo.
  • Classic American Diner. tainen katu 9-13 (Siperia). 358 3 2604 500. ampere@diner.fi. ttp://www.diner.fi/. on-Wed 11-21, Thu-Fri 11-23, Sat 12-24, Sun 12-22. urgers from €10 to €35. American style burger restaurant.
  • Coussicca. ttp://www.coussicca.com/. yyrikintie 2. 358 3 2552 100. on-Fri 11-22, Sat-Sun 12-21. oussicca@elisanet.fi. ain courses from €13 to €25. The oldest restaurant in Tampere. Known for it's large breaded pork escalope, the Coussican Vinkkari.
  • Coyote bar & Grill. ameenkatu 3. 358 3 2143 911. ttp://www.coyote.fi/index.php. on-Thu 11-24, Fri 11-01, Sat 12-01, Sun 12-24. ain courses from ?15 to ?25, menus from ?27 to ?40.
  • Golden Unicorn. allituskatu 3. 358 3 222 0321. ttp://www.goldenunicorn.fi/. on-Thu 11-22, Fri 11-23, Sat 12-23, Sun 12-22. rom €10 to €19. Chinese restaurant very near Keskustori. Also take-away.
  • El Toro. ameenkatu 26. ttp://www.ravintolaeltoro.com/. on-Thu 11-23, Fri 11-24, Sat 12-24, Sun 14-22. 358 3 2131 755. ltoro.tampere@sok.fi. ain courses from €16 to €26. Steak restaurant.
  • Esperanza Kitchen & Tequileria. nfo@esperanza.fi. 358 3 4474 810. ameenkatu 10. ttp://www.esperanza.fi/. on-Thu 11-14 and 17-23, Fri 11-14 and 17-24, Sat 14-24. ain courses from €18 to €25. Spanish-mexican restaurant located under Hameenkatu.
  • Frankly. ttp://www.ravintolafrankly.fi/. allituskatu 22. rankly@ravintolafrankly.fi. 358 3 2120 235. on-Thu 11-24, Fri 11-01, Sat 12-01, Sun 14-23. ain courses from €16 to €23.
  • Gastropub Tuulensuu. ameenpuisto 23. ttp://www.gastropub.net/tuulensuu/. 358 3 2141 553. un-Fri 17-24, Sat 12-24. ood from €5 to €17. Small, moody gastropub serving tasty food. Good selection of foreign beers, ciders, wines and cigars. Friendly and competent staff.
  • The Grill. renckellin aukio. 358 3 260 3355. avintola@grill.fi. ttp://www.grill.fi/. on-Thu 11-24, Fri 11-01, Sat 12-01, Sun 13-20. ain courses from €17 to €35. Spanish-international cuisine with an emphasis on grilled food. Good price/quality ratio.
  • Gringos Locos. ehrasaari. ttp://www.gringoslocos.fi/. 358 3 2133 700. uanita@gringoslocos.fi. on-Tue 17-22, Wed-Thu 17-23, Fri 17-01, Sat 13-01, Sun 13-22. ajun grill from €13 to €22. Tex mex restaurant
  • Harald. ttp://www.ravintolaharald.com/tampere/. ameenkatu 23. 358 3 2138 380. arald.tampere@hallman.fi. on-Thu 11-24, Fri 11-01, Sat 12-01, Sun 13-21. ain courses from €15 to €27, menus from €27 to €40. Viking restaurant.
  • Havana Bar & Grill. ameenkatu 15. 358 3 2239 333. ttp://www.tempoterrace.fi/. un-Thu 15-24, Fri 15-03, Sat 12-03. ain courses from ?14 to ?19. empo@gastropub.net. Located by the bank of Tammerkoski.
  • Hook. ttp://www.hookwings.com/. ehrasaari 101. 358 3 2233 284. on-Thu 16-24, Fri 16-01, Sat 14-01, Sun 14-22. 2 chicken wings €6.70. Wings restaurant.
  • Knossos. ttp://www.knossos.fi/. nossos.tampere@knossos.fi. atanpaan valtatie 1 (Koskikeskus). 358 3 2238 898. on 11-15, Tue-Thu 11-21, Fri 11-22, Sat 12-22. ain courses from €12 to €24. Greek restaurant.
  • Laterna. uutarhakatu 11. ttp://www.aleksinravintolat.fi/laterna/. aterna@aleksinravintolat.fi. ue-Thu 17-23, Fri-Sat 17-04. 358 3 272 0241. ain courses from €15 to €23. Russian cuisine
  • Lotus Garden. ongankatu 5. Chinese restaurant near the railway station. Also take-away.
  • Maruseki. allituskatu 7. ttp://www.maruseki.net/. nfo@maruseki.net. ue-Thu 11-21, Fri 11-22, Sat 11-21. 358 3 2120 728. ushi and warm dishes from €6 to €15. Japanese restaurant and tea house founded and owned by Marjo Seki, who lived 20 years in Japan as a teacher and interpreter. Maruseki had the first tea house in Finland, and you can experience real Japanese dinner kneeling in front of a ''kotatsu''-table wearing a ''kimono''.
  • Montree. ttp://www.montree.fi/. on-Thu 11-15, Fri 11-18 (reservation required after 17), Sat 18-24 (reservation required). avintola.montree@gmail.com. 358 3 2130 490. ammareninkatu 7. ain courses from €15 to €21.
  • Myllarit. ttp://www.myllarit.com/?q=en. on 11-14, Tue-Thu 11-23, Fri 11-24, Sat 12-24. 358 3 2722 660. avintola@myllarit.com. kerlundinkatu 4. ain courses from €14 to €23.
  • Nanda Devi. ttp://www.nandadevi.fi/. asilinnankatu 17. 358 3 2130 935. on-Thu 11-22, Fri-Sat 11-23, Sun 12-22. rom €12 to €19. Indian restaurant.
  • Natalie. allituskatu 19. avintola@natalie.fi. ttp://www.natalie.fi/. ue-Sat 17-24. 358 3 223 2040. ain courses from €14 to €20. Slavic restaurant.
  • Old Oliver's. uninkaankatu 24. avintola@oldolivers.fi. ttp://www.oldolivers.fi/. 358 3 213 4204. on-Tue 11-22, Wed-Thu 11-23, Fri-Sat 11-00, Sun 12-22. ood from the grill from €9 to €58.
  • Pancho Villa. ameenkatu 23. ranches also at Satakunnankatu 22, Tammelan puistokatu 34. 358 3 213 1232. alaute@panchovilla.fi. ttp://www.panchovilla.fi/. on-Fri 11-, Sat-Sun 12-. ain courses from €8 to €30. Mexican/tex-mex style restaurant. Good price/quality ratio.
  • Piazza Foodfactory & Bar. ttp://www.piazzafoodfactory.fi/. ameenkatu 1. on-Fri 11-24, Sat 12-24, Sun 12-22. iazza@piazzafoodfactory.fi. 358 3 2446 2207. ain courses up to €27. Mixed kitchen.
  • Plevna. tainenkatu 8. ttp://plevna.fi/index_e.php. on 11-23, Tue-Thu 11-01, Fri-Sat 11-02, Sun 12-23. yynti@plevna.fi.
  • Ragu's Wok & Grill. lmarinkatu 8 (Tammelantori). 358 3 213 1599. ttp://www.ragus.fi/. on-Sat 11:00-22:30, Sun 12:00-22:30. ain courses from ?13 to ?24. Take away -30%. Malaysian restaurant.
  • Ravintolalaiva Tampere. unch ?19, dinner ?26 including the cruise, food buffet and entertainment. Restaurant ship Tampere makes lunch and dinner cruises on lake Pyhajarvi. Departs from Laukontori.
  • Rosso. osso.koskipuisto@sok.fi. 358 3 223 1751. oskipuisto. ttp://www.rosso.fi. un-Thu 11-24, Fri-Sat 11-01. ain courses from €10 to €20. A popular family restaurant, that belongs to the Rosso chain. Food is cheap and restaurants offer good playgrounds and dishes for children. An excellent view to Tammerkoski.
  • Saha. ttp://www.soittoruokalasaha.fi/. 358 3 2134 585. atanpaan valtatie 1 (Koskikeskus). ain courses from €10 to €45.
  • SpeakEasy. avintola@speakeasy.fi. aamaarankuja 10 (Siperia). 358 3 2604 777. on-Thu 11-24, Fri 11-01, Sat 12-01, Sun 12-24. 2 chicken wings €7.80. Wings restaurant in two floors. The more "speak easy" like decoration can be found from the cellar. Use the entrance on the alley behind the dining area inside Siperia.
  • Star & Moonlight. atanpaan valtatie 1 (Koskikeskus). 358 3 2140 284. on - Fri 11 - 22, Sat - Sun 12 - 22 . ? - 18 ?. Small indian restaurant, back side of Koskikeskus. Lunch at 11: - 15:00 every weekdays. Prices between 7.50 ? to 8.50 ?.
  • Stroget. aukontori 10. ttp://www.strogetoy.fi/. 358 3 2226 490. nfo@strogetoy.fi. rom €7 to €17. on-Fri 10:30-18:00, Sat 11-17. Danish style sandwiches (smorrebrod).
  • Swagath. ttp://www.kolumbus.fi/mikrotuki.vpparviainen/swagath/index_eng.htm. 358 3 2126 740. uomiokirkonkatu 40. ue-Thu 11-16, Fri 11-23, Sat 12-23. rom €12 to €19. Indian restaurant.
  • Veganissimo. ttp://www.veganissimo.fi/en/index.php. tavalankatu 10. 358 3 213 0323. on-Tue 11-20, Wed-Thu 11-22, Fri 11-24, Sat 13-24. la carte main dishes from €12 to €19. Vegetarian restaurant, all dishes suitable for vegans also.
  • Wistub Alsace. aukontori 6B. ttp://www.wistubalsace.com/index_en.html. 358 3 2120 260. istubalsace@wistubalsace.com. ue-Fri 16-22, Sat 15-22. price="Tarte flambee from €12 to €14, other main courses from €18 to €20. Hearty Alsatian restaurant in the heart of Tampere. All the traditional Alsatian meals are represented on the menu.

    Splurge

  • Astor. leksis Kiven katu 26. ttp://www.ravintola-astor.fi/index_en.php. on-Thu 11-24, Fri-Sat 11-02, Sun 14-22. 358 3 260 5700. stor@ravintola-astor.fi. ain courses from €17 to €25, four course menu €44. European kitchen
  • Finlaysonin Palatsi. uninkaankatu 1. ttp://www.finlaysoninpalatsi.com/index_english.htm. 358 400 219 530. ue-Fri 11-24, Sat 12-24. ain courses from €15 to €26. alatsi@finlaysoninpalatsi.com. Beutifully located at an old palace.
  • Hella ja huone. alhojankatu 48. 358 3 253 2440. ttp://www.huone.info/. ue-Sat 18-. ain courses ?20.50, four course menu ?45. ella@huone.info. French cuisine.
  • Henriks. atamakatu 7. 358 3 272 0221. ttp://www.aleksinravintolat.fi/henriks/. unchtime: Mon-Fri 11:00-14:30. Evenings: Mon-Tue 17-22, Wed-Fri 17-24, Sat 13-24. ain courses from ?16 to ?28, four course menu ?49. enriks@aleksinravintolat.fi.
  • Hameensilta. ameenkatu 13. ttp://www.hameensilta.fi/. 358 3 212 7207. ue-Thu 21-02, Fri-Sat 21-04. ain courses from €17 to €22. A dance & music restaurant in the heart of Tampere. Popular among the 50+ generation.
  • Masuuni. ttp://www.ravintolamasuuni.com/. atanpaan valtatie 1 (Hotel Ilves). 358 3 5698 6121. ales.tampere@sokoshotels.fi. on-Thu 18-23, Fri 18-24, Sat 17-24. ain courses from €22 to €28, menus from €44 to €50.
  • Nasinneula. ttp://www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/ravintola/index.php?lang=en&undefined. arkanniemi. 358 20 7130 234. 1-23.30. ain courses from €20 to €30. A high class restaurant with a beautiful view and excellent menu of Finnish ingredients such as game and berries.
  • Tammer. atakunnankatu 13. ttp://www.ravintolatammer.com/. on-Sat 11:30-23:30. 358 20 1234 630. ain courses from €19 to €26.
  • Tiiliholvi. ttp://www.aleksinravintolat.fi/tiiliholvi/indexen.html. auppakatu 10. iiliholvi@aleksinravintolat.fi. 358 3 2720 231. on-Fri 11-15 and 17-24, Sat 13-24. ain courses from €20 to €26.

    Drink

    Cafes

  • Amurin helmi. atakunnankatu 49. 358 3 5656 6634. very day from 10 to 17 (during summer from 10 to 18). ttp://www.tampere.fi/amuri/kahvila.htm. Cosy athmosphere in an old wooden building which is part of Amuri museum of workers' housing. Tampere specialities and homemade bread.
  • Arnolds. ullikatu 6 (Tullintori). 358 3 2234 850. on-Fri 09-20, Sat 10-17. egular coffee from €1.60 to €2.20, doughnuts from €1.70 to €2.30. ttp://www.arnolds.fi/home. Tasty doughnuts baked on location. There's another outlet at Koskikeskus.
  • Mokkamestarit. uukuja 8 E. ttp://www.mokkamestarit.fi/. 358 3 2530 145. on-Fri 10-18, Sat 10-16. Great variety of different coffees sold for home use, roasted and grinded by themselves. Couple of different brands served for drinking on spot, brands changing daily.
  • Pyynikki Observation tower cafe. akotornintie. ttp://www.tampereopas.com/nahtavyydet/pyynikinnakotorni/. +358 3 212 3247. very day from 09 to 20. Serves donuts appreciated by many. The observation tower is only 26 meters high, but since it is located on a ridge, it offers a great view of Tampere and the surrounding lakes. It costs about one euro to climb up the observation tower.
  • Vohvelikahvila. jakatu 2. ttp://www.vohvelikahvila.com/. 358 3 2144 225. on-Sat 09-20, Sun 10-20. Small atmospheric cafe. The name means "Waffle Cafe" and that's what you'll get, in both sweet and savoury versions.

    Pubs and nightclubs

    Plenty of competition on beer prices at Hameenkatu especially during day.

    Pubs

  • O'Connel's. autatienkatu 24. ttp://www.oconnells.fi/. 358 3 222 7032. pen every day 16-02. Irish pub near the railway station. Many staff members and owners are irish/british(?)
  • Plevna. tainenkatu 8. ttp://www.plevna.fi/index_e.php. ains from €10 to €20 and a large beer to wash it down €5, for children from €4 to €8. A brewery pub and restaurant in a renovated old red-brick textile mill, serving solid German-style fare and a wide range of its own microbrews.
  • Salhojankadun Pub. alhojankatu 29. 358 3 2553 376. ttp://www.sqc.fi/salhis/. English-style pub a little off the beaten track, but within walking distance of the railway station.
  • Gastropub Tuulensuu. ameenpuisto 23. 358 3 2141 553. ttp://www.gastropub.net/tuulensuu/. A traditional style pub with an extensive selection (biggest in Tampere) of over one hundred imported Central European and other beers, especially self-imported Belgian brews. Also serves beer snacks and main courses.

    Nightclubs

  • Doris. orka. leksanterinkatu 20. ttp://www.ravintoladoris.fi/. ri-Sat 22-04, Tue-Thu, Sun 23-04. Small but popular night club. Not for the upper crust people.
  • Ilves. ttp://www.nightravintolat.com/ilves/. ed-Sat 21-04. atanpaan valtatie 1 (Hotel Ilves). 358 20 1234 631. Quite popular night club. Music mostly from top hits to club.
  • Klubi. ttp://www.klubi.net/home_eng.php?ch_lang=1. on-Tue 11-22, Wed-Fri 11-04, Sat 15-04. rice depends on performers. ullikamarinaukio 2. A bar/night club in the old customs house built in 1901. Live music presented often.
  • Love Hotel. ttp://www.lovehotel.fi/. ue & Sun 23-04, Wed-Sat 22-04. ameenkatu 10. 358 10 423 3222. New and quite large night club in the center of the city. Private lounges (€89-150) and karaoke lounges (€150-300) available. Lounge prices include free entrance for 6 or 8 persons and a bottle of champagne.
  • Onnela. uutarhakatu 21. 358 20 7759 470. ttp://ravintolaonnela.fi. A popular night club for 20+ generation. Has multiple departments with different music and visual style. Music from heavy rock to latest pop charts.
  • Ruma. urtokatu. ttp://www.ruma.fi/. Popular night club selected the best of the town by City Magazine. Cheap drinks and entrance. Music played is something between rock and pop, often British bands. Personal interior designing.
  • Yo-talo. ttp://www.yo-talo.com/english.html. auppakatu 10. o-talo@yo-talo.com. Disco, clubs, and live music in a building from the early 20th century. Type and age of the crowd depends heavily on the program.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • Harmala Camping. ttp://www.fontana.fi/tmp_harmala_site_1.asp?lang=3&sua=9&s=43. eirintakatu 8. 358 3 265 1355. Camping area about 3km from the city centre. Open only in summer.
  • Homeland Tampere. ullervonkatu 19 A. 358 3 3126 0200. ttp://www.homeland.fi/englanti/index.html. ingle room ?74, double room ?84. omeland@homeland.fi. Apartment hotel located near Tammelan tori, about 5min walk from the railway station.
  • Hostel Sofia. uomiokirkonkatu 12 A. 358 3 2544 020. ttp://www.tnnky.fi/hostel.html. ingle room ?45, double room ?65. ostelsofia@hostelsofia.fi. Hostel located next to Tampere Cathedral.
  • Hotel Kauppi. alevan puistotie 2. ttp://www.avainhotellit.fi/eng/kauppi.htm. 358 3 2535 353. auppi@avainhotellit.fi. ingle room €57/€72, double room €72/€89. A budget hotel/motel about 1 km from the city center, near Kauppi recreation forest.
  • Hotelli Iltatahti. ylaojankatu 16. 358 3 3151 6262. ttp://www.hoteliltatahti.fi/index_eng.html. ingle room ?70, double room ?80. otel@hoteliltatahti.fi. Has moved from central Tampere to Messukyla which is situated four kilometers away from Tampere downtown. It is specialized in long term accommodation but offers rooms on nightly basis also. Only four rooms.
  • Hotelli Haapalinna. ahtimiehenkatu 3. 358 3 3453 335. ttp://www.hotellihaapalinna.com/english/index.htm. ingle room ?56/?59, double room ?72/?78. otelhaapalinna@hotellihaapalinna.com. A budget hotel located 4 km from the city center in a residential area, near bus routes.
  • Omena Hotel Tampere. ameenkatu 28. ttp://www.omena.com/hotel-tampere. oom for 1-4 persons from ?36 (price changes by the date of booking and occupancy rate). The local branch of a budget hotel chain, centrally located on the main street. A self-service hotel (no reception desk).
  • Summer Hotel Harmala. uolialantie 48. 358 3 2651 355. ttp://www.fontana.fi/tmp_harmala_site_0.asp?lang=3&sua=9&s=794. ingle room ?38/?40, double room ?52/?55. armala@lomaliitto.fi. pen from 01-Jun to 26-Aug (2007). Located on a lakeside location, 4 km from the city center in a residential area, near bus routes. Available only during summer, during wintertime houses students. Located next to the Harmala camping area.

    Mid-range

  • Cumulus Hameenpuisto. ameenpuisto 47. 358 3 3862 000. ttp://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/hameenpuisto/en_GB/hameenpuisto/. ameenpuisto.cumulus@restel.fi. Located on a boulevard at a southern part of the city.
  • Cumulus Koskikatu. oskikatu 5. 358 3 2424 111. ttp://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/koskikatu/en_GB/koskikatu/. oskikatu.cumulus@restel.fi. Located in the center of the city next to the riverside park.
  • Cumulus Pinja. atakunnankatu 10. 358 3 2415 111. ttp://www.cumulus.fi/hotellit/pinja/en_GB/pinja/. inja.cumulus@restel.fi. A small hotel, located in the center of the city.
  • Holiday Inn Tampere. liopistonkatu 44. ttp://www.restel.fi/holidayinn/view.cfm?page=hotel.4. ampere.holidayinn@ restel.fi" phone="+358 3 2455 111">A business hotel, located right behind the railway station in the city centre.</sleep>
  • Scandic Tampere City. ameenkatu 1. 358 3 2446 111. ttp://www.scandic-hotels.com/tampere. amperecity@scandic-hotels.com. Located right across the street from the railway station, on the main street.
  • Sokos Hotel Villa. umeliuksenkatu 14. 358 20 1234 633. ttp://www.sokoshotels.fi/SokotelWeb/Sokotel.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=Sokotel_hotellit_hotelliesittely&hotelId=542864848&siteLang=en. illa.tampere@sokoshotels.fi. Built into an old grain storehouse, located right behind the railway station in the city centre.
  • Holiday Club Tampere. apinniemenranta 12. 358 210 100 000. ttp://www.holidayclubspahotels.com/index.php?id=1072. A hotel/spa next to a marina, about 1 km from the city center. Built into an old cotton mill with high rooms.
  • Hotelli Victoria. tsenaisyydenkatu 1. ttp://www.hotellivictoria.fi/english/index.html. 358 3 2425 111. ales@hotellivictoria.fi. Located right behind the railway station in the city centre.

    Splurge

  • Scandic Hotel Rosendahl. yynikintie 13. 358 3 2441 111" url="http://www.scandic-hotels.com/rosendahl. osendahl@scandic-hotels.com. Located in a beautiful lakeside location right under Pyynikki ridge.
  • Sokos Hotel Ilves. atanpaan valtatie 1. 358 20 1234 631. ttp://www.sokoshotels.fi/SokotelWeb/Sokotel.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=Sokotel_hotellit_hotelliesittely&hotelId=533471371&siteLang=en. lves.tampere@sokoshotels.fi. Tampere's best known hotel, well-known and centrally located next to the riverside park.
  • Sokos Hotel Tammer. atakunnankatu 13. 358 20 1234 632. ttp://www.sokoshotels.fi/SokotelWeb/Sokotel.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=Sokotel_hotellit_hotelliesittely&hotelId=501340673&siteLang=en. ammer.tampere@sokoshotels.fi. Historical 1920's style hotel, centrally located next to the riverside park.

    Contact

    Internet cafes are not very common in Finland, and Tampere makes no exception. If you have your own laptop or a smartphone, some places offer free wireless internet (or WLAN as it is mostly called in Finland).

  • Wayne's Coffee. leksis Kiven katu 11. n the small shopping/restaurant centre Siperia. A nice cafe with free WiFi
  • Internet Madi. uomiokirkonkatu 36. ttp://www.kolumbus.fi/internet-madi/. on-Fri 10-22, Sat-Sun 11-22. tarting from €2 for a half an hour, price includes coffee/tea.

    Stay safe

    In general,
    Finland is a fairly safe country, and Tampere is no exception. On weekend nights, intoxicated people wandering around city streets may be an annoyance, especially on April 30th, the eve of May Day, when it's a common habit to get drunk; and when nice weather has people on the move. Intoxicated Finns tend to be (sometimes over-)friendly and curious towards foreigners, though black people and arabs may sometimes experience racism. Just use your common sense, and steer clear of drunk people looking for a fight. And of course you have to look out for pickpockets in crowded areas.

    There are no exceptional crime problems or 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 over 25oC, in the winter months it can drop to around -30oC for a day or two. Dressing warmly is a must. If you forget to bring winter clothing, you can always visit local shops for appropiate apparel. Also, watch out for slippery sidewalks in winter.

    In case of Emergency

    Ambulance, fire brigade, police: call '''112'''.

    Same number is used with both landline and mobile phone. The number works on any mobile phone, whether it is keylocked or not and with or without SIM card. Operators speak Finnish, English and Swedish.

    Pharmacy '''Yliopiston Apteekki''' located at Hameenkatu 16, near the main square is open daily from 7 am to 12 pm.

    Get out

  • In the unlikely event that the stress of city life gets to you in Tampere, escape for a day of pampering at the spa in Nokia. A day trip to Nokia is a good idea also if you want to familiarize with the founding place of Nokia corporation and the history behind it, even if the company no longer has any actual offices there.
  • Tampere is a good base for visiting Finland if you arrive by Ryanair directly to Tampere: it is quite possible to make day trips by train e.g. to the capital Helsinki, to the historic capital Turku or to the town of Hameenlinna. Both Turku and Hameenlinna have small mediaeval castles that can be visited.
  • For the down-hill skiing enthusiast, there are ski stations in Sappee (Palkane, 50 km from Tampere) [http://www.sappee.fi/] and Himos (Jamsa, 95 km from Tampere) [http://www.himos.fi/].