Good Bars and Cafes in Centre (Tampere)

Tillikka

A place could hardly have a better location than Tillikka: it overlooks one of the most beautiful areas in Tampere, Koskipuisto park and the Tammerkoski rapids. Practically in the heart of the city, it is annexed to Tampere City Theater. Tillikka has stood its ground for over 90 years, and although it has undergone some changes in recent years, it has retained its character. You can come here to eat or have a few drinks with friends. Tillikka is perfect for socializing.

Siiderikulma Tähti

After long, nocturnal journeys through the Tampere club scene, Tähti is a refreshing change in the grand scheme of things. You do not have to be fanatic about cider to come here (the place is called Cider Corner). For one thing, this place is peaceful compared to many pubs and bars, and thus suitable for conversation. Tähti is the first of its kind in Finland. The atmosphere differs from that of a regular pub- this is hardly a surprise. Tähti is licensed to serve only drinks with a low alcohol content.

Pub Ravintola Killinki

If you are one of those bold people who enjoy singing to the latest tunes in front of an enthusiastic audience, this place is perfect for you. Whether you are an expert or an amateur makes no difference; everybody ought to try at least once. Karaoke is the main thing in this place, although Killinki is as much a bar and restaurant as any other in town. That is to say if you just want to enjoy a drink and watch others attack the microphone, it is perfectly fine. The minimum age for admission is 18 to 20 on weekends. The atmosphere is electric, as is to be expected in a karaoke bar.

Pub Pikilinna

Pikilinna is one of many Irish pubs in Tampere. As ever, the definition should not be taken literally; after all, the pub is in Finland. Nevertheless, Pikilinna's style and atmosphere can only be praised - if you like Irish-style pubs, this is definitely an excellent choice. The place has a wide variety of beers as well as other drinks from which to choose. You can play pool and darts here and in the summer, Pikilinna has a terrace. Pikilinna should not be difficult to find, it is quite close to the marketplace in Tammela, which is about a kilometer northeast of the train station.

Sputnik

Sputnik's is difficult to categorise. The music consists of anything but chart toppers; mostly rock, punk or alternative. One visit and you'll become an avid fan. People often make requests; Sputnik's CD and vinyl selection is quite massive. Records are not the only source of music, though, you can catch live acts, too. Sputnik is fully licensed. The entrance is at the southern end of Keskustori, behind the bus stop.

Viinikellari

If you are tired of wasting your time in some hazy pub, you can always try Viinikellari to bring some variation to the routine. Do not think you have to be an expert in wines to enjoy this place. It is worth noting that the place closes for a few hours during the day - perhaps these things feel nicer in the evening anyway? Viinikellari is on Kauppakatu, a street that runs parallel to Hämeenkatu in downtown Tampere. Yo-talo, the student club, is in fact in the same building - it seems like two very different worlds meet here.

Hovipoika

Hovipoika most likely has a strong following. Usually this tells a lot about a bar's character. Often central pubs and bars retain their popularity only for a season or two, after which they are forgotten, renamed and forgotten again. So if a central bar survives as long as Hovipoika without losing popularity, it cannot be a bad place. All in all, Hovipoika is a handsome place with all the essentials. Its location is good, on the main street.

Ravintola Tanssitalo

Tanssitalo is renowned for its ballroom dances. It has been in business for six decades now and is still going strong. Tanssitalo is definitely the main attraction in Tampere as far as ballroom-dancing goes. This place includes all the styles you see in dance competitions. It is located on Hallituskatu in central Tampere, in close proximity to one of the biggest theaters, TTT. The minimum age for admission is 20.

Soolo

Café Soolo has a beautiful view to Sorsalammi park. In the summer especially the place is very popular among tourists as well as locals. The area is peaceful, considering it is practically in the middle of the city. Soolo is not just café in the basic sense of word; it is fully licensed and able to provide the same services as any central bar. Cafe Soolo is in Tampere-talo and it shows; the décor is along the same lines, simple and spacious.

Kahvinpaahtimo Mokkamestarit

If you are a friend of good coffee or tea, this idyllic and traditional café is the right place for you. Mokkamestarit is one of the smallest cafés in Tampere (with about ten seats), but its old-fashioned and intimate atmosphere, not to mention the fantastic aromas meeting you at the door, make it definitely worth a visit. An absolute insider tip! This café roasts its own coffee and imports coffee beans from as far away as from Jamaica and Ethiopia. The assortment includes over 100 tea flavours and about 50 different coffees, so everybody will find a favourite here. You can have your coffee flavoured with one of 28 syrups, too. All-time favourites are tiramisu, Irish Cream, white chocolate and vanilla. To make your peaceful coffee moment special, choose one of the delicious cakes or chocolate delicacies. You can also complete your coffee or tea sets at home: there is a wide variety of espresso sets, coffee pots, tea filters and designer glasses for sale. Also notice the old-fashioned lemonade crates from the lemonade factory at Laitila.

Coffee House

Coffee House is one of the newest and trendiest cafés in Tampere. This high-quality café is easy to fall in love with because of its comfortable interior design and quality products. It creates a modern but cosy atmosphere ideal for coffees and conversations. This is an excellent coffee place if you want to have a chat in no hurry. The specialty of the café is delicious sandwiches. Besides that, you will find a good selection of croissants and other pastries. The café has a good selection of blended coffees which are rich in aroma and absolutely fantastic to taste.

Mestari Brander

Friends of high-quality coffee prefer the respectable Kahvihuone Mestari Brander. The atmosphere in the café is old-fashioned, thanks to the beautiful dark-toned wallpaper and furniture. A friendly and professional confectionery service has brought the café many awards. You can choose your cake in the front room, and that is not so easy because all of them look delicious. The café bakes cakes and layer cakes according to customers' wishes for all occasions. One day's notice is needed, though.