Tampere Shopping and Districts

(Tampere, Pirkanmaa, Western Finland, Finland)

A number of good shopping districts are located around Tampere city centre and close to the train station. Containing department stores, boutiques and local speciality shops sell Finnish, Nordic and Scandinavian souvenirs, such as ceramics, Iittala glassware and a range of Moomin-related gifts and collectibles.

The indoor market at Kauppahalli hall, on Hämeenkatu in central Tampere, is filled with endless shopping opportunities and is a great place to spot a bargain or two. Many small local shops and kiosks are gathered here, all under one roof, selling everything from flowers and books, to freshly made bread and hot mustamakkara sausages. Tampere's Kauppahalli itself is particularly historic and more than 100 years old, dating back to the very start of the 1900s.

Where to Shop

Next to the Kauppahalli and linked by a stylish glass corridor, the City Sokos department store is known for its upmarket shopping and extensive cosmetics department, with plenty of staff on hand should you require any assistance with your purchase. On the ground floor is a popular food department selling a range of Tampere specialities. Also close by is the enormous Stockmann department store, which is surrounded by many smaller shops.

Much of the best shopping in Tampere is never far away from the Hämeenkatum. This prominent cobblestone thoroughfare lies in the very heart of the city and almost all of the other shopping streets in Tampere connect to the Hämeenkatu, either directly or indirectly. Many cafes are interspersed with the shops, should you need to take a break.

Close by is the largest shopping centre in the whole of Tampere, Koskikeskus. With more than 100 different stores of all descriptions, Koskikeskus is located along the Hatanpään Valtatie and remains open until 20:00 Monday through Friday, closing slightly earlier on Saturdays, at 18:00. Children will be pleased to discover that the Koskikeskus Shopping Centre comes complete with indoor amusements at the Perhepuisto, where climbing equipment, mini racing cars and state-of-the-art computer games await.

For the best in outdoor shopping in Tampere, the Tammelantori has become the city's main marketplace and during the warm summer months is filled with market stalls most days. Also worth a look is the central Laukontori Market, which enjoys good vistas across the harbour.